Mathematics for Teachers M.S.
The M.S. in Mathematics for Teachers is designed for individuals interested in strengthening their understanding of mathematics to enrich the teaching of mathematics. The program prepares teachers in subjects such as geometry, algebra, analysis/calculus, history of mathematics, probability, statistics, discrete mathematics, and use of technology in the classroom. The program is intended for individuals with a mathematics degree or a strong background in mathematics.
The M.S. in Mathematics for Teachers program offers advanced training and specialized courses for secondary school teachers of mathematics. The MS-MTCH does not lead to a teaching license. If you are interested in teaching secondary mathematics, please contact the School of Education, GTEP program.
Admission
Program prerequisites:
Transcript(s) must show satisfactory completion of at least the following undergraduate courses: Linear Algebra, Introductory Analysis/Advanced Calculus, College Geometry, and Abstract Algebra/Group Theory. These courses are equivalent to PSU's Mth 261, Mth 311, Mth 338, and Mth 344. Undergraduate courses in introductory statistics and discrete mathematics are recommended.
In addition to program prerequisites, applicants must meet the university's minimum admission requirements including English language proficiency.
Degree Requirements:
An MS-MTCH candidate must complete an approved program of 45 graduate credits which includes a mathematics curriculum project.
A student must have a minimum 3.00 GPA on the courses applied to the program of study, as well as a minimum 3.00 GPA in all graduate-level courses taken at PSU. Although grades of C+, C, and C- are below the graduate standard, they may be counted as credit toward a master’s degree with the specific written approval of the department if taken at PSU after the term of formal admission to the graduate program. For the MS-MTCH program, all courses must be graded A-F. The pass/no pass grading option is not allowed.
Students are responsible for knowing University-level graduate policies and procedures for obtaining the degree. These policies and procedures are in the Graduate Studies section of the PSU Bulletin. Several of the most frequently asked about University-level graduate policies and procedures can also be found on the Graduate School website.
Required coursework
Probability/Statistics (6 credits)
| Mth 581 | Topics in Probability for Mathematics Teachers | 2-3 |
| Mth 582 | Topics in Statistics for Mathematics Teachers | 2-3 |
Geometry (3 credits)
| Mth 583 | Topics in Geometry for Mathematics Teachers | 2-3 |
Algebra (3 credits)
| Mth 584 | Topics in Algebra for Mathematics Teachers | 2-3 |
Analysis (3 credits)
| Mth 585 | Topics in Analysis for Mathematics Teachers | 2-3 |
History/Foundations of Math (3 credits)
| Mth 586 | Topics in The History of Mathematics | 2-3 |
Discrete Math (3 credits)
| Mth 587 | Topics in Discrete Mathematics for Mathematics Teachers | 2-3 |
Computing (3 credits)
| Mth 588 | Topics in Computing for Mathematics Teachers | 1-3 |
Math Education (3 credits)
| Mth 589 | Topics in Mathematical Exposition and Curriculum Development | 3 |
| | or | |
| | Approved graduate mathematics education course | 3 |
Curriculum Project (3 credits)
| Mth 501 | Curriculum Research, Mathematics | 3 |
Mathematics Electives (9 credits)
Approved graduate-level mathematics courses or statistics courses.
University Electives (6 credits)
Graduate-level courses (Mathematics, Education, or other) approved by the MS-MTCH program adviser.
Alternative math/stat courses may be substituted with approval from the MS-MTCH program adviser. Note also that many of these courses are "Topics" courses, and with MS-MTCH adviser approval may be repeated for credit.
For those in MEd/GTEP program, consult with the MS-MTCH program adviser for Dual-Degree option.
Courses at the 700 and 800 level are not acceptable in this degree program.
MTH 501 Mathematics Curriculum Project
As part of the degree requirements, the student will complete a mathematics curriculum project. In this independent research project, the student will explore a mathematical topic and will develop and classroom-test curriculum materials related to that topic. Under the guidance of a faculty member, the student will prepare a research paper and present this research in a colloquium. Requirements for the course are listed separately in the handout:
M.S. in Mathematics for Teachers’ Curriculum Projects.
Planning a MS-MTCH Degree Program:
Many of the courses are offered on a three-year cycle. It is important to take as many of the required courses as you can prior to choosing elective courses. Also, start thinking about the 501 Math Curriculum Project early in your program. It generally takes at least three terms to narrow in on a topic, choose a 501 adviser, put a project committee together, do the background research, develop the materials and test them with students, evaluate the results, finish the entire paper, and make a public presentation of your work. Meeting with the MS-MTCH program adviser to plan your degree will make the process much smoother. Additional degree planning tips can be found on the handout: Crucial Issues in Your MS in Mathematics for Teachers Program.