Mathematics Education, M.S.
Program Director: Sara Malec Ph.D.; malec@hood.edu; 301-696-3982
The Master of Science in Mathematics Education is a 30-credit degree program consisting of 10 courses in mathematics, computer science and education. It is designed for current mathematics teachers seeking to enhance their professional qualifications through graduate study, although other qualified students are welcome to enroll. Students in this program will acquire knowledge and skill in both mathematics and its teaching. Courses are offered online in the late afternoon and evening, and in the summer, to accommodate working teachers. This program does not lead to initial teacher certification.
Each student in the program must create and submit an electronic exit portfolio of artifacts— work completed in designated courses in the program. Students are responsible for collecting, refining, and saving artifacts as they proceed through the program using the Anthology electronic portfolio software. The portfolio will be evaluated by a committee including the program director and other program faculty. Students must earn an average score of at least 3.0 (out of 4.0) on the portfolio. Successful completion of the portfolio is a requirement for completion of the degree.
The portfolio must be submitted by October 1 for January graduates, February 1 for May graduates, and June 1 for September graduates. Students may submit the portfolio at any time after completing 21 credits in the program including a minimum of 9 credits of Education courses from among EDUC 551, EDUC 552, EDUC 595, and EDUC 596.
Application Requirements
Students applying to the Mathematics Education program must submit all official transcripts and complete a one-page statement describing how the M.S. in Mathematics Education relates to their previous academic and professional experience and to their occupational or personal goals.
For additional admission information, see Graduate Admission.
There are two tracks in the program:
- A track for teachers of middle school mathematics, especially those who may not hold an undergraduate degree in mathematics;
- A track for teachers of high school mathematics, or those who have completed an undergraduate major in mathematics.
Program Requirements
Middle School Track
(For students without an undergraduate degree in mathematics)
Four courses in mathematics:
Four courses in education:
| EDUC 551 | The Teaching of Geometry | 3.0 |
| EDUC 552 | The Teaching of Algebra | 3.0 |
| EDUC 595 | The Teaching of Statistics & Probability: Decision Making with Mathematics | 3.0 |
| EDUC 596 | The Teaching of Mathematical Modeling: Strategies for Contemporary Problems | 3.0 |
Two electives (6 credits) chosen from:
| EDMA 530 | Mathematics Education Leadership I | 3.0 |
| EDMA 531 | Mathematics Education Leadership II: Practicum | 3.0 |
| EDMA 579 | Capstone Project | 3.0 |
| EDUC 502 | Technology for Teaching, Learning & Leadership | 3.0 |
| EDUC 539 | National Board Certification Support | 3.0 |
| EDUC 546 | The Teaching of Numbers,Operations & Algebraic Thinking in Elementary & Middle School | 3.0 |
| EDUC 547 | The Teaching of Geometry & Measurement in Elementary & Middle School | 3.0 |
| EDUC 561 | Teaching Diverse Learners in an Inclusive Setting | 3.0 |
| EDUC 576 | Curriculum & Methods in Inclusive Classrooms: Math and Science | 3.0 |
| EDUC 581 | Research-Based Teaching, Learning & Assessment | 3.0 |
| EDUC 583 | Principles of Curriculum Development & Appraisal | 3.0 |
| EDUC 599V1 | Effective Tchg in Blended Learning Envir | 3.0 |
| CSIT 512 | Elements of Computer Programming | 3.0 |
| MATH 503 | Explorations in Calculus | 3.0 |
| MATH 504 | Explorations in Secondary School Mathematics | 3.0 |
| MATH 520 | Mathematical Modeling for Teachers | 3.0 |
| MATH 570 | History of Mathematics | 3.0 |
| MATH 575 | Independent Study | 1.0 - 3.0 |
| MATH 599 | Special Topics | 3.0 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 6.0 |
High School Track
(For students with a mathematics degree)
Four courses in mathematics:
Four courses in education:
| EDUC 551 | The Teaching of Geometry | 3.0 |
| EDUC 552 | The Teaching of Algebra | 3.0 |
| EDUC 595 | The Teaching of Statistics & Probability: Decision Making with Mathematics | 3.0 |
| EDUC 596 | The Teaching of Mathematical Modeling: Strategies for Contemporary Problems | 3.0 |
Two electives (6 credits) chosen from:
| EDMA 530 | Mathematics Education Leadership I | 3.0 |
| EDMA 531 | Mathematics Education Leadership II: Practicum | 3.0 |
| EDMA 579 | Capstone Project | 3.0 |
| EDUC 502 | Technology for Teaching, Learning & Leadership | 3.0 |
| EDUC 539 | National Board Certification Support | 3.0 |
| EDUC 561 | Teaching Diverse Learners in an Inclusive Setting | 3.0 |
| EDUC 576 | Curriculum & Methods in Inclusive Classrooms: Math and Science | 3.0 |
| EDUC 581 | Research-Based Teaching, Learning & Assessment | 3.0 |
| EDUC 583 | Principles of Curriculum Development & Appraisal | 3.0 |
| EDUC 599V1 | Effective Tchg in Blended Learning Envir | 3.0 |
| CSIT 512 | Elements of Computer Programming | 3.0 |
| MATH 503 | Explorations in Calculus | 3.0 |
| MATH 504 | Explorations in Secondary School Mathematics | 3.0 |
| MATH 520 | Mathematical Modeling for Teachers | 3.0 |
| MATH 570 | History of Mathematics | 3.0 |
| MATH 575 | Independent Study | 1.0 - 3.0 |
| MATH 599 | Special Topics | 3.0 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 6.0 |