Program Details | Mathematics for Teachers MS

The M.S. in Mathematics for Teachers (MS-MTCH) 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 College of Education, GTEP program.

Degree Requirements

Candidates must complete an approved 45-credit program, which includes at least 30 core credits in courses with the Stat prefix. In addition, students must satisfy Other Requirements (see below).

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.

Many of the courses are offered on a three-year cycle. Refer to the Course Projection Guide.  It is important to take as many of the required courses as you can prior to choosing elective courses. Meeting with the MS-MTCH program adviser to plan your degree will make the process much smoother.

Required Coursework

Probability/Statistics (6 credits)

• Mth 581 Topics in Probability for Mathematics Teachers
• Mth 582 Topics in Statistics for Mathematics Teachers

Geometry (3 credits)

Mth 583 Topics in Geometry for Mathematics Teachers

Algebra (3 credits)

Mth 584 Topics in Algebra for Mathematics Teachers

Analysis (3 credits)

Mth 585 Topics in Analysis for Mathematics Teachers

History/Foundations of Math (3 credits)

Mth 586 Topics in The History of Mathematics

Discrete Math (3 credits)

Mth 587 Topics in Discrete Mathematics for Mathematics Teachers

Computing (3 credits)

Mth 588 Topics in Computing for Mathematics Teachers

Math Education (3 credits)

• Mth 589 Topics in Mathematical Exposition and Curriculum Development or 
• Approved graduate mathematics education course

Curriculum Project (3 credits)

Mth 501 Curriculum Research, Mathematics

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 advisor.

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 advisor 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 contained in the handout: M.S. in Mathematics for Teachers’ Curriculum Projects.

Start thinking about the 501 Mathematics 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.

Helpful Tips

Planning Your 501 Project Early

Throughout your program, be thinking of mathematics topics that you find particularly interesting. Focusing on a topic that is interesting to you will provide you the best launching pad for your 501 project.

It generally takes at least three terms to narrow in on a topic, choose a 501 advisor, 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.

Planning Your Course Schedule

Many of our courses are offered on a two- or three-year cycle, so plan ahead. Take as many of the required courses as you can prior to choosing elective courses.  If you take only electives first, you may have no flexibility in your scheduling later on, and required courses may not be offered when you need to take them. The tentative schedule of courses for the next three years is in the Course Projections Guide.

Transferring Courses

You can transfer up to 15 credits of approved graduate coursework into the program, but you cannot transfer in any coursework taken Pass/No Pass.

Graded courses taken prior to the term of admission to the MS-MTCH program may be transferred in with approval of the MS-MTCH Coordinator. Note that all courses taken at other universities and all PSU coursework taken prior to formal admission to the MS-MTCH program count as “transfer” courses.

Teaching License

This program is designed for secondary teachers who already hold an initial teaching license (or basic certificate). It is also designed for students interested in teaching dual-credit courses at the secondary level, community college teaching and/or interested in pursuing a doctorate in mathematics education. For information about obtaining an initial teaching license, contact PSU’s College of Education about their Graduate Teacher Education Program (GTEP).

Simultaneous Graduate Degrees

It is possible to work towards two graduate degrees simultaneously. For example, students in the GTEP program may want to be admitted to both the Master of Education and the Master in Mathematics for Teachers. Up to 15 credits (5 classes) can count towards both degrees. Consult the section on “dual degrees” in the PSU Bulletin. It takes careful planning, advising, and paperwork for this to happen. Discuss it with the MS-MTCH Coordinator.

Electives and Substitutions

The selection of mathematics and university elective courses and substitutions to the requirements may depend on your career and licensure goals.  Prior to registering for an elective or substitution course, make sure you give a detailed description to the MS-MTCH coordinator in order to determine its acceptance as part of the MS-MTCH program. Any substitutions or exceptions to the program must be made through the MS-MTCH Coordinator and approved by the Graduate School. Petitions and forms can be found at the Graduate School website.  

Applying for Graduation

You must apply for graduation no later than the first week of the term in which you plan to graduate.

You can apply to graduate via myPSU. If you subsequently change your term of graduation more than once, you have to reapply (and you will be charged another graduation application fee).