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Master of Arts in Teaching Service (MATS)

The students must complete a graduate program of at least 30 units, 24 of which must be from the Department of Mathematics and Statistics. At least 15 of the 24 must be 600- and 700-numbered courses. A student’s program must be prepared in conference with and approved by the graduate adviser.

The two specializations leading to the Master of Arts for teaching service require completion of a specific pattern of graduate units described below.

Specialization in Mathematics for Community College Teaching

This specialization is designed to satisfy the requirements for teaching service at the community college level. Students must have completed a bachelor’s degree in mathematics (or equivalent) before entering the program and completed six units selected from Mathematics 320, 330, or 524. Mathematics 524 can be taken prior to entering the program or as part of the 30-unit degree requirement.

Plan A requires Mathematics 600, 601, 602, and Mathematics Education 603; six units selected from Mathematics 509, 720, Mathematics Education 604, 605, 606, 607; nine units of elec-tives selected with the approval of the adviser; and Mathematics 799A, Thesis.

Advisers
 
Headshot: Mary Pilgrim
 
Mary Pilgrim
Associate Professor
GMCS-581

 
Headshot: Chris Rasmussen
 
Chris Rasmussen
Professor
GMCS-571

 

Plan B requires Mathematics 600, 601, 602, and Mathematics Education 603; nine units selected from Mathematics 509, 720, Mathematics Education 604, 605, 606, 607; and nine units of electives selected with the approval of the adviser. In addition, students must pass a comprehensive examination in mathematics education.

Specialization in Mathematics for Secondary Teaching

This specialization is designed to strengthen the mathematical background of secondary teachers, while providing coursework to better understand the learning and teaching of mathematics in grades 7-12. Students should have the equivalent of a bachelor’s degree in mathematics before entering the program.

Plan A requires Mathematics 524; Mathematics Education 603; three units selected from Mathematics 510, 600; three units selected from Mathematics 520 or 601; three units selected from Mathematics 530 or 602; six units selected from Mathematics 509, 720, Mathematics Education 604, 605, 606, 607; six units of electives selected with the approval of the adviser; and Mathematics 799A, Thesis.

Plan B requires Mathematics 524; Mathematics Education 603; three units selected from Mathematics 510, 600; three units selected from Mathematics 520 or 601; three units selected from Mathematics 530 or 602; nine units selected from Mathematics 509, 720, Mathematics Education 604, 605, 606, 607; and six units of electives selected with the approval of the adviser. In addition, students must pass a comprehensive examination in mathematics education.

Degree Learning Outcomes

Listed below are the applicable Degree Learning Outcomes (DLOs) for this degree.

  • Compare learning theories. Students will compare and contrast a variety of major learning theories in mathematics and science education across a number of dimensions, such as the nature and types of knowledge, learning processes, the nature of mathematics, and assumptions about learners.
    Courses: MthEd 603.
  • Synthesize and apply mathematics education research. Students comprehend, synthesize and apply empirical and theoretical research papers to discuss issues in mathematics education, such as conceptions commonly held by Gr 7-14 students for different mathematical topics, teaching strategies that support student learning, and perspectives on equity.
    Courses: MthEd 603.
    Electives: MthEd 604, MthEd 605, MthEd 606, MthEd 607, MthEd 608.
  • Develop scholarly written communication skills. Students will write clear, concise, well-organized essays that draw upon findings from research as evidence.
    Courses: MthEd 603.
    Electives: MthEd 604, MthEd 605, MthEd 606, MthEd 607, MthEd 608.
  • Understand foundational graduate level mathematics. Students will comprehend and apply selected constructs, principles, and theorems in core branches of mathematics, namely abstract algebra, analysis, geometry or chaos and fractals.
    Courses: Math 600 or Math 510; Math 601, 620, or Math 520; Math 602, 630, or Math 530.