The Master of Science in Mathematics for Teachers degree does not lead to a teaching license. If you are interested in teaching secondary mathematics, please contact the College of Education, GTEP program.
Admission
Program Prerequisites
The program is intended for individuals with a mathematics degree or a strong background in mathematics. In order to be admitted to the MS-MTCH program, the applicant's transcript must show successful completion of undergraduate courses in at least the following subjects: linear algebra, introductory analysis/advanced calculus, college geometry, and abstract algebra/group theory. (PSU's equivalent courses are: 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.
Application Deadline
This program currently offers rolling admissions for each term (fall, winter, spring, summer). The application closes 2 weeks before the term starts.
Cost and Funding
Refer to the University Student Finance web page for tuition and financial aid information.
The department offers a limited number of Teaching Assistantships, Research Assistantships, Fellowships, and Scholarships. Program applicants are able to indicate their interest in an assistantship as part of the online program application.
Degree Requirements
Planning a MS-MTCH Degree 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. 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 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. Meeting with the MS-MTCH Program Coordinator to plan your degree will make the process much smoother. Refer to Crucial Issues in Your MS in Mathematics for Teachers Program for additional degree planning tips.
Course Requirements
The MTH 58X and MTH 59X courses are currently being reorganized. Some courses are offered as MTH 510 in the 2023-2024 academic year. Please contact an adviser for more information.
A MS-MTCH candidate must complete an approved program of 45 graduate credits which includes a mathematics curriculum project and the courses listed below:
Probability/Statistics (6 credits)
Mth 581 Probability for Math Teachers
Mth 582 Statistics for Math Teachers
Geometry (3 credits)
Mth 583 Topics in Geometry for Math Teachers
Algebra (3 credits)
Mth 584 Topics in Algebra for Math Teachers
Analysis (3 credits)
Mth 585 Topics in Analysis for Math 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 Math Teachers
Computing (3 credits)
Mth 588 Topics in Computing for Math Teachers
Math Education (3 credits)
MTH 589 Topics in Mathematical Exposition and Curriculum Development or approved graduate mathematics education course*
Curriculum Project (3 credits)
Math 501 Curriculum Research, Mathematics
Mathematics Electives (9 credits)
Approved graduate-level mathematics or statistics courses
University Electives (6 credits)
Graduate level courses (Mathematics, Education, or other course approved by the MS-MTCH Coordinator*)
*Alternative mathematics and statistics courses may be substituted with approval from the MS-MTCH Coordinator. Note also that many of these courses are "Topics" courses and, with MS-MTCH Coordinator approval, may be repeated for credit.
For those in MEd/GTEP program, consult with the MS-MTCH Coordinator for the 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. Refer to M.S. in Mathematics for Teachers’ Curriculum Projects for course requirements.
Grades
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.
Graduate Policies & Procedures
Students are responsible for knowing University-level graduate policies and procedures for obtaining the degree. These policies and procedures are in Graduate School section of the University Bulletin. Several of the most frequently asked about University-level graduate policies and procedures can also be found on the Graduate School's website.