About the Master's Program
The Master's in Mathematics for Secondary Math Teachers degree program is offered jointly by the University of Northern Colorado and the University of Wyoming under the umbrella of the Math TLC. The program builds on the lessons of successful programs at both UNC and UW while offering a new vision of teacher leadership and engaging mathematics and education coursework.
This program is intended for current secondary math teachers who want to deepen and extend their mathematics knowledge and want to learn more about curriculum, instruction, and assessment. The program offers a collaborative learning environment in which participants engage in curriculum focused on three kinds of knowledge teachers need: mathematical understanding, pedagogical content knowledge, and understanding of culturally relevant teaching.
- Exploring rigorous mathematics – math courses, designed specifically for math teachers, expand content knowledge in ways that broaden exposure to mathematical ideas and deepen understanding of secondary mathematics.
- Developing pedagogical content knowledge – knowledge needed to teach math includes regular examination of how students think and learn about math.
- Understanding culturally relevant teaching - course content supports teachers in developing an understanding of the role of students’ cultures in their learning and how to use this knowledge to adapt to the mathematical learning needs of students.
Master's courses are intensive in:
- Written communication – math education courses, in particular, require independent reading and writing based on math education literature, including practice and research articles.
- Collaboration - math and math education courses require participating teachers to collaborate in group activities both inside and outside of scheduled class time.
- Technology – instruction involves multiple sites, requiring communication via e-mail and knowledge of word processing, spreadsheets, and presentation software.
Finally, the program requires a:
- Time commitment – summer sessions require a dedicated time commitment of 9-10 semester credits of graduate coursework in a 6 to 8 week session. Courses during the academic year include synchronous online sessions as well as independent, asynchronous work time.
In Brief
The Mini-Poster contains a brief overview of the Master's Program and the Math TLC. Please share with colleagues and friends.
Program Structure & Support
The master’s program is offered face-to-face during the summer and online during the spring and fall. Participants have the option of attending face-to-face classes either at UNC or UW. While instructors may be at either location, teacher-participants at the other location participate through live video-conferencing.
Most teacher-participants can expect to complete 8-10 credits each summer and 3-4 credits each fall and spring. It typically takes 6-9 semesters to complete the master's program, depending on course offering and how much course work you complete in the summer. Most teachers complete their course work in 6-7 semesters, and then often take an additional semester to complete their action research project.
- Financial Support opportunities are available for participants' expenses.
- Course Offerings and Degree Information are available on UNC's mathematics site.
- Steps for Graduation at UNC includes some useful forms and links for those last steps.
Tentative Schedule of Course Offerings
Summer 2012 |
Discrete Mathematics (3 credits) Teaching Algebra & Trigonometry (2 credits) Topics in Mathematics Education (2 credits) |
Spring 2012 |
Abstract Algebra/Number Theory (3 credits) Action Research Project (3 credits) |
Fall 2011 |
Introduction to Mathematics Education Research (3 credits) |
Summer 2011 |
Modern Geometry (3 credits) |
| Spring 2011 | Mathematical Modeling (3 credits) |
| Fall 2010 | Introduction to Research in Mathematics Education (3 credits) |
Summer 2010 |
Applied Probability and Statistics (3 credits) |
| Spring 2010 | Teaching Geometry (3 credits) |
Fall 2009 |
Introduction to Research in Mathematics Education (3 credits) |
Summer 2009 |
Abstract Algebra/Number Theory (3 credits) |
Apply NowWho Can Apply?
Highly qualified candidates will meet the following criteria:
- Currently certified to teach secondary mathematics
- Two years secondary teaching experience before starting course work
- 30 credit hours of undergraduate mathematics with a GPA of at least 3.0
- Completed at least one math course with rigorous proof-writing
- GPA of at least 3.0 in last 60 hours of coursework
