Program Description

The Master of Arts in Teaching in Mathematics Education degree program equips students with the content knowledge and pedagogical expertise needed to teach mathematics in elementary, middle, and high school classrooms. Developed by top-tier faculty at The University of Texas at Dallas, the program’s core courses are designed with science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) teachers in mind, providing students with fundamental skills in cognition, research, and assessment.

This Mathematics Education master’s program is content-oriented program with two tracts:

• The High School/Dual Credit track — for those with an undergraduate degree in mathematics or, at the minimum, a minor in mathematics — focuses on further development of mathematical content and pedagogical content knowledge (PCK).
• The Middle School (4–8) track, the Foundations in Mathematics series, is designed for building competence in mathematics content and PCK in mathematics instruction in grades 4­­­ through 8.

For those who wish to pursue doctoral level research, a thesis option exists.

The Mathematics Education program is designed for those with significant ability in a mathematics discipline and a serious commitment to teaching. The program’s curriculum teaches effective pedagogical practices, trains students in the skillful evaluation of educational strategies, and provides forward-looking opportunities for professional development for both new and experienced teachers alike. The program may be completed in conjunction with the UTeach Dallas secondary STEM teacher preparation program and/or with other STEM content graduate programs at the university.

Benefits

The Teaching in Mathematics Education master’s program ensures that students gain a broad understanding of their discipline, apply their knowledge and analytical skills to create effective and novel solutions to practical problems, and communicate and work effectively in collaborative environments.

Other benefits include:

• Experienced, Relevant, and Passionate Faculty: The program is led by a mix of faculty in the School of Natural Sciences and Mathematics with expertise and experience in STEM content and STEM teaching in their respective fields. Faculty includes award-winning STEM PhDs and Master Teachers with extensive leadership backgrounds in public schools.
• Comprehensive Curriculum: Courses in the Teaching in Mathematics Education master’s program will introduce students to new ideas and competencies while also teaching them the skills they’ll need to thrive in both public and private educational settings.
• Location: Situated in the greater Dallas region — recently rated by Forbes magazine as the #1 “Best City for Jobs” — UT Dallas provides students with easy access to employers and internship opportunities, not to mention a large and supportive alumni population.

Career Opportunities

Graduates of the program have gone on to successful careers in a variety of mathematics education positions:

• Elementary, middle, and high school teachers
• Departmental heads and school administrators
• Mathematics coordinators, instructional specialists, and directors
• Curriculum developers
• Faculty and leaders at institutions of higher education

The NSM Career Success Center is an important resource for students pursuing STEM and healthcare careers. Career professionals are available to provide strategies for mastering job interviews, writing professional cover letters and resumes and connecting with campus recruiters, among other services.

Marketable Skills

Review the marketable skills for this academic program.

Application Deadlines and Requirements

Please take note of all application deadlines and visit the Apply Now webpage to begin the application process. See the Department of Science/Mathematics Education website for additional information.

Applicants to the Mathematics Education master’s degree program should have:

• A bachelor’s degree or its equivalent and an adequate background in mathematics. Applicants for the Upper Elementary/ Middle School Mathematics and Applications track should have mastered pre-calculus and have some experience with mathematical problem-solving (e.g., MATH 3307 or equivalent). Applicants for the High School Mathematics track should have at least one year of calculus, a course in linear algebra, and a junior-level course involving rigorous mathematical proof. An interview with a Science/Mathematics Education faculty member may also be required.
• A grade point average (GPA) of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
• International applicants must submit a TOEFL score of at least 80 on the internet-based test. Scores must be less than two years old. See the Graduate Catalog for additional information regarding English proficiency requirements for international applicants.

Opportunities may arise for students to work directly in local schools. Public schools and many private schools in the state of Texas require criminal background checks of all volunteers or individuals working within the schools regardless of the potential for direct contact with students.