Master’s in Mathematics Education Degree Emphasis
Advance Your Career by Earning Your Master’s in Math Education Emphasis
A Master of Science in Mathematics with an Emphasis in Education degree from Grand Canyon University (GCU) allows individuals with a background in math to find work in a meaningful higher education career. As a master’s in math education program graduate, you will be prepared to teach undergraduate math courses at two or four-year institutions. You will also be qualified to teach in online environments.
A deeper understanding of mathematics is one goal of the GCU master’s in math education degree emphasis. A second goal is to learn teaching and classroom techniques to help you become an undergraduate math teacher. Theoretical and practical applications of both mathematics and instruction are at the heart of this degree program.
Benefits of Earning Your Master’s in Mathematics Education Emphasis
Students with a math background who enroll in GCU’s Master of Science in Mathematics with an Emphasis in Education degree program will become highly qualified instructors who can fill STEM career openings at postsecondary institutions.
Math is a requirement not only for STEM students, but for all college students. This means the need for math teachers will likely never diminish. Completing a master’s in math education degree is a great option for those looking for job security.
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This degree is offered in the evening at GCU’s main campus. This allows for working families and individuals with full schedules to advance their education. You will have an on-campus experience while still maintaining the flexibility that evening classes provide.
Admissions into this program at GCU requires a few prerequisites. You’ll need:
- A bachelor’s degree in mathematics or mathematics education; or
- At least 24 undergraduate credits in math with a minimum level of Calculus 2
Course Topics in GCU’s MS in Math Education Degree Emphasis
Math knowledge and teaching skills make up the core focuses in the master’s in math education degree emphasis program at GCU. As a master’s in mathematics student, you will learn how to navigate preparing for and teaching the coursework, as well as how to thrive in a university teaching landscape.
The master’s in mathematics education degree emphasis program includes study of the following topics:
- Algebra
- Data analysis
- Mathematical modeling
- Technology as a practical application
- Adult learning theory
- Distance learning methods
- Statistical inference
- Instructional design
Career Opportunities for Master’s in Mathematics Education Emphasis Graduates
Master’s in math education degree graduates from GCU are prepared to teach mathematics at the postsecondary level. They may find work at:
- Universities or colleges
- Local or two-year colleges
- Vocational schools
- Educational research/publishing companies
Your own math background can bring life-changing instruction to future STEM students and leave a lasting impact on our world. Join us in the Master of Science in Mathematics with an Emphasis in Education degree program at GCU.
MS in Mathematics Education Degree Emphasis FAQs
For those interested in pursuing a master’s in math education degree, review our responses to these commonly asked questions:
If you have a love for math and want to bring the world of STEM to students at the postsecondary level, then earning a master’s in mathematics education is worth your consideration. If career outlook is important to you, then you may be interested to know that as of September 2021, over one million new jobs are estimated to open for STEM occupations from 2020 to 2030, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.1 This includes mathematical as well as postsecondary STEM teaching occupations.
The master’s in math education degree at GCU requires 34 credits to completion. The program is available through evening classes on campus to allow you to balance your education with your daytime responsibilities. Classes meet each week for one four-hour session.
The master’s in mathematics education degree does not require a thesis or capstone project. However, the mathematics and instructional courses in this program are designed to be challenging so you will be prepared to teach courses which include advanced mathematical skills and concepts at the postsecondary level.
1 COVID-19 has adversely affected the global economy and data from 2020 may be atypical compared to prior years. The pandemic may impact the predicted future workforce outcomes indicated by the Bureau of Labor Statistics as well. Accordingly, data shown is based on 2020, which can be found here: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Employment in STEM Occupations.
Core Courses
Course Description
This course prepares students for the graduate learning experience at Grand Canyon University. It provides students with opportunities to develop and strengthen the skills necessary to succeed as graduate students. Emphasis is placed on utilizing the tools for graduate success in mathematics. Mathematics concepts, such as logic, mathematical notation and definitions, methods of proof, and mathematics software, are covered.
Course Description
This course covers essential topics in algebra to prepare learners in their profession and to succeed in fulfilling future programmatic requirements. Topics include: algebraic structures, matrices, linear transformations, and their numerical applications.
Course Description
The student is asked to use techniques of mathematical proof to trace the development of important foundations of thought and advances in mathematical thinking. This course follows the evolution of mathematics through history in its attempt to represent and understand the world around us. Topics covered include induction, logic, discrete analysis, calculus, and linear programming. Emphasis is placed on how a mathematical topic originated within its historical context and the theory used to support it. Prerequisite: MAT-513.
Course Description
This course covers adult learning theory and instructional practices that are research-based and proven effective in higher education. Technology, online learning, and effective instructional methods for online and traditional instruction are emphasized. Participants research learning models, personalized learning and andragogy and apply their knowledge to improve student engagement and achievement in higher education.
Course Description
This course is an introduction to the rigorous theory underlying calculus, covering the real number system and functions of one variable. It is based entirely on mathematical proofs. The student is expected to know how to read and, to some extent, construct proofs before taking this course. Topics typically include construction of the real number system, properties of the real number system, continuous functions, differential and integral calculus of functions of one variable, and sequences and series of functions. Prerequisite: MAT-513.
Course Description
This course looks at evidence-based data analysis from a discrete mathematics perspective. Emphasis is placed on fundamental understanding of statistical descriptors. The theoretical framework is developed through applications in cognition and instruction. Prerequisite: MAT-513.
Course Description
This course applies learning theories to classroom instructional methods and strategies. Effective communication, creating learning goals, developing student outcomes and assessments, and giving effective feedback are emphasized. Participants are asked to develop activities, assessments, and lesson plans that would be appropriate for a course taught at a community college or university. Prerequisite: EDU-534.
Course Description
The student is introduced to the techniques and examination of graduate-level mathematical modeling, including formulation, application, and analysis of a mathematical model. Topics covered include differential equations, computational methods, regression, and stochastic models. Emphasis is placed on applications and computational methods. Prerequisite: MAT-513.
Course Description
This course provides a brief overview of ordinary differential equations, geometric representation of ODE solutions, autonomous systems, flows on the line, linear systems and phase portraits, nonlinear systems, local and global behavior, linearization, stability, and bifurcations. Applications include models extracted from population biology, ecology, and neurophysiology. Prerequisites: MAT-513 and MAT-550.
Grand Canyon University’s evening programs cater to the demands of working professionals who prefer an in-person learning environment. Our night classes meet just once per week and offer the interaction and discussion of a typical college classroom.
* Please note that this list may contain programs and courses not presently offered, as availability may vary depending on class size, enrollment and other contributing factors. If you are interested in a program or course listed herein please first contact your University Counselor for the most current information regarding availability.
* Please refer to the Academic Catalog for more information. Programs or courses subject to change.