Overview: Master’s in Math Education
A Master of Science in Math with an Emphasis in Education degree from Grand Canyon University allows individuals with a background in math to find work in a meaningful education career. Master’s in math education program graduates will be prepared to teach undergraduate math courses at two or four-year institutions. They will also be qualified to teach in online environments.
A deeper understanding of mathematics is one goal of the GCU MS in math education program. A second goal is to learn teaching and classroom techniques to help them become undergraduate math teachers. Theoretical and practical applications of both mathematics and instruction are at the heart of this master’s in mathematics education degree program.
The Benefits of an MS in Math Education
Teachers in the STEM fields are highly sought after. The Occupational Outlook Handbook shows that the availability of postsecondary teaching jobs is growing fast, at a rate of 15 percent from 2016-2026. Students with a math background who enroll in Grand Canyon University's Master of Science in Math with an Emphasis in Education degree program will become highly-qualified instructors who can fill these openings at postsecondary institutions.
The students who will fill STEM careers have to start their professional training somewhere. 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 degree in math education makes a lot sense for those looking for job security.
Earn Your Master’s Degree in Mathematics Education
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. Students will gain an on-campus feel while still maintaining the flexibility that evening classes provide.
Admissions into the Master of Science in Math with an Emphasis in Education 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 level of Calculus 2
Math knowledge and teaching skills make up the core focuses in the master of math education degree program at GCU. Postsecondary level math teachers will learn how to navigate preparing for and teaching the coursework, as well as how to thrive in a university teaching landscape.
The MS in math education degree program includes study of such topics as:
- Algebra
- Mathematical modeling
- Technology as a practical application
- Adult learning theory
- Distance learning methods
- Statistical inference
- Instructional design
- Communication in postsecondary environments
Advance Your Career With a Math Education Master’s Degree
Master’s of 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 MS in Math with an Emphasis in Education degree program at GCU.
Program 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 foundational course covers adult learning theory and pedagogical practices that are research-based and proven effective in higher education. Technology, distance learning, and effective pedagogy for online and traditional instruction are emphasized. Candidates research learning paradigms, personalized learning, and andragogy and are asked to apply their knowledge through situational case studies.
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 covers curricular alignment, instructional design, and effective communication and collaboration amongst university stakeholders. Creating learning goals, developing student outcomes and assessments, and giving effective feedback are emphasized. Candidates are asked to collaboratively develop activities, assessments, lesson plans, and syllabi 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.
Program Locations
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.
Online and Evening program disclosures (1.5 years)
* Please refer to the Academic Catalog for more information. Program subject to change.