Master's in Mathematics: Education Emphasis

Q: What is the importance of mathematics in education?

Mathematics isn’t important only for STEM students; it’s fundamental to understanding the world around us. Education in mathematics teaches the logic, mental discipline and analytical reasoning necessary for unlocking insights into other fields. Furthermore, math is used across a wide range of fields — from economics to engineering and even subjects like social studies.6

Q: What opportunities are available with a focus on mathematics pedagogy?

After completing this program, you may be prepared to pursue a career teaching at postsecondary institutions, such as community colleges and professional schools.3 If you already hold an active teaching license, then a master’s degree may add to your qualifications as a secondary teacher.5

Q: How hard is a master’s in mathematics: education emphasis?

The master’s degree does not require a thesis or capstone project. However, the mathematics and instructional courses are designed to be challenging. The goal of this program is to help prepare you to teach courses that include advanced mathematical skills and concepts at the postsecondary level.

Overview

Delve Into Mathematics Pedagogy for Effective Teaching

The Master of Science in Mathematics with an Emphasis in Education from Grand Canyon University is designed for those who have a background in math and wish to work in a higher education career. As a master’s student, you will be taught the skills needed to teach undergraduate math courses at higher education institutions and work toward being qualified to teach in online environments.^{(See disclaimer 1,2)}

Teaching a deeper understanding of mathematics is one goal of this degree emphasis. A second goal is to teach pedagogy and classroom techniques to help you pursue your goal of becoming an undergraduate math instructor. Theoretical and practical applications of both mathematics and instruction are at the heart of this degree program. It’s important to note that teachers at the postsecondary level typically need a doctoral degree in their field. However, a master’s degree may be accepted at some universities and community colleges.^{(See disclaimer 3)}

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Master of Science in Mathematics with an Emphasis in Education

Offered By

College of Humanities and Social Sciences

Class Settings

Evening

Online

Tuition Rate

Online: $600 per credit [More Info]

Evening: $600 per credit [More Info]

Cost of Attendance

Course Information

Credits: 34

Online: 8 weeks

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Transfer Credits

Up to 12 credits or 1/3 of the total program requirements in transfer (whichever is less)

Credits: Fill out the Lopes Eval to find out what will transfer

Admission Requirements

Admission Requirements (Master's)

Undergraduate Degree*
2.8+ GPA

OR 2.5+ Unweighted GPA and

GMAT: 500
GRE: 300 combined**

Admission requirements may differ based on degree level, program and modality, or transfer status. Some programs of study may require a higher GPA and/or other qualifying criteria for admission. Please review full admission and program requirements in the University Policy Handbook.
* Degree must be from an accredited college or program that has been approved by GCU.
** Combined verbal/quantitative, after August 2011 (1,000 combined verbal and quantitative, prior to August 2011).

Why GCU

Benefits of a Mathematics: Education Emphasis at GCU

This MS degree is offered through the College of Humanities and Social Science and may provide you the opportunity to become a qualified instructor who can apply to STEM career openings at postsecondary institutions.^{(See disclaimer 3)} Math is essential not only for STEM students but for many degree programs, which indicates that math instructors are needed across a variety of postsecondary institutions.^{(See disclaimer 4)}

If you’re passionate about math education as a means to help students achieve their career goals, then this degree program could be a good fit for you. Whether you attend classes in person in the evening or through our remote format, you’ll be immersed within a supportive, Christian learning environment that encourages intellectual discussions and personal growth.

Master’s in Mathematics Program Prerequisites

To be admitted to this graduate degree in math instructional strategies, you will need to possess a background in mathematics. This is required to help ensure that students who are admitted can demonstrate the foundational knowledge and skills necessary for successfully navigating the curriculum and assignments.

You will need one of the following prerequisites to apply:

A bachelor’s degree in mathematics or mathematics education; or
At least 24 undergraduate credits in math with a minimum level of Calculus 2

Coursework

Course Topics in This Program

Math knowledge and teaching skills make up the core competencies in this graduate degree program. As a mathematics student, you will be expected to successfully develop lesson plans, teach the coursework and consider how to thrive in a university teaching landscape.

This program explores the following topics:

Algebra, including abstract and linear
Data analysis
Techniques of mathematical modeling
Technology in practical applications
Adult learning theory
Distance learning methods
Statistical inference
Instructional design

Careers

Career Opportunities After Earning Your Master’s

This master’s in mathematics degree program with an education emphasis is designed to prepare graduates to pursue teaching positions at the postsecondary level. Additionally, professionals who already possess a valid teaching license or certification may elect to earn this MS to further their current teaching qualifications at the secondary level. In some states, high school teachers may be required to earn a master’s degree within a certain period of time after employment as a secondary education teacher.^{(See disclaimer 5)}

With a firm foundation in mathematics pedagogy competencies and a graduate degree, math teachers may be prepared to pursue employment at:^{(See disclaimer 1)}

Universities or colleges
Local or two-year colleges
Vocational schools
Secondary schools

Accreditation

Earn Your Master’s at an Institutionally Accredited University

GCU is proud to be an institutionally accredited university — a designation that indicates a strong commitment to academic quality across all of our colleges. The Higher Learning Commission has continually accredited GCU since 1968. The College of Humanities and Social Sciences shares the university’s commitment to upholding the principles and standards established by our accrediting bodies.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

For those interested in pursuing this graduate degree, review our responses to these commonly asked questions.

What is the importance of mathematics in education?

What is the difference between mathematics and mathematics education?

Mathematics involves the study of numbers and equations. Students are taught computations and quantitative analysis. However, absent an education emphasis, math students are not generally taught instructional methodologies and mathematics pedagogy. In contrast, a degree program that includes this emphasis does teach these competencies with the goal of preparing graduates to pursue careers as math instructors.

What opportunities are available with a focus on mathematics pedagogy?

Is a mathematics: education emphasis program worth it?

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 with an education emphasis may be a path to consider. If career outlook is important to you, then you may be interested to know that STEM occupations are projected to increase. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the job growth rate for all STEM occupations is expected to be 10.4% from 2023 to 2033.^{(See disclaimer 4)} This includes mathematical as well as postsecondary STEM teaching occupations.

How hard is a master’s in mathematics: education emphasis?

Courses

Program Curriculum

Credit Summary

Major34 credits

Degree Requirements34 credits

Core Courses

UNV-509

2 Total Credits

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.

MAT-525

4 Total Credits

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.

MAT-512

4 Total Credits

MAT-513

4 Total Credits

EDU-534

4 Total Credits

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.

MAT-571

4 Total Credits

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 the construction of the real number system, properties of the real number system, basic point set topology, continuous functions, and differential and integral calculus of functions. Prerequisite: MAT-513.

MAT-574

4 Total Credits

MAT-550

4 Total Credits

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. Prerequisites: MAT-513, MAT-571, and MAT-574.

EDU-548

4 Total Credits

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.

GCU cannot and will not promise job placement, a job, graduate school placement, transfer of GCU program credits to another institution, promotion, salary, or salary increase. Please see the Career Services Policy in the University Policy Handbook.
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

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Empower Students With Mathematics Knowledge

Prepare to inspire undergraduate students with effective math pedagogy.

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U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2024, April 17). Postsecondary Teachers: Work Environment. Occupational Outlook Handbook. Retrieved Aug. 27, 2024.
Indeed Editorial Team. (2024, July 2). How to Become an Online Professor in 5 Steps. Indeed. Retrieved Aug. 27, 2024.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2024, April 17). How to Become a Postsecondary Teacher. Occupational Outlook Handbook. Retrieved Aug. 27, 2024.
COVID-19 has adversely affected the global economy and data from 2020 to 2023 may be atypical compared to prior years. Accordingly, data shown is effective August 2024, which can be found here: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, STEM Occupations, retrieved on Sept. 9, 2024.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2024, April 17). How to Become a High School Teacher. Occupational Outlook Handbook. Retrieved Aug. 27, 2024.
International Commission on Mathematics Instruction. (n.d.). The Role of Mathematics in the Overall Curriculum. ICMI. Retrieved Aug. 27, 2024.

Master’s in Mathematics: Education Emphasis

Delve Into Mathematics Pedagogy for Effective Teaching

Benefits of a Mathematics: Education Emphasis at GCU

Master’s in Mathematics Program Prerequisites

Course Topics in This Program

Career Opportunities After Earning Your Master’s

Earn Your Master’s at an Institutionally Accredited University

Frequently Asked Questions

Program Curriculum

Core Courses