Master of Science in Mathematics with an Emphasis in Education
Overview
Lead in Mathematics and Pedagogy
Grand Canyon University’s Master of Science in Mathematics with an Emphasis in Education degree program gives students a deeper understanding of mathematics while instilling best practices in pedagogy. If you are seeking an MS in Mathematics, then GCU’s Master of Science in Math with an Emphasis in Education program prepares students for teaching undergraduate courses at two-year and four-year institutions, specializing in both campus and online modalities.
Four main domains comprise this degree program to equip students with conceptual knowledge of mathematics, which will, in turn, drive their teaching in the classroom: pedagogy, mathematical thought, statistical inference in pedagogical studies and mathematical modeling.
Degree Outcomes
Become Part of the Next-Generation of Math Teachers
Graduates of the mathematics education degree will be able to balance mathematical content with teaching and classroom techniques, and will receive graduate credits in both mathematics and in higher education teaching. The program integrates GCU’s Christian worldview to give students a foundation for ethical decision-making and moral character. The values-based curriculum and faith-based learning environment prepares graduates to impact the field of education and articulate pedagogy through the lens of a Christian worldview.
What You Will Learn
Engage in an Analytical, Research-Based Curriculum
Students will be exposed to the various aspects of mathematical thought and research-based pedagogical practices at the university level. They will analyze statistics involving pedagogical information and dissect the many aspects of mathematical modeling including building, analyzing, solving and explaining a mathematical model.
Course topics include:
- Graduate algebra, real analysis and the evolution of mathematics through history
- Mathematical modeling through technology as the bridge from theory to practice with emphasis on creating meaningful workplace projects for secondary and post-secondary learners
- Research-based adult learning theories and pedagogical practices
- Technology, distance learning and effective pedagogy for online and traditional instruction
- Fundamental understanding of statistical inference from a Scholarship Of Teaching And Learning (SOTL) point of view
- Curricular alignment, instructional design and effective communication in higher education
Career Outcomes
Gain Skills, Education to Teach Math
Upon earning your Master of Science in Mathematics with an Emphasis in Education, you will have the skills and education to teach mathematical science at the postsecondary level. Graduates will have satisfied the requirements for ongoing professional development.
Program Core Courses
Course Description
This course is designed to prepare students for the graduate learning experience at Grand Canyon University. Students have opportunities to develop and strengthen the skills necessary to succeed as graduate students in the liberal arts. Emphasis is placed on utilizing the tools for graduate success.
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.
Evening
* Please note that this list may contain programs that are not presently offered as program availability may vary depending on class size, enrollment and other contributing factors. If you are interested in a program listed herein please first contact your University Counselor for the most current information regarding availability of the program.
* The Department of Education defines how an institution must calculate a program's On-Time Completion rate for federal disclosure purposes. The On-Time Completion rate is based on a program's published required number of months to complete all degree requirements as provided in the institution's catalog. Completion statistics are updated every January and are based on the cohort of students who started the program in the same year and then graduated within the published program length.
Online and Evening program disclosures (18 months)* Please refer to the Academic Catalog for more information. Program subject to change.