Master’s in Mathematics: Education Emphasis

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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.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.3

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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.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.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. 

STEM educator speaking to classroom

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
     

Earn Your Master’s in Mathematics: Education
To increase access to higher education for working professionals, we are pleased to offer this degree program in two different formats:

  • On campus in the evening at GCU’s Phoenix, Arizona campus
  • A remote format taught synchronously via Zoom

Access your coursework and connect with fellow learners and instructors from almost anywhere as you examine core concepts in mathematics pedagogy. 
 

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.5

With a firm foundation in mathematics pedagogy competencies and a graduate degree, math teachers may be prepared to pursue employment at:1

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

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Empower Students With Mathematics Knowledge

Prepare to inspire undergraduate students with effective math pedagogy.

Apply Now
  1. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2024, April 17). Postsecondary Teachers: Work Environment. Occupational Outlook Handbook. Retrieved Aug. 27, 2024. 
  2. Indeed Editorial Team. (2024, July 2). How to Become an Online Professor in 5 Steps. Indeed. Retrieved Aug. 27, 2024.
  3. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2024, April 17). How to Become a Postsecondary Teacher. Occupational Outlook Handbook. Retrieved Aug. 27, 2024.
  4. 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.
  5. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2024, April 17). How to Become a High School Teacher. Occupational Outlook Handbook. Retrieved Aug. 27, 2024.
  6. International Commission on Mathematics Instruction. (n.d.). The Role of Mathematics in the Overall Curriculum. ICMI. Retrieved Aug. 27, 2024.

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