Master’s in Mathematics: Education Emphasis
Master’s in Mathematics: Education Emphasis
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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
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.
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
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.
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:
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:
Access your coursework and connect with fellow learners and instructors from almost anywhere as you examine core concepts in mathematics pedagogy.
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:
Prepare to inspire undergraduate students with effective math pedagogy.
For those interested in pursuing this graduate degree, review our responses to these commonly asked questions.
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
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.
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
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 2033.4 This includes mathematical as well as postsecondary STEM teaching occupations.
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.
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.
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 (Master's)
OR 2.5+ Unweighted GPA and
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).
