MEd Curriculum & Instruction: Math Education

Overview

The Master of Education (MEd) degree in Curriculum & Instruction with a specialization in mathematics education. The degree provides certified teachers with advanced coursework in mathematics and mathematics education to enhance their teaching expertise and/or in preparation for a PhD program in mathematics education. Students collaborate with peers and instructors in areas of curriculum studies, research methods and practices, technological integrations in the field of education, and humanistic and behavioral studies with a focus on diversity and fostering multicultural classroom environments. Once enrolled, students have a five-year window to complete all requirements for the degree.

Program Structure

The MEd in Mathematics Education is designed for the professional development of practitioner teachers seeking a master’s degree. The program accommodates both full-time and part-time graduate students. Most courses are offered annually. Students complete a minimum of 12 hours in the areas of curriculum studies, research, technology, and humanistic and behavioral studies. Students complete an additional 12 hours in English, and 6 - 12 hours of electives. The number of electives required is dependent on whether the individual student selects the thesis, research project, or comprehensive examination option. The 36 credit-hour requirement may be met in one of three ways:

  • 30 hours of coursework and a thesis carrying 6 credit hours;
  • 33 hours of coursework and a research project carrying 3 credit hours; or
  • 36 hours of coursework and a written comprehensive examination.

At least one half of the minimum required credit must be at or above the 7000 level and at least 21 credit hours must be taken within the School of Education. 

Required Coursework

EDCI 7824 Elementary School Curriculum (3)
EDCI 7825 Secondary School Curriculum (3)
EDCI 7901 Curriculum Theory (3)

ELRC 4006 Introduction to Applied Statistics in Educational Settings (3)
ELRC 4249 Understanding and Applying Research in Education (3)
ELRC 7243 Qualitative Methods in Educational Research (4)

ELRC 4507 Computer Technology in Education (3)
ELRC 4535 Educational Telecommunications and the Internet (3)
ELRC 7505 Design and Development of Multimedia Instructional Units (3)

EDCI 4800 Teaching in the Multicultural Classroom (3)
EDCI 7904 Education and Cognition (3)
EDCI 7106 Teaching Reading to Students of Diverse Cultural Backgrounds (3)

EDCI 7109 Studies in the Teaching of Elementary School Mathematics (3)
EDCI 7141 Studies in the Teaching of Mathematics in Secondary Schools (3)
EDCI 7309 Topics in Mathematics Education: The Culture of Mathematical Problem Solving (3)
EDCI 7312 Diagnostic and Prescriptive Teaching in Mathematics (3)
EDCI 7921 Analysis of Research in Curriculum & Instruction: Inquiry in Science and Mathematics

Electives may include courses outside the School of Education.  Electives are determined in consultation with the major advisor.

 Final Examination

In the final semester of course work (at the earliest) the student takes a written comprehensive examination consisting of questions prepared for the student by her/his graduate committee (normally, 3 professors).

Under supervision of the major professor, the student enrolls in EDCI 7475 (3) Research Project in Secondary or K-12 Teacher Education and designs and implements a research project. The written report of the research project is circulated to the student’s graduate committee. To complete the program, the student must pass an oral defense of the thesis project conducted by the committee

Under supervision of the major professor, the student enrolls in EDCI 8000 (Thesis Research) for 6 credit hours and designs and implements a research project. The written report of the research project is circulated to the student’s graduate committee. To complete the program, the student must pass an oral defense of the thesis project conducted by the committee.

Mathematics Coursework

Students in the mathematics education specialization who do not hold a master’s degree in mathematics are strongly encouraged to take at least one mathematics course numbered 4000 and above. Highly recommended courses include MATH 4005 (geometry) and MATH 4200 (abstract algebra). Additional recommended courses include MATH 4020 (capstone), MATH 4700 (history of mathematics), and MATH 4181 (number theory). Students with an elementary education background who lack the prerequisites to take 4000-level mathematics courses can audit MATH 1201 (number sense and open-ended problem solving) while taking a companion course MATH 6301 (implementing curriculum standards for mathematics in the elementary grades) that provides a higher-level perspective on the content.

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David Kirshner, PhD
103 Peabody Hall
225-578-2332

EMAIL DR. KIRSHNER