Mathematics Degrees

The Master of Science Degree in Mathematics Education is designed for those who show promise of becoming researchers and leaders in state, national and international mathematics education communities. The program prepares researchers and leaders to address critical questions about mathematics education. Students will have opportunities to develop analytical perspectives on current issues in mathematics education.

Students who may be interested in this program include:
graduates of undergraduate mathematics or mathematics education programs seeking research-based academic careers;
K-12 teachers intending to return to the classroom with strong, research-oriented knowledge and experience in mathematics education;
graduates of undergraduate mathematics or mathematics education programs interested in the application of content knowledge to curriculum or policy development, assessment, etc., not necessarily with a focus on research; and
graduates of master’s or doctoral programs in mathematics who wish to become mathematics education faculty in a college or university mathematics or education department.

Research opportunities for program participants include:
the investigation of mathematical learning and teaching;
the development of instructional materials; participation in policy formation and analysis;
development and use of assessment; and
the integration of technology into mathematics learning and teaching.

Program Requirements:

In addition to meeting the requirements of the University, students must meet the requirements specified below.

1. Both of the following courses (6 total credits):

SME 926 Proseminar in Mathematics Education I (3 credits)
SME 927 Proseminar in Mathematics Education II (3 credits)

2. Two of the following courses (6 total credits):

CEP 913 Psychology and Pedagogy of Mathematics (3 credits)
SME 903 Topics in Mathematics Education Research (3 credits)
SME 997 Special Topics in Mathematics Education (3 credits)
TE 950 Mathematics Ways of Knowing (3 credits)

3. One of the following courses (3 total credits)

SME 840 Critical Content of School Mathematics: Number & Operations (3 credits)
SME 841 Critical Content of School Mathematics: Algebra (3 credits)
SME 842 Critical Content of School Mathematics: Geometry (3 credits)

4. One of the following courses (3 total credits):

SME 879 Teaching College Mathematics (3 credits)
TE 994 Laboratory and Field Experience in Curriculum, Teaching and Educational Policy (3 credits)

5. The following course (3 total credits):

SME 954 Design and Methods in Mathematics Education Research (3 credits)

6. One of the following courses (3 or 4 total credits):

CEP 931 Qualitative Methods in Educational Research (4 credits)
CEP 932 Quantitative Methods in Educational Research I (3 credits)
CEP 933 Quantitative Methods in Educational Research II (3 credits)
CEP 934 Data Analysis I (4 credits)
CEP 935 Advanced Topics in Multivariate Data Analysis II (4 credits)
STT 430 Introduction to Probability and Statistics (3 credits)
STT 441 Probability and Statistics I: Probability (3 credits)
STT 442 Probability and Statistics I: Statistics (3 credits)
STT 801 Design of Experiments (3 credits)
STT 825 Sample Surveys (3 credits)
STT 842 Categorical Data Analysis (3 credits)
STT 843 Multivariate Analysis (3 credits)
STT 861 Theory of Probability and Statistics I (3 credits)
STT 862 Theory of Probability and Statistics II (3 credits)

7. One 3-credit course in general education foundations, policy, or learning and development, selected from a list of approved courses available from the student’s academic adviser.

8. Nine credits in the Department of Mathematics appropriate to the student’s program of study and career goals at the 400-level or above, excluding Mathematics 424, 443, 801, 802A, and 802B.

9. At least 4 credits of SME 899 Master’s Thesis Research and completion of a research thesis prior to taking the program’s comprehensive examination. The student must successfully pass the comprehensive examination, which includes an oral defense of the research thesis and a written component administered by program faculty.

The Division of Science and Mathematics Education offers a Ph.D program in Mathematics Education. This program is designed for those who show promise of becoming leaders in local, state, national and international mathematics education communities. The program prepares researchers and leaders to address critical issues in mathematics education by developing analytical perspectives for research, engaging in reflective teaching, and deepening mathematical knowledge.

In addition to required coursework in mathematics, students in this program take courses and gain research experience in mathematics education. During their time at MSU, doctoral students in the DSME Mathematics Education program usually teach (undergraduate mathematics, teacher education and DSME courses, including mathematics for elementary school teachers) and work on mathematics education research and development projects. For those who intend to seek academic jobs as mathematics educators in collegiate mathematics departments, do research about undergraduate mathematics teaching and learning, and/or teach mathematics content courses to undergraduate students, this Ph.D. program in the Division of Science and Mathematics Education might be the most appropriate placement.
Program description of the Ph.D. in Mathematics Education (administered jointly by the Division of Science and Mathematics Education in the College of Natural Science and College of Education).
Information for Prospective Students
How to Apply to a Graduate Degree Program in Mathematics Education

There are two other graduate programs at Michigan State University for students with interests in mathematics education. These programs are designed to meet the needs of incoming students from a variety of backgrounds and to enable students to work in many different mathematics education vocations upon completion of the degree.