Mathematics Education Preparation 7-12, MS

Contact

Nicole Fonger, 316A Carnegie Library, 315-443-1460, nfonger@syr.edu

The School of Education, in cooperation with the Department of Mathematics, in the College of Arts and Sciences, offers a preparation program leading to the degree of Master of Science in Mathematics Education: Preparation 7-12. The program prepares students to become mathematics educators in 21st century classrooms, who are proficient in five areas:

Critical reflection and explanations of practice.
Content knowledge.
Inclusive and culturally relevant pedagogy.
Assessment of student learning and development of mathematical literacy.
Professional conduct and collaboration.

The preparation program is designed for students who have attained a bachelor’s degree with a major in mathematics or its equivalent, and seek initial New York State certification to teach mathematics in grades 7-12. The program aligns with the professional standards of the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics and the New York State Teaching and Learning Standards. Full time study is required.

For those students who already have initial certification to teach grades 7-12 mathematics, the School of Education offers a program leading to the degree of Master of Science in Teaching and Curriculum. Students may have a concentration in mathematics education through this program, which is designed to support professional development for teachers and to enhance understanding of the theories and practices associated with teaching.

Master’s Degree Course Requirements

The program requires 30-38 credits, and may be completed in 15 months, beginning in May. Students who enter with education study equivalent to one of the courses below may have their syllabi reviewed for waiver of courses. In no case will graduate credits required be below 30.

(courses with * include field experience)

First Summer

EDU 606 - Understanding Learning and Teaching 4 credit(s) *
ELL 645 - Issues in Educating English Language Learners 3 credit(s)
RED 625 - Literacy Across the Curriculum 3-4 credit(s) 4 credits required*

Fall - Candidacy Semester

SED 613 - Methods and Curriculum in Teaching 3 credit(s)
SPE 612 - Adapting Instruction for Diverse Student Needs 3 credit(s)
EDU 508 - Student Teaching 2-15 credit(s) (3 credits required) *
Mathematics Course (3 credits)
Safe and Healthy Learning Environments (0 credit), which includes the following topics: Identifying/reporting child abuse, violence prevention, child abduction prevention, highway/general safety, alcohol/drug/tobacco prevention, fire and arson prevention, and training related to the Dignity for All Students (DASA) Act.

Spring - Standard Student Teaching Semester

EDU 508 - Student Teaching 2-15 credit(s) (6 credits required) *
SED 616 - Assessment & Data-Driven Instruction 3 credit(s)

Second Summer

Mathematics course (3 credits)
Mathematics education course (3 credits)

Intensive Examination

A master’s degree intensive examination is also required.

Liberal Arts Course requirements

The requirements of this program include several undergraduate mathematics and distribution courses. It is not unusual that an applicant will have one or more of these courses left to take. These do not need to be completed before applying and may be taken at an institution other than Syracuse University. However, some of the courses need to be done before starting the graduate program, and all must be finished before a degree can be granted. We help prospective students identify appropriate courses.

Interested students should contact the Mathematics Education program coordinator as early as possible (including before applying) to have unofficial transcripts reviewed against the liberal arts requirements. This allows more time to enroll in needed courses.

Mathematics Content

This program requires either a completed mathematics major of 33 or more credits, including 12 credits of calculus, 3 credits of linear algebra, and 3 credits of analysis; or a major in another area, with at least 30 credits of major-level mathematics courses (calculus and above) at entry, including 12 credits of calculus, 3 credits of linear algebra, and 3 credits of analysis. Both groups must have a total of 36 credits minimum of major-appropriate mathematics courses before a degree can be granted.

Additional Liberal Arts Distribution study

(typically one from each, with no grade less than a C):

Writing (course or equivalent)
Natural Science
Humanities (other than history or arts related)
History
Social Science (other than history or psychology)
Artistic Expression (course or equivalent)
Language other than English including American Sign Language (successful completion of high school language Level 3 or higher may be substituted).

Student Learning Outcomes

1. Acquire knowledge of each student, and demonstrate knowledge of student development and learning to promote achievement for all students

2. Know the content they are responsible for teaching, and plan instruction that ensures growth and achievement for all students

3. Implement instruction that engages and challenges all students to meet or exceed the learning standards

4. Work with all students to create a dynamic learning environment that supports achievement and growth

5. Use multiple measures to assess and document student growth, evaluate instructional effectiveness, and modify instruction

6. Demonstrate professional responsibility and engage relevant stakeholders to maximize student growth, development, and learning

7. Set informed goals and strive for continuous professional growth