Master in Mathematics Education

About

The Mathematics Education major in the Curriculum and Instruction degree program is designed to prepare you to bridge research and practice in the teaching and learning of mathematics. Our core courses highlight historically based introductions to theories of learning and curriculum development, as well as methodologically focused contemporary perspectives on teachers’ professional learning and students’ mathematical learning.

There are three key features of our graduate programs:

• Students in our program are exposed to a broad view of the landscape of mathematics education, taking courses from faculty whose research interests range from special education to undergraduate mathematics education.

• A common focus across our program is the consideration of teachers’ professional growth across a variety of contexts, with a particular emphasis on the ways in which teachers attend to student reasoning to support the learning of all.

• Our college is well-situated to support students’ exploration of their interests through coursework and collaborative projects across disciplines; as a student, you are encouraged to pursue these opportunities.

Online Master’s

We offer an online master’s degree for current educators. The program enhances mathematics teachers’ professional knowledge and skills through an emphasis on the analysis and application of current research in Mathematics Education. Faculty members provide opportunities for you to further your pedagogical and subject matter knowledge and skills by focusing on research-based best practices.

Face-to-Face Master’s (On Campus)

The on-campus master’s degree is designed to enhance mathematics teachers’ professional knowledge and skills through an emphasis on the analysis and application of current research in Mathematics Education. Faculty members provide opportunities for you to further your pedagogical and subject matter knowledge and skills by focusing on research-based best practices. The on-campus master’s degree program is not designed for individuals who are seeking K-12 teacher certification. Instead, they are intended for those who wish to enhance their knowledge of mathematics teaching and learning.

Admission Requirements

In order to meet minimum University admission requirements, applicants must have:

• A bachelor’s degree with at least a 3.0 GPA – An earned bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited U.S. institution, or a comparable degree from an international institution, with a minimum 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale) grade point average (GPA) in all coursework attempted while registered as an upper-division undergraduate student working towards a bachelor’s degree.

• GRE test scores. Official test results are required from the General Test of the Graduate Record Examination (GRE). These scores are considered official only when they are sent directly to the Office of Admissions from the testing agency. Examinee copies are not considered official. Graduate Record Exam (GRE)– FSU Institution Code: 5219.

M.S. and Ed.S. Applicant Target Scores:
Verbal – 146+
Quantitative – 140+

Ph.D. Applicant Target Scores:
Verbal – 151+
Quantitative – 145+
Writing – 3+

The Educational Testing Service (ETS) do not retain scores longer than five years. If your test scores are older than five years, you may have to retake the test to have official scores sent directly to FSU from the testing agency. If you have the report that was mailed to your home address for older scores, then FSU will accept that report.

• Language proficiency test (international students only)– FSU accepts scores from TOEFL (minimum 80), IELTS (minimum 6.5) and MELAB (minimum 77).

• Transcripts – Applicants must submit an official transcript (in a sealed envelope) from each college and/or university attended to the Office of Admissions. The address for submitting transcripts is:

Florida State University
Office of Admissions
282 Champions Way
P.O. Box 3062400
Tallahassee, FL 32306-2400

Application Deadlines

• Fall: July 1st

• Spring: November 1st

• Summer: March 1st

Career Opportunities

Curriculum choices in our master’s and specialist programs are designed to enable students to become teacher leaders, college instructors, as well as curriculum specialists, state testing specialists and textbook company representatives. Doctoral program graduates are prepared to become university professors, researchers, and leaders in the field.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the job outlook for high school teachers is expected to grow 7 percent through 2020. The job outlook for instructional leaders/coordinators is expected to grow up to 20 percent through 2020. That translates into over 200,000 new jobs nationwide. The median national annual salary range for these job classifications is $53,230 to $58,830 per year. In the state of Florida, mathematics teachers are identified as one of the critical shortage areas. For university or college professors, the Bureau predicts a 17% increase in jobs by 2020; totaling 305,700 jobs in the 2010-2020 time span. The median national salary is $62,050 per year.

A career in mathematics education can be very rewarding, and a typical path offers ample opportunities for professional development and growth. Educators make a difference in the lifelong learning experience of their students, as well as, the quality and standards of the programs they teach.