Master of Science in Mathematics Education - Distance Learning Program
- Overview
- Admissions
- Courses
- Transfer Credit
- Procedures
- Supervisory Committee
- Program of Study
- Comprehensive Examination
- Costs
- Contact Information
Overview
Because of the nature of course assignments, the online Master's Degree Program in Mathematics Education is restricted to practicing middle and high school mathematics teachers and is designed to meet the needs and professional goals of those who may be preparing for leadership roles in mathematics education. Practicing middle and secondary teachers can earn, completely online, one of two advanced degrees that focus on the teaching and learning of mathematics in middle and high school. The program does not emphasize content development but focuses on mathematics teaching methods, research, pedagogy, and philosophy. Although the curriculum includes 7 hours of mathematics content for teachers, content is embedded within many of the courses. The courses are not designed to satisfy requirements for those desiring to teach community college mathematics. No travel to Tallahassee is required. Internet access is necessary with most courses requiring access to high speed internet (school LAN, DSL, or cable modem).
Admissions
To be admitted into the Master's Program in Mathematics Education, the prospective student will complete an application to the Florida State University. Please visit this web page for details: http://learningforlife.fsu.edu/online/prospective/apply.cfm. Students who wish to apply need to complete an application to the Florida State University. The graduate application is available online at https://admissions.fsu.edu/gradapp/. A supplemental application found at https://wapps.oddl.fsu.edu/student/supp_app/index.jsp should be completed in order for the university's distance education program to provide assistance during the application process.
Other application requirements from the Department of Middle and Secondary Education are as follows:
- Masters degree applicants must have a minimum combined score of 1000 on the verbal and quantitative sections on the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or a 3.0 grade point average on upper division work from an accredited college or university. (However, you must take the GRE even if your GPA is 3.0 or better.)
- A "Statement of Purpose," which states your research and work experience as it relates to Mathematics Education, short and long term goals, career aspirations, and why you chose to apply to the Florida State University. This will better help the faculty evaluate your ability to perform graduate work.
- A current resume.
- Three letters of recommendation from faculty and/or employers who have supervised your studies/work.
- A minimum TOEFL score of 550 is required for admission to the Florida State University, Department of Middle & Secondary Education, unless you have graduated from a university where English was the primary language. International students expecting to receive appointments as teaching assistants are required to pass a SPEAK test of spoken English as well.
University requirements include two official transcripts from institutions you have attended, a completed application, and an application fee, to be sent to the Admissions office. (Please note the final clearance for registration will not be given until we receive your final official transcript.)
All letters should be sent directly to the Mathematics Education Program, Master/Specialist Coordinator, Department of Middle and Secondary Education 209 Milton Carothers Hall, Tallahassee , FL 32306-4490.
The following website provides a timeline which should be followed in order to ensure timely completion of all the university requirements necessary for regular admission to the program: http://www.fsu.edu/prospective/graduate/minadminreqs.shtml#deadlines. Please see the Graduate Bulletin for updated information, or http://registrar.fsu.edu/bulletin/grad/apdefault.htm
Courses
Generally six semester hours are offered each term. The program requires a minimum of 32 semester hours. Each course will be offered every five semesters. The program may be completed in five semesters if a student takes all classes offered each semester. Typically each course will require at least one text. Some courses require access to software, such as Sketchpad, FrontPage, or Excel.
- MAE 5146 School Mathematics Curriculum
- MAE 5175 Teaching Community College Mathematics
- MAE 5337 Seminar on Teaching Algebra
- MAE 5338 Seminar on Teaching Geometry
- MAE 5641 Special Topics: Number Systems
- MAE 5641 Special Topics: Mathematical Problem Solving
- MAE 5641 Special Topics: Analysis of Student Learning
- MAE 5658 Using Technology in Teaching Mathematics
- MAE 5690 Ethnomathematics
- MAE 5691 Mathematics Learning and Teaching
- MAE 5795 Seminar on Research in Mathematics Education
- MAE 5865 Using History in the Teaching of Mathematics
Course descriptions may be found in the Graduate Bulletin at http://registrar.fsu.edu/bulletin/grad/depts/middlesecond_ed.htm
Transfer Credit
Transfer of courses not counted toward a previous degree from another regionally accredited graduate school is limited to six (6) semester hours and transfer of courses not counted toward a previous degree within Florida State University is limited to twelve (12) semester hours, except when the departmental course requirement exceeds the thirty-two (32) hour University-wide minimum requirement. In the latter case, additional transfer credit may be allowed to the extent of the additional required hours. All transfer credit must: l) be recommended by the major department; 2) be evaluated as graduate work by the evaluation section of the Office of Admissions of Florida State University; and 3) have been completed with grades of 3.0 ("B") or better.
Grades earned at another institution cannot be used to improve a grade point average or eliminate a quality point deficiency at Florida State University.
The University does not accept experiential learning, or award credit for experiential learning. Transfer credit based on experiential learning from another institution will not be accepted.
Procedures
In general, one or two years are required to complete an online Master's Degree in Mathematics Education. After one semester and prior to the end of the second semester of taking graduate courses, students will establish their supervisory committee and file a program of study in the Office of Academic Services. Near the end of the student's course work, students will complete a comprehensive examination given by the student's supervisory committee.
Supervisory Committee
Upon acceptance in the Master's Program a student will be assigned a temporary advisor. During the first semester in their program, the student will select a supervisory committee consisting of a major professor and at least two additional members. A program of studies is planned with the student's supervisory committee to meet the specific needs and goals of the student. The master's student and the supervisory committee will make all decisions regarding the student's program. When selecting members of the supervisory committee, the student should initially select a major professor and consult with him or her in the selection of other members. The supervisory committee must consist of a minimum of three members; at least two from the Mathematics Education Program, all having at least masters directive status.
Program of Study
The student's program of study lists the courses that the student has taken and will take for the Master's Degree in chronological order. It identifies the supervisory committee. An original and two copies of the program of study, signed by all committee members and department chair must be submitted to the Office of Academic Services during the first year of course work. When changes are made, the student should have his or her major professor write a memo to the Academic Dean stating these changes. It is the student's responsibility to make sure that he or she has met all degree requirements. The Program of Study can be found at http://www.coe.fsu.edu/OAS/support.html.
Comprehensive Examination
Students will complete a written comprehensive examination at or near the completion of coursework. The comprehensive examination will be set by the student's supervisory committee completed online. The examination will cover the courses taken by the student. A student's committee has the option of requiring a portfolio be submitted in lieu of written exams.
Costs
FSU's online programs are developed and delivered by the faculty who teach on-campus or by adjunct professors. Students at a distance, therefore, receive the same high quality instruction plus special assistance to ensure their success. Prior to admission online academic advising staff guide students in making appropriate choices. Online orientations and help manuals are available for graduate students. Mentors are typically provided for courses to serve as learning coaches, monitoring student progress and helping with administrative and content issues in a course. In addition, online courses have required Florida State University to make investments in course design and production, as well as hardware and network support. The University's Board of Trustees establishes tuition and fees.
The costs associated with distance learning programs at FSU vary by department and program. Distance learning students are expected to pay tuition costs and associated fees. For information about costs, go to http://learningforlife.fsu.edu/online/prospective/graduateprograms/mathed.cfm
Contact Information
- Admission/Registration Information - Program Manager
- E-mail: lbrown@coe.fsu.edu
- Phone: 850-644-7810 or 850-644-6553
- Program Contact - Graduate Coordinator
- U.S. Mail
Department of Middle and Secondary Education
Attn: Online Masters in Mathematics Education
209 Milton Carothers Hall
Florida State University
Tallahassee , FL 32306-4490
- Florida State University Websites: