Drexel University’s Master of Science in Math Education and Teaching emphasizes mathematics content knowledge, pedagogy, current issues in mathematics education and ways to integrate all three together in meaningful ways.

Our master’s in math education graduate students learn to implement learner-centered and problem-based instructional practices that address the Common Core Practice Standards, and make use of technology to meet the needs of math teachers and all math learners.

What Can You Do with a Degree in Mathematics Education and Teaching?

A master’s in math education enables current teachers of mathematics for grades 4–12 to improve their expertise and broaden their skills.

By the end of the program, teachers have acquired the skills necessary to make creative contributions to the field, often presenting at conferences and being published in educational journals.

Graduates advance in or enter roles as teachers, curriculum coordinators, instructional team leaders or staff development presenters.

Mathematics Learning and Teaching Master’s Program Options

Graduate students can earn a master’s degree in math education online through Drexel’s School of Education. We are committed to providing quality, accredited programs online with no fixed class hours. Online programs offer the very same faculty, curriculum, and degree as Drexel's distinguished on-campus programs.

As part of the course structure of the MS in Math Education program, graduate students focus will focus on the following areas:

• Developing a deeper understanding of mathematics (both within and across content areas)
• Understanding and implementing the mathematical practices in teaching and learning
• Developing experience and competence in placing student thinking, task selection and formative/summative assessment at the center of teaching and instructional decision making
• Effectively using of educational technology in mathematics instruction
• Developing strategies for effective lesson planning, collaboration and continued professional growth

Graduate Mathematics Learning and Teaching Program Eligibility

The master’s of science (MS) in math education program is intended for middle and high school mathematics teachers and mathematically-inclined elementary school teachers who:

• Have completed at least two semesters (or three quarters) of university calculus and at least one university mathematics course beyond university calculus
  • This additional course must be offered by the mathematics department and cannot include courses on the Fundamentals of Mathematics, College Algebra, or Mathematics for Elementary School Teachers
  • Exceptions to this requirement will be considered on an individual basis by the program director or the program admissions committee
• Teaching experience is encouraged, but not required 
• Are committed to implementing learner-centered and problem-based instructional practices that value multiple solution methods

Additional Admissions Criteria

• A bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution
• Undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher (graduate degree GPA will be considered along with the undergraduate GPA)
  • Provisional admission may be granted with a GPA between 2.75 and 2.99
• Current teacher certification at the middle or high school level
  • Private or charter school teachers without certification can contact the program director for further evaluation, or pursue other master's degree programs and take MLT courses as electives/content courses.
• You must have the ability to be videotaped teaching students during the second year of the program

Required Documents

With multiple ways to submit documents, Drexel makes it easy to complete your application. Learn more by visiting Drexel Online's Completing Your Application Guide.

• A completed application
• Official transcripts from all universities or colleges and other post-secondary educational institutions (including trade schools) attended
• Two professional letters of recommendation
• Personal Essay
• Current Resume
• Proof of certification for teaching at the middle or high school level
• Additional requirements for International Students 

Mathematics Learning and Teaching Courses & Curriculum

The MS in Mathematics Teaching and Learning is composed of a minimum of 45 credits designed to help teachers improve their instruction and facilitate effective learning.

Math education graduate programs require courses in three major areas: core education, mathematics education and electives. Teachers may choose to supplement their program with electives from other specialties within the School of Education such as Special Education and Teaching English as a Second Language or focus their electives on Mathematics Leadership and Coaching.

Course descriptions may be found in the Drexel University Course Catalog.

Capstone Courses

Students in the MS in Mathematics Learning and Teaching program complete a research capstone course where they are introduced to various types of research designs and learn to be both consumers and producers of research. Following completion of the research course, students will complete a capstone experience by selecting one of the two-course multi-disciplinary sequence options below:

• Thesis (Part I and II) - Students who select this option will be required to complete a master’s thesis which consists of a well-written research paper, comprised of five chapters that posits a research question and uses logical arguments & data to address/answer a gap in research
• Lesson Study (Part I and II) - Students who select this option will be required to complete a research-based lesson design and analysis project
• Practitioner Course (Part I and II) - Students who select this option will be required to complete a master’s project. Examples include: A reform initiative narrative, program or grant proposal, white paper or policy analysis, or program evaluation

Mathematics Learning and Teaching Field Experience

We believe that hands-on learning is essential. The field component is a crucial part of the online master’s in math education and requires that each student work in a teaching position in which they can test their developing skills, collect artifacts that reflect their experiences, and allow for discussion with classmates.

During the second year of the program, master’s students draw on their field experiences to enhance their university coursework. These activities include online mentoring and collaborative instructional design and analysis. Students participate in cycles of collaborative lesson design, teaching and videotaping and classroom implementations of the lessons. Mathematics and teaching coursework includes debriefing, analysis and revision of each lesson.

How to Apply to the Master’s of Science in Math Education and Teaching Program

The MS in Mathematics Learning and Teaching is offered 100% online. You can get started by filling out the Drexel Online application.