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What Can I Expect from an Online Master’s in Math Education Program?
When taking classes toward earning your master’s in math education, you can expect to receive the same high-quality instruction as you would in a traditional on-campus experience. Online master’s degrees are often presented in a more flexible format, so students can take classes at their own pace if their school uses an asynchronous course system.
Math teachers at all levels of education — elementary, secondary, and postsecondary — are usually in high demand, which often results in higher salaries, and many find jobs easier than teachers in other fields. Schools throughout the United States continue to emphasize the importance of STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) fields, so qualified math teachers will likely continue to be in high demand.
When searching for online master’s degree programs in math education, find one that aligns with your long-term career goals and is a good fit for you.
Available concentrations
Curriculum and instruction in mathematics: Focuses on designing effective curriculum materials, instructional strategies, and assessments to enhance mathematics teaching and learning in K-12 settings.
Technology integration in math education: Explores the integration of technology tools and digital resources to enhance mathematical instruction, incorporating software, apps, and online platforms in the teaching and learning process.
Mathematics leadership: Prepares educators to assume leadership roles in mathematics education, covering curriculum development, teacher mentoring, and advocacy for effective math instruction.
Special education in mathematics: Addresses the unique needs of students with diverse learning abilities, focusing on inclusive teaching practices, differentiated instruction, and strategies for supporting students with special needs in mathematics classrooms.
Assessment and evaluation in math education: Examines various assessment methods and tools used in mathematics education, emphasizing the design of fair and effective assessments to measure student understanding and inform instructional decision-making.
Common degree curriculum
Specific classes you take and the topics covered will vary by program and institution. For instance, some programs may focus heavily on mathematical theory while others might spend more time developing teaching skills. Some standard courses you can expect to take include:
Learning and Teaching Algebra: Students enrolled in this course gain a foundation for teaching algebraic concepts. The course may also include an overview of teaching methods, lesson planning, and technology in the context of algebra.
Theories of Teaching and Learning: This course typically provides an overview of current research about theories of teaching and learning and historical perspectives. Usually, psychological, biological, and cultural learning theories are discussed and applied to real-world teaching environments.
Student Teaching Internship: A teaching internship is typically required in masters-level education programs to allow students to gain real-world classroom experience. Student teachers are placed at a nearby school — and in online programs, it’s usually a school close to your location — where a working teacher supervises them.
Certification and license preparation
Requirements for acquiring an educational license vary widely by state. You need a teaching license to teach in the K-12 school environment. Paths to licensure and certification vary by state, so check with your state board of education for specific requirements. At the postsecondary level, however, a license is generally not required.
Program accreditation
When searching for an online master’s degree in math education, it’s important to limit yourself to accredited programs. Accreditation is a voluntary process schools engage in to prove they meet specific educational standards. By choosing an accredited school, you can be sure you’re receiving a high-quality education. National and regional accreditation is available.
For an online master’s in math education, confirm the program you’re considering is accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP), the leading accrediting organization for teacher education. CAEP provides accreditation for programs that prepare teachers at all levels, from preschool to grade 12.
Program completion timeframe
The time it takes to complete an online master’s degree program in math education varies according to the specific program, institution, and whether you choose to take full- or part-time classes. On average, it takes about two years to complete an online master’s program in math education. If you undertake your program part-time, you may take up to five years or more to complete your coursework. You may also be able to enroll in an accelerated program, which would require a more concentrated effort but could see you graduating in less than two years.
Employment Outlook for Master’s in Math Education Graduates
While a bachelor’s degree can sometimes help you obtain entry-level positions in teaching, such as an assistant teaching position, a master’s degree opens up additional job opportunities and increases your earning potential.
Most of the time, those who earn a master’s degree in math education are qualified to teach at the high school or postsecondary level. Most middle school and elementary school positions require a degree in elementary or middle school education, which provides a more general overview of multiple subject areas, not just mathematics.
Many factors affect salary, including the specific industry or place of employment. Below are some common career options with salary and growth information for each.
These teachers instruct students at public and private colleges, universities, professional schools, and junior or community colleges. Postsecondary teachers may also publish scholarly research papers and books along with their teaching responsibilities.
High school teachers usually teach specific subjects, such as math, science, history, or English, and they help prepare their students for life after graduation, whether that’s a college education or the job market. High school teachers can work in either public or private schools.
$62,360 per year
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Professional organizations
Membership in professional organizations for math education benefits current students enrolled in master’s programs and recent graduates. Professional organizations in this field provide networking opportunities, continuing education classes, annual conferences, and career services and often have active job boards. Students and recent graduates of master’s programs in math education may qualify for discounted membership rates. Three of the most popular professional organizations in math education are listed below.
Association of Mathematics Teacher Educators (AMTE): This is the largest organization in the United States dedicated to improving math teacher education. AMTE supports continuing education efforts of math teachers from preschool to the college level.
National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM): The NCTM supports math teachers through professional development opportunities, research, and leadership. Many math curriculum programs used in schools are based on well-established NCTM standards.
Mathematical Association of America (MAA): This organization focuses on making math accessible to undergraduate students. Its members include many high school and college teachers.
Financing Your Online Master’s in Math Education Degree
Earning an online master’s degree is typically cheaper than earning that same degree in traditional on-campus study. Expenses associated with travel, for instance, are eliminated when participating in a distance learning program. Despite it costing less overall, many students still need financial aid to help them pay for the cost of their master’s degree.
Navigating all the different financial aid options available can be confusing, but an excellent place to start is with the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form. Filling it out and submitting it provides information about grants, scholarships, loans, and other financial aid available through the federal government.
Many nonprofit organizations, private companies, and even individual schools offer their own scholarships and grants. Be sure to investigate the programs you’re interested in to determine whether you qualify to apply for any scholarships.
Student Finance Resources and Guides
As you begin to assemble your financial aid package, you will likely have questions about the process and what you can expect to find available in terms of financial assistance. The following resources can help answer your questions and guide you along the way.
Learn more about online degrees, their start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
