About this Program
Good teachers never stop learning. They adapt and even rethink their teaching practices to meet student needs. The master’s degree in math education is designed to prepare teachers with advanced pedagogic strategies to ensure their students make the grade.
Program Overview
Tuition & Fees
Funding Opportunities
National Board Certification Prep Program
Learn Math the Way Your Students Do
Expectations for PreK–12 students are higher than ever, particularly in mathematics, making strong teacher preparation essential. In the Master of Science in Mathematics Education program, candidates deepen their understanding of mathematics—from algebra and number theory to emerging technological tools—through active engagement with mathematical ideas, just as they will encourage their own students to do. Expert faculty members, many of whom have extensive experience and strong partnerships with regional school districts, model research-based instructional practices in interactive courses. The program immerses candidates in current mathematical content while equipping them with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to teach mathematics in dynamic, engaging, and effective ways.
Two Tracks to Better Teaching
The 30-credit master’s degree program integrates coursework in both mathematics and education, allowing candidates to benefit from the expertise of faculty in each discipline. The middle school track is designed for educators who do not hold an undergraduate degree in mathematics, while the high school track is intended for those who have completed a bachelor’s degree in mathematics. All courses are offered online, providing flexibility for working professionals. Throughout the program, candidates engage with content and practices that support their preparation for National Board Certification.
Student & Alumni Testimonials
"Going through the Mathematics Education graduate program at Hood was an incredible experience. The program's coursework not only made clear connections to the realities I face every day as an educator, but also guided me in making those connections myself." - Andrew Miller, M.S.'26
"At Hood, I am a part of another professional community. Every professor and colleague of mine have shared lessons and many strategies to become better teachers. I have cherished the moments in all of my graduate classes as they help me continue to grow professionally." - Chris Coughlin, M.S.'19
Please note the Math Education master's program is not open to F1 students.
Hood College participates in the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements.
Degrees Offered
- MS
Are you ready to go further?
For students applying to the M.S. in mathematics education program, please submit the following to the Graduate School:
- One copy of official transcripts from each institution attended.
- A one-page statement describing how the program relates to previous academic and professional experience and to occupational or personal goals.
Transfer credit policy for admitted students
Students may transfer a maximum of 6 graduate credits from an external, accredited institution, or another Hood graduate program prior to the first semester of study in the current program. Please review the full graduate transfer credit policy in the College catalog.
For students without an undergraduate degree in mathematics
Four courses in mathematics:
| MATH 500 | Statistics | 3.0 |
| MATH 501 | Explorations in Geometry | 3.0 |
| MATH 502 | Explorations in Algebra | 3.0 |
| MATH 505 | Discrete Math | 3.0 |
Four courses in education:
| EDUC 551 | The Teaching of Geometry | 3.0 |
| EDUC 552 | The Teaching of Algebra | 3.0 |
| EDUC 595 | The Teaching of Statistics & Probability: Decision Making with Mathematics | 3.0 |
| EDUC 596 | The Teaching of Mathematical Modeling: Strategies for Contemporary Problems | 3.0 |
Two electives chosen from:
| EDMA 530 | Mathematics Education Leadership I | 3.0 |
| EDMA 531 | Mathematics Education Leadership II: Practicum | 3.0 |
| EDMA 579 | Capstone Project | 3.0 |
| EDUC 502 | Technology for Literacy, Leadership & Learning | 3.0 |
| EDUC 539 | National Board Certification Support | 3.0 |
| EDUC 546 | The Teaching of Numbers, Operations & Algebraic Thinking in Elementary & Middle School | 3.0 |
| EDUC 547 | The Teaching of Geometry & Measurement in Elementary & Middle School | 3.0 |
| EDUC 561 | Teaching Diverse Learners in an Inclusive Setting | 3.0 |
| EDUC 576 | Curriculum & Methods in Inclusive Classrooms: Math and Science | 3.0 |
| EDUC 581 | Research-Based Teaching, Learning & Assessment | 3.0 |
| EDUC 583 | Principles of Curriculum Development & Appraisal | 3.0 |
| CSIT 512 | Elements of Computer Programming | 3.0 |
| MATH 575 | Independent Study | 1.0 - 3.0 |
| MATH 599 | Special Topics | 3.0 |
| MATH 503 | Explorations in Calculus | 3.0 |
| MATH 504 | Explorations in Secondary School Math | 3.0 |
| MATH 520 | Mathematical Modeling for Teachers | 3.0 |
| MATH 570 | History of Mathematics | 3.0 |
For students with a mathematics degree
Four courses in mathematics:
| MATH 500 | Statistics | 3.0 |
| MATH 505 | Discrete Math | 3.0 |
| MATH 507/MATH 407 | Introduction to Graph Theory | 3.0 |
| MATH 509/MATH 409 | Elementary Number Theory | 3.0 |
Four courses in education:
| EDUC 551 | The Teaching of Geometry | 3.0 |
| EDUC 552 | The Teaching of Algebra | 3.0 |
| EDUC 595 | The Teaching of Statistics & Probability: Decision Making with Mathematics | 3.0 |
| EDUC 596 | The Teaching of Mathematical Modeling: Strategies for Contemporary Problems | 3.0 |
Two electives chosen from:
| EDMA 530 | Mathematics Education Leadership I | 3.0 |
| EDMA 531 | Mathematics Education Leadership II: Practicum | 3.0 |
| EDMA 579 | Capstone Project | 3.0 |
| EDUC 502 | Technology for Literacy, Leadership & Learning | 3.0 |
| EDUC 539 | National Board Certification Support | 3.0 |
| EDUC 561 | Teaching Diverse Learners in an Inclusive Setting | 3.0 |
| EDUC 576 | Curriculum & Methods in Inclusive Classrooms: Math and Science | 3.0 |
| EDUC 581 | Research-Based Teaching,Learning & Assessment | 3.0 |
| EDUC 583 | Principles of Curriculum Development & Appraisal | 3.0 |
| CSIT 512 | Elements of Computer Programming | 3.0 |
| MATH 575 | Independent Study | 1.0 - 3.0 |
| MATH 599 | Special Topics | 3.0 |
| MATH 503 | Explorations in Calculus | 3.0 |
| MATH 504 | Explorations in Secondary Education School Math | 3.0 |
| MATH 520 | Mathematical Modeling for Teachers | 3.0 |
| MATH 570 | History of Mathematics | 3.0 |
What is the format of the program?
The program is offered entirely online, making it accessible to working professionals. Courses vary in format:
Some are synchronous, meaning they meet live at scheduled times via video conferencing.
Others are asynchronous, allowing students to complete work on their own schedule within set deadlines.
Some courses include a blend of both synchronous and asynchronous components to offer flexibility and support.
Does this program lead to teacher licensure in the state of Maryland?
No, this program does not lead to initial teacher licensure. It is designed for currently licensed teachers seeking to deepen their mathematics content knowledge and instructional practice. However, educators from other backgrounds are welcome to apply and may benefit from the program depending on their goals. If you are seeking licensure, please see our Post-Baccalaureate Teacher Certification Program
Are scholarships available?
We encourage prospective students to explore funding through the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM), which offers several grants and scholarships for educators pursuing graduate studies in mathematics education. For more information, visit: https://www.nctm.org/Grants/
18-24 Months
Average Completion Time
30 Total Credits
| Median Salary (Public Data) | Job Titles (Alumni Data) | Companies of Employment (Alumni Data) |
|---|---|---|
| $92,000 | Teacher | Gettysburg Area School District |
| Math Teacher | Montgomery County Public Schools | |
| Frederick County Public Schools | ||
| Wicomico County Public Schools |
Program Contact
Program Director
Phone
301-696-3838
Email
Assistant Director of Graduate Admission
Phone
Office: 301-696-3601 Cell/WhatsApp: 240-651-4015
Email
Christy Graybeal
- Professor of Education and Mathematics
- Program Director, Mathematics Education and Math Instructional Leadership
Sara Malec
- Associate Professor of Mathematics
James Parson
- Department Chair of Mathematics
- Associate Professor of Mathematics
Alumni Spotlight | Ashley Lancaster, M.S.'10
“Hood has a wonderful reputation for providing high-level education, so it was an easy decision for me.”
Graduate Alumni Focus | Marguerite Heebner, M.S.'25
"Hood was the right fit for me for several reasons, one of which was the fact that it was the only college that offered a math instructional leadership degree. I loved the small class sizes, and the faculty are incredibly knowledgeable and helpful. I enjoyed attending several extracurricular events as well."
In the NeighborHOOD: Meet Christy Graybeal
Meet Christy Graybeal, associate professor of education and mathematics and chair of the education department.