Math Education

Mathematics Education (M.S., Certificate)

Graduate
  • Online
  • Certificate
  • Master's

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 and a certificate option are designed to prepare teachers with advanced pedagogic strategies to ensure their students make the grade.

Program Overview

Tuition & Fees 
Funding Opportunities
Download Math Education Brochure

Learn Math the Way Your Students Do

With Maryland’s adoption of the Common Core State Standards, expectations for K-12 students are higher than ever, especially in mathematics. From algebra and graph theory to cutting-edge technological tools, master’s candidates learn through doing—just as their students do. Expert faculty members with deep connections in the region’s school districts bring proven experience to instruction, modeling research-based pedagogy and process in active, hands-on classes. The goal is to immerse students in current math content and equip them to teach it dynamically and effectively.

Two Tracks to Better Teaching 

The only one of its kind in western Maryland, the 30-credit master’s degree program combines courses from both mathematics and education, affording students the expertise of faculty from both fields. The middle school track is designed for students without an undergraduate degree in mathematics, while the high school track is for those who have completed an undergraduate math degree. Those who do not want or need a full master's degree may choose to earn a certificate in secondary mathematics education (please note this is not a teacher certification program). Yet another option is to transfer the five certificate courses into a master's program later. All program courses are offered online.

The National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM) has several grants available to fund graduate coursework and classroom initiatives.

Student & Alumni Testimonials

"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.

NC Sara
Hood College participates in the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements.

Degrees Offered

  • Certificate
  • MS

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.

For students applying to the secondary mathematics education certificate program, please submit the following to the Graduate School:

  • One copy of official transcripts from each institution attended.

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 500Statistics

3.0

MATH 501Explorations in Geometry

3.0

MATH 502Explorations in Algebra

3.0

MATH 505Discrete Math

3.0

Four courses in education:

EDUC 551The Teaching of Geometry

3.0

EDUC 552The Teaching of Algebra

3.0

EDUC 595The Teaching of Statistics & Probability: Decision Making with Mathematics

3.0

EDUC 596The Teaching of Mathematical Modeling: Strategies for Contemporary Problems

3.0

Two electives chosen from:

EDMA 530Mathematics Education Leadership I

3.0

EDMA 531Mathematics Education Leadership II: Practicum

3.0

EDMA 579Capstone Project

3.0

EDUC 502Technology for Literacy, Leadership & Learning

3.0

EDUC 539National Board Certification Support

3.0

EDUC 546The Teaching of Numbers, Operations & Algebraic Thinking in Elementary & Middle School

3.0

EDUC 547The Teaching of Geometry & Measurement in Elementary & Middle School

3.0

EDUC 561Teaching Diverse Learners in an Inclusive Setting

3.0

EDUC 576Curriculum & Methods in Inclusive Classrooms: Math and Science

3.0

EDUC 581Research-Based Teaching, Learning & Assessment

3.0

EDUC 583Principles of Curriculum Development & Appraisal

3.0

CSIT 512Elements of Computer Programming

3.0

MATH 575Independent Study

1.0 - 3.0

MATH 599Special Topics

3.0

MATH 503Explorations 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 500Statistics

3.0

MATH 505Discrete Math

3.0

MATH 507/MATH 407Introduction to Graph Theory

3.0

MATH 509/MATH 409Elementary Number Theory

3.0

Four courses in education:

EDUC 551The Teaching of Geometry

3.0

EDUC 552The Teaching of Algebra

3.0

EDUC 595The Teaching of Statistics & Probability: Decision Making with Mathematics

3.0

EDUC 596The Teaching of Mathematical Modeling: Strategies for Contemporary Problems

3.0

Two electives chosen from:

EDMA 530Mathematics Education Leadership I

3.0

EDMA 531Mathematics Education Leadership II: Practicum

3.0

EDMA 579Capstone Project

3.0

EDUC 502Technology for Literacy, Leadership & Learning

3.0

EDUC 539National Board Certification Support

3.0

EDUC 561Teaching Diverse Learners in an Inclusive Setting

3.0

EDUC 576Curriculum & Methods in Inclusive Classrooms: Math and Science

3.0

EDUC 581Research-Based Teaching,Learning & Assessment

3.0

EDUC 583Principles of Curriculum Development & Appraisal

3.0

CSIT 512Elements of Computer Programming

3.0

MATH 575Independent Study

1.0 - 3.0

MATH 599Special Topics

3.0

MATH 503Explorations in Calculus

3.0

MATH 504Explorations in Secondary Education School Math

3.0

MATH 520Mathematical Modeling for Teachers

3.0

MATH 570History of Mathematics

3.0

For students who do not want or need a full master's degree (please note this is not a teacher certification program). See certificate course list here.

 

Karine Ptak

Graduate Alumna Karine Ptak Published in Mathematics Teacher

Karine Ptak, Chair of the Mathematics Department at Frederick High School and Hood College M.S. in Mathematics Education graduate '16, recently published an article in Mathematics Teacher, a journal of the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics.

Program Contact

Sara Malec, Ph.D.

Program Director

Phone
301-696-3982
Nick Masucci

Assistant Director of Graduate Admission

Phone
Office: 301-696-3601 Cell/WhatsApp: 240-651-4015

Our advisory board...

provides support and assistance in the development of new programs, serves as ambassadors for our program and identifies best practice standards.

All Faculty
Christy Graybeal

Christy Graybeal

  • Professor of Education and Mathematics
  • Chair, Department of Education
  • Program Director, Mathematics Education and Math Instructional Leadership

James Parson

  • Department Chair of Mathematics
  • Associate Professor of Mathematics
Christy Graybeal

Graduate Faculty Focus | Christy Graybeal

Christy Graybeal, Ph.D. Faculty Graduate School Graduate Student

“I am very enthusiastic and passionate about math. I feel like I get the best of both worlds by helping teachers and instructing students. By working with teachers, I am hopefully impacting their students as well.”

  • Academics
  • Education