The MAT in mathematics program is currently suspended and not accepting new students.
Contact the Chair of the Mathematics Department, Mary Ann Barbato at (978) 665-3211 for more information.
Students needing initial licensure in mathematics may begin their program of study now by completing the post baccalaureate certificate program found in the undergraduate section of this catalog.
Program Objectives
The Master of Arts in Teaching Mathematics Program is designed to provide sufficient content courses in mathematics and professional courses in education to educate students in advanced mathematics and to prepare candidates for professional licensure at the secondary level.
Program Description
The MAT program in mathematics aims to:
- Enhance and deepen the candidate’s knowledge of mathematics
- Develop the candidate’s teaching skills
- Strengthen the interactive connection between field-based experience and knowledge of theory
- Provide interdisciplinary studies
- Improve the candidate’s skills to:
- communicate with high school students and evaluate their progress
- develop and evaluate curriculum
- continue their own professional development
Two tracks are available: Track A is a professional graduate track for those who desire advanced study in mathematics and/or who currently hold professional licensure at the Secondary Level. Track B is for students with initial licensure*. In addition to the content core, students must complete an 18-credit clinical core of education courses designed to prepare the student for professional licensure at the secondary level. Each semester various content courses will be offered. Students should check current class listing for course selection.
Admission Standards and Criteria
To apply for enrollment in either the Master of Arts or Master of Arts in Teaching Mathematics Program, students must submit documents as outlined in the graduate admissions section as well as:
- An official transcript of a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited institution, preferably with (but not limited to) a major in mathematics.
- The official results of the Graduate Record Exam (GRE).
- Applicants with inadequate preparation in mathematics will be required to take undergraduate courses in mathematics prior to admission. For those pursuing certification there may be additional prerequisite courses depending upon what previous coursework in education has been completed.
- Applicants to the MAT in mathematics must submit a copy of their initial teaching license. Applicants without initial licensure may be admitted to the program through the postbaccalaureate program and will be required to complete additional coursework leading to initial licensure.
For more information regarding licensure requirements for teacher preparation programs, contact the Educator Licensure Office at (978) 665-3239 or visit the Web site at www.fitchburgstate.edu/edunit.
Program Requirements
All students must complete a core of at least one content mathematics course in each of the following three groupings:
- Algebra
Number Theory
- Analysis
Probability
- Geometry
Mathematical Modeling
Discrete Mathematics
Additionally, all students must satisfactorily pass two approved comprehensive examinations. One exam must cover two of the above three content course groupings. The other may be in mathematics education.
Students in Track A, the professional graduate track, must complete 21 semester hours of content courses in mathematics and 9 semester hours of electives.
Students in Track B, the clinical track, must complete 18 semester hours of content courses in mathematics and a 18-credit clinical core of education courses directly related to certification requirements.
Return to: