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M.S.Ed. in Teaching Mathematics

In cooperation with the School of Education, an area of concentration in mathematics is provided for teachers to teach mathematics at the high school level. The purpose of the program is to help mathematics teachers:

1. Acquire increased competency in a broad spectrum of the mathematical sciences.
2. Develop additional skills and understanding in the art of good mathematics teaching, including teaching special students.
3. Study current trends and issues in education, and, in particular, mathematics education.

Requirements

Program Admission Requirements

1. A minimum overall grade point average of 2.75 on the undergraduate transcript OR an undergraduate overall GPA of 2.50 to 2.74 and a 3.0 GPA on six hours of required graduate coursework at Northwest in the major program where admission is requested.
2. Valid teaching certificate OR 2 years prior teaching with a valid teaching certificate OR enrolled in an alternative certification program
3. Documentation of one of the following:
   1. 3.5 or higher on the analytical writing measure of the GRE OR
   2. successful completion of another Master's Degree from a regionally accredited institution of higher education with at least a 2.75 GPA OR
   3. National Board Certification OR
   4. Successful completion of nationally normed educational performance assessment (MoPTA, EdTPA) OR
   5. Department analytical writing assessment that is evaluated using a writing scoring guide based on the modified CUNY scales with a score of 4.0 or higher 

Extra Requirements:

Writing Sample

Students must complete a writing assessment administered by the Department Mathematics and Statistics during their first trimester of enrollment. Any student who fails the writing assessment must repeat the assessment within three weeks. Any student who fails the second writing assessment will meet with the chairperson of the department to establish a program of remediation.

Advisement

A graduate faculty member from the mathematics/mathematics education area will serve as an area advisor, and her/his signature will be required for the Degree Audit.  Any change in a Degree Audit must be initiated by the student and be submitted to the Graduate Office accompanied by written approval from advisors.

Comprehensive Assessment

To meet exit comprehensive requirements, the School of Education and the Department of Mathematics and Statistics are responsible for scheduling, construction, and evaluation of their respective portions of the comprehensive examination.  The content of the comprehensive examination will be equally divided between the courses required in education and mathematics discipline.  The mathematics portion will consist of two comprehensive exams from courses chosen by student.  The degree candidate must pass both portions of the examination. Students should contact the advisor for more information. 

Research Component

A research component will be an embedded assignment in the educational coursework.