The Master of Science in Mathematics Education (MSME) is a professional degree offered collaboratively by the Department of Education and the Department of Mathematics and Computer Science. The program is designed for candidates seeking advanced preparation in the teaching of mathematics in the middle and secondary schools. The curriculum includes fundamental, theoretical and practical experiences within mathematics and education. The MSME program promotes continuing professional development and life-long learning for teachers and mathematics education leaders. This is consistent with the recognition that capable and confident mathematics educators are necessary for all levels of mathematics instruction.
General objects are as follows:
1. Provide candidates an opportunity for personal and professional growth through graduate study in mathematics and in education.
2. Provide mathematics classroom teachers and mathematics educational specialists and opportunity to develop and improve competencies in mathematics and mathematics education.
3. Provide mathematics educators with an opportunity for additional preparation needed for professional development and career advancement.
Candidates who indicate on their initial Application for Graduate Program Admission form that they wish to pursue the Master of Science in Mathematics Education (MSME) will be assigned an advisor in the Mathematics and Computer Science Department and an advisor in the Education Department and will receive MSME application materials. Admission to the MSME at SU requires an application for graduate program admission; the application fee; official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended; if applying for in-state tuition, a Residency/Domicile Information Form; and the following additional application documents and requirements specified by the two collaborating departments:
A. Submit a written description of the reasons for pursuing graduate study in mathematics education and a statement of career goals within the discipline.
B. Submit two letters of recommendation supporting the ability to succeed in graduate study.
C. Complete and submit a plan of study signed and approved by the advisor.
D. Possess an undergraduate cumulative grade-point average of 2.75 or a previously completed master's degree from a regionally accredited institution of higher learning.
Credentials for initial admission to graduate study should be sent to the Office of
Admissions. Credentials for admission of the MSME should be sent to the Department of Mathematics and Computer Science in the Henson School. Following the review of these materials, the program director formally notifies candidates of admission or denial to the program.
Questions regarding the applicability of courses taken as a non-degree graduate student will be resolved by the two collaborating departments graduate program directors.
Candidates who have submitted all application materials but have not obtained a 2.75 cumulative grade point average upon completion of the baccalaureate degree may be admitted on a provisional basis. Provisionally admitted candidates must complete nine credit hours of graduate study at SU with no grade below B.
Upon successful completion of nine credit hours candidates may apply for full admission to the MSME program. Following review of the application materials, the program director formally notifies candidates of admission or denial to the program.
Candidates who do not meet the provisional admission of achieving nine credit hours with grades of B or above are not eligible to apply for admission to the MSME program.
To assist candidates who are provisionally admitted, and advisor will be assigned. Candidates are expected to meet with their advisor to clarify program requirements and to assure that courses for which they register will be appropriate for their program of study.
Prior to admission to the MSME program and registration for courses, it is the candidate's responsibility to become familiar with the program requirements and to confer with assigned faculty advisors to develop programs of study. The program of study identifies core courses, courses in the specific tracks the candidate will follow, recommended electives, and the intended capstone experience. Advisors must approve candidates' programs of study. Program changes must also be approved by advisors.
Candidates seeking the MSME at Salisbury University complete an approved program of study including at least 33 semester hours of graduate credit (a minimum of 24 hours completed at SU) with a cumulative average of 3.0 or higher, with no grade lower than a C, and no more than six credit hours of C or C+.
The MSME program consists of 12 semester hours in Education courses, 12 hours of mathematics courses in either the middle-school or high-school track, six hours of electives, and three hours in a capstone experience.
The curriculum is planned to emphasize mathematics teaching and learning within a context of research, scholarship, and practice. Required courses are as follows:
1. EDUC 502 Introduction to Research
2. EDUC 513 Seminar in Curriculum
3. EDUC 545 Learning and Instruction
4. EDUC 506 Seminar in the Teaching of Mathematics
In addition to completing the courses in education, MSME students select either the middle-school track or the high-school track. The required mathematics courses are chosen so that they are appropriate for the track chosen. The required courses in both tracks are linked to the core learning goals in algebra, geometry and data analysis.
a. Math 541 Conceptual Algebra for Teachers
b. Math 555 The Cartesian Triad (Departmental approval required)
a. Math 501 Number Theory from a Historical Perspective
b. Math 565 Mathematical Modeling for Middle School Teachers
High-school
Track (12 semester hours required)
1. Math 507 Seminar: Algebra
2. Math 508 Seminar: Geometry
3. Math 500 Number Theory (or Math 512)
4. Math 502 Applied Statistics
The two elective courses may be taken from the graduate offerings in education, mathematics, or science. See graduate advisors for recommended electives for each track.
Capstone Course (3 semester hours)
All candidates for the MSME degree will complete a capstone experience.
EDUC 595 Research Seminar: Mathematics Education