Mathematics Masters Degree (M.Ed.), 5-8, 8-12, Professional

Exciting Update: M.Ed. Mathematics, Professional Licensure Program is Now Virtual

All classes now have virtual options. Enroll today!

Overview

This degree, offered by the Mathematics and Education Departments, is designed to meet the Massachusetts Department of Education standards leading to professional license. This program is approved for professional licensure at the middle (5-8) or secondary (8-12) levels.

Our mathematics graduate courses feature active learning and discovery, both for mathematical content as well as pedagogical ideas and technology. Classes are small and meet the personalized goals of our graduate students. Our program fosters community so that our graduate students have peers they can collaborate with during and beyond the program. We practice how to create tasks and set up classrooms to invite K-12 students to explore mathematics, as well as dive deeper into the mathematical knowledge of teaching.

We offer a Supporting Our Schools Scholarship available to incoming students in licensure programs and a Teacher Incentive Discount throughout the program if MTEL requirements have been met.

For admission requirements please visit our website here.

For questions on course advising please contact

Christine von Renesse
Professor of Mathematics & Advisor
Wilson Hall 326H

Ready to learn more?

Requirements

M.Ed. Programs for Licensed Teachers

Westfield State University has a history and abiding commitment of preparing educators who serve the educational needs of prekindergarten through secondary school students in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Our teacher education programs embrace this vision, Education Leaders Building Inclusive Learning Communities,  a vision grounded in our department's 5 foundational pillars: Critical Engagement with Diversity, Community Building, Social Justice, Scholarship, and Reflection.

Westfield State University teacher education programs are approved by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE). Westfield State University was awarded full accreditation for seven years in June 2020. AAQEP also awarded our educator preparation program with a commendation for our work in anti-racist education.

Professional licensure programs are designed to meet the needs of teachers who already possess an initial level Massachusetts teaching license, and are seeking a master's degree that will lead to a professional teaching license in the same or related field. In order to be eligible for a professional license, teachers must have taught for three years in the area of their initial license, as well as meet other requirements listed in the licensure regulations.

Candidates in professional licensure programs will demonstrate their commitment to diversity at several points in their program. Each candidate will be required to reflect on his or her beliefs, values, experiences, and/or current practices for developing competencies that support diversity. Decisions about a candidate's performance in professional licensure programs will be based on multiple assessments.

Program Description

This 34-credit hour program is designed for teachers who hold an initial license and seek Professional Licensure in Mathematics Education at the Grades 5-8 or 8-12 level. Students without the appropriate license may work toward the initial license for mathematics education and apply up to six semester hours of graduate work toward the master's degree.

See  requirements for graduate programs.

Program of Study

Prerequisite Coursework or Experience

Content knowledge in the following areas must be documented in the student's previous academic record or professional experience. Any gaps in coverage must be fulfilled as determined by the student's graduate advisor.

  • Introductory course in Special Education
  • Introductory course in Computer Applications
  • Introductory course in Multicultural Education
  • Introductory course in Adolescent Psychology
  • Coursework in Mathematics (18 credits) that includes: Statistics, Calculus, Introduction to Proofs, and Basic Mathematical Knowledge for Teaching. Equivalent coursework from another institution and/or work experience may be accepted. Gaps can be addressed during the program and must be filled before graduation.

Education Courses (16 Credits)

Academic Courses (18 Credits)

  •  Select three courses under the guidance of your advisor:
  • *may be taken more than once if topics are different Note: The 500-level mathematics courses listed above may be taken for graduate credit provided a course in this field of mathematics has not been take previously.

Additional Guidelines

Students are required to successfully complete a written comprehensive portfolio to demonstrate mastery of knowledge gained in coursework and to relate concepts across the curriculum. The comprehensive portfolio may be submitted after completing a minimum of 27 credits.

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For questions on the application process

Graduate Outreach Team