Master of Arts (MA) in Pedagogical Content Knowledge for Teaching Elementary and Middle School Mathematics
The Master of Arts (MA) in Pedagogical Content Knowledge for Teaching Elementary and Middle School Mathematics program at Northeastern Illinois University is designed for teachers who wish to improve their level of competence in mathematics or wish to serve as Elementary or Middle School Mathematics Specialists, Coordinators of Elementary or Middle School Mathematics Programs, or Teachers of Elementary or Middle School Mathematics.
The MA program is mathematics-content oriented with a focus on content-specific pedagogy, mathematics teaching in diverse settings, and current Illinois educator and student standards. Students study elementary and middle school mathematics content from an advanced perspective, exploring the underlying concepts with the goal of improving their teaching of elementary and middle school mathematics. Successful completion of the program leads to a middle school mathematics endorsement.
To complete the degree, students must complete 30 hours of coursework at the 400-level. The degree requirements also include a portfolio and exit exam. Students may complete the program in two years by enrolling in two courses during each of the Fall and Spring semesters and two courses in the intervening summer. Admission preference will be given to applicants with teaching experience. Students interested in 9-12 mathematics endorsement should contact the program advisor for more information.
Admission Requirements for the MA Program:
Degree Requirements for the MA Program:
All courses listed below are required. Students must have completed at least 24 program hours by the time they complete MTHE 496. Course sequence must be chosen in consultation with the MA advisor. All courses are 3 credit hours.
Required Courses for the MA Program:
MTHE 401 Number Systems and Operations for Elementary and Middle School Teachers
MTHE 402 Patterns, Functions, and Algebra for Elementary and Middle School Teachers
MTHE 403 Geometry and Measurement for Elementary and Middle School Teachers
MTHE 404 History of Mathematics for Elementary and Middle School Teachers
MTHE 438 Data Analysis, Statistics, and Probability for Elementary and Middle School Teachers
MTHE 439 Technology for Elementary and Middle School Mathematics Teachers
MTHE 450 Equitable Mathematics Teaching for Elementary and Middle School Teachers
MTHE 451 Research Trends in Elementary and Middle School Mathematics Education
ELED 440 Current Issues in the Teaching of Elementary and Middle School Mathematics
MTHE 496 Graduate Seminar for Elementary and Middle School Mathematics Teachers
Total: 30cr
Exit Requirements for the MA Program:
For more information about the Master of Arts (MA) in Pedagogical Content Knowledge for Teaching Elementary and Middle School Mathematics please contact:
Dr. Tanya Cofer
Associate Professor, Mathematics
Advisor, MA Program
Northeastern Illinois University
Department of Mathematics
5500 N. St. Louis Avenue
Chicago, IL 60625
Office: Science Building 225A
Tel (work): 773-442-5758
Fax (work): 773-442-5770
Email: [email protected]
Dr. Sarah B. Oppland-Cordell
Assistant Professor, Mathematics
Northeastern Illinois University
Department of Mathematics
5500 N. St. Louis Avenue
Chicago, IL 60625
Office: Science Building 225C
Tel (work): 773-442-5751
Fax (work): 773-442-5770
Email: [email protected]
The Master of Arts (MA) in Pedagogical Content Knowledge for Teaching Elementary and Middle School Mathematics program at Northeastern Illinois University is designed for teachers who wish to improve their level of competence in mathematics or wish to serve as Elementary or Middle School Mathematics Specialists, Coordinators of Elementary or Middle School Mathematics Programs, or Teachers of Elementary or Middle School Mathematics.
The MA program is mathematics-content oriented with a focus on content-specific pedagogy, mathematics teaching in diverse settings, and current Illinois educator and student standards. Students study elementary and middle school mathematics content from an advanced perspective, exploring the underlying concepts with the goal of improving their teaching of elementary and middle school mathematics. Successful completion of the program leads to a middle school mathematics endorsement.
To complete the degree, students must complete 30 hours of coursework at the 400-level. The degree requirements also include a portfolio and exit exam. Students may complete the program in two years by enrolling in two courses during each of the Fall and Spring semesters and two courses in the intervening summer. Admission preference will be given to applicants with teaching experience. Students interested in 9-12 mathematics endorsement should contact the program advisor for more information.
Admission Requirements for the MA Program:
- Students must fulfill the requirements for admission to the Graduate College.
- Students must hold a current Illinois teaching certificate for teaching elementary or middle school.*
- Students must have successfully completed 6 or more credit hours of college mathematics content courses.
- Applications must include an essay (not to exceed 1000 words) describing a successful or unsuccessful elementary or middle grades mathematics lesson taught by the applicant. Essays must address mathematics content, teaching and learning.
Degree Requirements for the MA Program:
All courses listed below are required. Students must have completed at least 24 program hours by the time they complete MTHE 496. Course sequence must be chosen in consultation with the MA advisor. All courses are 3 credit hours.
Required Courses for the MA Program:
MTHE 401 Number Systems and Operations for Elementary and Middle School Teachers
MTHE 402 Patterns, Functions, and Algebra for Elementary and Middle School Teachers
MTHE 403 Geometry and Measurement for Elementary and Middle School Teachers
MTHE 404 History of Mathematics for Elementary and Middle School Teachers
MTHE 438 Data Analysis, Statistics, and Probability for Elementary and Middle School Teachers
MTHE 439 Technology for Elementary and Middle School Mathematics Teachers
MTHE 450 Equitable Mathematics Teaching for Elementary and Middle School Teachers
MTHE 451 Research Trends in Elementary and Middle School Mathematics Education
ELED 440 Current Issues in the Teaching of Elementary and Middle School Mathematics
MTHE 496 Graduate Seminar for Elementary and Middle School Mathematics Teachers
Total: 30cr
Exit Requirements for the MA Program:
- One semester prior to their anticipated graduation date, candidates should make an exit evaluation meeting with their program advisor to discuss upcoming exit requirement deadlines.
- Upon completing MTHE 496, candidates should submit their electronic portfolios for evaluation.
- One semester prior to their anticipated graduation date, candidates should submit a copy of their results on either the Praxis® Middle School Mathematics Exam (0069) or the Illinois Subject Matter Test in Mathematics.
For more information about the Master of Arts (MA) in Pedagogical Content Knowledge for Teaching Elementary and Middle School Mathematics please contact:
Dr. Tanya Cofer
Associate Professor, Mathematics
Advisor, MA Program
Northeastern Illinois University
Department of Mathematics
5500 N. St. Louis Avenue
Chicago, IL 60625
Office: Science Building 225A
Tel (work): 773-442-5758
Fax (work): 773-442-5770
Email: [email protected]
Dr. Sarah B. Oppland-Cordell
Assistant Professor, Mathematics
Northeastern Illinois University
Department of Mathematics
5500 N. St. Louis Avenue
Chicago, IL 60625
Office: Science Building 225C
Tel (work): 773-442-5751
Fax (work): 773-442-5770
Email: [email protected]