Master in Mathematics Education

About

The Mathematics Education major in the Curriculum and Instruction degree program is designed to prepare you to bridge research and practice in the teaching and learning of mathematics. Our core courses highlight historically based introductions to theories of learning and curriculum development, as well as methodologically focused contemporary perspectives on teachers’ professional learning and students’ mathematical learning.

There are three key features of our graduate programs:

• Students in our program are exposed to a broad view of the landscape of mathematics education , taking courses from faculty whose research interests range from special education to undergraduate mathematics education.

• A common focus across our program is the consideration of teachers’ professional growth across a variety of contexts , with a particular emphasis on the ways in which teachers attend to student reasoning to support the learning of all.

• Our college is well-situated to support students’ exploration of their interests through coursework and collaborative projects across disciplines; as a student, you are encouraged to pursue these opportunities.

Online Master’s

We offer an online master’s degree for current educators. The program enhances mathematics teachers’ professional knowledge and skills through an emphasis on the analysis and application of current research in Mathematics Education. Faculty members provide opportunities for you to further your pedagogical and subject matter knowledge and skills by focusing on research-based best practices.

Face-to-Face Master’s (On Campus)

The on-campus master’s degree is designed to enhance mathematics teachers’ professional knowledge and skills through an emphasis on the analysis and application of current research in Mathematics Education. Faculty members provide opportunities for you to further your pedagogical and subject matter knowledge and skills by focusing on research-based best practices. The on-campus master’s degree program is not designed for individuals who are seeking K-12 teacher certification. Instead, they are intended for those who wish to enhance their knowledge of mathematics teaching and learning.

Admission Requirements

In order to meet minimum University admission requirements, applicants must have:

• A bachelor’s degree with at least a 3.0 GPA – An earned bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited U.S. institution, or a comparable degree from an international institution, with a minimum 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale) grade point average (GPA) in all coursework attempted while registered as an upper-division undergraduate student working towards a bachelor’s degree.

• GRE test scores. Official test results are required from the General Test of the Graduate Record Examination (GRE). These scores are considered official only when they are sent directly to the Office of Admissions from the testing agency. Examinee copies are not considered official. Graduate Record Exam (GRE)– FSU Institution Code: 5219.

M.S. and Ed.S. Applicant Target Scores: Verbal – 146+ Quantitative – 140+

Ph.D. Applicant Target Scores: Verbal – 151+ Quantitative – 145+ Writing – 3+

The Educational Testing Service (ETS) do not retain scores longer than five years. If your test scores are older than five years, you may have to retake the test to have official scores sent directly to FSU from the testing agency. If you have the report that was mailed to your home address for older scores, then FSU will accept that report.

• Language proficiency test (international students only)– FSU accepts scores from TOEFL (minimum 80), IELTS (minimum 6.5) and MELAB (minimum 77).

• Transcripts – Applicants must submit an official transcript (in a sealed envelope) from each college and/or university attended to the Office of Admissions. The address for submitting transcripts is:

Florida State University Office of Admissions 282 Champions Way P.O. Box 3062400 Tallahassee, FL 32306-2400

Application Deadlines

• Fall: July 1st

• Spring: November 1st

• Summer: March 1st

Career Opportunities

Curriculum choices in our master’s and specialist programs are designed to enable students to become teacher leaders, college instructors, as well as curriculum specialists, state testing specialists and textbook company representatives. Doctoral program graduates are prepared to become university professors, researchers, and leaders in the field.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the job outlook for high school teachers is expected to grow 7 percent through 2020. The job outlook for instructional leaders/coordinators is expected to grow up to 20 percent through 2020. That translates into over 200,000 new jobs nationwide. The median national annual salary range for these job classifications is $53,230 to $58,830 per year. In the state of Florida, mathematics teachers are identified as one of the critical shortage areas. For university or college professors, the Bureau predicts a 17% increase in jobs by 2020; totaling 305,700 jobs in the 2010-2020 time span. The median national salary is $62,050 per year.

A career in mathematics education can be very rewarding, and a typical path offers ample opportunities for professional development and growth. Educators make a difference in the lifelong learning experience of their students, as well as, the quality and standards of the programs they teach.

About FSU

One of the nation's elite research universities, Florida State University preserves, expands, and disseminates knowledge in the sciences, technology, arts, humanities, and professions, while embracing a philosophy of learning strongly rooted in the traditions of the liberal arts and critical thinking.

FSU's welcoming campus is located on the oldest continuous site of higher education in Florida, in a community that fosters free inquiry and embraces diversity, along with championship athletics, and a prime location in the heart of the state capital.

Fast facts

• Founded in 1851; the oldest continuous site of higher education in Florida
• Carnegie Commission classification: "Doctoral Universities: Highest Research Activity"
• 41,900 students from every Florida county and 132 countries
• Accepted freshman profile for 2018:
  • Fall: 4.3 average GPA; 30 average ACT composite score; 1340 average SAT score
  • Summer: 4.0 average GPA; 27 average ACT composite score; 1250 average SAT score
• 94% retention rate for freshmen; 68.4% graduation rate within four years
• 22:1 faculty/student ratio
• 384 buildings on 1,633 acres; the main campus in Tallahassee is 485 acres
• 2,360 traditional faculty; has included 6 Nobel Laureates
• 14,079 total employees
• Operating budget of $1,712,841,231
• $210 million in contracts and grants brought in by faculty in 2016-17
• 301-degree programs: bachelor's, master's, doctoral, specialist, professional

About the College of Education

Established in 1905, the Florida State University College of Education is the oldest College of Education in Florida, has provided education to the best and the brightest for well over a century. Our history is entwined with that of Tallahassee and we are proud of our heritage and the contributions our distinguished alumni have made all over the world.

As storied as our past is, we remain focused on our vision for the future. Every day, faculty and students work toward breaking new ground in the field of education. From implementing innovative teaching methods to affecting educational policy and legislation, our faculty and their research are forging the future of education.

We are proud to have students from over 50 countries who call the FSU College of Education "home." Students from all corners of the globe seek out the FSU College of Education to participate in advanced research, work side-by-side with professors who are pioneers in the field of education, and to earn a degree that fully prepares them to go back out into the world and educate the leaders of tomorrow. In addition to giving you a world-class education, we will also make you part of a close-knit family – with students who share your passion to make an impact – students who will share experiences with you and become lifelong friends and peers.

FACILITIES

The innovation and progressive environment at the College of Education are exemplified in the technology and facilities available to our students. Most notable is the Stone Building, which houses classrooms and lab areas outfitted with the latest technology and multimedia devices to enhance teaching and learning. Learn more and take a virtual tour: https://education.fsu.edu/about/facilities.

THE CITY OF TALLAHASSEE

Our beautiful and charming capital city is abundant with opportunities for College of Education students – from government internships and legislative initiatives to cultural events, shopping, dining, and outdoor activities.

Learn more: https://education.fsu.edu/about/tallahassee.