Master’s in Mathematics: Education Emphasis
Delve Into Mathematics Pedagogy for Effective Teaching
The Master of Science in Mathematics with an Emphasis in Education from Grand Canyon University is designed for those who have a background in math and wish to work in a higher education career. As a master’s student, you will be taught the skills needed to teach undergraduate math courses at higher education institutions and work toward being qualified to teach in online environments.1,2
Teaching a deeper understanding of mathematics is one goal of this degree emphasis. A second goal is to teach pedagogy and classroom techniques to help you pursue your goal of becoming an undergraduate math instructor. Theoretical and practical applications of both mathematics and instruction are at the heart of this degree program. It’s important to note that teachers at the postsecondary level typically need a doctoral degree in their field. However, a master’s degree may be accepted at some universities and community colleges.3
Benefits of a Mathematics: Education Emphasis at GCU
This MS degree is offered through the College of Humanities and Social Science and may provide you the opportunity to become a qualified instructor who can apply to STEM career openings at postsecondary institutions.3 Math is essential not only for STEM students but for many degree programs, which indicates that math instructors are needed across a variety of postsecondary institutions.4
If you’re passionate about math education as a means to help students achieve their career goals, then this degree program could be a good fit for you. Whether you attend classes in person in the evenings or through our remote format, you'll be immersed within a supportive, Christian learning environment that encourages intellectual discussions and personal growth.
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Career Opportunities After Earning Your Master’s
This master’s in mathematics degree program with an education emphasis is designed to prepare graduates to pursue teaching positions at the postsecondary level. Additionally, professionals who already possess a valid teaching license or certification may elect to earn this MS to further their current teaching qualifications at the secondary level. In some states, high school teachers may be required to earn a master’s degree within a certain period of time after employment as a secondary education teacher.5
With a firm foundation in mathematics pedagogy competencies and a graduate degree, math teachers may be prepared to pursue employment at:1
- Universities or colleges
- Local or two-year colleges
- Vocational schools
- Secondary schools
Earn Your Master’s at an Institutionally Accredited University
GCU is proud to be an institutionally accredited university — a designation that indicates a strong commitment to academic quality across all of our colleges. The Higher Learning Commission has continually accredited GCU since 1968. The College of Humanities and Social Sciences shares the university’s commitment to upholding the principles and standards established by our accrediting bodies.
Frequently Asked Questions
For those interested in pursuing this graduate degree, review our responses to these commonly asked questions.
Mathematics isn’t important only for STEM students; it’s fundamental to understanding the world around us. Education in mathematics teaches the logic, mental discipline and analytical reasoning necessary for unlocking insights into other fields. Furthermore, math is used across a wide range of fields — from economics to engineering and even subjects like social studies.6
Mathematics involves the study of numbers and equations. Students are taught computations and quantitative analysis. However, absent an education emphasis, math students are not generally taught instructional methodologies and mathematics pedagogy. In contrast, a degree program that includes this emphasis does teach these competencies with the goal of preparing graduates to pursue careers as math instructors.
After completing this program, you may be prepared to pursue a career teaching at postsecondary institutions, such as community colleges and professional schools.3 If you already hold an active teaching license, then a master’s degree may add to your qualifications as a secondary teacher.5
If you have a love for math and want to bring the world of STEM to students at the postsecondary level, then earning a master’s in mathematics with an education emphasis may be a path to consider. If career outlook is important to you, then you may be interested to know that STEM occupations are projected to increase. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the job growth rate for all STEM occupations is expected to be 10.4% from 2023 to 2033.4 This includes mathematical as well as postsecondary STEM teaching occupations.
The master’s degree does not require a thesis or capstone project. However, the mathematics and instructional courses are designed to be challenging. The goal of this program is to help prepare you to teach courses that include advanced mathematical skills and concepts at the postsecondary level.
Prepare to inspire undergraduate students with effective math pedagogy.
1 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2024, April 17). Postsecondary Teachers: Work Environment. Occupational Outlook Handbook. Retrieved Aug. 27, 2024.
2 Indeed Editorial Team. (2024, July 2). How to Become an Online Professor in 5 Steps. Indeed. Retrieved Aug. 27, 2024.
3 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2024, April 17). How to Become a Postsecondary Teacher. Occupational Outlook Handbook. Retrieved Aug. 27, 2024.
4 COVID-19 has adversely affected the global economy and data from 2020 to 2023 may be atypical compared to prior years. Accordingly, data shown is effective August 2024, which can be found here: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, STEM Occupations, retrieved on Sept. 9, 2024.
5 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2024, April 17). How to Become a High School Teacher. Occupational Outlook Handbook. Retrieved Aug. 27, 2024.
6 International Commission on Mathematics Instruction. (n.d.). The Role of Mathematics in the Overall Curriculum. ICMI. Retrieved Aug. 27, 2024.
Core Courses
Course Description
This course prepares students for the graduate learning experience at Grand Canyon University. It provides students with opportunities to develop and strengthen the skills necessary to succeed as graduate students. Emphasis is placed on utilizing the tools for graduate success in mathematics. Mathematics concepts, such as logic, mathematical notation and definitions, methods of proof, and mathematics software, are covered.
Course Description
The student is asked to use techniques of mathematical proof to trace the development of important foundations of thought and advances in mathematical thinking. This course follows the evolution of mathematics through history in its attempt to represent and understand the world around us. Topics covered include induction, logic, discrete analysis, calculus, and linear programming. Emphasis is placed on how a mathematical topic originated within its historical context and the theory used to support it.
Course Description
This course covers graduate-level concepts in linear algebra to prepare the learner for a deeper understanding of mathematical practices beyond an undergraduate level.
Course Description
This course covers essential topics in graduate-level abstract algebra to prepare learners in their profession and to succeed in fulfilling future programmatic requirements. Prerequisite: MAT-512.
Course Description
This course covers adult learning theory and instructional practices that are research-based and proven effective in higher education. Technology, online learning, and effective instructional methods for online and traditional instruction are emphasized. Participants research learning models, personalized learning and andragogy and apply their knowledge to improve student engagement and achievement in higher education.
Course Description
This course is an introduction to the rigorous theory underlying calculus, covering the real number system and functions of one variable. It is based entirely on mathematical proofs. The student is expected to know how to read and, to some extent, construct proofs before taking this course. Topics typically include the construction of the real number system, properties of the real number system, basic point set topology, continuous functions, and differential and integral calculus of functions. Prerequisite: MAT-513.
Course Description
This course covers calculus-based probability and statistics with a focus on theoretical foundations while emphasizing applications in educational research in the mathematics classroom.
Course Description
The student is introduced to the techniques and examination of graduate-level mathematical modeling, including formulation, application, and analysis of a mathematical model. Topics covered include differential equations, computational methods, regression, and stochastic models. Emphasis is placed on applications and computational methods. Prerequisites: MAT-513, MAT-571, and MAT-574.
Course Description
This course applies learning theories to classroom instructional methods and strategies. Effective communication, creating learning goals, developing student outcomes and assessments, and giving effective feedback are emphasized. Participants are asked to develop activities, assessments, and lesson plans that would be appropriate for a course taught at a community college or university. Prerequisite: EDU-534.
- GCU cannot and will not promise job placement, a job, graduate school placement, transfer of GCU program credits to another institution, promotion, salary, or salary increase. Please see the Career Services Policy in the University Policy Handbook.
- Please note that this list may contain programs and courses not presently offered, as availability may vary depending on class size, enrollment and other contributing factors. If you are interested in a program or course listed herein please first contact your University Counselor for the most current information regarding availability.
- Please refer to the Academic Catalog for more information. Programs or courses subject to change
Pursue a next-generation education with an online degree from Grand Canyon University. Earn your degree with convenience and flexibility with online courses that let you study anytime, anywhere.
Grand Canyon University’s evening programs cater to the demands of working professionals who prefer an in-person learning environment. Our night classes meet just once per week and offer the interaction and discussion of a typical college classroom.