The Mathematics for Secondary School Teachers (MSST) specialization provides a Master of Science degree in Mathematics for mathematics teachers who wish to enhance their practice by deepening their understanding of mathematics and mathematics education beyond bachelor's level.
Course of Study
MSST candidates follow an individualized course of study prepared in cooperation with the student's adviser and approved by the MSCS Graduate Committee, following one of the two options.
Plan A
24 semester hours of course work
thesis (for 6 credits)
Plan B
30 semester hours of course work
10-20 page essay
Under Plan A, a thesis and 24 semester hours are required. The thesis must be an original contribution to the discipline for which six hours of credit are normally given. At least 12 of those semester hours must be taken at the graduate level (6000 course number or above). Plan B requires a 10-20 page essay that demonstrates the candidate's ability to analyze and synthesize a particular area of research or professional practice, and 30 semester hours of course work, at least 15 of which must be taken at the graduate level (6000 course number or above). The remaining courses may be selected from among those undergraduate courses that are eligible for graduate credit. Students will automatically enter under Plan B and will need to consult with their adviser and the Graduate Committee if they wish to transfer to Plan A. Provided approval is obtained from the Graduate Committee your program may incorporate a limited number of courses from other departments, including psychology, education or science courses.
The MSST specialization requires successful completion of MSCS 5300 and either MSCS 6953 or 6954. No foreign language is required.
The MSCS Department is committed to serving teachers and provides a generous number of mathematics courses in the late afternoon or evening as well as some summer courses to accommodate teachers' work schedules.*
Four Year Rotation of Courses
Mathematics for Secondary School Teachers (MSST)
| Rotation Number | Semester | Course Number and Name* | Possible Alternate Course** |
| R1 | Fall 2010 | 5420 Foundations of Geometry | |
| R2 | Spr 2011 | 5300 History of Mathematical Ideas | 5030 Concepts in Geometry and Calculus from an Advanced Standpoint |
| R3 | Sum 2011 | 6953 Seminar in Mathematics Curriculum Development and Material 1 | |
| R4 | Fall 2011 | 5120 Abstract Algebra 1 | 5420 Foundations of Geometry |
| R5 | Spr 2012 | 5320 Theory of Numbers | 5040 Concepts in High School Algebra and Number Theory from an Advanced Standpoint |
| R6 | Fall 2012 | 6030 Applied Mathematical Analysis | 6010 Probability |
| R7 | Spr 2013 | 6040 Applied Linear Algebra | |
| R8 | Sum 2013 | 5720 Statistical Methods | |
| R9 | Fall 2013 | 6010 Probability | 6030 Applied Mathematical Analysis |
| R10 | Spr 2014 | 6954 Seminar in Mathematics Curriculum Development and Material 2 | |
| R1-R10 | F 2014 - Spr 2018 | Repeat the rotation | Repeat the rotation |
* Fall and spring courses are offered in the late afternoon or evening. Summer courses are offered in the second summer session, but run only with sufficient enrollment. Some Saturday courses may be offered if there is sufficient demand. Students must take at least five courses numbered 6000 or above.
Program Learning Outcomes
By the end of the program of study, the student will be able to:
- Demonstrate knowledge of an area of mathematics (e.g., algebra, analysis, geometry) and a mathematics-related area that has implications for teaching (e.g., mathematics curriculum, learning theory, history of mathematics, philosophy of mathematics), and the connections between the two.
- Demonstrate an ability to apply the knowledge from learning outcome #1 to the classroom.
All applications to the Mathematics for Secondary School Teachers program are handled by the Marquette University Graduate School. Please visit their site for information on applying.
Summer 2013 Research Experience
