M.S. in Criminal Justice
The M.S. in Criminal Justice at UTC is structured to provide students with advanced kno...
M.S. in Mathematics: Education
Chattanooga, Tennessee
INTAKE: Jan & Aug
Program Overview
The M.S. in Mathematics: Education at UTC is structured to support educators in becoming stronger mathematicians and more effective teachers. The program focuses on broadening a teacher's graduate-level mathematical knowledge, rather than specializing in a narrow subfield, which is crucial for those teaching a wide range of secondary or early college math courses. Unlike traditional thesis-based master's programs, this concentration often culminates in a practical, comprehensive portfolio showcasing the student's professional growth, coursework samples, and readiness for career advancement. This flexible structure, often with online and evening classes, caters to working professionals.
STEM-Designated: Yes, the M.S. in Mathematics, including the Education concentration, is recognized as a STEM-designated program. This is a significant benefit, particularly for international students, as it allows for an extended Optional Practical Training (OPT) period in the United States after graduation. The STEM designation highlights the program's rigorous quantitative content and its alignment with fields critical for national technological and educational advancement.
Curriculum: The curriculum is designed to provide a broad and deep understanding of mathematical concepts relevant to secondary and introductory collegiate mathematics. Core coursework typically includes advanced topics in areas such as linear algebra, mathematical modeling, statistics for teachers, differential equations, and analysis. The program often integrates discussions on modern classroom technologies and inclusive teaching techniques, ensuring that students are up-to-date with contemporary pedagogical practices. Elective options may also allow for exploration of topics in discrete mathematics, probability, or even educational technology, further enhancing a teacher's versatility.
Research Focus: While the M.S. in Mathematics: Education is primarily focused on enhancing teaching practice rather than original mathematical research, it does incorporate a form of applied research. Students are encouraged to engage with research-based developments in mathematics teaching and learning. The portfolio requirement often involves demonstrating the application of advanced mathematical concepts in classroom settings, reflecting on teaching methodologies, and critically engaging with educational literature. This "research in practice" approach helps educators make informed pedagogical decisions and contribute to effective mathematics instruction.
Industry Engagement: The program's primary "industry" is education, and it is highly engaged with the needs of secondary schools and community colleges. The curriculum is directly shaped by the mathematical needs of educators, preparing them for roles in teaching Advanced Placement courses, dual enrollment classes, and introductory college mathematics. The program fosters a community among educators, often through synchronous online classes, allowing students to network with other teachers from diverse backgrounds and share best practices. This direct connection to the educational field ensures the program's relevance and prepares graduates for immediate impact in their professional settings.
Global Perspective: The M.S. in Mathematics: Education implicitly incorporates a global perspective by enhancing the teaching of a universally applicable subject. Mathematics itself transcends cultural and national boundaries, and a deeper understanding of its principles benefits students globally. While the program may not have explicit courses on comparative international education, the focus on foundational mathematical concepts and effective pedagogical strategies is transferable and valuable in diverse educational systems worldwide. The program aims to prepare educators who can effectively teach mathematics to students from various backgrounds, a crucial skill in an increasingly interconnected global educational landscape.
Location
Chattanooga, Tennessee
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
USD 26852
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Application Fee: $40
Academic Qualifications: Applicants for postgraduate programs typically require a minimum academic achievement of 70% or above in their bachelor's degree.
English Language Proficiency:
- IELTS: Overall band score of 6.5 or 7.0 with a minimum of 6.0 in each component.
- TOEFL: Overall score of 79 or higher.
- DET (Duolingo English Test): Minimum score of 100.
The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga (UTC) offers a variety of scholarship opportunities specifically designed to support international students pursuing their education in the United States. These scholarships aim to recognize academic excellence, leadership qualities, and contributions to the campus community, helping to make higher education more affordable and accessible for students from around the world.
Merit-Based Scholarships: UTC provides merit-based scholarships that international students can apply for, typically based on their academic achievements, standardized test scores, and overall potential. These scholarships often cover partial to full tuition and are renewable based on maintaining satisfactory academic performance.
International Student Scholarships: Special scholarships are available exclusively for international students, helping offset tuition fees and living expenses. These awards may vary annually and are competitive, encouraging students to demonstrate strong academic records and involvement in extracurricular activities.
Departmental Scholarships: Many academic departments at UTC offer scholarships targeted at students within specific fields of study. International students enrolled in areas such as Business, Engineering, Health Sciences, or Arts and Sciences can explore scholarship options through their respective colleges or departments.
Graduates of the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga's (UTC) M.S. in Mathematics with an Education concentration are highly specialized professionals equipped to make a significant impact in the field of mathematics education. Their advanced mathematical knowledge combined with pedagogical expertise opens doors to various roles within academic settings and beyond.
High School Mathematics Teacher (Advanced Placement/Dual Enrollment): This is a primary career path. Graduates are exceptionally qualified to teach upper-level mathematics courses in high schools, such as Calculus, Statistics, Pre-Calculus, and Advanced Placement (AP) mathematics, as well as dual enrollment courses that offer college credit.
Community College Mathematics Instructor: With an M.S. degree, graduates are well-prepared to teach a wide range of introductory and intermediate mathematics courses at community colleges, including algebra, trigonometry, pre-calculus, and statistics. Many community colleges specifically seek candidates with master's degrees for teaching positions.
Mathematics Department Head/Lead Teacher (K-12): Experienced graduates can advance into leadership roles within school districts, overseeing mathematics curricula, mentoring other teachers, and implementing new teaching methodologies across multiple grade levels.
Curriculum Developer (Mathematics): Graduates can work for school districts, educational publishers, or ed-tech companies to design and refine mathematics curricula, instructional materials, and assessment tools. Their deep understanding of both mathematics and pedagogy is crucial here.
Instructional Coach/Specialist (Mathematics): These professionals work within school systems to support and train other math teachers. They provide guidance on effective teaching strategies, classroom management, and the integration of technology in mathematics instruction.
Mathematics Tutor (Advanced Levels): Graduates can establish private tutoring businesses or work for tutoring centers, offering specialized assistance to students preparing for standardized tests (SAT, ACT, GRE), college-level math courses, or advanced high school curricula.
Educational Consultant (Mathematics): With their expertise, graduates can consult with schools, districts, or educational organizations to improve mathematics programs, assess teaching effectiveness, and provide professional development for educators.
Professional Development Coordinator: Graduates can design and deliver workshops and training sessions for K-12 mathematics teachers, helping them to stay updated on best practices, new technologies, and current research in mathematics education.
Online Course Developer/Instructor (Mathematics): As online learning continues to expand, graduates are well-suited to design and teach virtual mathematics courses for various educational platforms, from K-12 to college level.
Test Developer/Analyst (Educational Testing): Graduates can work for educational testing companies, contributing to the development, analysis, and validation of standardized mathematics tests. Their strong mathematical and statistical background is essential for ensuring test quality and fairness.
