M.A. in English
The MA in English at UCA is a focused program designed to build upon undergraduate know...
M.A. in Mathematics Education
Conway, Arkansas
INTAKE: August
Program Overview
The MA in Mathematics Education at UCA is specifically tailored to equip secondary mathematics teachers with advanced mathematical understanding and effective instructional strategies. It aims to prepare candidates for teaching positions in middle and high schools, as well as community colleges, or for pursuing further graduate studies at the doctoral level. The program offers flexibility with both thesis and non-thesis options, allowing students to align their graduate work with their career aspirations. Small class sizes and dedicated faculty provide a supportive learning environment, fostering individualized attention and mentorship crucial for advanced academic development.
Curriculum: The curriculum is a 30-credit-hour program, with at least 15 hours required at the 6000-level. All MA in Mathematics Education students are required to complete core courses such as MATH 6310: Advanced Algebra for Mathematics Educators, MATH 6350: Advanced Geometry for Mathematics Educators, and MATH 6370: Advanced Calculus for Mathematics Educators. These courses are designed to deepen the mathematical content knowledge essential for effective teaching. Beyond these core requirements, students select elective courses in mathematics with the approval of their graduate advisor, allowing for specialization in areas of interest. The non-thesis option culminates in comprehensive examinations, while the thesis option involves original research and a written thesis, offering a pathway for students interested in a research-focused career or further academic pursuits.
Research Focus: A key strength of UCA's Mathematics Education program lies in its strong emphasis on research methods. For students pursuing the thesis option, the program provides extensive exposure to research methodologies in mathematics education. The faculty in the Department of Mathematics are actively engaged in scholarly work, including areas like curriculum development and alignment, professional development, performance evaluation and assessment, innovative instructional strategies, instructional technology, and math anxiety. This active research environment provides opportunities for graduate students to participate in faculty research and contribute to the advancement of mathematics education.
Industry Engagement: While the MA in Mathematics Education is primarily geared towards strengthening teaching careers, the skills developed are highly valuable in broader educational contexts. Graduates are prepared to lead in curriculum development, serve as instructional specialists, or even take on administrative roles within educational institutions. The program's focus on advanced mathematical content and pedagogical strategies directly addresses the evolving needs of the education sector, making graduates highly sought after in schools and community colleges. Furthermore, the faculty often consult with local schools and provide supplemental mathematics instruction through seminars and workshops, indicating a direct engagement with the educational community.
Global Perspective: Although the program's explicit curriculum focuses on the mathematical content and pedagogical approaches relevant to the US education system (e.g., mentioning the Arkansas Mathematics Framework), UCA generally fosters a global perspective through its diverse student body and a broad academic environment. The advanced mathematical concepts studied are universal, and the pedagogical principles can be adapted to various educational contexts. The development of critical thinking and problem-solving skills, which are central to the program, are globally applicable and prepare graduates to adapt to diverse learning environments and contribute to mathematics education challenges on an international scale.
Location
Conway, Arkansas
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
USD 11400
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Application Fee: $50
Academic Qualifications: Applicants for postgraduate programs typically require a minimum academic achievement of 65% 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.
The University of Central Arkansas (UCA) offers a variety of scholarship opportunities for international students to help make higher education affordable and accessible. These scholarships recognize academic excellence, leadership, and community involvement, supporting talented students from around the world as they pursue their degrees.
Merit-Based Scholarships: UCA provides competitive merit scholarships specifically for international students, awarded based on academic achievements such as high school GPA, standardized test scores, and other accomplishments. These scholarships can significantly reduce tuition costs and are renewable each year, provided students maintain satisfactory academic performance.
International Student Scholarship: The university offers dedicated scholarships for international students, including awards that cover partial tuition fees. These scholarships aim to attract high-performing students globally and promote diversity on campus.
Program-Specific Scholarships: Some colleges and departments within UCA provide scholarships for international students pursuing specific fields of study, such as business, education, health sciences, or the arts. Prospective students are encouraged to inquire about scholarships related to their major.
An M.A. in Mathematics Education from the University of Central Arkansas (UCA) offers a robust foundation in both advanced mathematical concepts and effective pedagogical strategies. While the primary career path often leads to teaching, the analytical, problem-solving, and instructional design skills cultivated in the program are highly transferable and valued across numerous sectors. Graduates are not only prepared to inspire the next generation of mathematicians but also to leverage their quantitative and educational expertise in a variety of professional settings.
High School Mathematics Teacher: This is a direct and common career path. Graduates are highly qualified to teach a wide range of mathematics courses at the secondary level, including advanced placement (AP) calculus and statistics, providing leadership in their school's math department.
Community College Instructor: With a master's degree, graduates are typically qualified to teach mathematics courses at community colleges, ranging from developmental math to college-level algebra, pre-calculus, and statistics. This role often involves direct student interaction and curriculum delivery.
Curriculum Developer/Specialist: Graduates can work for school districts, educational publishing companies, or educational technology firms to design, develop, and evaluate mathematics curricula. Their deep understanding of both math content and pedagogy makes them invaluable in creating effective learning materials.
Instructional Coordinator/Coach: In this role, graduates provide guidance and support to other mathematics teachers, helping them improve their teaching methods, incorporate new technologies, and address student learning challenges. They may lead professional development workshops and implement new educational initiatives.
Educational Consultant: Leveraging their expertise in mathematics education, graduates can work independently or for consulting firms, advising schools, districts, or educational organizations on best practices in math instruction, assessment strategies, and program evaluation.
Test Developer/Scoring Specialist: Organizations that develop standardized tests (e.g., ACT, SAT, state-level assessments) or educational assessment tools require individuals with strong mathematical content knowledge and an understanding of how students learn. Graduates can contribute to designing, analyzing, and scoring math-related assessments.
Private Tutor (Advanced Mathematics): An M.A. in Mathematics Education significantly enhances a tutor's credibility and ability to assist students with advanced mathematical concepts, including those preparing for university-level courses or specialized exams. This can be a self-employed or agency-based role.
Academic Advisor/Student Support Specialist: In university or college settings, graduates can advise students on their mathematical pathways, assist with course selection, and provide academic support, especially for those struggling with quantitative subjects.
Research Assistant (Education/Quantitative Fields): With the research skills gained in a master's program, graduates can contribute to educational research projects, particularly those focused on improving mathematics teaching and learning outcomes. This can be within universities, government agencies, or non-profit organizations.
Data Analyst (Entry-Level/Educational Context): While not a direct fit, the strong quantitative and analytical skills developed in a mathematics education program can be a valuable asset in data analysis roles, particularly within educational institutions, assessment companies, or organizations that analyze learning outcomes and student performance. Further specialized training in data science tools might be beneficial for this path.
