Master’s in Math Education Online

What You Should Know

Take a look at some of the requirements and features of schools that offer online master’s degree programs in math education. Write down questions and develop a plan that will help lead you to success in your education and career.

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Overview

Mathematical concepts and ideas surround us in every day life, from the technology we use, to the money we buy our coffee with. In fact, it would be hard to imagine a day where math isn’t used at least once.

Understanding math doesn’t come naturally for most people, however. Effective and dedicated teachers help us to truly understand the complex topics and concepts of mathematics. During high school, students explore more advanced math subjects, and need teachers who are passionate about helping them learn.

To help facilitate this learning, more math teachers are looking to earn their master’s degrees in math education. A master’s degree helps a teacher stand out from the rest of the job seeking market, and provides them with the background and experience needed to become leaders in their schools.

However, most teachers can’t simply put their lives on hold to attend a traditional master’s degree program at a university. Between working and committing to family obligations, a teacher might find it hard to fit in the time needed to study, complete coursework, attend class, and work on projects.

In order to fit their education around their busy schedules, more teachers are looking to earn their master’s degrees through online universities. In an online university, you’ll be able to customize your course schedule, allowing you to view lectures at night or during free time.

Online universities let you communicate with classmates and teachers over the Internet, meaning you don’t need to waste time driving to and from class. You’ll gain the same skills and knowledge as students attending traditional universities, while also maintaining your life responsibilities.

Through your program, you’ll focus on exploring different advanced concepts behind instructional design, curriculum development, and student analysis. You’ll further examine topics introduced during your bachelor’s degree program, such as algebraic reasoning, geometric reasoning, and concepts in statistics.

With a master’s degree in math education, you’ll be able to more clearly relate these tough topics to your students.

If you’ve earned a bachelor’s degree in math, but never completed a teacher preparation program, online universities also offer “master’s plus” programs. In a master’s plus program, you’ll earn teacher licensure while also completing requirements for a master’s degree.

One of the most beneficial aspects of earning a master’s plus degree includes the time you’ll spend in internships and student teaching scenarios. Completion of an internship is the only portion of your online degree you’ll need to complete offline. In student teaching, you’ll be paired with a mentor teacher who will help you apply what you’ve learned through coursework in a real classroom.
For more information on master’s plus programs, click here.

If earning degree sounds like an attractive option for you, develop some questions to figure out if now really is the best time for you to earn a degree.

Should I Earn a Master’s Degree?

While online master’s degree programs offer students a more flexible schedule, that doesn’t mean these programs don’t represent a significant time commitment. Ask yourself some of the following questions:

  • Can I work in an online environment?
  • Will a master’s degree in math education help further my career?
  • Do I have time to add course work, class discussions, and projects to my life?
  • Am I interested in having more career opportunities?
  • Do I want to expand my understanding of teaching theory related to math?

Teachers who seek their master’s degrees already have a solid foundation of teaching methods and mathematical concepts, but wish to dive into newer and more advanced theories in teaching. With a master’s degree in math education, you will be able to more easily relate these concepts to your students.

For example, you might learn about new ways of introducing higher level math topics like trigonometry through hands-on, in-class projects that will allow you to let students explore in a supervised setting.

When looking at online universities that offer master’s degrees, develop some questions to ask your admissions officers to find the right school for you. Some questions might include:

  • How will I schedule my classes?
  • How will I communicate with my teachers and classmates?
  • Is there an offline portion to the degree?
  • Do program graduates typically find jobs in the teaching field?
  • Will I need to take time off of work to succeed in my program?
  • How long will it take to graduate?
  • How much will the program cost? How can I access financial aid?

If you earn a master’s degree, you should also be ready to take on additional responsibilities at your school. Teachers may view you as a source of expertise, and you might even be promoted to a higher position.

Careers

A master’s degree will allow you to pursue additional career opportunities at your school. With a master’s degree, you can expect to earn more money, undertake leadership positions, and transfer the skills you learn in your program to the classroom.

The following are a few of the careers available to those with master’s degrees in math education:

  • Secondary school math teacher
  • Educational Researcher
  • Lead teacher
  • Department Chair
  • Administration

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, high school mathematics teachers typically make between $47,000 and $55,000 per year. With a master’s degree, you can expect this salary to increase by between $10,000 and $15,000, depending on the position you take and your employer.

If you’re interested in discovering the different career options and opportunities available to you, request information from schools offering master’s degree programs in math education.