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Master of Arts

Teaching –Mathematics Education Master's
(Secondary)

Leads to Teacher Licensure

OVERVIEW

An Online Program for Aspiring Math Teachers


 

Middle school and high school math teachers require somewhat different skillsets. In grades middle school and junior high, it's all about helping kids develop a clear understanding of the basics of multiplication, division, geometry, and simple algebra. By high school, students need teachers with the knowledge and training to explain more complex subject matter and make it relevant and interesting for them.

Students will take 8 professional core courses that will prepare them to handle unique educational situations and become better teachers. These courses focus on a variety of important topics including social and emotional learning, and technology and diversity inclusion in the classroom. Plus, students will get to use augmented reality experiences to give them the opportunity to practice their work before entering the classroom. These 8 professional core courses are also coupled with preclinical experience to help ensure teachers are ready for their classroom.

WGU's online M.A. in Teaching, Mathematics Education (Secondary) degree program includes preparation for certification as a middle school or high school math teacher. You'll be taught effective ways of helping students in secondary grades* develop math skills they'll use for the rest of their lives.

*The grade levels you’re licensed to teach will depend on your state.

Looking to specialize in middle school math? Check out WGU's M.A. in Teaching, Mathematics Education (Middle Grades) degree program.

61% of graduates finish within 

24 Months*

WGU lets you move more quickly through material you already know and advance as soon as you're ready. The result: You may finish faster.

*WGU Internal Data

Tuition per six-month term is

$3,975

Tuition charged per term—rather than per credit—helps you control the ultimate cost of your degree. Finish faster, pay less!

Graduates who would recommend

97%

The vast majority of alumni say WGU delivered on its promises. In fact, over 50% of students found WGU thanks to a friend's recommendation. 

Ready to Start Your WGU Journey?

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COURSES

Secondary Math Education Courses

A nationally recognized curriculum designed to help you become a highly qualified math teacher.

Program consists of 21 courses

At WGU, we design our curriculum to be timely, relevant, and practical—all to help you show that you know your stuff.

WGU's Master of Arts in Teaching, Mathematics Education is an affordable, online degree program that leads to teacher licensure. You will become a highly qualified middle school or high school math teacher, ready to meet the challenges and enjoy the benefits of a truly rewarding, in-demand career.

This program comprises the following courses. You will typically complete them one at a time as you make your way through your program, working with your Program Mentor each term to build your personalized Degree Plan. You’ll work through each course as quickly as you can study and learn the material. As soon as you’re ready, you’ll pass the assessment, complete the course, and move on. This means that you can finish as many courses as you're able in a term at no additional cost.

Our online master's in math education degree program was designed (and is regularly updated) with input from the experts on our Education Program Council. These experts know exactly what it takes for a graduate to teach math principles and methodology at the middle school and high school levels. This M.A. Teaching, Math Education program is recognized by the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM).

The M.A. Teaching, Mathematics Education program at WGU is a mostly online degree program that you will complete by working and studying independently with support and instruction from WGU faculty. 

Washington students, please note that you will be required to complete one additional course that is not listed below: Survey of Pacific Northwest History for Educators. View the Washington program guide.

Mathematics Education
Education
Professional Core
Effective Teaching Practices
Pre-Clinical Experiences
Demonstration Teaching

21 Courses

Program consists of 21 courses

At WGU, we design our curriculum to be timely, relevant, and practical—all to help you show that you know your stuff.

Professional Portfolio

Special requirements for this program

You will complete a professional portfolio, which will include your resume and Philosophy of Teaching Statement and serve as a way to showcase the skills you have acquired throughout your degree program and Student Teaching. 

Skills For Your Résumé

As part of this program, you will develop a range of valuable skills that employers are looking for. 

  • Educational Assessment: Developed assessments that measured specific learning goals, enabling accurate evaluation of student progress.
  • Teaching: Wrote comprehensive lesson plans rooted in a deep understanding of the subject matter, ensuring a well-structured and informative learning experience.
  • Classroom Management: Devised organizational techniques to maintain student focus, productivity, and task completion during class sessions, enhancing overall classroom efficiency.
  • Writing: Communicated ideas with clarity and precision through written communication techniques.
  • Mathematics: Developed math lesson plans in adherence to state standards, aligning educational content with established benchmarks for a well-rounded curriculum.
  • Student Engagement: Successfully identified and implemented instructional strategies that engage students, fostering a dynamic and participatory learning environment.

“I pursued a degree because I wanted to be a teacher. I originally got my B.A. in Mathematics and was not allowed to be a full-time salaried teacher, only a full-time substitute teacher. So, I decided to get my M.A. in Teaching Mathematics at the secondary level. This allowed me to get a higher degree AND my teaching certificate!”

—Heather Grubb
M.A. Teaching, Mathematics Education (Secondary)

WGU vs. Traditional Universities
Compare the Difference

Traditional Universities

 

TUITION STRUCTURE

Per credit hour

Flat rate per 6-month term

SUPPORT

Schedule and wait days or even weeks to meet with one of many counselors

Simply email or call to connect with your designated Program Mentor who supports you from day one

EXAMS

Scheduled time

Whenever you feel ready

SCHEDULE

Professor led lectures at a certain time and place

Courses available anytime, from anywhere

TIME TO FINISH

Approximately 2 years, minimal acceleration options

As quickly as you can master the material, can finish programs in under 2 years

Traditional Universities

 

TUITION STRUCTURE

Per credit hour

TUITION STRUCTURE

Flat rate per 6-month term

SUPPORT

Schedule and wait days or even weeks to meet with one of many counselors

SUPPORT

Simply email or call to connect with your designated Program Mentor who supports you from day one

EXAMS

Scheduled time

EXAMS

Whenever you feel ready

SCHEDULE

Professor led lectures at a certain time and place

SCHEDULE

Courses available anytime, from anywhere

TIME TO FINISH

Approximately 2 years, minimal acceleration options

TIME TO FINISH

As quickly as you can master the material, can finish programs in under 2 years

Why WGU?

You Aren't On Your Own

WGU has Program Mentors who work with you from the day you start, all the way through graduation. They help you chart your courses, answer your questions, and ensure you can go through your program. You're not alone when you choose an online degree at WGU.

Flexibility You Need

Students choose WGU for their online degree program because of its flexibility. Whether you already have a full-time job, have responsibilities as a parent, or just have a busy schedule, WGU can work for you.

Strong Alumni Network

When you enroll in an online master's degree program at WGU, you join an impressive network of teachers. Over 13,000 students graduated from the Teachers College in 2021 alone, taking their skills and impacting the educational system all around the United States.

Accredited, Respected,
Recognized™

One important measure of a degree’s value is the reputation of the university where it was earned. When employers, industry leaders, and academic experts hold your alma mater in high esteem, you reap the benefits of that respect. WGU is a pioneer in reinventing higher education for the 21st century, and our quality has been recognized.

COST & TIME

When We Say Affordable We Mean It

By charging per six-month term rather than per credit—and empowering students to accelerate through material they know well or learn quickly—WGU helps students control the ultimate cost of their degrees. The faster you complete your program, the less you pay for your degree.

Tuition Calculator
Pay less by completing your program faster
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A Master's Degree Is Within Reach

There is help available to make paying for school possible for you:

The average student loan debt of WGU graduates in 2022 (among those who borrowed) was less than half* the national average.

Most WGU students qualify for financial aid, and WGU is approved for federal financial aid and U.S. veterans benefits. 

Many scholarship opportunities are available. Find out what you might be eligible for.
 

*WGU undergraduate students have approximately half the debt at graduation compared to the national average, according to the Institute for College Access and Success (2022).

FLEXIBLE SCHEDULE

A Different Way to Learn: Degree Programs Designed to Fit Your Life—and All the Demands on Your Time

Professional responsibilities. Family obligations. Personal commitments. At WGU, we understand schedules are tight and often unpredictable for adult students. That’s why we offer a flexible, personalized approach to how education should be. No rigid class schedules. Just a solid, career-focused online teaching program that meshes with your current lifestyle. You'll be challenged. You'll work hard. But if you commit yourself and put in the hours needed, WGU makes it possible for you to earn a highly respected degree as a busy working adult.

"The obstacles I faced were the same that many face. I worked a lot, so my schoolwork was done at night, on breaks, and weekends. Money was also a huge part of why I picked WGU. My degree was not expensive at all and I was able to pay some semesters out of pocket...”

—Heather Grubb
M.A. Teaching, Mathematics Education (Secondary)

CAREER OUTLOOK

Become Licensed to Teach Middle School or High School Math

When it comes to teaching careers, the numbers say it all: There aren't enough secondary math teachers to meet the demand. Be the one who shows future generations how to think logically and solve complex problems. Earn your master's in teaching math online at WGU, and prepare for this rewarding career!

Middle school and high school math teachers need specialized knowledge and training to make math meaningful and relevant to students in the secondary grades. WGU's M.A. in Teaching, Mathematics Education (Secondary) degree program offers an innovative online curriculum designed to prepare you to become a difference-maker in American secondary classrooms. 

Return on Your Investment

On average, WGU graduates see an increase in income post-graduation

Average income increase from all degrees in annual salary vs. pre-enrollment salary. Source: 2022 Harris Poll Survey of 1,542 WGU graduates.

Survey was sent to a representative sample of WGU graduates from all colleges. Respondents received at least one WGU degree since 2017.

5%

Employment of middle and high school teachers is projected to grow 5 percent from 2021 to 2031 by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

—U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

WGU Has Alumni Teaching Across the Country

Graduates of WGU's online Teachers College have found meaningful, rewarding teaching careers in classrooms at:

  • Inclusionary K–12 classrooms
  • Middle/junior high schools
  • High schools
  • Private and charter schools

Impressive Class of Graduates

Graduates of the WGU Teachers College include recipients of many professional honors, including:

  • Gates Millennium Scholars
  • Intel Grant for Mathematics and Technology
  • Claes Nobel Educator of Distinction Award
  • Milken Family Foundation National Educator Award
  • Association of Public Charter Schools Educator of the Year Award

ADMISSIONS

Master of Teaching, Math Education Admission Requirements

To be considered eligible for enrollment into this M.A. in Teaching, Mathematics Education degree program, you must provide official transcripts that demonstrate you have earned a bachelor’s degree from a recognized, regionally accredited university AND demonstrate readiness through one of the following:

  • Option 1: Content-related undergraduate or graduate degree with GPA of at least 2.5 (or higher, depending upon your state).
  • Option 2: Undergraduate or graduate degree with GPA of at least 2.5 (or higher, depending upon your state) and 24-30 hours of content specific coursework, equivalent to a major. 
  • Option 3: Undergraduate or graduate degree with GPA of at least 2.0 (or higher, depending upon your state), a passing score on the WGU program required basic skills test (e.g., Praxis CORE) and demonstrate content competency via one of the following pathways 1) 24-30 hours of content specific coursework, equivalent to a major OR 2) an undergraduate or graduate degree in a content-related area to which area of program you are seeking admission.

Students who are seeking initial teacher licensure in a bachelor’s, post-baccalaureate, or master’s program must also pass a state-specific basic skills test for the state in which they live as a prerequisite to Student Teaching. (Registering and paying for the test is the student’s responsibility.) This requirement can be met either prior to admission or before beginning the Foundations of Teaching subject area once you are in your WGU program.

WGU’s teacher licensure programs also include Student Teaching. You must be at least 18 years of age before you may begin the application process or participate in Preclinical Experiences and Student Teaching. You must also submit to a criminal background check prior to entering the classroom for this component of your program.

Get Your Enrollment Checklist

Download your step-by-step guide to enrollment.

Get Your Questions Answered

Talk to an WGU Enrollment Counselor.

Transfer Credits

MORE DETAILS

Becoming a Licensed Teacher


 

State-specific licensure requirements: Each state in the U.S. has specific testing requirements that must be met or completed in addition to completing your teaching degree program at WGU. Teacher licensure requirements vary depending on state laws and may include a number of factors, such as:

  • Completion of a bachelor’s degree program
  • Submission of transcripts
  • Completion and clearance of a background check
  • Passing of required entrance exams and basic skills tests

Preclinical Experiences    

As part of this program, you'll participate in a wide range of in-classroom teaching experiences through at least 75 hours of in-classroom observation.

Student Teaching

To help you prepare to work in classrooms, this program includes a student teaching component. Student Teaching is a full-time, supervised, in-classroom experience of a minimum of 12–20 weeks during which you will be hosted by an experienced teacher and observed by a Clinical Supervisor. Your host teacher will evaluate your performance based on accepted professional standards. Learn more about teaching licensure.

More About the M.A. in Teaching, Math Education

It depends on your state and which Teachers College program you complete, so it is best to ask your Enrollment Counselor. Typically, teachers with an elementary education license can teach anywhere from kindergarten through 8th grade, and secondary teachers in math, English, or science can teach anywhere from 5th to 12th grades. K–12 special education licenses typically enable teachers to work with students from kindergarten through 12th grade.

It depends on your state and your program, but for most Teachers College programs, Student Teaching is typically about the length of one full traditional school semester. Student teaching is a minimum of 12–16 weeks, but it can be longer in other programs.

WGU has a team that works with you to connect you with schools in your area, and with host teachers that will support you through your Student Teaching.

Your Enrollment Counselor can provide more details about your specific situation. While you can provide recommendations of a school you want to be placed in, generally, our Field Placement Office will be selecting and setting up the placement in the end.

Your Enrollment Counselor has access to an up-to-date database that tracks requirements and eligibility for all WGU programs and all US states and territories, so a conversation with your Enrollment Counselor can quickly verify this for you based on where you live and your desired program.

WGU is approved to offer federal student aid. You will need to apply using the FAFSA, which is used to determine your eligibility for aid. WGU’s FAFSA school code is 033394.

Scholarships are available for new WGU students and returning graduates. This video shows more about scholarship opportunities and how they can help you pay for school. Get information on:

  • How to apply
  • Eligibility requirements
  • Examples of scholarships
  • What happens after you apply
  • FAQs
  • Other financial aid options

WGU's tuition is a flat rate that is charged every six months. You can take as many courses as you are able in that six-month term—with no extra cost. You simply pay for the term and do as much work as you can or want to during that time. This means that finishing faster helps you save money—a major benefit you won't find at most other schools. 

Ready to Start Your WGU Journey?