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Mathematics Education

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Degrees and Certificate Offered

The programs in mathematics education offer a wide range of opportunities for students to develop their expertise in mathematics and in methods of teaching mathematics. Courses focus on research and practice in mathematics education, methods of teaching mathematics to students of varying ages and abilities, and the design and preparation of mathematics curriculum materials.

Undergraduate programs are available for those seeking initial licensure in mathematics at the middle and senior high school levels. These programs reflect current trends and new directions in curriculum and methodology. Professional preparation, including extensive fieldwork, is offered by the School of Education. Students are required to complete a major portion of their coursework in mathematics and/or statistics. Courses in these areas are offered by the College of Arts & Sciences.

Specialty programs in the teaching of mathematics are available to undergraduates who are seeking initial licensure as elementary or special education teachers. After completion of the appropriate program, students are qualified to teach mathematics, to act as mathematics resource persons in team-teaching situations, and to organize and manage mathematics resource areas at the elementary level.

For complete information on these undergraduate programs and application procedures, please contact Admissions, Boston University, 121 Bay State Road, Boston, MA 02215.

Courses Open to Undergraduates

  • SED ME 530 Advanced Methods: Teaching Mathematics in Urban Schools
  • SED ME 544 Early Childhood Mathematics: Pre-K–Grade 2
  • SED ME 545 Methods of Teaching Mathematics: Elementary
  • SED ME 559 Mathematics for Teachers: Geometry

Only for those undergraduates accepted into licensure program:

  • SED CT 575 General Methods of Instruction: 5–12
  • SED ME 507 Student-Teaching Practicum: Mathematics, 5–8
  • SED ME 508 Student-Teaching Practicum: Mathematics, 8–12
  • SED ME 546 Methods of Teaching Mathematics: Middle School
  • SED ME 547 Methods of Teaching Mathematics: High School

The graduate programs in Mathematics Education consist of courses and experiences that focus on mastery of fundamental mathematical concepts and processes, on topics in mathematics education and on preparation for leadership roles. Programs include opportunities to learn about the development of curricula and teaching methods applicable to differing age levels, interests, and aptitudes.

Graduate students may pursue the EdM, MAT, MMT, CAGS, or EdD. The MAT is for students who have earned liberal arts degrees in a STEM field and who desire graduate-level mathematics courses and professional education courses in preparation for initial licensure. (See the “Master of Arts in Teaching Program” section in this department.) The EdM and CAGS are designed for teachers holding initial licensure who wish to expand their academic content base and teaching talents by becoming informed about the latest research, curricula, methodologies, and theories in mathematics education. Teachers on sabbatical leave and school systems with special interests are encouraged to inquire about individually designed sequences. The MMT is offered to applicants who hold an initial license for teaching mathematics and have taught a minimum of two years under that license.

Doctoral students prepare for careers in higher education at colleges and universities where they teach and conduct research in mathematics education. Students also apply their advanced study in mathematics and mathematics education to careers that emphasize leadership in school systems, curriculum and assessment development, program evaluation, mathematics teaching in two-year or four-year colleges, and policy leadership in government and professional associations. See the description of the EdD Program in Curriculum & Teaching for more information on the doctoral program.

There are a number of scholarships available to graduate students in mathematics education. Boston University’s Noyce Scholars Program in Mathematics provides full scholarships to MAT candidates who are interested in working in high-needs districts. Math for America Boston: Noyce Scholars Program also provides full scholarships to MAT candidates in collaboration with Math for America. This scholarship is designed for graduate students with strong mathematics backgrounds who are interested in secondary teaching. Noyce Scholars from either program complete the described MAT program. In addition, they enroll in a two-credit course, “Advanced Methods: Teaching Mathematics in Urban Schools,” tutor Boston Public School students, and receive individual mentoring and support. These one-year programs lead to a master’s degree and initial teacher licensure.

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