MAT in Mathematics Education

The Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) Program is designed for liberal arts graduates who majored in mathematics or who have taken a minimum of six mathematics courses beyond Calculus I who wish to teach in middle or secondary schools and who have not completed any professional education courses.

In collaboration with the Graduate School of Arts & Sciences, students in this 12-month, full-time program prepare for Massachusetts initial teacher licensure and further strengthen their chosen academic fields. Program graduates complete courses in professional education, additional graduate courses in their content fields, and a student-teaching experience.

The Master of Arts in Teaching Program is a 12-month program for full-time students seeking initial licensure for teaching at the middle, junior, or senior high school levels in accordance with requirements in the state of Massachusetts. Licensure reciprocity exists with many states, but students should investigate specifics in the state of anticipated residence.

The program begins in May each year, though in some cases students may begin in July or September. It is also possible to complete the degree over a longer time period as a part-time student.

Students complete three or four courses in their chosen field of study in the Graduate School of Arts & Sciences or in the School of Education and learn pedagogy and teaching methodology in the School of Education.

The professional education component consists of study in foundations of education, curriculum and methods of instruction, and student-teaching. This combination ensures strength in the field of study combined with a comprehensive set of teaching skills appropriate to adolescents.

Curriculum

Education Coursework (18–20 cr)

• SED ED 500/501 Foundations of Educational Practices/Lab (6 cr)
• SED DS 502 Introduction to Adolescent Development (2 cr)
• SED SE 510 Special Education: Curriculum and Instruction (2 cr)
• SED CT 575 General Methods of Instruction, 5–12 (4 cr)
• SED ME 530 Teaching Math in Urban Schools (2 cr) only required for Noyce scholars
• SED ME 547 Methods of Teaching Mathematics: High School (4 cr) or SED ME 546 Methods of Teaching Mathematics: Middle School (4 cr)

Mathematics Coursework (12 cr)

Students complete 12 credits (approximately four courses) in mathematics at the Graduate School of Arts & Sciences or at the School of Education.

Practicum (8 cr)

Students participate in a 300-hour student-teaching experience supervised by a trained classroom teacher and Boston University faculty. Students select a practicum experience from the options listed below.

• SED ME 507 Student Teaching Practicum: Mathematics 5–8 (8 cr)
• SED ME 508 Student Teaching Practicum: Mathematics 8–12 (8 cr)

Elective Coursework (4 cr)

Elective courses are chosen in consultation with the student’s academic advisor.

Scholarships

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.

Admissions

Students are admitted to the School of Education and the Graduate School of Arts & Sciences jointly.