Master of Education in Mathematics Education
The Master of Education in Mathematics Education is designed for both new and experienced teachers who have a strong commitment to more equitable and just teaching and wish to expand their academic content base and teaching talents by becoming informed about the latest research, curricula, methodologies, and theories in mathematics education. This program interrogates the ways in which mathematics has been used historically as a gatekeeper and has underserved different populations of students. The coursework provides a multi-pronged approach to advancing equitable mathematics teaching, focusing on how the classroom and its structures, curriculum, assessments, etc., can be structured in ways that support students in developing positive mathematical identities and the mathematical learning and flourishing of all students.
The EdM program does not lead to an initial teaching license, but coursework does satisfy the course requirements for those pursuing their professional license in Massachusetts. The EdM program is tailored to meet students’ needs and will vary depending upon each individual’s background. It can be completed in one academic year of full-time study. However, many teachers complete the degree as part-time students while they continue to teach in local schools. Teachers on sabbatical leave and school systems with special interests are encouraged to inquire about individually designed sequences.
The EdM program is offered in a hybrid format. All required courses are offered synchronously in the Eastern Time Zone, with attendance options available either in-person or online Zoom for each class meeting. As such, the program can be completed remotely for those not able to come to BU Campus in Boston, Massachusetts.
Learning Outcomes
- Demonstrate knowledge of the field that connects knowledge of content, teaching practices, student learning, and curriculum, including how equity is central to mathematics teaching.
- Demonstrate the ability to interpret research in mathematics education and apply it to the design of teaching materials, including addressing issues of access, equity, and diversity when teaching all students mathematics.
- Demonstrate the ability to carry out more equitable and just teaching, disrupting inequities that are often reproduced inside of everyday teaching.
Requirements
Total units required for the degree: 34 units
Core Coursework (22 units)
- WED ME 526 Advanced Equitable Assessment in Mathematics (2 units)
- WED ME 530 Equitable Pedagogies in STEM Education (2 units)
- WED ME 534 Strategies That Support Equitable Collaborative Learning in Mathematics (2 units)
- WED ME 558 Mathematics Curriculum: Programs, Issues, and Trends (4 units)
- WED ME 568 The Design of Mathematics Curriculum (4 units)
- WED ME 615 Facilitating More Equitable Mathematics Discussions (4 units)
- WED RS 630 Research for Equity and Social Justice (4 units) or WED RS 620 Action Research and Practitioner Inquiry (4 units) (or WED RS 600 Introduction to Research (4 units), with advisor’s approval)
Elective Coursework (12 units)
Students complete relevant elective courses for a total of 12 units. Elective courses are chosen in consultation with the student’s academic advisor. A sampling of coursework is listed below.
- WED ME 501 Methods for Tutoring Math Students (2 units)
- WED ME 503 Mathematical Reasoning in the Elementary Grades: Number Systems (4 units)
- WED ME 504 Mathematical Reasoning in the Elementary Grades: Algebra, Geometry & Statistics (4 units)
- WED ME 525 Assessment in Mathematics (2 units)
- WED ME 538 Game-Based Learning in Mathematics (4 units)
- WED ME 551 Mathematics for Special Needs Students (4 units)
- WED ME 559 Mathematics for Teaching: Geometry (4 units)
- WED ME 560 Mathematics for Teaching: Algebra (4 units)
- WED ME 563 Problem Solving in Mathematics (4 units)
- WED ME 565 Mathematics for Teaching: Calculus (4 units)
- WED ME 589 Designing Professional Development Programs in Mathematics Education (4 units)
- WED RS 699 Research Apprenticeship
