Manjula Joseph, Ph.D.
Program Director, Mathematics Education
M.A. in Mathematics Education (Elementary /Middle School Emphasis)
School of Education
Ignite and sustain your excitement about mathematics and learning with FPU's Master of Arts in Mathematics Education.
This program, designed for multiple subject teachers, provides a deeper understanding of the key mathematical concepts encountered at the elementary/middle level, and how to teach these concepts effectively. The program emphasizes a deep and broad understanding of math taught at the elementary/ middle school levels.
Program Highlights
- Small class size
- Courses are offered fully online with weekly synchronous meetings
- Allows graduates to apply for a Supplemental Authorization in math to teach at the middle school level.
- Special program designed for single subject teachers
-
50 percent scholarships available through the AIMS Education Foundation
- Additional scholarship/grant opportunities available.
- The foci of Mathematical Modeling and Teaching Mathematics for Social Justice are at the core throughout the program.
Catalog
Program Director: Manjula Joseph, Ph.D.
Overview
The mathematics education program presently offers programs designed for both elementary (those with a multiple subjects credential) and high school teachers of mathematics (those possessing a single-subject credential in mathematics). Students choose one option.
The elementary-middle school option offers a balance of courses from mathematics content and mathematics education. The first four of these courses are all mathematical content, equivalent to or exceeding the Upper Division level. Upon completion of these four courses, students may apply to the California Commission on Teacher Credentialling (CCTC) for a Supplemental Authorization in Mathematics. This authorization will allow teachers to have full-time teaching assignments in mathematics in grades 7-9. The remaining courses are intended to give teachers both content knowledge and an understanding of how to foster and maintain interest in mathematics among students with widely varying backgrounds. The foci of Mathematical Modeling and Teaching Mathematics for Social Justice are at the core throughout the 30 units.
The secondary school option is designed for teachers with single-subject credentials and an undergraduate degree in mathematics. The program is not intended as preparation for advanced study in mathematics, as in a Ph.D. in mathematics, but rather the courses place emphasis on depth and breadth of understanding of mathematics taught in grades 7-14. As with the Elementary/Middle School emphasis above, the focus is on Mathematical Modeling and Teaching Mathematics for Social Justice. This program has been designed to meet the needs of High School teachers who may be asked to teach Dual Enrollment courses at their schools but in collaboration with a local community college.
Both of these emphases are designed around a cohort model and can be completed in five consecutive semesters (including summers). These degrees follow the FPU Master's Handbook option of a "Program Designed Course Sequence" for their capstone project.
Admissions Requirements
- Application form and fee
- Orientation interview with program director
- Statement of intent
- One letter of recommendation
- Official transcripts verifying BA/BS degree
- Letter of explanation if GPA is under 3.0
Program Student Learning Outcomes
- Students will strengthen and deepen their specialized content knowledge for teaching Mathematics
- Students will increase their focus on equity and diversity of pedagogical approaches to the content in their own practice
- Students will learn to recognize and apply their self-empowerment and self- efficacy and will translate the same into their students
- Students will create and present their academic scholarship through a program-designed course of study
- Students will deepen their knowledge of and broaden their connections to the mathematics education community, including elements of social justice and issues related to diversity
Program Length/Semester Starts
- Students will strengthen and deepen their specialized content knowledge for teaching Mathematics
- Students will increase their focus on equity and diversity of pedagogical approaches to the content in their own practice
- Students will learn to recognize and apply their self-empowerment and self- efficacy and will translate the same into their students
- Students will create and present their academic scholarship through a program-designed course of study
- Students will deepen their knowledge of and broaden their connections to the mathematics education community, including elements of social justice and issues related to diversity
Program Length/Semester Starts
The Master of Arts in Mathematics is designed under a cohort model to be completed in five (5) contiguous semesters (e.g. Fall, Spring, Summer, Fall, Spring) Cohorts may start in any semester.
Locations Offered
Main Campus
Online options exist
Required Courses (30 Units)Master of Arts Core (required for both options)
- MSER 794 - Introduction and Literature Review Credits 3
- MSER 795 - Research Methods and Project Proposal Credits 3
- MTHE 770 - Teaching Mathematics for Social Justice Credits 3
Select one of the options listed below:Secondary School Option
- MTHE 761 - Advanced Geometry Credits 3
- MTHE 762 - Advanced Algebra Credits 3
- MTHE 763 - Probability and Statistics Credits 3
- MTHE 768 - Calculus in the Classroom Credits 3
- MTHE 769 - Mathematical Modeling in School Credits 3
- MTHE 771 - Role of Change in Perspective in Mathematics Credits 3
- MTHE 772 - Data Science Credits 3
Elementary-Middle School Option- MTHE 701 - Core Mathematics I Credits 3
- MTHE 702 - Core Mathematics II Credits 3
- MTHE 703 - Core Mathematics III Credits 3
- MTHE 704 - Core Mathematics IV Credits 3
- MTHE 742 - Current Issues and Research in Mathematics Education Credits 2 - 4
- MTHE 769 - Mathematical Modeling in School Credits 3
- MTHE 771 - Role of Change in Perspective in Mathematics Credits 3
- MTHE 772 - Data Science Credits 3
Possibilities Await
With an FPU Education
The decision to embark on graduate studies is a big one. Our 40+ graduate programs will equip you to succeed in your career and in your life. You’ll become part of a small community of learners, thrive in a flexible learning environment and be challenged by a rigorous curriculum. Learn how much further you can go at FPU!
For more information, contact the campus nearest you, attend an information meeting or ask about a program.
First Steps to Admission
- Apply online
- Submit 2 reference forms (Varies based on program of interest)
These can be filled out by academic or professional acquaintances familiar with your ability to complete graduate-level work. Print the reference form. - Include statement of intent.
You can also provide an addendum explaining your interest in the program, any long-term goals and your experience in the field. - Request official transcripts.
Transcripts must be from accredited institutions to verify your bachelor’s degree. Send transcripts electronically to trans.evaluator@fresno.edu or mail sealed transcripts to the Registrar’s Office at 1717 S. Chestnut Ave. Fresno, CA 93702. - Complete program requirements.
These requirements are specific to your program of choice. You will be contacted for an interview and additional requirements if applicable. - Apply for financial aid.
You can apply for FAFSA. Use FPU school code: 001253 - Schedule an appointment.
Meet with your Student Financial Services Advisor. You can contact them at 559-453-2041 | sfs@fresno.edu.
Program Requirements
- Orientation interview with program director
- One current professional reference form
- Minimum 3.0 GPA
- Letter of explanation if your GPA is under 3.0
State Authorization
State authorization is a federal requirement in the HigherEducation Act that requires institutions to be authorized in the state in which online programs are offered. Fresno Pacific University works regularly with individual state authorization agencies to meet each state's requirements. Currently, Fresno Pacific University has received authorization to offer online degree programs in all but six states: Georgia, Michigan, New York, New Mexico, Rhode Island and Wisconsin.
For the latest updates on the status of FPU's authorization in your state, contact your FPU Admissions representative.
Cost & Financial Aid
The below listed prices reflect the current and upcoming Fall and Spring semesters and do not include any financial aid. Paying for college can be an overwhelming step in your education journey. We can help you find all the opportunities to reduce your out of pocket costs.
Tuition & Fees
* This is an estimate. Costs subject to change. Please refer to the Catalog for additional fees. Cost of attendance figures are used for budgeting purposes only and represent an estimate of projected tuition and fees for the coming academic year. Actual tuition rates are approved by the Board of Trustees and may vary.
Types of aid
Financial aid can refer to scholarships, grants and loans, which are available to you from the government, the university or outside sources. Aid types vary depending on the type of student you are.
Career Opportunities
Successful graduates of this program have become district math coordinators or math instructors at the community college level.
Career Development Happens Here
The staff in our Career Development and Experiential Learning Center are here to help you prepare to enter the working world. Whether your a freshman or an FPU alum, there are a number of resources and trainings offered to help you find the internship and job you’re looking for.
- Resume writing classes
- Career assessments, exploration & planning
- Job search and networking opportunities
- and much more