MSST-MS: Mathematics for Secondary School Teachers Master of Science

Program Description

The Master of Science program in mathematics for secondary school teachers (MSST) offered by the Department of Mathematical and Statistical Sciences is designed for students who want to deepen their knowledge of mathematics beyond the bachelor's level. The program offers training in mathematics, focusing on a blend of advanced mathematical and statistical knowledge and allows students flexibility in the selection of a wide range of topics. While the program is intended for students who hold secondary school license to teach mathematics in grades 9-12 it is open to all students who are interested in learning higher-level mathematics and are not teachers.

The MSST program is intended for students who have a sufficient mathematical background at the undergraduate level and want to hone strong analytic skills in multiple areas of mathematics. The program meets the needs of recent graduates seeking a master's degree in mathematics, mid-career mathematics teachers who are seeking a graduate program in mathematics for career advancement or for a career change, and non-teachers who seek to utilize their mathematical knowledge in industries outside of education. MSST candidates follow an individualized course of study prepared in cooperation with the student's adviser and approved by the MSCS Graduate Committee. The MSSC Department is committed to serving teachers. The program provides a generous number of mathematics courses in the late afternoon or evening as well as some summer courses to accommodate teachers' work schedules. Students may select courses from a list of approved courses offered by the Department of Mathematical and Statistical Sciences and other units on campus. The program does not prepare for a doctoral-level study in pure mathematics.

Degree requirements

All master's students in the MSST program complete a 30-credit plan of study prepared in cooperation with an adviser and approved by the Graduate Committee of the Department of Mathematical and Statistical Sciences. Students are admitted to the non-thesis program (Plan B). A formal request to pursue a thesis program (Plan A) must be approved by the department's Graduate Committee and the Graduate School.

Plan A (thesis option)

All Plan A students must complete a minimum of 24 credit hours of course work, which includes six credits of required mathematics education courses. In addition, students must complete six credit hours of MSSC 6999 (Master's Thesis) and submit a thesis that must be an original contribution to the student's field. Public defense is required. 

Plan A: (Thesis)

  • Mathematics Electives               18 credits
  • Mathematics Education               6 credits
                                       Subtotal  24 credits
  • MSSC 6999                                 6 credits
                                       Total        30 credits

Plan B (Essay)

All plan B students must complete a minimum of 30 credits hours of course work, which includes six credits of mathematics education courses. In addition, students must complete a non-credit essay that reflects the student's ability to synthesize source materials related to a particular area of research or professional practice. A public oral presentation of the essay is required.

Plan B: (Essay)

  • Mathematics Electives              24 credits
  • Mathematics Education               6 credits
                                        Total       30 credits

Coursework

  • List of required mathematics education courses

    MSSC 5020

    The Teaching of Mathematics

    3 credits

    MSSC 6953

    Seminar in Mathematics Curriculum and Material 1

    3 credits
  • List of elective courses approved within MSSC

    MSSC 5030

    Concepts in Geometry and Calculus from an Advanced Standpoint

    3 credits

    MSSC 5040

    Concepts in High School Algebra and Number Theory from an Advanced Standpoint

    3 credits

    MSSC 5120

    Abstract Algebra 1

    3 credits

    MSSC 5121

    Abstract Algebra 2

    3 credits

    MSSC 5200

    Intermediate Analysis

    3 credits

    MSSC 5210

    Complex Variables

    3 credits

    MSSC 5310

    History of Mathematical Ideas

    3 credits

    MSSC 5320

    Theory of Numbers

    3 credits

    MSSC 5420

    Foundations of Geometry

    3 credits

    MSSC 5540

    Numerical Analysis

    3 credits

    MSSC 5630

    Mathematical Modeling and Analysis

    3 credits

    MSSC 5650

    Theory of Optimization

    3 credits

    MSSC 5670

    Applied Combinatorial Mathematics

    3 credits

    MSSC 5700

    Theory of Probability

    3 credits

    MSSC 5710

    Mathematical Statistics

    3 credits

    MSSC 5720

    Statistical Methods

    3 credits

    MSSC 5740

    Biostatistical Methods and Models

    3 credits

    MSSC 5760

    Time Series Analysis

    3 credits

    MSSC 5780

    Regression Analysis

    3 credits

    MSSC 6010

    Computational Probability

    3 credits

    MSSC 6020

    Statistical Simulation

    3 credits

    MSSC 6030

    Applied Mathematical Analysis

    3 credits

    MSSC 6040

    Applied Linear Algebra

    3 credits

    MSSC 6240

    Design and Analysis of Scientific Experiments

    3 credits

    MSSC 6250

    Statistical Machine Learning

    3 credits

    Additional electives within and outside the department as approved by the program director
    Plan A and Plan B master's students may select additional approved elective courses from within or outside the MSSC department. For a complete list of approved elective courses outside of the department, consult with the MSST program director Dr. Marta T. Magiera.

Assessment Goals

Students who graduate from the MSST program will demonstrate the habits of mind that support lifelong learning by:

  • Connecting their knowledge of an area of mathematics (e.g., algebra, analysis, geometry) and a mathematics-related area that has implications for teaching (e.g., mathematics curriculum, learning theory, history of mathematics, philosophy of mathematics).
  • Clearly articulating connections between the two areas, both orally and in writing.
  • Applying their knowledge of an area of mathematics to classroom/professional practice.

The MSST program aspires to build a community of learners and scholars benefiting from shared experiences both inside and outside the classroom where learning is accepted and nurtured between peers and between students and faculty members.

What jobs do students get after graduation?

Students who have graduated from this program work as mathematics teachers at the K-12 or post-secondary levels, mathematics curriculum specialists, or district mathematics coaches. Some students continue on for Ph.D. in mathematics education.

apply to the msst program

Financial Aid

For a comprehensive listing of merit-based aid (e.g. Milwaukee-Area Teachers Scholarships) please visit https://bulletin.marquette.edu/grad/financialaid/.

Private scholarships may also be available. U.S. citizens and permanent residents may be eligible to apply for need-based federal aid (loans) to help fund their educational expenses as well.

Program Resources

For additional information such as program admission, learning outcomes, and course of Study, please visit the MSST page on the graduate school website.

Student Success Stories

Do you have a success to share with us? We'd love to hear from you. Please fill out this form and tell us about your new job, presentation, publication, or any other award or honor you've recently received. We will post your story here, on the Graduate School website and on the Marquette University Facebook and Twitter pages.

Contact Us

For more information about the MSST program, please contact Dr. Marta T. Magiera.