MASTER OF ARTS IN MATHEMATICS FOR ELEMENTARY SCHOOL TEACHERS

DEPARTMENT OF MATHEMATICS NORTHEASTERN ILLINOIS UNIVERSITY CHICAGO ILLINOIS 60625

Advisor: Dr. Philip Wagala Gwanyama             E-Mail:P-Gwanyama@neiu.edu    Phone : (773)  442-5781

The Department of Mathematics offers a Master of Arts (MA) degree in Mathematics for Elementary School Teachers. This program is designed for teachers who wish to improve their level of competence in mathematics or wish to serve as Elementary School Mathematics Specialists, Coordinators of Elementary School Mathematics Programs, or Teachers of Junior High or Middle School Mathematics.

The MA program is mathematics-content oriented. Through the study of advanced mathematics, students gain an understanding of underlying concepts that will help improve their teaching of Mathematics.  To complete the degree students must complete 30 credit hours of course work at the 400 level. The degree requirements also include a comprehensive final exam. Students may complete the program in two years by enrolling in two courses during each of the Fall and Spring semesters and one course during each Summer. Candidates may consult the Department of Mathematics for further information about the program.      

Requirements for admission to the Program:

The requirements for admission into the MA program are:

  1. Students must fulfill the requirements for admission to the Graduate College. 
  2. Students must have a current Illinois Teaching Certificate for K-9 or equivalent.
  3. Students must have successfully completed 6 - 15 credit hours of College Mathematics content courses.         

Requirements for the Degree:

All courses must be chosen in consultation with the MA advisor.          

Core Courses: 15cr

MATH-408 Mathematics Structure For Elem. School Teachers I

3cr

MATH-409 Mathematical Functions for Elem. School Teachers

3cr

MATH-435 Mathematics Structure II

3cr

MATH-438 Elem. Probability and Statistics for Teachers

3cr

MATH-439 Computers in Education

3cr

Electives: 15cr

Select 5 courses from the following (At least one course in Education is required and no more than 3 courses in Education will be allowed):

MATH-401 Number Theory for the Elementary School Teacher

3cr

MATH-402 Modern Algebra for the Elementary School Teacher

3cr

MATH-403 Modern Geometry for the Elem. School Teacher

3cr

MATH-410 Modern Analysis for the Elementary School Teacher

3cr

MATH-457 Recent Trends in Mathematics

3cr

MATH-495 Project in Mathematics

3cr

TED-ELED-403 Problems in Elem. Mathematics Instruction

3cr

TED-ELED-414 Principles of Curriculum Development

3cr

TED-ELED-418 Theoretical Implications for Elem. Classroom Instruct.

3cr

TED-SCED-401M New dir. in Teaching Math. in Jr. and Sr. High

3cr

TED-SCED-408 The Nature of Math. Abilities in Sch. Children

3cr

TED-SCED-409 Teaching Math. Prob. Solving in the Sec. Sch.

3cr

TED-SCED-421M Research in Classroom Teaching of Math.

3cr

Total

30 cr.

Examination:

A student in the MA program must take a Final Comprehensive Examination. The Comprehensive Examination is offered twice per year, and may only be taken after satisfactory completion of the core courses.

Tuition Waivers:

Merit Tuition awards are available. Contact the Graduate College  for details.

Applications:

To apply, or for further information on general Graduate College regulations, contact

                The Graduate College

                Northeastern Illinois University

                5500 N. St. Louis Avenue

                Chicago, IL 60625-4699

                (773) 583-4050 Ext 6008    

ALL COURSES ARE OFFERED IN THE EVENINGS