Dr. Jennifer Bergner, Program Director
410-677-5429
Dr. Randall E. Groth, Secondary and Physical Education Department Liaison
410-677-5061
Advisement for the program is available from the Secondary and Physical Education Department or the Mathematical Sciences Department.
The Master of Science in Mathematics Education (M.S.M.E.) is a professional degree offered cooperatively by the Department of Secondary and Physical Education and the Department of Mathematics and Computer Science. The program is designed for candidates seeking advanced preparation in the teaching of mathematics in the middle and secondary schools. The curriculum includes fundamental, theoretical and practical experiences within mathematics and education. The M.S.M.E. program promotes continuing professional development and lifelong learning for teachers and mathematics education leaders. This is consistent with the recognition that capable and confident mathematics educators are necessary for all levels of mathematics instruction.
The curriculum is planned to emphasize mathematical teaching and learning within a context of research, scholarship and practice.
General objectives are as follows:
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Provide candidates with an opportunity for personal and professional growth through graduate study in mathematics and in education.
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Provide mathematics classroom teachers and mathematics educational specialists with an opportunity to develop and improve competencies in mathematics and mathematics education.
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Provide mathematics educators with an opportunity for additional preparation needed for professional development and career advancement.
Tracks
In addition to completing the courses in education, M.S.M.E. students select either the Middle School Track or the High School Track. The candidate must complete the required mathematics courses for the track chosen. The required courses in both tracks are linked to the core learning goals in algebra, geometry and data analysis.
Admission
Candidates who indicate on their application for graduate program admission form that they wish to pursue the Master of Science in Mathematics Education (M.S.M.E.) will be assigned an advisor in the Mathematics and Computer Science Department and an advisor in the Education Specialties Department and will receive M.S.M.E. application materials. Admission to the M.S.M.E. at SU requires an application for graduate program admission, the application fee, official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended. The Residency/Domicile Information form (if applying for in-state tuition as a Maryland resident) must be submitted to the Office of Admissions. The following additional application documents and requirements specified by the two collaborating departments must be sent to the Department of Mathematics and Computer Science:
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Submit a written description of the reasons for pursuing graduate study in mathematics education and a statement of career goals within the discipline.
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Submit two letters of recommendation supporting the ability to succeed in graduate study.
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Complete and submit a plan of study signed and approved by the advisor.
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Possess an undergraduate cumulative GPA of 2.75 or a previously completed master’s degree from a regionally accredited institution of higher learning.
Following the review of these materials, the program director formally notifies candidates of admission or denial into the program.
Questions regarding the applicability of courses taken as a non-degree graduate student will be resolved by the two collaborating departments’ graduate program directors.
Provisional Admission
Candidates who have submitted all application materials but have not obtained a 2.75 cumulative grade point average upon the completion of baccalaureate degree may be admitted on a provisional basis. Provisionally admitted candidates must complete nine credit hours of graduate study at SU with no grade below B.
Upon successful completion of nine credit hours candidates may apply for full admission to the M.S.M.E. program. Following the review of application materials, the program director formally notifies candidates of admission or denial into the program. Candidates who do not meet the provisional admission of achieving nine credit hours with grades of B or above are not eligible to apply for admission into the M.S.M.E. program.
To assist candidates who are provisionally admitted, an advisor will be assigned. Candidates are expected to meet with their advisors to clarify program requirements and to assure that courses for which they register will be appropriate for their programs of study.
Program Policies
Prior to admission to the M.S.M.E. program and registration for courses, it is the candidate’s responsibility to become familiar with the program requirements and to confer with assigned faculty advisors to develop programs of study. The program of study identifies core courses, courses in the specific tracks the candidate will follow, recommended electives and the intended capstone experience. Advisors must approve candidates’ programs of study. Program changes must also be approved by advisors.
The M.S.M.E. program consists of 12 semester hours of education courses, 12 hours of mathematics courses in either the Middle School Track or High School Track, six hours of electives and three hours in a capstone experience.
Candidates seeking the M.S.M.E. at Salisbury University must:
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Complete an approved program of study including at least 33 semester hours of graduate credit (a minimum of 24 hours completed at SU).
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Complete courses with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher.
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Complete courses with no grade lower than a C, and no more than six credit hours of C or C+.
Checklist
This checklist is an unofficial tool for planning. Matriculated students and advisors should consult the Academic Requirements Report in GullNet before and after registering for classes each semester to track academic progress.
