Graduate programs

The Fariborz Maseeh Department of Mathematics and Statistics offers work leading to the degrees of Master of Arts, Master of Science, the Ph.D. in Mathematical Sciences and the Ph.D. in Mathematics Education as well as the Graduate Certificate in Applied Statistics.

Mathematics M.A./M.S.

Statistics + Data Science M.S.

M.S. in Mathematics for Teachers

Mathematical Sciences Ph.D.

Mathematics Education Ph.D.

Applied Statistics + Data Science Graduate Certificate

Mathematics for Teachers M.S.

The M.S. in Mathematics for Teachers (MS-MTCH) is designed for individuals interested in strengthening their understanding of mathematics to enrich the teaching of mathematics. The program prepares teachers in subjects such as geometry, algebra, analysis/calculus, history of mathematics, probability, statistics, discrete mathematics, and use of technology in the classroom. The program is intended for individuals with a mathematics degree or a strong background in mathematics.

The M.S. in Mathematics for Teachers program offers advanced training and specialized courses for secondary school teachers of mathematics. The MS-MTCH does not lead to a teaching license.  If you are interested in teaching secondary mathematics, please contact the College of Education GTEP program. 

Admission

Program prerequisites:

Transcript(s) must show satisfactory completion of at least the following undergraduate courses: Linear Algebra, Introductory Analysis/Advanced Calculus or Introductory Probability and Statistics, College Geometry, and Abstract Algebra/Group Theory. These courses are equivalent to PSU's Mth 261, Mth 311 or Stat 452, Mth 338, and Mth 344.

In addition to program prerequisites, applicants must meet the university's minimum admission requirements including English language proficiency.

This program currently offers rolling admissions. See instructions on how to apply:

https://www.pdx.edu/math/admissions-mathematics-teachers-ms


Degree Requirements:

An MS-MTCH candidate must complete an approved program of 45 graduate credits which includes a capstone project.

A student must have a minimum 3.00 GPA on the courses applied to the program of study, as well as a minimum 3.00 GPA in all graduate-level courses taken at PSU. Although grades of C+, C, and C- are below the graduate standard, they may be counted as credit toward a master’s degree with the specific written approval of the department if taken at PSU after the term of formal admission to the graduate program. For the MS-MTCH program, all courses must be graded A-F. The pass/no pass grading option is not allowed.

Students are responsible for knowing University-level graduate policies and procedures for obtaining the degree. These policies and procedures are in the Graduate Studies section of the PSU Bulletin. Several of the most frequently asked about University-level graduate policies and procedures can also be found on the Graduate School website.

Complete the following courses (10 credits):

Mth 584Algebra and Geometry Connections for Teachers

4

Mth 586Topics in The History of Mathematics

2-3

Mth 588Topics in Computing for Mathematics Teachers

1-3

Complete two groups of courses (16 credits) from the following lists:

Group One

Mth 581Foundations for Teaching Introductory Probability

4

Mth 582Foundations for Teaching Introductory Statistics

4

Group Two

Mth 585Precalculus, Differential Calculus, and Analysis Connections for Teachers

4

Mth 587Precalculus, Integral Calculus, and Analysis Connections for Teachers

4

Group Three

Mth 590Teaching Mathematics for Social Justice

4

Mth 592Ethnomathematics

4

Capstone (3 credits)

Mth 501Curriculum Research, Mathematics

3

or

Mth 504Mathematics Internship

3

Mathematics Electives (6-8 credits)

Approved graduate-level mathematics courses or statistics courses.

University Electives (8-10 credits to reach 45 credit minimum)

Graduate-level courses (Mathematics, Education, or other) approved by the MS-MTCH program adviser.

Alternative math/stat courses may be substituted with approval from the MS-MTCH program adviser. Note also that some of these courses are "Topics" courses, and with MS-MTCH adviser approval may be repeated for credit.

For those in the MEd/GTEP program, consult with the MS-MTCH program adviser for Dual-Degree option.

Courses at the 700 and 800 level are not acceptable in this degree program.

Planning a MS-MTCH Degree Program:

Some of the courses are offered every year, whereas some courses are offered every other year. Refer to the Course Projection Guide (CPG, https://app.banner.pdx.edu/cpg/).  It is important to take as many of the required courses as you can prior to choosing elective courses. Also, start thinking about the Capstone Project (Curriculum Project or Internship) early in your program. Meeting with the MS-MTCH program adviser to plan your degree will make the process much smoother.