Master of Arts in Teaching Mathematics Education

Prepare for a rewarding career as a secondary (grades 7-12) mathematics teacher with our Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) program in Mathematics Education. This rigorous 10-month program provides a thorough foundation for teaching and pairs challenging coursework with student teaching across the school year to support candidates in developing the disposition, knowledge,and experience to thrive in diverse school settings.

Quick Facts

  • Program Duration: 10 months over three terms (Summer, Fall, Spring) 
  • Time Commitment: Full time 
  • Term of Enrollment: Summer II term (Begins in June)
  • Course Requirements: 36 credits  
  • Application Deadline: 
    • ​Priority admission - January 15
    • Application deadline - March 1
    • Late applicants are encouraged to apply and will be considered based on available space in the program.
  • Admissions Requirements: GRE Exam Not Required


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Program Details

The Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) program in Mathematics Education offers students a rigorous course of instruction in teaching Mathematics in grades 7-12, combining methodological course work and practical experience in a full-year internship in a public school classroom. Capstone courses that support learning from teaching culminate in a reflective teaching portfolio and project. 

Candidates graduate satisfying the requirements to earn a Pennsylvania Instructional I Certificate and a Master of Arts in Teaching degree.  

Our program is focused on research-based best practices that support all children to learn and is committed to fostering practices that further social justice. 

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Degree Requirements

Internship: During the school year, students complete an internship in a local public school under the supervision of a mentor teacher. In the fall term, MAT students spend approximately 20 hours per week working with their mentor teacher. In the spring and summer terms, students in the MAT program are in their school sites 30 hours per week, culminating in a two-week take-over of their mentor teacher’s full responsibilities. Interns observe, analyze, and practice teaching skills in the grade levels and subjects of their mentor teacher.

Certifications

The MAT program satisfies the requirements for a Pennsylvania Instructional I certificate in Grades 7-12 Mathematics, pending: 

  • Earning a passing score on the national Mathematics PRAXIS II Exam; 
  • Completing the PA Statewide Evaluation Form for Student Professional Knowledge and Practice (PDE 430); and 
  • Demonstrating satisfactory performance in courses and the student internship. 

Teaching Interns must take and pass the Content Knowledge (PRAXIS II) test either the summer before the program or during the first semester of the program in order to obtain their Intern Certificate.

For more information, visit the Pennsylvania Department of Education certification website.

Prerequisites Requirements

The MAT program in Mathematics Education has prerequisite requirements for all applicants: 

  • A major in mathematics or a mathematics-related field (e.g. physics, engineering, economics)  
  • Completion of the college-level Calculus Sequence (Calculus 1,2 & 3, or its equivalent) 
  • College-level experience in Abstract Algebra, Number Theory, Linear Algebra, Geometry,Probability, and Statistics (single courses may satisfy multiple areas; a portion of a course that substantially addresses one of the areas may also be accepted. In either of these cases, further information (e.g. syllabi, course documents)  will be required to make a case for approval).   
  • Foundations of Special Education and Adolescent Development** (The requirement for Adolescent Development can be waived for those starting in summer 2023)
  • 30 hours of experience working with K-12 children (preferably adolescents). Typical experiences include work at summer camps, tutoring, community involvement, or other volunteer or paid work with children.
  • Interview with a program faculty member following application submission.

All applicants are encouraged to use the program’s online transcript review to track your progress online.

Career Pathways

Secondary Mathematics MAT alumni are employed as high school and middle school mathematics teachers in public and independent schools in Pittsburgh, across Pennsylvania and around the country. 

As they gain experience, some of our graduates have become teacher leaders and coaches, and have returned to obtain leadership degrees, such as the practice-based EdD in STEM Education, or educational research-focused degrees, such as the PhD in Mathematics Education.