Teaching and Learning, Policy and Leadership, Master of Arts (M.A.) – Mathematics and Science Education Specialization

Candidates for the Teaching and Learning, Policy and Leadership, Master of Arts (M.A.) – Mathematics and Science Education Specialization at the University of Maryland are elementary or special education teachers or teachers of mathematics at the middle/intermediate/junior high or high school level, or those interested in teaching in higher education. Students interested in careers in research or further doctoral degree studies typically pursue a Master of Arts. The Master of Arts is a 30 credit hour program that requires a thesis and an oral thesis defense.

* Candidates typically elect to specialize in mathematics or science education.

For information on the graduate admissions process please visit https://gradschool.umd.edu/education/edtl.

Application Process

INFORMATION SESSION about our Ph.D. and M.A. programs will be held on October 13, 2023, by zoom.

M.A Requirements applicable to all specializations are here. Note the flexibility; even if certain courses are suggested for your specialization, you can make substitutions with your advisor's approval.

Candidates typically specialize in either mathematics or science education.

Mathematics Education, M.A. Thesis Option


	Minimum of 30 Credit Hours of Master’s Study	Credit Hours
Research	EDMS 645: Quantitative Research Methods I (3 credits, required) TLPL 799: Master’s Thesis Research (6 credits, required) EDMS 646: Quantitative Research Methods II (3 credits) – strongly recommended for those considering pursuing a doctorate	9
Discipline-based Content Studies	All M.A. degree option candidates are expected to take advanced level, subject matter discipline‐based coursework that supports their understanding of topics, research, and/or theory related to their teaching roles. The specific courses vary with teaching level and the needs and interests of candidates. For teachers at the secondary level or beyond, 9‐12 credits of MATH courses (400 level or above) are required. Suggested courses: MATH 406: Introduction to Number Theory (3 credits) MATH 430: Euclidean and Non‐Euclidean Geometries (3 credits) MATH 483: Algebra for High School Teachers (3 credits) MATH 484: Geometry for High School Teachers (3 credits) MATH 485: Statistics for High School Teachers (3 credits) MATH 486: Calculus for High School Teachers (3 credits) For elementary teachers, 6‐9 credits of MATH courses (400 level or above) are required.	12
Professional Development Studies	TLPL 610: Trends in Mathematics Education (3 credits) Additional Hours in Mathematics Education (6 credits) Suggested courses: TLPL 614: Assessing Mathematical Understanding (3 credits) TLPL 617: Understanding and Engaging Students’ Conceptions of Mathematics (3 credits) Qualified mathematics education students may also take either: TLPL 710: Theory and Research on Mathematical and Scientific Thinking and Learning (3 credits) or TLPL 712: Foundations of Mathematics Education: Curriculum (3 credits)	9
Minimum Credits		30

Science Education, M.A. (Non-Thesis Only)


	Minimum of 30 Credit Hours of Master’s Study	Credit Hours
Core	TLPL 788 X: Special Topics in Education: Foundations of Education Research	3
Specialization Credits	TLPL 620: Trends in School Curriculum: Science TLPL 720: Foundations of Science Education 400-level or higher science or mathematics course One of the following: Another 400-level or higher science or math course TLPL 710: Theory and Research on Mathematical and Scientific Thinking and Learning (with instructor approval only) TLPL 713: Mathematics and Science Education Policy, Professional Development, and Teacher Preparation (with instructor approval only) TLPL 600: Learning with Technology	12
Research	TLPL 691: Research Methods or equivalent course as negotiated with advisor	3
Capstone	TLPL 798: Special Problems in Education (Independent study with advisor, or alternative with advisor approval)	3
Electives	3 courses from the following: 600- and 700-level courses in the College of Education, on topics such as Assessment, Equity, Technology, Leadership (1-3 courses). May include courses listed under Specialization Credit. Relevant courses in Departments outside the College of Education, such as Psychology, Sociology, Anthropology, Philosophy, iSchool, and so on, with advisor approval (0-2 courses).	9
	Minimum Credits	30

Graduate Education Program Requirements

If you have questions about our admissions process, contact TLPL Graduate Coordinator Kay Moon at kmoon@umd.edu.

For Math-specific questions, students may contact Dr. Andrew Brantlinger at amb@umd.edu.

For Science-specific questions, students may contact Dr. Andrew Elby at elby@umd.edu.

Deadlines vary by degree and program. Please refer to the Graduate School's application information.

Please see the Center for Mathematics Education Faculty Listing for more information regarding the mathematics education specialization.

Please see the Center for Science and Technology Education Faculty Listing for more information regarding the science education specialization.

CATALOG AND POLICIES

Graduate students in the College of Education are responsible for meeting University and the Graduate School policy, and for meeting Program requirements. See the Graduate Catalog and Graduate Policies governing graduate education at the University of Maryland. The schedule adjustment policy is available from the Office of the Registrar and provides information on adding and dropping courses, penalties, and refund schedules.

FORMS

Graduate students are required to submit various forms at specific points in the program and as part of the degree clearance process. Please refer to Steps Toward Graduation to determine the steps and forms that are required. To access forms used by graduate students visit the Graduate Studies Forms page in Student Services.