Mathematics Department
Claus Schubert, chair
Moffett Center, Room 129
607-753-4326
Fax: 607-753-2971
Email: math@cortland.edu

Overview

If you have initial New York state teaching certification to teach mathematics in grades 7-12, the M.S.Ed. program is designed to help you earn your professional certificate and allows you the option of extending your certification to teach mathematics in grades 5 and 6. This degree balances advanced mathematics with educational theory and practice.

 Program Highlights

While earning a master of science degree, you will enhance your content knowledge as you develop proficiency in assessment of student learning, problem solving, inclusive and effective pedagogy and the ability to critically reflect on and explain teaching practices.

The mathematical core begins with course work in fundamental mathematical concepts and progresses through non-Euclidean geometry, number theory, cryptography, fractals, real analysis and the foundations of calculus, rings, and fields. You will develop a mastery of mathematics upon which you can build a curriculum for adolescents.

The professional core is devoted to the development of expert teaching practices. Courses include topics in classroom technology, teaching adolescence mathematics, foundations of education and advanced psychology. Special emphasis is given to working with students who have difficulties learning mathematics, serving diverse student populations, using technology to promote active learning and developing skills in assessing student learning.

 Further enrichment is achieved through electives in complex analysis, chaos theory, topology, statistics or courses in education or psychology.

 Culminating Experience

You are required to pass a comprehensive examination and will be eligible for New York state professional teaching certification in mathematics for grades 7-12.

Assistantship Opportunity

A limited number of graduate assistantships  is available.

 Career Potential

With an M.S.Ed. in adolescence education: mathematics (7-12) from SUNY Cortland, you are well prepared to teach middle and high school students or at a two-year college or to work as a curriculum coordinator or educational administrator. If you pursue an M.A., M.S., Ph.D. or Ed.D. in mathematics or math education, a career in higher education, business, industry or government employment also is an option. 

Graduate Admissions

Evaluation Policy

At the State University of New York College at Cortland, we seek a diverse and academically strong student body. Our admission policy and practice will not discriminate on the basis of age, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, disability, national origin or marital status.

Required Materials

1. Completed online Graduate School Application - Apply Now
2. Official transcripts from all institutions of higher learning attended to be forwarded directly to SUNY Cortland Graduate Admissions Office
   Note: candidates for admission must present evidence of bachelor's degree conferral prior to the start of their academic program.
3. Two letters of recommendation, the first addressing suitability for teaching adolescents and the second addressing mathematical ability, submitted online with application
4. Proof of an initial certificate or a certificate of qualification for initial certification in adolescence/secondary mathematics education issued by the New York State Education Department within six months of being admitted into the program.
5. Submission of Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or Miller Analogies Test (MAT) scores.

Admissions Criteria

1. An undergraduate cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or above (on a 4.0 scale)
2. An undergraduate grade point average in mathematics courses of 2.5 or above on a 4.0 scale
3. A minimum MAT score of 400 or a minimum GRE score of 300 is preferred.
4. At least three credit hours each in real analysis and abstract algebra

Deadlines

Fall semester applications: July 1
Spring semester applications: Dec. 1
Summer semester applications: April 1

Applications submitted after the deadline may be considered on a space availability basis.
Please contact the Graduate Admissions Office at 607-753-4800 to check availability.