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Master of Arts

Mathematics Education Master's
(Middle Grades)

OVERVIEW

Specialize Your Educational Career With a Master's in Middle School Math


 

Science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) education is more important than ever before, and WGU is proud to support the growth and purpose of STEM by helping over 8,700 students graduate with specialized teaching degrees.* If you're passionate about STEM education as well, a master's degree in math education can prepare you to change your course and help students find a love of numbers. This online master's degree prepares you to teach middle school math as a credentialed expert. But you'll get more than a credential—you'll be prepared to help diverse learners find success in the classroom with unique teaching strategies and techniques.

If you are a licensed teacher with a bachelor's degree and are ready to change up your academic emphasis, this math degree program can prepare you to teach middle school math and play an important role in American education. WGU's middle-grades** math curriculum is designed to focus on preparing you to help students expand their understanding of basic math, including geometry and algebra, that will provide a solid foundation for the rigors of high school and beyond.

*WGU Internal Data

**The specific grade levels you will be eligible to teach depend on your state’s licenses and endorsements.

Interested in teaching other grade levels? Check out the following WGU degree programs for already-licensed teachers: M.A. Mathematics Education (K–6) and M.A. Mathematics Education (Secondary).

Eligibility note: The M.A. Mathematics Education (Middle Grades) program is for certified teachers who already hold a bachelor's degree and wish to add middle-grades math to their existing licenses. This program is not intended for aspiring teachers seeking licensure or certification. If you are seeking your teaching certificate, please view our programs leading to teacher licensure.

73% of students finish within

21 Months*

Put your teaching experience to work! WGU lets you move more quickly through material you already know and advance as soon as you're ready. The result: You may finish faster.

*WGU Internal Data

Tuition per six-month term is

$3,975

You don't have to be a math whiz to see how affordable WGU is. Tuition charged per term—rather than per credit—helps you control the ultimate cost of your degree. Finish faster, pay less!
 

Graduates who recommend WGU

97%

The vast majority of alumni say WGU delivered on its promises. In fact, over 50% of students found WGU thanks to a friend's recommendation.

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COURSES

Middle Grades Math Education Courses

An advanced curriculum program to become a highly qualified middle school math teacher.

Program consists of 14 courses

At WGU, we design our curriculum to be timely, relevant, and practical—all to help you show that you know your stuff.

WGU's M.A. in Mathematics Education is an affordable, online program that prepares you to teach math in the middle grades. (The specific grade levels you will be eligible to teach depend on your state’s licenses and endorsements.) Our curriculum focuses on effective strategies for teaching middle school math, connecting with diverse learners, and preparing students for more complex coursework they'll face in high school and college.

WGU is the nation’s largest provider of math and science teaching degrees.* Our M.A. for middle school math teachers was designed (and is regularly updated) with input from experts on our Education Program Council., who know what it takes to successfully teach mathematics in grades five through nine. This curriculum is nationally recognized by the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM).

If you're an already-practicing teacher with a bachelor's degree, and you take the courses necessary to become a highly qualified math teacher, you will be well positioned for a prosperous career almost anywhere in the United States.

This program is made up of the following courses. You will complete them one at a time as you make your way through your program, working with your Program Mentor each term to build your personalized Degree Plan. You’ll work through each course as quickly as you can study and learn the material. As soon as you’re ready, you’ll pass the assessment, complete the course, and move on. This means that you can finish as many courses as you're able in a term at no additional cost.

The M.A. Mathematics Education (Middle Grades) program is a mostly online program that you will complete by studying and working independently with instruction and support from WGU faculty. 

*Source: NCES data

Mathematics Content
Middle School Mathematics Content
Mathematics Education
General Education
Education
Research
Capstone

14 Courses

Program consists of 14 courses

At WGU, we design our curriculum to be timely, relevant, and practical—all to help you show that you know your stuff.

Capstone Project

Special requirements for this program

The M.A. Mathematics Education program requires the successful completion of a capstone project. This written project will take you through the steps of planning and conducting research on a topic or issue related to your practice setting. The result is expected to be a significant piece of research, culminating in a written research report, including sections describing a literature review, methodology, and detailed analysis and reporting of results.

Skills For Your Résumé

As part of this program, you will develop a range of valuable skills that employers are looking for. 

  • Mathematics: Successfully created math lesson plans based on state standards, ensuring alignment with curriculum guidelines.
  • Teaching: Provided instruction in a way that guided learners to independent skill practice, empowering students to apply their knowledge and become self-sufficient in their learning journey.
  • Communications: Explained intricate details and concepts to effectively convey ideas, resulting in improved understanding for students.
  • Curriculum Development: Planned instruction that seamlessly integrates principles and theories of learning.
  • Classroom Management: Successfully built strong rapport with students, fostering a positive and supportive classroom environment that promoted student well-being and academic growth.
  • Differentiated Instruction: Effectively selected strategies that support differentiated instruction for all students, ensuring that individual learning needs, abilities, and interests are met, resulting in an inclusive and effective learning environment.

“The WGU Teachers College is very well organized and provides everything you will need for a teaching career. The staff, instructors, and administrators were always quick to respond to any questions and/or needs. Overall, the cost paired with the quality education you receive make it a great choice for anyone. The key benefit for me was the ability to work at my own pace and not have to worry about getting to a physical classroom for courses, which allowed me to work quickly.”

—Nicole
M.A. Math Education (Middle Grades)

WGU vs. Traditional Universities
Compare the Difference

Traditional Universities

 

TUITION STRUCTURE

Per credit hour

Flat rate per 6-month term

SUPPORT

Schedule and wait days or even weeks to meet with one of many counselors

Simply email or call to connect with your designated Program Mentor who supports you from day one

EXAMS

Scheduled time

Whenever you feel ready

SCHEDULE

Professor led lectures at a certain time and place

Courses available anytime, from anywhere

TIME TO FINISH

Approximately 2 years, minimal acceleration options

As quickly as you can master the material, can finish programs in under 2 years

Traditional Universities

 

TUITION STRUCTURE

Per credit hour

TUITION STRUCTURE

Flat rate per 6-month term

SUPPORT

Schedule and wait days or even weeks to meet with one of many counselors

SUPPORT

Simply email or call to connect with your designated Program Mentor who supports you from day one

EXAMS

Scheduled time

EXAMS

Whenever you feel ready

SCHEDULE

Professor led lectures at a certain time and place

SCHEDULE

Courses available anytime, from anywhere

TIME TO FINISH

Approximately 2 years, minimal acceleration options

TIME TO FINISH

As quickly as you can master the material, can finish programs in under 2 years

Why WGU?

You Aren't On Your Own

WGU has Program Mentors who work with you from the day you start, all the way through graduation. They help you set up your Student Teaching, learn about teaching certification in your state, and more. You're not alone when you choose an online education degree at WGU.

Flexibility You Need

Students choose WGU for their online degree program because of its flexibility. Whether you already have a full-time job, have responsibilities as a parent, or just have a busy schedule, WGU can work for you.

Strong Alumni Network

When you enroll in an online master's degree program at WGU, you join an impressive network of teachers. Over 13,000 students graduated from the Teachers College in 2021 alone, taking their skills and impacting the educational system all around the United States.

Accredited, Respected,
Recognized™

One important measure of a degree’s value is the reputation of the university where it was earned. When employers, industry leaders, and academic experts hold your alma mater in high esteem, you reap the benefits of that respect. WGU is a pioneer in reinventing higher education for the 21st century, and our quality has been recognized.

COST & TIME

Truly Affordable Online Master's Degree Program

By charging per six-month term rather than per credit—and empowering students to accelerate through material they know well or learn quickly—WGU helps students control the ultimate cost of their degrees. The faster you complete your program, the less you pay for your degree.

Tuition Calculator
Pay less by completing your program faster
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A Master's Degree Is Within Reach

There is help available to make paying for school possible for you:

The average student loan debt of WGU graduates in 2022 (among those who borrowed) was less than half* the national average.

Most WGU students qualify for financial aid, and WGU is approved for federal financial aid and U.S. veterans benefits. 

Many scholarship opportunities are available. Find out what you might be eligible for.

*WGU undergraduate students have approximately half the debt at graduation compared to the national average, according to the Institute for College Access and Success (2022).

FLEXIBLE SCHEDULE

A Different Way to Learn: Education Degree Programs Designed to Fit Your Life—and All the Demands on Your Time

Professional responsibilities. Family obligations. Personal commitments. At WGU, we understand schedules are tight and often unpredictable for adult students. That’s why we offer a flexible, personalized approach to how education should be. No rigid class schedules. Just a solid, career-focused math teaching program that meshes with your current lifestyle. You'll be challenged. You'll work hard. But if you commit yourself and put in the hours needed, WGU makes it possible for you to earn a highly respected degree as a busy working adult. 

"Overall, it's a lot of work but they are not out to fail you or to get you to spend more money on tuition. I finished in 2 terms and my increase in salary is greater than the tuition paid for those 2 terms. I am proud to finally earn a salary that honors my experience and expertise as a professional educator.”

—K. Moore
M.A. Math Education (Middle Grades)

A WGU student's path progresses through courses, to assessments, through which the student demonstrates mastery of the subject matter.

CAREER OUTLOOK

Build the Future of Your Career on a Strong Foundation: Middle School Math Teachers Are in High Demand

A nationwide shortage of math teachers has created a high demand for educators with the knowledge and training to help tweens and teens build solid math skills in the middle grades. WGU's M.A. in Mathematics Education is specifically designed to prepare you to teach middle school math.

The U.S. Department of Education, in Foundations for Success: The Final Report for National Mathematics Advisory Panel, advises an increase in math curriculum for middle school-age kids. The report notes that improving K–12 mathematics education is a national interest and recommends adding "math specialist teachers" to primary schools. Teachers in this specialist role would serve as full-time educators in the classroom, or as math coaches for K–12 teachers. This unique position will require specialized knowledge, and a master’s degree in mathematics education can help you prepare for that type of leadership role.

Return on Your Investment

On average, WGU graduates see an increase in income post-graduation

Average income increase from all degrees in annual salary vs. pre-enrollment salary. Source: 2022 Harris Poll Survey of 1,542 WGU graduates.

Survey was sent to a representative sample of WGU graduates from all colleges. Respondents received at least one WGU degree since 2017.

4%

Employment of middle school teachers is projected to grow 4 percent from 2021 to 2031 by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

—U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

WGU Has Alumni Teaching in Schools Across the Country

Graduates of WGU's online Teachers College have found meaningful, rewarding teaching careers in classrooms at:

  • Inclusionary K–12 classrooms
  • Middle/junior high schools
  • High schools
  • Private and charter schools

Impressive Class of Graduates

Graduates of the WGU Teachers College include recipients of many professional honors, including:

  • Gates Millennium Scholars
  • Intel Grant for Mathematics and Technology
  • Claes Nobel Educator of Distinction Award
  • Milken Family Foundation National Educator Award
  • Association of Public Charter Schools Educator of the Year Award

ADMISSIONS

Master's in Middle School Math Education Admission Requirements

If you enroll in a program that also includes a special endorsement, and you plan to eventually apply for the endorsement, the following is required of you:

  • A copy of a valid teaching license.
  • Official transcripts that demonstrate you have earned a bachelor’s degree from a recognized accredited university.

An Enrollment Counselor will instruct you as to when and how to submit your teaching license prior to or during your program.  

Transfer Credits

Get Your Enrollment Checklist

Download your step-by-step guide to enrollment.

Get Your Questions Answered

Talk to an WGU Enrollment Counselor.

More About the M.A. in Math Education (Middle Grades)

Our M.A. Math Education program is designed for licensed teachers who want to expand their abilities by adding a math endorsement.

There will be a small practicum in the capstone for the degree. You will be teaching a multi-week lesson plan to a body of at least 10 students. This lesson plan usually consists of about 10 hours of in-class time.

WGU is approved to offer federal student aid. You will need to apply using the FAFSA, which is used to determine your eligibility for aid. WGU’s FAFSA school code is 033394.

Scholarships are available for new WGU students and returning graduates. This video shows more about scholarship opportunities and how they can help you pay for school. Get information on:

  • How to apply
  • Eligibility requirements
  • Examples of scholarships
  • What happens after you apply
  • FAQs
  • Other financial aid options

WGU's tuition is a flat rate that is charged every six months. You can take as many courses as you are able in that six-month term—with no extra cost. You simply pay for the term and do as much work as you can or want to during that time. This means that finishing faster helps you save money—a major benefit you won't find at most other schools. 

Ready to Start Your WGU Journey?