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Master of Arts

Mathematics Education Master's
(Secondary)

OVERVIEW

Earn Your Master's in Mathematics Education and Make a Difference for Students


 

With America's schools increasingly focused on STEM, the demand for qualified math teachers has never been greater. Today's middle school and high school math teachers need to have the advanced knowledge and training to help students prepare for the challenges of college and beyond.

If you are a licensed teacher with a bachelor's degree, this WGU master's program can prepare you to teach middle school or high school math and play an important role in American education. Our secondary-grades* math curriculum is designed to focus on learning how to help students expand their understanding of advanced mathematics, including algebra, geometry, calculus and trigonometry.

* 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)
M.A. Mathematics Education (Middle Grades)

Eligibility note: The M.A. Mathematics Education (Secondary) program is for certified teachers who already hold a bachelor's degree and wish to add secondary 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.

78% of graduates finish within

24 Months*

WGU lets you move more quickly through material you already know and advance as soon as you're ready. The result: You may finish this teaching degree faster.

*WGU Internal Data

Tuition per six-month term is

$3,975

Do the math and you'll see that you're in control of the cost of your teaching degree. We charge tuition per-term instead of per-credit. 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

Secondary Math Education Courses

An advanced curriculum for distinguished middle school or high school math teachers.

Program consists of 18 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 high school. (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 secondary math and preparing students with the knowledge they'll need in college and in STEM careers.

WGU is the nation’s largest provider of math and science teaching degrees.* Our M.A. for middle school and high 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 5 through 12. This curriculum is nationally recognized by the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM).

*Source: NCES data

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.

Mathematics Content
Mathematics Education
Teacher Work Sample

18 Courses

Program consists of 18 courses

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

Teacher Work Sample

Special requirements for this program

The M.A. Mathematics Education (Secondary) program requires the successful completion of a teacher work sample. This comprehensive, original, research-based project will focus on meeting an identified educational need. You will plan and teach a multi-week standards-based instructional unit consisting of seven components: 1) contextual factors, 2) learning goals, 3) assessment, 4) design for instruction, 5) instructional decision making, 6) analysis of student learning, and 7) self evaluation and reflection.

Skills For Your Résumé

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

  • Quantitative Analysis: Successfully solved problems utilizing mathematical techniques and applications, demonstrating strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities.
  • Student-Centered Learning: Crafted engaging learning experiences tailored to students with diverse skills and backgrounds, fostering an inclusive and dynamic educational environment.
  • Learning Development: Evaluated and ensured the alignment of educational objectives with curriculum and instructional goals, effectively meeting learning goals for students.
  • Systems Thinking: Identified and analyzed interconnections within systems, demonstrating to a holistic understanding of complex relationships.
  • Critical Thinking: Applied logical reasoning to real-world, problem-based inquiries, showcasing critical thinking and practical problem-solving skills.
  • Mathematics: Developed mathematical and statistical models for analysis or computational simulation, contributing to data-driven decision-making processes.

“I had an excellent experience at WGU. My program mentor was kind, helpful and positive. We had regular calls that motivated me to stay on track. The professors we knowledge and helpful. I highly recommend WGU. I earned my master's degree in one year and could not be more proud of my accomplishment.”

—Maggie
M.A. Math Education

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.

On Your Schedule

Students choose WGU for their online teaching 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.

Licensure In Any State

WGU's online mathematics education degree prepares you for a teaching license in any state in the United States. It's valuable to learn the other requirements in your state to know the full process for gaining licensure.

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

When We Say Affordable We Mean It

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.

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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: 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 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.

"I put off getting my master's because I was so intimidated by the workload and not having the same connections with professors and peers as I did when I got my undergrad. But WGU changed all of that. I felt truly supported and that it was possible for me to be the first one in my family to graduate with a master's degree. I am so proud of myself and so thankful for the journey I was able to go on through WGU.”

—Shawna Schieder
M.A. Math Education

CAREER OUTLOOK

Fill a Crucial Gap in Education While Building a Fulfilling Career for Yourself: Teach Math.

A nationwide shortage of math teachers has created a demand for educators with the knowledge and training to help students build solid math skills in the secondary grades. WGU's M.A. in Mathematics Education is specifically designed to prepare you to teach middle school or high school math. (The specific grade levels you will be eligible to teach depend on your state’s licenses and endorsements.) 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.    

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 elementary 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.

5%

Employment of all high school teachers is projected to grow 5% from 2021 to 2031.

—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 Secondary Mathematics Education Admission Requirements

If you enroll in a program that also includes a special endorsement, (such as the M.A. Mathematics Education, with an endorsement to teach secondary mathematics) 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 (Secondary)

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?