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Master of Arts

Teaching –Mathematics Education Master's
(Middle Grades)

Leads to Teacher Licensure

OVERVIEW

The Online Master's Program for Aspiring Middle School Math Teachers


 

Middle school math teachers play a critical role in American education. They lay the groundwork for student success in the higher grades by skillfully explaining core concepts in subjects like multiplication, division, geometry and basic algebra. This requires a deep understanding of math concepts and how to effectively explain them to younger students.

Students will take 8 professional core courses that will prepare them to handle unique educational situations and become better teachers. These courses focus on a variety of important topics including social and emotional learning, and technology and diversity inclusion in the classroom. Plus, students will get to use augmented reality experiences to give them the opportunity to practice their work before entering the classroom. These 8 professional core courses are also coupled with preclinical experience to help ensure teachers are ready for their classroom.

An innovative curriculum like WGU's online Master of Arts in Teaching, Mathematics Education (Middle Grades) degree program includes preparation for certification as a middle school math teacher. You'll be taught effective ways of helping students in middle school or junior high* develop a solid foundation of math skills they'll use for the rest of their lives.  

*The grade levels you’re licensed to teach will depend on your state.

Looking to specialize in high school math? Check out WGU's M.A. in Teaching, Mathematics Education (Secondary) degree program.

60% 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 faster.

*WGU Internal Data

Tuition per six-month term is

$3,975

Tuition charged per term—rather than per credit—helps you control the ultimate cost of earning your degree online. 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. 

Ready to Start Your WGU Journey?

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COURSES

Middle School Math Education Courses

A nationally recognized curriculum designed to help you become a highly qualified math teacher.

Program consists of 20 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 Master of Arts in Teaching, Mathematics Education is an affordable, online degree program that leads to teacher licensure. You will become a highly qualified middle school math teacher, ready to meet the challenges and enjoy the benefits of a truly rewarding, in-demand career.

This program comprises the following courses. You will typically 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.

Our online master's in math education degree program was designed (and is regularly updated) with input from the experts on our Education Program Council. These experts know exactly what it takes for a graduate to teach math principles and methodology at the middle school level. This M.A. Teaching Math Education program is nationally recognized by the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM).

The M.A. Teaching Mathematics program at WGU is a mostly online degree program that you will complete by working and studying independently with support and instruction from WGU faculty. 

Washington students, please note that you will be required to complete one additional course that is not listed below: Survey of Pacific Northwest History for Educators. View the Washington program guide.

Mathematics Education
Education
Professional Core
Effective Teaching Practices
Pre-Clinical Experiences
Demonstration Teaching

20 Courses

Program consists of 20 courses

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

Professional Portfolio

Special requirements for this program

You will complete a professional portfolio, which will include your résumé and Philosophy of Teaching Statement and serve as a way to showcase the skills you have acquired throughout your degree program and Student Teaching. 

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.
  • Curriculum Development: Planned instruction that seamlessly integrates principles and theories of learning.
  • 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.
  • Written Communication: Communicated ideas with clarity and precision through written communication techniques.
  • 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.
  • Classroom Management: Devised effective techniques to promote student organization, task focus, and academic productivity, ensuring an optimal learning environment during class.

“WGU had the flexibility that I needed and the opportunity to complete a degree as quickly as I needed. I was working full time and raising four children from the ages of 18 months to 17 years when I began and was able to have a master's degree in 14 months.”

—Cheryl Fletcher
M.A. Teaching, Mathematics 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 chart your courses, answer your questions, and ensure you can go through your program. You're not alone when you choose an online 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

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.

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: 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.

"I had a bachelor's degree, but I wasn't really sure what I wanted to do with it. So I started working as a paraprofessional to see if teaching was something I was interested in, and it was! It led me to WGU, which got me where I am today. I'm proud of becoming the teacher that I always wanted to be and having an influence on the next generation and many more to come!”

—Courtney Smith
M.A. Teaching, Mathematics Education (Middle Grades)

CAREER OUTLOOK

Become Licensed to Teach Middle School Math

Crunch the numbers on teaching careers, and you'll find there aren't enough middle school math teachers. Future generations need to learn how to think logically and solve problems. Earn your master's in teaching math online at WGU, and prepare for a rewarding career!

Middle school math teachers need specialized knowledge and training to make math meaningful and relevant to students in their adolescent years. WGU's M.A. in Teaching, Mathematics Education (Middle Grades) degree program offers an innovative online curriculum designed to prepare you to become a difference-maker in American middle school classrooms. 

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 all middle school teachers is projected to grow 4% from 2021 to 2031.

—U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

WGU Has Alumni Teaching 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 of Teaching, Middle Grades Math Education Admission Requirements

To be considered eligible for enrollment into this M.A. in Teaching, Mathematics Education degree program, you must provide official transcripts that demonstrate you have earned a bachelor’s degree from a recognized, institutionally accredited (also known as regionally accredited) university AND demonstrate readiness through one of the following:

  • Option 1: Content-related undergraduate or graduate degree with GPA of at least 2.5 (or higher, depending upon your state).
  • Option 2: Undergraduate or graduate degree with GPA of at least 2.5 (or higher, depending upon your state) and 24-30 hours of content specific coursework, equivalent to a major. 
  • Option 3: Undergraduate or graduate degree with GPA of at least 2.0 (or higher, depending upon your state), a passing score on the WGU program required basic skills test (e.g., Praxis CORE) and demonstrate content competency via one of the following pathways 1) 24-30 hours of content specific coursework, equivalent to a major OR 2) an undergraduate or graduate degree in a content-related area to which area of program you are seeking admission.

Students who are seeking initial teacher licensure in a bachelor’s, post-baccalaureate, or master’s program must also pass a state-specific basic skills test for the state in which they live as a prerequisite to Student Teaching. (Registering and paying for the test is the student’s responsibility.) This requirement can be met either prior to admission or before beginning the Foundations of Teaching subject area once you are in your WGU program.

WGU’s teacher licensure programs also include Student Teaching. You must be at least 18 years of age before you may begin the application process or participate in Preclinical Experiences and Student Teaching. You must also submit to a criminal background check prior to entering the classroom for this component of your program.

Get Your Enrollment Checklist

Download your step-by-step guide to enrollment.

Get Your Questions Answered

Talk to an WGU Enrollment Counselor.

Transfer Credits

MORE DETAILS

Becoming a Licensed Teacher


 

State-specific licensure requirements: Each state in the U.S. has specific testing requirements that must be met or completed in addition to completing your teaching degree program at WGU. Teacher licensure requirements vary depending on state laws and may include a number of factors, such as:

  • Completion of a bachelor’s degree program
  • Submission of transcripts
  • Completion and clearance of a background check
  • Passing of required entrance exams and basic skills tests

Preclinical Experiences    

As part of this program, you'll participate in a wide range of in-classroom teaching experiences through at least 75 hours of in-classroom observation.

Student Teaching

To help you prepare to work in classrooms, this program includes a student teaching component. Student Teaching is a full-time, supervised, in-classroom experience of a minimum of 12–20 weeks during which you will be hosted by an experienced teacher and observed by a Clinical Supervisor. Your host teacher will evaluate your performance based on accepted professional standards. Learn more about teacher licensure.

More About the Middle Grades Math Teaching Program

It depends on your state and which Teachers College program you complete, so it is best to ask your Enrollment Counselor. Typically, teachers with an elementary education license can teach anywhere from kindergarten through 8th grade, and secondary teachers in math, English, or science can teach anywhere from 5th to 12th grades. K–12 special education licenses typically enable teachers to work with students from kindergarten through 12th grade.

It depends on your state and your program, but for most Teachers College programs, Student Teaching is typically about the length of one full traditional school semester. Student teaching is a minimum of 12–16 weeks, but it can be longer in other programs.

WGU has a team that works with you to connect you with schools in your area, and with host teachers that will support you through your Student Teaching.

Your Enrollment Counselor can provide more details about your specific situation. While you can provide recommendations of a school you want to be placed in, generally, our Field Placement Office will be selecting and setting up the placement in the end.

Your Enrollment Counselor has access to an up-to-date database that tracks requirements and eligibility for all WGU programs and all US states and territories, so a conversation with your Enrollment Counselor can quickly verify this for you based on where you live and your desired program.

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?