Mathematics, Master of Arts (049)
Department website: http://www.wku.edu/math/
Program Coordinator
Nicholas C. Fortune, nicholas.fortune@wku.edu, (270) 745-6231
This online program is intended for students who are secondary teachers who already hold teacher certification and are seeking rank change through earning a Master's degree. In addition, completion of this degree program would qualify the classroom teacher to teach dual credit mathematics courses at the high school level, teach at a community college or technical school, or pursue a PhD/EdD in mathematics education. This degree does not provide initial teacher certification or prepare a student for a PhD in mathematics.
Program Admission
To be admitted to the M.A. program, students must meet the following criteria:
- Satisfy one of the following conditions:
- have a GPA of at least 3.0 in their undergraduate major, or
- have a GRE general score of at least 300.
- A bachelor's degree in mathematics, OR the completion of the following undergraduate courses, with at most one deficiency:
- calculus sequence through multivariable calculus
- linear algebra
- discrete mathematics
- probability or calculus-based statistics
- abstract algebra
- geometry
Applicants must also have or be eligible for a teaching certificate for Secondary Mathematics (grades 8-12). A copy of the certificate or statement of eligibility must be submitted with the application.
Graduate Studies Admission
Please refer to the admission section of this catalog for Graduate Studies admission requirements.
Program Requirements (30 hours)
This program is designed to develop mathematics teachers who can positively impact student learning in their classrooms and schools. Courses and experiences include a study of advanced mathematics. The capstone for the MA in Mathematics is a research project that focuses on the teaching and learning of mathematics, from an advanced perspective.
Comprehensive exams in mathematics are required. A student who chooses to do a thesis is required to complete 6 hours of MATH 599 and to give an oral defense of the thesis.
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Required Courses | ||
| MATH 501 | Introduction to Probability and Statistics I | 3 |
| MATH 503 | Introduction to Analysis | 3 |
| MATH 511 | Algebra from an Advanced Perspective | 3 |
| MATH 512 | Geometry from an Advanced Perspective | 3 |
| MATH 515 | Introduction to Number Theory | 3 |
| MATH 585 | Advanced Mathematical Thinking I | 3 |
| MATH 595 | Advanced Mathematical Thinking II | 3 |
| Electives | ||
| Select 9 hours of the following: | 9 | |
| Numerical Analysis I | ||
| Numerical Analysis II | ||
| History of Mathematics | ||
| Algebra and Number Theory | ||
| Algebraic Systems | ||
| Intermediate Analysis I | ||
| Partial Differential Equations | ||
| Topology I | ||
| Complex Variables | ||
| Introduction to Operations Research | ||
| Readings in Mathematics | ||
| Application of Technology to Problems in Mathematics | ||
| Intermediate Statistics | ||
| Mathematical Modeling and Applications | ||
| Topics from Algebra | ||
| Applied Probability | ||
| Advanced Differential Equations | ||
| Real Analysis | ||
| Advanced Applied Mathematics- I | ||
| Advanced Applied Mathematics- II | ||
| Topology II | ||
| Stochastic Processes | ||
| Graph Theory | ||
| Advanced Topics in Discrete Mathematics | ||
| Complex Analysis | ||
| Topics in Operations Research | ||
| Special Topics in Mathematics | ||
| Thesis/Research | ||
| Statistical Methods I | ||
| Statistical Methods II | ||
| Total Hours | 30 | |
Secondary Education Completion Requirements
- Successfully complete all courses with a grade of C or higher
- Give acceptable presentation of action research in approved venue.
- Achieve a minimum 3.0 GPA overall in all course work.
- Successful completion of comprehensive exams.