2009-10 Graduate Bulletin and Course Catalog

Master of Arts in Mathematics
Master of Arts in Mathematics Education

Department of Mathematical Sciences
College of Arts and Sciences

Mark C. Ginn, Chair and Associate Professor
GinnMC@appstate.edu

Alan T. Arnholt, Assistant Chair and Professor
ArnholtAT@appstate.edu

Katrina Palmer, Program Director and Assistant Professor
PalmerK@appstate.edu

Gregory S. Rhoads, Program Director and Associate Professor
RhoadsGS@appstate.edu

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http://www.mathsci.appstate.edu

The Department of Mathematical Sciences offers graduate programs that are designed to prepare graduates for careers in teaching at the secondary and community college level, as well as for further study at the Ph.D. level. Programs emphasize broad training in the mathematical sciences with work in statistics, computing, and applied mathematics in addition to core mathematics.

The following graduate degree programs are offered through the Department of Mathematical Sciences:

  • Master of Arts in Mathematics (Major Code: 264*/27.0101) with a concentration in College Teaching (264B)
  • Master of Arts in Mathematics, Education (Major Code: 263*/13.1311) with a concentration in Secondary School Teaching (263S)[T]

NOTE: During the first semester of coursework, graduate students will meet with an advisor to design a program of study. Any subsequent changes in the program are made with the counsel and the approval of this committee.

PEACE CORPS MASTER’S INTERNATIONAL PROGRAM: The Mathematics Education program is recognized by the Peace Corps as an MI program. Students who are admitted to the Mathematics Education program as MI students will apply to the Peace Corps during the graduate admission process or immediately following admission. These students will complete a customized program of study designed to allow for one year of coursework at Appalachian followed immediately by Peace Corps service as a teacher of English. Some additional academic coursework related to the Peace Corps teaching assignment will be completed during the 27 month Peace Corps rotation, and the student will typically return to Appalachian for one semester to complete the master’s degree.

 

PROGRAM OF STUDY FOR THE MASTER OF ARTS IN MATHEMATICS WITH A CONCENTRATION IN COLLEGE TEACHING (Major Code: 264*/27.0101; Concentration Code: 264B)

Admission Requirements: Baccalaureate degree in mathematics or a related field from an accredited college or university; complete application to the graduate school; official GRE general exam scores; undergraduate coursework in statistics, linear algebra, and analysis. In extenuating circumstances, an applicant may obtain permission to remove deficiencies in coursework after entering the graduate program.

Minimum Criteria for Unconditional Admission: (Undergraduate GPA X 400) + GRE Verbal + GRE Quantitative = 2000

Location: On Campus

Course Requirements for the Master of Arts in Mathematics with a Concentration in College Teaching (264B)

Required Courses

  • MAT 5415: Seminar in the Pedagogy of Mathematics (1+1+1=3)
  • MAT 5420: Teaching Apprenticeship (1+1+1=3)
  • MAT 5610: Analysis I (3)
  • MAT 5620: Analysis II (3)
  • STT 5860: Probability Models and Statistical Inference I (3)
  • STT 5865: Statistical Inference II (3)

18

Related Coursework

  • Choose two from the following courses.
    • MAT 5125: History of Mathematics (3)
    • MAT 5210: Abstract Algebra (3)
    • MAT 5230: Linear Algebra (3)
    • MAT 5330: Mathematical Models (3)
    • MAT 5370: Advanced Differential Equations (3)

6

Electives

6 s.h. of graduate courses; students may with permission take 3 s.h. outside of mathematical sciences. For students interested in pursuing careers at the college level the following are recommended: HE 5420, HE 5440, HE 5630, or HE 6090.

6

Capstone Component (CHOOSE ONE)

Internship and Research

  • HE 6900: Higher Education Internship/Field Study (3)
  • MAT 5600: Directed Research in Mathematical Sciences (3; may be taken as 1+1+1, 2+1, or 3)

OR
Thesis

  • MAT 5999: Thesis (6)

OR
Course and Research

  • MAT 5600: Directed Research in Mathematical Sciences (3; may be taken as 1+1+1, 2+1, or 3)
  • 3 s.h. of graduate coursework in the mathematical sciences

6

Total Semester Hours Required for the Master of Arts in Mathematics with a Concentration in College Teaching (264B)

36

Other Requirements for the MA in Mathematics:

  • Thesis: Optional part of capstone
  • Proficiency: Demonstrated proficiency in the use of technology, subject to the approval of the program director.
  • Comprehensive: Written and oral examinations are required.
  • Product of Learning: Not Required


PROGRAM OF STUDY FOR THE MASTER OF ARTS IN MATHEMATICS EDUCATION WITH A CONCENTRATION IN SECONDARY SCHOOL TEACHING (Major code: 263*/13.1311; Concentration Code 263S) +

+Leads to NC Teacher Licensure: Requirements for this degree were designed, and have been approved by the appropriate bodies at the state level, to meet the advanced competencies as mandated in the North Carolina Excellent Schools Act for Master-level teacher education programs.

Admission Requirements: Baccalaureate degree in mathematics or a related field from an accredited college or university; North Carolina “A” license or the equivalent from another state; complete application to the graduate school; official GRE general exam scores; undergraduate coursework in linear algebra, geometry, and either probability or statistics, as well as a sequence of courses in calculus. In extenuating circumstances, an applicant may obtain permission to remove deficiencies in coursework after entering the graduate program.

Minimum Criteria for Unconditional Admission: (Undergraduate GPA X 400) + GRE Verbal + GRE Quantitative = 2000

Location: Academic Year Off Campus; Summers On Campus

Course Requirements for the Master of Arts in Mathematics Education with a Concentration in Secondary School Teaching (263S)

Required
Courses

  • CI/SPE 5045: Advanced Topics in Diversity (3)
  • CI/LSA 5585: Teacher Leadership and School Improvement (3)
  • MAT 5525: Product of Learning (1-3)
  • MAT 5910: Investigation in the Teaching of Mathematics (2)
  • MAT 5920: Linear Algebra for Teachers (4)
  • MAT 5930: Analysis for Teachers (4)
  • MAT 5950: Mathematical Modeling-Analytical Models (2)
  • MAT 5951: Mathematical Modeling-Empirical Models (2)

21 to 23

Electives

  • 13-15 s.h. of graduate courses approved by the Graduate Advisory Committee; the list below contains suggested mathematical sciences electives; up to 3 s.h. of graduate coursework in education may be chosen.
    • MAT 5941: Technology for Secondary School Mathematics (3)
    • MAT 5952: Problem Solving (3)
    • MAT 5970: Number Theory Concepts (3)
    • MAT 5980: Special Topics in Mathematics Education (1-3)

13 to 15

Total Semester Hours Required for the Master of Arts in Mathematics Education with a Concentration in Secondary School Teaching (263S)

36

Other Requirements for the MA in Mathematics Education:

  • Thesis: An optional part of Product of Learning
  • Proficiency: None required
  • Comprehensive: Written and oral examinations are required.
  • Product of Learning: Required

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