A master’s in math education degree program prepares students to teach mathematics at various levels or to specialize in certain types of math instruction or curriculum preparation.
According to the National Center for Education Statistics, as of 2021, the cost of a master’s degree program was $19,749 on average. You can expect to spend around two years getting your degree if you attend full-time.
As a math educator, how much you earn depends on where you work and what level of math you teach. For example, middle school teachers make an average of $64,290 per year, while high school teachers earn slightly more at an average of $65,220 annually. A master’s degree can help you break into higher-paying jobs, including postsecondary teaching, where math teachers earn an average of $95,320 per year.
How to Choose a Master’s in Math Education Degree Program
Choose your area of study
Many master’s in math education degree programs offer concentrations. For example, you could choose to specialize in math education for elementary, middle, or high school students.
Understanding how your career aspirations impact your concentration choice is important before you research programs. For instance, some schools offer master’s in math education programs designed for teachers who are currently working in the field and want to improve their knowledge and skills. Other programs are designed for recent graduates who want to add to their knowledge before seeking a position in education.
Research schools and programs
Start researching online to find schools that offer master’s in math degree programs that work for you. Factors to consider include:
- Location. If you’re looking for an in-person or hybrid program, you may need one that’s realistic to commute to. Consider how much time you may need to spend on campus outside of class, such as working in the library or meeting with classmates on potential group projects.
- Concentrations available. Make a shortlist of programs that have your desired concentrations and best support your career goals.
- Timelines. Look at the admission deadlines and when programs start. You may also need to consider how long the program will take and if it fits your career timeline.
- Program and staff reputation. Read reviews from former students, check out the staff profiles, and confirm whether the schools you’re considering are accredited.
Prepare for tests and applications
Application processes for grad school can take weeks or even months, so it’s essential to plan ahead and allow enough time for taking required tests and gathering necessary documents.
Testing is often a primary concern for students interested in a master’s in math education program. However, not every school requires test scores from something like the GRE for admission. This is especially true if you have a bachelor’s degree in a related field or have in-classroom teaching experience. Talk to the admissions office at the schools of your choice to understand if there are any testing requirements.
Review the application process to understand what documents you may need. Common requirements include copies of transcripts and diplomas, essays, and letters of recommendation.
Select your program
Plan to apply to several programs to ensure you get into at least one. The success of your application process will help you narrow your list further. For instance, if you only get into one program, the choice is made for you. If you get into more than one program, consider the pros and cons of each before making a decision about what option might be best for you.
Determine how you’ll pay for your degree
Take some time to plan how you’ll cover the cost of your degree. Going in with a plan helps you avoid racking up unplanned education expenses or graduating with a hefty loan on your shoulders. Some common options for paying for grad school include scholarships, grants, loans, work-study programs, employer assistance programs, and personal savings. If you’re working full-time, it’s worth a chat with your HR department to find out if there are any options to help pay for your degree.
Best 50 Accredited Master’s in Math Education Degree Programs
Discover More Options
How we rank schools
We reviewed many master’s in math education degree programs, including Master of Education (MEd), Master of Arts (MA), and Master of Science (MS) programs. Our list also covers traditional, online, and hybrid options.
Every school listed is regionally accredited, and many of these options also have programmatic accreditation through the Council for the Accreditation of Educational Programs (CAEP). By listing only accredited schools, we know every program provides high-quality education and that its degrees are recognized by other institutions.
We evaluated each program on the basis of flexibility, faculty, course strength, cost, and reputation. Then, we calculated the Intelligent Score for each program on a scale from 0 to 100. For a more extensive explanation, check out our ranking methodology.
What Can You Expect From a Master’s in Math Education Degree Program?
You can expect to engage in classroom work, research projects, and field internships as you navigate a master’s in math education degree program. Teachers who are already working in the classroom may be able to leverage their day jobs to complete field projects and skip internships or other similar requirements, if applicable.
During your program, you will participate in classes that concentrate on learning and development, instruction and curriculum, teaching math concepts, assessing learners, and other topics related to math, classroom management, and educating.
The speed at which you can complete a master’s degree in math education depends on how your program is structured. On average, it takes about two years to complete these programs. Cohort-style accelerated programs designed for existing educators may take as little as one year, while part-time students may need four or more years to complete the program.
Potential courses you’ll take in a master’s in math education degree program
- Learning and Development. This course focuses on education theory and learning development for the age range relevant to the program — whether that’s elementary, middle, high school, or postsecondary students. You may have the opportunity to take more than one class to expand your knowledge to various age groups.
- Curriculum Development. If you’re interested in developing math curricula in the future, you’ll need to take this class to understand how to write and design engaging materials and lesson plans.
- Instructional Theory. This course covers topics such as classroom management, teaching advanced or gifted students, and lesson planning, as well as the history and application of instructional theories.
- Teaching Mathematics. This course concentrates on practical applications in teaching math. Again, the exact nature of this course will depend heavily on your concentration and the age range of students you are learning to teach.
- Professional Field Project. Most master’s in education programs require students to complete a field project or research. This could include writing a thesis, doing field research on a math education topic, or implementing a program or curriculum within a classroom environment.
Master’s in Math Education Degree Program Frequently Asked Questions
How do I apply to a master's in math education degree program?
You can apply to most master’s in math education programs — even on-campus ones — via online application processes. Read about the application requirements for programs you’re interested in, and make a task list for each to keep yourself organized. Then, begin the process of gathering documents.
You will likely need to order transcripts from previous schools and may need to take the GRE or another test. It often helps to have letters of recommendation from prior professors, employers, or work colleagues. Ensure you ask for those far enough in advance that people have time to write them.
Talk to an admissions counselor with any school you’re interested in to get detailed information about admissions requirements.
How much does a master's in math education degree cost?
The average cost of a graduate degree as of 2021 was around $19,750, with the average at public institutions around $12,390 and the average at private universities around $26,620.
Your total cost will depend on the number of credit hours the program requires and the cost of each credit hour. For example, if a program requires 30 credit hours and each credit costs $700, the total tuition cost is $21,000. You’ll also need to consider costs for books, supplies, and fees.
How long does it take to earn a master's in math education degree?
Traditional master’s in math education degrees take two years to earn, attending classes full-time for four semesters in the fall and spring. Depending on the program, you may be able to speed up the time it takes to complete your degree by taking summer classes, transferring credits, or getting credit for professional experience.
If you attend part-time, it may take three to four years or more to complete your degree. However, some programs offer accelerated options for experienced professionals, which may only take a year to complete.