Mar 29, 2024  
2007-2008 Graduate Studies Bulletin 
    
2007-2008 Graduate Studies Bulletin [ARCHIVED BULLETIN]

Mathematics Education, M.S.Ed.


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Professor Whitton, Graduate Program Director, (516) 463-6456,
Sharon.Whitton@hofstra.edu

This course of study leads to New York State initial teacher certification, valid for adolescence education in mathematics (Grades 7-12). This program is designed to blend on-campus preparation with field experiences in a variety of school settings, culminating in full-time student teaching. Literacy, multicultural education, and information technology are integrated throughout all aspects of the program. The program conforms with the New York State Learning Standards in Mathematics, Science, and Technology and with the recommendation for teacher preparation by the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics.

Admission Requirements



Applications for admission to a master of science in education program in the department of curriculum and teaching are made to the Graduate Admissions Office. Students who do not meet the full admission requirements may be advised to complete prerequisite courses under a planned program before becoming eligible for admission. Admission is based on a comprehensive review of multiple criteria, including the following:

  1. A completed application form to the master’s program.
  2. A minimum grade point average of 2.75 in each of two categories:
    1. Overall undergraduate course work,
    2. Course work in the content area in which certification will be sought. Applicants with GPAs between 2.5 and 2.75 may be accepted, provisionally subject to special conditions.
  3. Completion of General Education Core requirements for teacher education programs.
  4. A written proposal statement of professional intent and rationale.
  5. Two letters of reference that address the applicant’s potential to succeed in the teaching profession and in graduate course work.

The department understands that any single criterion may not reliably predict a candidate’s potential for success in a graduate program. Consequently, candidates are welcome to apply if they do not meet one of the criteria but feel that other aspects of their experience may compensate.

General Education Core Requirements


In order to ensure that prospective teachers have a broad education in the liberal arts and sciences, all students must have completed undergraduate course work from each of the content areas below.
   1.     Artistic Expression/Humanities, 3 s.h.
   2.     Communication, 3 s.h.
   3.     Information Retrieval, (0-3 s.h.; can be satisfied with passing score on exam)
   4.    Historical and Social Science Concepts, 3 s.h.
   5.     Language other than English, (0-3 s.h.; depending on placement)
   6.     Scientific Processes, 3 s.h.
   7.     Mathematical Processes, 3 s.h.
   8.     Written Analysis and Expression, 6 s.h.

Please note that programs may have general education requirements that exceed the minimum registered with the state. Degrees will not be conferred unless all general education core deficiencies have been met.

Mathematics Content Requirement


Students admitted to the master of science in education program in mathematics education should possess a bachelor’s degree in mathematics or a minimum of 36 s.h. in college-level mathematics course work distributed over the following content areas:

  1. Differential and Integral Calculus (Calculus I and II), 6-8 s.h.
  2. Higher Algebra (Linear and Abstract), 6 s.h.
  3. Higher Geometry (Euclidean, Non-Euclidean, Topology, or equivalent), 3 s.h.
  4. Discrete or Finite Mathematics, 3 s.h.
  5. Applied Mathematics, 3 s.h.
  6. Probability/Statistics, 3 s.h.
  7. Mathematics electives-additional course work in related areas (with advisement), 10-12 s.h.

If one or more of the above content areas are missing from any student’s transcript, those content areas must be completed prior to completion of the master of science in education degree. Of these 36 s.h., six may be taken at the graduate level and counted toward the master of science in education degree under the Electives category.

Candidates who do not possess a bachelor’s degree in mathematics, but who have succeeded in completing a majority of the required content courses with a cumulative GPA of 2.75 or higher, may apply for admission to the master of science in education program. Upon matriculation in the program, candidates may continue to complete the required content courses while they are completing the requirements for the master’s program. Where academic subject matter deficiencies in mathematics are so great as to prevent completion of requisite work within the 37 s.h. master’s program, additional course work may be required. Matriculated students must complete a minimum of 31 s.h. of the M.S. in Education program in residence at Hofstra. No more than 9 s.h. may be transferred into the program. Student Teaching may be used to meet the 31 s.h. residency.

A maximum of 12 s.h. of graduate course work leading toward the master of science in education degree may be completed prior to matriculation in the program. To register for courses in the program other than SED 205, 213, or 264 a student must (1) be matriculated in the program, or (2) have written permission of the course instructor or departmental chairperson prior to the beginning of the course.

Program Requirements - Semester Hours: 37



Students must maintain a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.0 while in the program. Grades of D or lower will not be counted toward the graduate degree but will be included in determining the grade-point average. Students may repeat courses to meet grade-point average requirements.

The major in Mathematics Education consists of a minimum of 37 semester hours of course work, including each of the following:

Introductory Courses - Semester Hours: 10


Choose From - Semester Hours: 3


* Choose one from:

General Methods Courses - Semester Hours: 6


Special Methods and Curriculum Courses - Semester Hours: 6


Electives Supporting the Content Area of Certification - Semester Hours: 6


(With advisement) Graduate course work in FDED, MATH, CT, SPED, RES, LYST, ELED or SED recommended

Student Teaching and Corequisite Seminars - Semester Hours: 9


Field Experiences Prior to Student Teaching


At least one field placement must be in a district identified as high-needs by the New York State Education Department. All field experiences are incorporated into course curricula. Students enrolled in SPED 201/264 are placed in educational settings to work with students who have special-needs or disabilities. A minimum of 100 clock hours of participation/observation is required prior to student teaching. Placements are arranged by the Office of Field Placement. Departmental policy is to place prospective teachers in districts other than those in which they currently reside or in schools that they attended.

Participation/observation field experiences in designated secondary schools are required in each of the following courses:

Student Teaching Prerequisites


Students will qualify for admission to Student Teaching, SED 217, when they have satisfied the following requirements:

  1. Completion of SED 200, 205, 213, 264, 292; LYST 215/217/225.  SPED 201/264.
  2. A grade point average of 3.0 or higher in overall graduate course work.

Application forms may be obtained from the Office of Field Placement. Applications are due on October 1 for the succeeding Spring Semester and March 1 for the succeeding Fall semester.

Graduation Requirements



  1. Completion of all General Education Core requirements.
  2. Completion of all mathematics content requirements.
  3. Completion of the 37 s.h. course requirement in the M.S. in Education program with no fewer than 28 s.h. in residence.
  4. A minimum grade point average of 3.0 in overall graduate course work.
  5. An electronic portfolio, illustrating the student’s education course work and professional accomplishments.
  6. All course work taken in satisfaction of the degree requirements must have been completed within a five year period.

Footnotes


*Course requires participation/observation in designated schools.

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