Department Chair:  K. Haddad

Program Coordinator:  J. Fiedler

Program Office:  Science Building I, 114A

Telephone:  (661) 654-3151

email:  mathdep@csub.edu

Website:  www.csub.edu/math/gprogram.htx

Faculty:  S. Behseta, J. Dirkse, M. El-Ansary, J. Fiedler, D. Gove, K. Haddad, Y. Ko, C. Lam, R. Larson, M. Lutz, D. Murphy, R. Peck, S. Raczkowski, M. Rush, L. Taylor,  M. Thomas, J. Trigos, L. Webb

Masters of Arts in Teaching Mathematics

Program Description

This degree is designed for working mathematics teachers with a Single Subject Credential in Mathematics (from California or other state or nation), or mathematics teachers holding a Supplementary Authorization in Elementary Mathematics to a Single or Multiple Subject Credential.  The purpose of the Master of Arts in Teaching Mathematics is to enable secondary and middle school mathematics teachers to increase their understanding of secondary school mathematics, its pedagogy, and related topics.  The course of study is designed to deepen the participant’s mathematical knowledge and integrate it with his/her prior experiences and training.

Back to the top 

Requirements for Admission

Admission to the graduate program leading to the Master of Arts in Teaching Mathematics requires the following:

1.   A baccalaureate degree with a relevant major (as determined by the Mathematics Graduate Program Committee) from an accredited college or university

2.   A 2.50 GPA (A=4.0) for the last (baccalaureate or post-baccalaureate) 90 quarter units (60 semester units) of college or university coursework attempted

3.   Good academic standing at the last college or university attended

4.   Submission of a letter of application to the Department of Mathematics

5.   Application to the mathematics department and simultaneously to the university for post-baccalaureate status.

Back to the top 

Admissions Standings

Classified Standing - A student may be formally admitted to the Master of Arts in Teaching Mathematics in this category (or advanced to this category from “Graduate Conditionally Classified”) if the student fulfills all of the personal, professional, and scholastic standards prescribed above.

Conditionally Classified Standing - A student may be conditionally admitted to the Master of Arts in Teaching Mathematics if, in the judgment of the Mathematics Graduate Program Committee, the student has deficiencies in prerequisite preparation and can remedy those deficiencies by completing course work and/or examinations at a satisfactory level within the specified period of time.

Advancement to Graduate Candidacy - A Classified graduate student may be advanced to Candidacy upon completion of 30 (of 45) quarter units in his/her approved graduate program.  Advancement to Candidacy is based on a formal review and recommendation by the Mathematics Graduate Program Committee and approval by the Associate Vice President for Academic Programs.

Back to the top 

Requirements for the Master of Arts in Teaching Mathematics

A minimum of 45 units is required for the MA in Teaching Mathematics; the following courses are required of all students:

MATH 520 Discrete Mathematical Models

MATH 521 Statistics and Data Analysis

MATH 522 Numerical Approach to Calculus and

Differential Equations

MATH 523 Geometric Linear Algebra

MATH 524 Number Theory and Cryptography

MATH 525 Dynamical Geometry

MATH 526 History of Mathematics

MATH 540 Introduction to Mathematics Education

Research

MATH 591 Culminating Project

Satisfaction of the CSU Graduation Writing Assessment Requirement (GWAR).

Back to the top 

Course Descriptions

NOTE:  Students who have not attained graduate standing and who are interested in enrolling in a graduate class are encouraged to consult with the instructor and/or members of the Mathematics Graduate Program Committee.

MATH 520 Discrete Mathematical Models (5)

Construction and analysis of difference models from physical, biological, social, and financial sciences. Cobweb analysis, convergence, stability and chaos in discrete dynamical systems. Phase plane analysis of systems of difference equations. Prerequisites:  Graduate standing.  [F]

MATH 521 Statistics and Data Analysis (5)

Exploratory data analysis; statistical inference including estimation, testing hypotheses, and confidence intervals; contingency tables and chi-square tests; linear and non-linear statistical modeling; bootstrap and jackknife; smoothing histograms; nonparametric techniques; and Bayesian statistics. The course makes use of statistical packages.  Prerequisites: Graduate standing and prior experience with statistical analysis at the level of Math 140.  [W]

MATH 522 Numerical Approach to Calculus and Differential Equations (5)

Use of numerical and algebraic techniques to study change.  The use of forward, back, and symmetric differences in data analysis.  Divided differences as average rates of change and as approximations to instantaneous rate of change.  Difference equations and Euler’s method as numerical approximations to differential equations.  Riemann sums, midpoint, trapezoid and Simpson’s method to approximate accumulated change.  Error analysis for numerical approximations.  Prerequisites: (1) Graduate standing and MATH 520 or (2) Graduate standing and MATH 300.  [F]

MATH 523 Geometric Linear Algebra (5)

The algebra and geometry of vectors in two and three dimensions. Matrices as linear transformations of R2 and R3.  Rigid motions in three dimensions, rotations, reflections, translations, and glide reflections Classification of Frieze and space groups.  Prerequisites: Graduate standing and MATH 300.  [S]

MATH 524 Number Theory and Cryptography (5)

Elementary properties of prime numbers divisibility and modular arithmetic. These concepts will be applied to cryptographic systems, ranging from Caesar ciphers to RSA codes.  Significant amount of calculator programming is involved in these applications.  Additional topics selected by instructor. Prerequisites: Graduate standing and MATH 300.  [S]

MATH 525 Dynamical Geometry (5)

Classical and modern Euclidean geometry.  Review of Euclid’s Book I.  Theorems of Menelaus and Ceva and their consequences.  Comparisons of synthetic and analytic methods.  Additional topics selected from inversions,  tessellations, complex analytic methods, and higher dimensional theories  selected by instructor. Investigation using dynamical geometry software is emphasized. Prerequisites: Graduate standing and MATH 300.  [SS]

MATH 526 Introduction to the History of

Mathematics (5)

Development of mathematics from its empirical origins to its present form. Euclid’s elements. Emphasis may vary with the instructor.  Evaluation will include at least one substantial student paper.  Prerequisites:  (1) MATH 300; and (2) At least two mathematics courses numbered above 300; and (3) Graduate standing. [W]

MATH 540 Introduction to Mathematics Education Research (5)

Primary focus on introduction to research related to contemporary issues in mathematics education. Course includes understanding the ethics, confidentiality, and protection of human subjects involved in mathematics education research. Brief introduction to basic philosophies, key terms, and generally accepted strategies of both quantitative and qualitative research, such as the criteria and processes appropriate for establishing validity, reliability, credibility, trustworthiness, variables, sampling, and data collection. This course could provide the foundation for completing MATH 591. Prerequisites:  Graduate standing. [SS]

MATH 577 Advanced Topics in Mathematics (1‑5)

Topics and prerequisites to be announced.  May be repeated for different topics.  General prerequisite:  Major or minor in Mathematics.

MATH 580 Advanced Research Participation (1‑5)

Individual mathematical investigation, under supervision.  (Experience as a research assistant does not count for credit.)  Offered on a credit, no credit basis only.  Prerequisite:  Permission of instructor.

MATH 591 Culminating Project (5)

Design and implementation of a written report of mathematical or field research or similar activity. Prerequisites: Successful completion of 30 approved credits towards the Master of Arts in Teaching Mathematics and appointment of a Culminating Activity Committee of three graduate faculty.