Teaching Middle Grades Mathematics (MA) Online
Note: The MA in Teaching Middle Grades in Mathematics will be renamed to MA in Mathematics Education starting in Fall 2025. The program will remain the same. Applicants for Fall 2025 and beyond will be applying to the program under the new name.
The primary objective of the Master of Arts (MA) degree in Mathematics Education is to enhance the mathematical knowledge and related pedagogical skills of teachers. The MA in Mathematics Education is intended for future and current teachers interested in enhancing their understanding of K12 mathematics and related teaching practices. The courses have students explore K12 mathematics from different perspectives in interactive ways that reflect best practices in education. Students in the Middle Grades certificate or certification programs can continue on to this master’s degree.
The fully online program provides teachers with a broad understanding of the fundamental principles underlying school mathematics while making connections to the mathematics they will teach and at the same time preparing them to be leaders in their schools, districts, and perhaps, at the state and regional level. Teachers who successfully complete the sequence of eleven courses will be able to make connections across the mathematics curriculum and to other disciplines within the framework of the state mathematics standards. Their increased content knowledge and pedagogical skill will result in an observable, enhanced level of enthusiasm and comfort with mathematics, which will in turn foster a deeper understanding, and appreciation of mathematics in both their students and their colleagues.
Teachers who successfully complete the master’s degree will contribute to the achievement of students in multiple ways. This program is ideal for practicing mathematics teachers who are seeking an enhanced understanding of contemporary mathematics education topics, practicing teachers of subjects other than mathematics who would like to learn about mathematics education, and teachers of subjects other than mathematics who would like to integrate mathematics into their curriculum.
Please note that this master’s program does not by itself provide teacher certification. It can be combined with the fully online Certification in Elementary School with Subject Matter Specialization: Mathematics Grades 5-8 program, which does lead to a second endorsement for teachers who already hold an initial certification.
Please note that this master’s program is intended for those who are already current teachers and does not provide teacher certification. For information regarding our options for acquiring a teacher certification please see our Teacher Education and Certification page.
Please refer to our programs of study page for a comprehensive list of all of the graduate programs offered within the university.
The Office of Graduate Admissions requires the equivalent of a U.S. bachelor’s degree in order to be eligible to apply for a graduate program. Applicants with non-U.S. degrees, please visit the international applicants page to review the U.S. degree equivalency information.
In order to make applying for graduate school as seamless as possible for you, we have
created an application checklist. This checklist can be a reference point for you during the
application process to ensure that you have a comprehensive understanding of the steps
needed to apply, as well as all corresponding supplemental materials for your specific
program of interest.
- Application Deadline: Rolling Admission.
- Submit Online Application: Please create your online account and submit your application by following the general application instructions and pay (or waive) the non-refundable $60 application fee. Once this step has been completed, the online portal will allow you to upload your supplemental materials.
The following is a list of the supplemental materials that will accompany your application for the Teaching Middle Grades Mathematics (MA) program:
- Transcript: One from each college attended.
- Statement of Purpose: Please write an integrated essay providing a response to each of the following questions:
- What are your goals for graduate study and your future career?
- In what ways do your academic background and your professional experiences provide evidence of your potential for success in the program you selected and in your eventual career? Please give specific examples of relevant coursework and/or experience.
- Is there any further information we should consider in assessing your candidacy?
- Letters of Recommendation: One.
- Teacher Certification: Copy of New Jersey teacher’s certificate. (Optional)
- Applicants with non-U.S. degrees, please visit the International Applicants page to review the US degree equivalency information.
For curriculum information, please visit the program listing in the course catalog.
If you have any general questions regarding the application process and requirements, please email or call us:
Office of Graduate Admissions
Email: graduate@montclair.edu
Telephone: 973-655-5147
Fax: 973-655-7869
If you have specific inquiries regarding your program of interest, please contact the Teaching Middle Grades Mathematics (MA) Program Coordinator:
*During the summer months, there will be a rotating department chair available to answer your inquiry. Find the updated summer chair for this program.*
Program Coordinator: Dr. Mika Munakata
Email: munakatam@montclair.edu
Telephone: 973‑655‑7256