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Mathematics Graduate Program

The Rivier College Master of Arts in Teaching Mathematics (M.A.T. in Mathematics) is a 36-credit-hour graduate program designed for the prospective secondary-school teacher who wishes to achieve New Hampshire state Certification in secondary mathematics teaching or for current teachers. The program fulfills most certification requirements in many other states. In conjunction with the program director, individuals tailor a program to their specific background and needs. The program blends contemporary knowledge in mathematics with current theory, practice, and pedagogy of schooling. Students study, observe, conduct, research, and work in classroom settings at both college and high school sites. Students attend classes and are invited to participate in meetings, workshops, and seminars with current teachers.

UPDATED MAT-Math Handbook: MAT-Math Handbook

Admissions Requirements

Applicants for admission to the Master of Arts in Teaching Mathematics should follow the general guidelines for applying listed in the Admission Process section of this catalog. In addition,
applicants must meet the following requirements:

  •  Complete a personal interview with program director before official acceptance into the program.

  •  Submit an official transcript of undergraduate degree and any other relevant academic credits.

  •  Submit the results of either the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or the Miller Analogies Test (MAT).

  •  Provide two letters of recommendation from individuals with whom the applicant has studied and/or under whose immediate supervision the applicant has worked in a professional capacity; and/or from others who are in a position to offer pertinent appraisal of academic and interpersonal skills, ability, and potential.

  • Provide a "Statement of Purpose": This should be a one- to two-page statement explaining how the M.A.T. in Mathematics fits the candidates long-term personal or professional goals.

  • Provide evidence of English proficiency if a language other than English is the native language (consult Admission Process section of this catalog for details).

Prerequisites

  • Mathematics courses including Calculus I and II and Linear Algebra

  • Additional courses, if necessary, to make up any undergraduate deficiencies

 Transfer Credits

A maximum of six transfer credits are allowed, provided they are from an accredited institution, have not been previously applied toward another graduate degree, are a grade of B or better, and are approved by the department chairperson or program director.

Competencies

  • Students who complete the program will demonstrate they have met all Performance Standards specified by the New Hampshire State Department of Education Expectations for Secondary School
    Teachers of Mathematics.

  • Before program completion, students will demonstrate performance competencies in the areas of:

              (1) Knowledge of the Learner
              (2) Knowledge of Pedagogy
              (3) Knowledge of Mathematics 

Mathematics

Director and Advisor:
Darien Lauten, Ph.D
Office: Regis Hall
Phone: (603) 897-8571
E-mail: dlauten@rivier.edu
 macsoffice@rivier.edu

M.A.T. for Prospective Teachers of Mathematics

Degree Requirements (36-42 credits)

The Master of Arts in Teaching Mathematics for Prospective Teachers is designed to fulfill requirements for New Hampshire State Certification for Teaching Secondary Mathematics. Starred courses (*) are required for certification.

Methodology and Theory Courses (9-15 credits)
Knowledge of Pedagogy  

  • MA530    Teaching Secondary Mathematics Using Technology*
  • MA 534    Methods of Teaching Secondary School Mathematics*
  • MA 601    Current Issues in Mathematics Education*
  • MA 602    Assessment in Mathematics Education* 
  • MA 700    Direct Study: Thesis or Curriculum Project

Education Courses (6-9 credits)
Knowledge of the Learner

  • ED 503    Philosophy of Education*
  • ED 515    Psychology of Adolescent: Survival Skills for Secondary Teachers*
  • ED 533    Managing Adolescents: Survival Skills for Secondary Teachers
  • Other courses in the Department of Education

Content Area Courses in Mathematics (15 credits)
 Knowledge of Mathematics

  • MA 508    Discrete Mathematics for Teachers*

  • MA 509    History of Mathematics for Teachers*

  • MA 532    Geometric Models for Teachers*

  • MA 540    Mathematical Statistics for Teachers*

  • MA 553    Abstract Algebra for Teachers*

  • Other courses in the Department of Mathematics and Computer Science

Internship/Seminar (6 credits)
  • Requirements that must be met prior to enrollment in MA 635 Internship/Seminar: Passing score on Praxis I and II; seventy-five hours of pre-student teaching experience (PSTE)
  • MA 635 Internship/Seminar in the Teaching of Secondary School Mathematics

 Other Requirements

bullet Obtain passing scores on Praxis I and Praxis II.
bullet Meet at least three times with the program director, including the entrance interview and the final interview that is conducted before application to graduate.
bullet Keep the program director and department administrative assistant informed about progress in the program, courses registered for each semester, and courses added or dropped after registration.
bullet Maintain a portfolio in the Mathematics Conference Room that demonstrates student mastery of the competencies required for NH State Certification for Teaching Secondary Mathematics.

The program director or department chairperson, depending on the student’s educational background and preparation, may authorize substitutions in the program.

Master of Arts in Teaching (M.A.T) Mathematics

M.A.T. for Current Teachers of Mathematics

Degree Requirements (36-42 credits)

The Master of Arts in Teaching Mathematics for Current Teachers is designed for teachers who wish to increase their knowledge of the learner, knowledge of pedagogy, and knowledge of mathematics. Through this program, certified teachers may change their area or level of state certification and uncertified teachers may obtain certification. The program is designed to support teachers as they increase their classroom competencies. Students' programs are individualized to meet their background, goals, and needs.

Methodology and Theory Courses (9-15 credits)
Knowledge of Pedagogy

  • MA530    Teaching Secondary Mathematics Using Technology*
  • MA 534    Methods of Teaching Secondary School Mathematics*
  • MA 601    Current Issues in Mathematics Education*
  • MA 602    Assessment in Mathematics Education* 
  • MA 700    Direct Study: Thesis or Curriculum Project

Education Courses (6-9 credits)
Knowledge of the Learner

  • ED 503    Philosophy of Education*
  • ED 515    Psychology of Adolescent: Survival Skills for Secondary Teachers*
  • ED 533    Managing Adolescents: Survival Skills for Secondary Teachers
  • Other courses in the Department of Education

Content Area Courses in Mathematics (15 credits)
 Knowledge of Mathematics

  • MA 508    Discrete Mathematics for Teachers*

  • MA 509    History of Mathematics for Teachers*

  • MA 532    Geometric Models for Teachers*

  • MA 540    Mathematical Statistics for Teachers*

  • MA 553    Abstract Algebra for Teachers*

  • Other courses in the Department of Mathematics and Computer Science

Internship/Seminar (6 credits)
  • MA 635 Internship/Seminar in the Teaching of Secondary School Mathematics
  • Current teachers are required to meet or are exempted from this requirement on an individual basis.

 Other Requirements

bullet Passing scores on Praxis I and Praxis II.
bullet Meet at least three times with the program director including the entrance interview and the final interview that is conducted before application to graduate.
bullet Keep the program director and department administrative assistant informed about progress in the program, courses registered for each semester, and courses added or dropped after registration.
bullet Maintain a portfolio in the Mathematics Conference Room that demonstrates student mastery of the program competencies.