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Joint
Ph.D. Program The Mathematics and Science Education Doctoral Program (MSED) is administered jointly by the University of California, San Diego (UCSD) and San Diego State University (SDSU). In this program, students with a baccalaureate and master's degree in mathematics, biology, chemistry, or physics complement their discipline knowledge with studies of how people learn mathematics and science. MSED offers a supportive environment where students pursue their own research interests while working closely with faculty on both campuses. The interdisciplinary course requirements (including courses in cognitive science and philosophy) strike a balance between theoretical and practical classes, including a teaching practicum. Master
of Arts in Teaching Service The Master of Arts for Teaching Service has two specializations: Community
College Teaching Admission Students should meet the requirements for classified graduate standing (e.g., a degree with the equivalent of a mathematics major, appropriate GPA and GRE scores), as described in the Graduate Bulletin. At the discretion of the Graduate Adviser and the Graduate Division, students may be admitted with conditional or unclassified standing in order to complete necessary background courses. Course and Exam Requirements In addition to meeting the requirements for classified graduate standing and the basic requirements for the master's degree as described in the Bulletin, students must complete an official program of 30 units, at least 24 of which must be from the Department of Mathematical Sciences. At least 15 of the 24 must be 600- and 700-level courses. An official program of study must be prepared with and approved by the graduate adviser before it is submitted to the Graduate Division. All
students are required to pass a department qualifying exam early in
their program. Currently this qualifying exam is part of MTHED 603.
With departmental approval and appropriate performance on the qualifying
exam, students may select either Plan A which requires MATH 799A (Thesis)
or Plan B which requires passing a comprehensive examination in mathematics
education. Students must also select one of the specializations (Community
College or Secondary Teaching) listed below. This specialization is designed for students with strong undergraduate preparation in mathematics and may be used to satisfy the requirements for teaching at the community college level. Students must have completed a bachelor's degree in mathematics (or equivalent) before entering the program and must have completed at least two courses selected from MATH 521A (Abstract Algebra), MATH 524 (Linear Algebra), and MATH 534A (Advanced Calculus) or their equivalent; the third course may be part of the program. It is helpful if MATH 521B and/or MATH 534B are also taken during the undergraduate years. Students interested in teaching mathematics in the community colleges should be aware of the American Mathematical Association of Two Year Colleges (AMATYC) and their Standards document; see their web site at: http://www.richland.cc.il.us/imacc/standards/ Required mathematics courses for this specialization include a graduate course in geometry
(MATH 600) Students should take at least one mathematics course that is numbered 621 or higher, and their nine units of electives should be courses in advanced mathematics. If a student was admitted with only two of MATH 521A (Abstract Algebra), MATH 524 (Linear Algebra), and MATH 534A (Advanced Calculus) as part of their undergraduate work, the third course must be one of the electives. Required courses in mathematics education include: MTHED
603 and MATH 720 (Seminar) can also be used when the seminar topic deals with mathematics education. Students
who obtain the adviser’s approval to select Plan A will substitute
MATH 799A (Thesis) for one of the mathematics education courses. Most
students select Plan B and take a comprehensive examination on three
of their mathematics education courses (normally 603 and two of 604,
605, 606, and 720). In preparation for this exam, see the adviser for
instructions and then register for three units of MATH 798, Special
Study, Research in Mathematics Education; these credits for MATH 798
are not included in the 30-unit program. This specialization is designed to strengthen the mathematical background of secondary teachers, while providing course work to better understand the learning and teaching of mathematics in grades 7-12. Students should have the equivalent of a bachelor's degree in mathematics before entering the program. Students interested in teaching mathematics in the secondary schools should be aware of the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM) and their Standards documents; see their web site at: http://www.nctm.org/ Required mathematics courses for this specialization include a course in geometry
(MATH 510, 511, 512, or 600) Required courses in mathematics education include: MTHED
603 and MATH 720 (Seminar) can also be used when the seminar topic deals with mathematics education. The remaining 6 units of electives can be chosen from either mathematics or mathematics education courses, in consultation with the adviser. Students
who obtain the adviser’s approval to select Plan A will substitute
MATH 799A (Thesis) for one of the mathematics education courses. Most
students select Plan B and take a comprehensive examination on three
of their mathematics education courses (normally 603 and two of 604,
605, 606, and 720). In preparation for this exam, see the adviser for
instructions and then register for three units of MATH 798, Special
Study, Research in Mathematics Education; these credits for MATH 798
are not included in the 30-unit program. Student Support A limited number of graduate teaching assistantships in mathematics are available to qualified students. Applications are available in the department office. Support for qualified candidates may also be available through the Center for Research in Mathematics and Science Education, General Mathematics Studies, the School of Teacher Education, or through employment on faculty research grants. For further information, consult the Graduate Bulletin, the Mathematical Sciences Department Office (GMCS-413, 619-594-6191), or the MATS Graduate Adviser, Dr. Janet Bowers, jbowers@math.sdsu.edu, GMCS-570, 619-594-6361.
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