Master of Arts in Mathematics - Why Come to App?
Our program is designed for students who are interested in pursuing a rigorous graduate program in mathematics with the added benefit of gaining hands-on training and experience with teaching. The MA degree can qualify students for advanced teacher licensure in high school mathematics, prepare students for community college teaching positions, or serve as excellent preparation for doctoral programs in mathematics or mathematics education.
Students complete the program with solid foundations in mathematics as well as knowledge of pedagogical issues such as collaborative learning, effective classroom teaching, assessment strategies, and the use of technology in the classroom.
Concentration in College Teaching: Designed for students who are interested in teaching mathematics at the college level. The course of study follows the American Mathematical Association of Two Year Colleges (AMATYC) guidelines for faculty preparation, in addition to allowing students to complete a rigorous core of graduate level mathematics.
Concentration in Secondary Teaching: Designed for students who are interested in furthering their secondary school teaching credentials. The course of study follows the North Carolina guidelines for advanced (M) licensure in mathematics, as well as CAEP accreditation guidelines on the preparation of master's level mathematics high school teachers.
Thinking about applying? Read on for a general overview OR see our FAQ page and our Guide for Students for even more information.
Program of Study
All students complete 12 hours of core mathematics: math modeling, linear algebra, analysis, and statistics. College Teaching concentrators complete an additional 15 hours of mathematics and statistics, 6 hours of pedagogical coursework, and 3 hours of research in mathematics, statistics or mathematics education. Secondary Teaching concentrators complete an additional 9 hours of pedagogical coursework, 4 hours of product of learning and capstone research, and 11 hours of electives in mathematics, mathematics education, and statistics.
While most of our students are full time on our campus in Boone, we do offer a part-time option.
Full-time Enrollment: Students who enroll full time (9-12 hours per semester), typically finish the program in 3-4 semesters. In addition to taking courses, most of our full-time students also hold paid teaching assistantships, so that they can apply what they are learning in their apprenticeships and other pedagogically related courses.
Part-time Enrollment: Students who cannot quit their jobs and move to Boone can pursue the program part-time. Each semester 1-2 courses are offered in the late afternoon or early evening to allow distance students to attend through video-conferencing (usually Zoom). The length of time required to complete the program part-time varies depending upon the number of courses students take at a time. Students are encouraged to take at least 12 hours in a calendar year.
Admission Requirements
Students seek admission to our program through the School of Graduate Studies. The application process includes completion of an online form (https://graduate.appstate.edu/graduate-admissions/apply-graduate-school) and submission of a number of additional documents, including official transcripts, resumes, and GRE general test scores. The GRE subject test is not required.
Students meeting the following minimum conditions will be considered for admission to our program. Note that you may still be eligible for provisional admission if you fall below the minimum; please contact us for advice in that case!
- baccalaureate degree with a major in mathematics, mathematics education, or a related field
- 3.0 undergraduate GPA or both a 2.5 undergraduate GPA and 25th percentiles scores on the GRE Quantitative and Verbal sections
- undergraduate coursework in single and multivariable calculus (Calculus 1, 2, 3), linear algebra, real analysis, and statistics.
- students wishing to complete the secondary teaching concentration must have initial licensure in mathematics or be eligible to obtain initial licensure
Cost of Attendance
Full-time, on-campus students in the program are responsible for paying on-campus graduate tuition and fees. Part-time distance education students are responsible for paying the appstate-online tuition and fees. Costs are very low for North Carolina residents (http://studentaccounts.appstate.edu/tuition-and-fees/).
Financial Support
Assistantships: Teaching assistantships ranging from $9,000-$12,000 are available to full-time students. Applicants with complete applications for admission will be automatically considered for department assistantships if their applications are submitted by September 30 for Spring admission and March 30 for Fall admission. Note that TAs are responsible for paying tuition and fees.
Fellowships: The School of Graduate Studies offers fellowships ranging from $4,000 to $12,000 for full-time students with exemplary undergraduate records and strong GRE scores. Students wishing to be considered for a fellowship should apply for Fall by the end of February. See the School of Graduate Studies website (https://graduate.appstate.edu/prospective-students/financial-support/scholarships-and-fellowships) for more information. Students may hold a fellowship and an assistantship at the same time. Fellows are responsible for paying tuition and fees.
Student Loans: Students enrolling in at least 5 hours in a semester are eligible to apply for financial aid through completion of the FAFSA. Students able to document high need may receive small grants from state funds on a first-come-first-served basis, so plan to submit the FAFSA as early as possible. Graduate students are also eligible for unsubsidized Stafford loans. For the most up-to-date information on forms of aid available, see the Financial Aid website (https://financialaid.appstate.edu/).
Other Opportunities
Accelerated Master's Program
Eligible students can get a head start on their graduate programs through taking graduate courses while they are finishing their senior year at Appalachian. Students can take as many as 12 hours of graduate coursework during their senior year, using the hours to meet both undergraduate and graduate program requirements. Seniors with a 3.4 GPA can be nominated for this program in the second term of their junior year (Accelerated Master's page).
Mathematics Education Leadership Training
Students have the option of completing some electives through the MELT Program, established in 1998 with a generous donation from the Cain Foundation to fund professional development for mathematics teachers. The program currently emphasizes weeklong Summer Institutes and through-the-year follow-up activities. Graduate credit or CEUs can be earned (http://melt.appstate.edu).
Dual Degree Program with Engineering Physics
Students who are interested in both mathematics and physics may choose to pursue the dual degree, which includes completing 54 hours of coursework in mathematics and physics. Upon completion of the requirements, students receive both the MA in Mathematics and the MS in Engineering Physics.