Mathematics for Elementary and Middle Grades (K-8) (MA)

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Overview

The Department of Mathematics at the University of Northern Iowa offers a Master of Arts program in Mathematics for Elementary and Middle Grades (K-8). The purpose of the program is to develop highly-trained, knowledgeable teachers of mathematics at the elementary and middle grade (K-8) levels. Graduates possess the ability, insight, confidence and commitment to implement mathematics programs as envisioned by the NCTM Standards.

Applications are currently being accepted for the Summer 2021 cohort.

Program highlights

Built around a core foundation of strategies

Teaching and learning mathematics
Implementing programs
Understanding school mathematics goals
Providing leadership in bringing about change

Visit the UNI Mathematics website to learn more about the program.

Qualifications and selection

You are expected to be certified and have experience teaching mathematics. A commitment to change, a willingness to incorporate new activities and approaches in the classroom, involvement in professional growth opportunities and administrative support for district leadership are considered in the selection process. The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is not required for admission into the program.

Convenient course delivery

Fall and spring courses in this program are offered online using eLearning, a Blackboard learning management system requiring Internet access and a web browser. Summer sessions include two weeks of in-person instruction at UNI, set on a beautiful 900-acre campus. Students who desire housing on the UNI campus may make arrangements with the UNI Department of Residence. For information and to reserve a room, visit www.uni.edu/dor/conferences/conference-housing or call 319-273-7438 or 866-207-9411.

Program Schedule

Mathematics for Elementary and Middle Grades (K-8) (MA) - Summer 2021 Cohort

Tentative course schedule
Click on a course title to view the course description (if available).

Program schedule is pending -- check back soon for details!

FAQs

General information

What are the costs?

All students pay the same tuition rate, regardless of location, making it an affordable option for all students.

Tuition for the 2019-20 academic year is $509 per unit of graduate credit or $320 per unit of undergraduate credit. An additional technology fee per course may apply. Tuition and fees are expected to rise each May, typically announced by the Iowa Board of Regents in March.

Do I qualify for financial aid?

Distance education students may qualify for financial aid with the following eligibility requirements:

Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
Be admitted to UNI and enrolled in a degree-seeking or Advanced Studies Certificate program
Be enrolled for a minimum number of credits per semester or summer session
Be in compliance with satisfactory academic progress standards

Specific questions about financial aid should be directed to the Office of Financial Aid & Scholarships at 319-273-2700 or fin-aid@uni.edu

Why choose the University of Northern Iowa?

Since its establishment in 1876 as the Iowa State Normal School, the University of Northern Iowa has maintained its affirmed commitment to the support of excellence in teacher education. That commitment remains strong as the university continues to prepare students to become teachers, as well as provide opportunities for career advancement in the field of education. In addition to a commitment to teaching, our faculty members are engaged in research, writing and professional development. View UNI's national rankings and honors.

I'm not sure about distance learning. How can I make sure it’s right for me?

Research findings demonstrate that students of all types of learning styles can succeed in a distance environment. View our tips for being a successful distance learner.

What kind of support services can I expect to receive?

The University of Northern Iowa is committed to providing comprehensive support services for distance education students. The Office of Continuing and Distance Education serves as your primary point of contact in accessing distance education support services, including enrollment services, technical support for online course tools and more. You are also given access to the UNI Rod Library’s print and electronic collections for your convenience. View a complete list of services and support resources.

Please contact the Office of Continuing and Distance Education at 319-273-7206, 800-648-3864 or distance@uni.edu with any questions. If we don’t have the answer, we will do our best to find it.

Will academic advising assistance be provided?

You will work with the program coordinator when communicating about the program of study. Once participating in the program, you will be assigned a faculty advisor who will work with you one-on-one regarding your progress in the program.

Program specific information

How do I get started?

See the "Next Steps" tab above for information. If you have any questions, please contact the program coordinator(s) and/or enrollment contact below or contact the Office of Continuing and Distance Education at ContinuingEd@uni.edu.

What happens if I miss a course in the sequence?

While it is often possible to make up courses that are missed, our commitment is to deliver the courses as outlined in the cohort schedule. This is not designed as a program in which students come and go. Rather, the cohort model requires that students take the prescribed sequence in unison. Should you need to miss a course, you should consult with your program advisor for options.

Is the GRE or any other examination required?

There are no entrance exam requirements for this program.

How will I enroll in the courses?

When you have completed the steps to admission and have been accepted into the program, we will send you details and information about how to enroll in the first course. After you participate in the first term of courses in the cohort sequence, the Office of Continuing and Distance Education will notify you with enrollment details for the next term of courses as they become available. You are required to enroll in your courses each semester.

Can I take the courses out of sequence or start at a later date?

The program is planned so that students move through the sequence of courses as a cohort group. The first course forms a foundation for the program and includes an introduction unit describing the program goals, sequence of courses, standards, rubrics and academic expectations. For that reason, it is important that you enroll and complete the courses in the same sequence. Program faculty expect that students have a growing knowledge of concepts built upon a prescribed sequence of courses. In addition, program faculty work to build an online community as students move through the course sequence together.

How are the courses delivered?

For information about course delivery, please see the "Overview" tab above.

Additional FAQs

What are the GPA guidelines?

Undergraduate GPA	Admission consideration
3.0 and above	May be considered for full admission
2.75-2.99	May be considered for provisional admission
Less than 2.75	May be denied admission

Next Steps

Step one: Express your interest

Please complete the online interest form to the right to express your interest in joining a future Mathematics for Elementary and Middle Grades (K-8) MA cohort. The next cohort is scheduled to begin Summer 2021. We will use the information you provide to send you program updates, including important information about application deadlines as they become available.

Step two: Apply for admission

We are currently accepting applications for the Summer 2021 cohort. We encourage you to apply for admission to graduate studies through the University of Northern Iowa.

Former UNI students: The online application requires logging in with your CatID credentials. If you have forgotten your username or passphrase, contact the IT Help Desk at servicedesk@uni.edu or 319-273-5555 and have them reset your password.

Need help with your UNI application?

Contact us at 800-648-3864 or Distance@uni.edu for assistance. Additional resources are also available from the UNI Graduate College.

Complete the online Application for Graduate Study and the required application materials requested by the department (see below) can be attached at time of application submission or sent separately. (Note: required application materials can be attached at the time of application submission or after submission.)
Please note that you are applying for admission in the category of Graduate for Summer 2021.
The program for which you are applying is Mathematics for Elementary and Middle Grades (K-8) MA.
Entrance exams are not required.
Note that if you have received a degree from UNI, you do not have to pay the non-refundable $60 application fee or request your UNI transcripts.
International students: Please contact the Office of International Admissions at international.admissions@uni.edu or 319-273-2195 for specific instructions.

Additional application materials:

An applicant statement describing your professional goals and your motivation for pursuing the Mathematics for Elementary and Middle Grade (K-8) MA program.
Resume

Required application materials can be attached (in .pdf format) to the application at the time of or after submission or sent directly to the Office of Admissions.

If you have any questions, please contact Deb Blanchard at 319-273-6952 or Deb.Blanchard@uni.edu.

Supporting documents can be attached to the application. Documents must be in .pdf format. Submission of additional materials after the application has been submitted should be sent directly to the Office of Admissions.

Office of Admissions
University of Northern Iowa
002 Gilchrist Hall
Cedar Falls, IA 50614-0018
admissionsprocessing@uni.edu

What to expect

When your application for graduate study is complete, you will receive confirmation from UNI Admissions staff that they have received and forwarded your application and transcripts to the Department of Mathematics for review.

The department will review your application materials and contact you regarding your admission status. Following admission to the program, you will receive information about how to enroll in the first set of courses.

Delivery of the program is contingent on a sufficient number of students being accepted into the program.

Program Coordinator(s):

Brian Townsend

Mathematics

(319) 273-2397

Brian.Townsend@uni.edu

Enrollment Contact:

Jamie Anderson

Continuing and Distance Education

(319) 273-7206

Jamie.Anderson@uni.edu

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