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.

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 2019 Cohort

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

Summer 2019

MATH

6201

Foundations of Mathematics Education

3 unit(s)

MATH

6212

Foundations of Algebraic Reasoning

3 unit(s)

Fall 2019

MATH

6227

Data Analysis, Probability, and Discrete Mathematical Reasoning

3 unit(s)

MATH

6381

Current Research in Mathematics Education

Understand purposes and methods of research in mathematics education with a focus on action research. Review mathematics education research and its implications for instruction. Conduct a classroom-based action research project. Prerequisite(s): MATH 6201 (800:220) or consent of department.

3 unit(s)

Spring 2020

MATH

6225

Teaching and Learning Mathematics

Exploration of instructional strategies to support mathematical learning of K-16 students with focus on your own practice. This includes establishing mathematical goals for learning, selecting appropriate tasks, facilitating classroom discourse, building conceptual understanding from procedural fluency, and using technology to enhance instruction.

3 unit(s)

Course details and enrollment information

MATH

6236

Equity and Mathematics Education

Examines theories of race, gender, social class, and sexuality and how these theories play out in K-16 mathematics classrooms. Exploration of historical, political, and pedagogical issues within mathematics education. Includes history of treatment of minorities in mathematics education, teaching mathematics for social justice, culturally relevant mathematics pedagogy, and other pedagogies and theories related to teaching socioculturally diverse students.

3 unit(s)

Course details and enrollment information

Summer 2020

MATH

6215

Foundations of Geometric Reasoning

3 unit(s)

Course details and enrollment information

MATH

6216

Number and Operations

3 unit(s)

Course details and enrollment information

Fall 2020

MATH

6209

Curriculum & Assessment

3 unit(s)

MATH

6299

Research

1-2 unit(s)

* This course is not a requirement to graduate. May be taken in conjunction with the required research paper.

Spring 2021

MATH

6205

Teaching Rational Numbers and Proportionality

Examination of literature, problems, and issues related to teaching fractions, decimals, ratios, proportion, and percent. Exploration of innovative strategies for developing concepts, skills, and proportional reasoning. Prerequisite(s): MATH 6201 (800:220) or consent of department.

3 unit(s)

MATH

6299

Research

1-2 unit(s)

* This course is not a requirement to graduate. May be taken in conjunction with the required research paper.

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

We want to hear from you!

Please complete the online interest form to the right to express your interest in joining a future Mathematics for the Elementary & Middle Grades (K-8) MA cohort. We will use the information you provide to send you program updates, including important information about application deadlines.

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

Pre-K	Kindergarten
1st	2nd
3rd	4th
5th	6th
7th	8th
9th	10th
11th	12th

Continuing Education and Special Programs

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Program highlights

Qualifications and selection

Convenient course delivery

Mathematics for Elementary and Middle Grades (K-8) (MA) - Summer 2019 Cohort

General information

Program specific information

Additional FAQs

We want to hear from you!

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