What you will study
UCM’s Elementary Mathematics Specialist master’s degree program builds your knowledge
in three foundational areas: mathematical content, leadership and pedagogy.
By the time you receive your UCM graduate degree, you’ll be able to demonstrate mastery
of the content area, show that your students have grown as a result of your instruction
and exhibit instructional leadership skills in mathematics education.
Coursework for your online Math Specialist master’s degree program may include:
- Childhood Research and Development: Learn action-based, qualitative and quantitative research methodologies, including
statistical analysis. This graduate course facilitates action-based and advanced research
methods for leaders in Elementary Mathematics education.
- Mathematical Leadership for Elementary Mathematics Specialists: Research and apply concepts of teamwork, communication and leadership in elementary
schools. Discover effective strategies for influencing improvements within your school
and district.
Excellence in Mathematics Education
- #1: Most Focused Master’s Degree College for Mathematics Education in Missouri (College
Factual, 2022)
- #1: Most Focused College for Mathematics Education in Missouri (College Factual, 2022)
- Top 5.5%: Most Focused Master’s Degree Colleges for Mathematics Education (College Factual,
2022)
- Top 10%: Most Focused Colleges for Mathematics Education (College Factual, 2022)
- Top 15%: Most Focused Colleges for Education (College Factual, 2022)
Unique learning opportunities for elementary math specialists
The University of Central Missouri emphasizes hands-on learning — even when the degree
program is remote. While earning your online Elementary Math Specialist certification,
you’ll have ample opportunities to put your coursework into practice:
- Collaborative education: UCM’s Elementary Mathematics Specialist degree candidates often tell us how much they
value the open, supportive nature of the graduate program. Learn from your peers as
well as from our expert faculty, sharing knowledge and best practices from school
districts around the state.
- Internships: Master elementary mathematics pedagogy by applying it in your own classroom. Fieldwork
for the Elementary Mathematics Specialist program takes place in your current classroom,
school or district. Working in your own educational and administrative environment
is effective, convenient and flexible — just one of the ways UCM supports your needs
as a working educator.
- Professional development: Pursuing your Elementary Math Specialist certification indicates a commitment to advancing
your role in your field as well as in your school or district. In addition to the
leadership skills and networking facilitated by program coursework, UCM connects Elementary
Mathematics Specialist graduate students with regional and national professional organizations
and encourages conference attendance.
What can you do with an Elementary Math Specialist master’s degree from UCM?
UCM’s Elementary Mathematics Specialist degree program is an ideal way to develop
your understanding of the content area and build leadership skills. Some program graduates
use what they’ve learned to become more effective classroom teachers, while others
move on to new roles in the elementary mathematics education field or pursue doctoral
studies.
The education and practical experience you’ll receive in the University of Central
Missouri’s Elementary Mathematics Specialist master’s degree program will reignite
your relationship with the discipline and help you become a valued leader in your
school. The additional credential Missouri educators can earn at the conclusion of
our graduate program — Missouri’s Elementary Math Specialist certification — will
also make you a strong candidate for district-level roles involving peer training.
Jobs for elementary math specialists
Elementary mathematics specialists are in strong demand, in school districts both
in Missouri and nationwide. This growth-oriented field offers many opportunities for
professional advancement. Explore trends, salaries and projections for elementary
mathematics specialist careers using our interactive tool below.
Financial assistance options for your Elementary Math Specialist master’s degree
A UCM graduate degree in education, respected in the field since 1871, is a strong
investment in your future. Our commitment to an accessible, high-quality education
means we keep our tuition rates low for in-state and out-of-state graduate students
and offer generous financial aid packages.
Your financial advisor will help you identify the best combination of loans, grants,
scholarships and other programs to finance your master’s degree program. As an Elementary Mathematics Specialist student, you may be eligible for
specific funds above and beyond the resources available university-wide. Learn more
about what scholarships you may qualify for by using the UCM Scholarship Finder.
Meet Emilie M.
MSE Elementary Mathematics Specialist ’16
“As a veteran teacher of nearly 20 years, I can honestly say no professional development
has changed me the way this program has. If you want a master’s degree, just do any
program out there, but if you want to improve your instruction for real — the UCM
Elementary Math Specialist program is for you!”
Meet Heather T.
MSE Elementary Mathematics Specialist ’19
“This program isn’t your ‘normal’ master’s program. So many of my friends and colleagues
are in programs at other institutions and they don’t get as much out of their classes
and assignments as I do. Every one of our assignments and projects has helped me and
my students to become better at math.”
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Take your degree further.
To maximize your career opportunities as an elementary mathematics specialist, consider
UCM’s Education Specialist degree track:
Explore programs related to mathematics.
UCM offers alternative graduate degrees in Mathematics, including:
Additional Teaching Certification
Our program leads to an advanced Missouri teaching certificate as an elementary mathematics
specialist. This will open new career options for you!
Statewide Collaborative
UCM is one of six universities in Missouri working collaboratively to offer the elementary
mathematics specialist program. These universities have worked together for many years
to design a program that prepares you well to work as a math specialist. Courses transfer
easily among these universities.
Admission Requirements
- Current teaching certification
- 2.5 minimum undergraduate GPA
