MST + License
Master of Science in Teaching Secondary School Mathematics for Students Seeking Licensure Heading link
Please click here to apply.
The purpose of the Master of Science in Teaching Mathematics (MST) option for students seeking licensure is to prepare students to successfully teach mathematics at the secondary level. This program is designed so that students, in particular those switching careers, can both obtain the MST degree and fulfill the requirements for an Illinois secondary school teaching license.
For admission to this program, students should have a background comparable to the coursework listed in the admission requirements section below. Other applicants will be required to take appropriate courses to make up for any deficiencies in their mathematical preparation. The GRE is not required. Some full-time MST students may hold teaching assistantships.
Applicants need to have satisfied all the state of Illinois teaching license testing requirements. Please see the Council on Teacher Education website for more information on these requirements.
Required Course Credits Heading link
| Field | Hours |
|---|---|
| Admission Requirements | 22 |
| Higher level courses | 32 |
| Teaching courses | 20 |
| Education / Instruction courses | 18 |
Detailed Course Requirements Heading link
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Students must take ALL courses listed below
Calculus I MATH 180 4 hours Calculus II MATH 181 4 hours Calculus III MATH 210 3 hours Students must also take at least 2 of the following courses
Introduction to Advanced Mathematics MATH 215 3 hours Linear Algebra MATH 320 3 hours Abstract Algebra MTHT 435 3 hours Analysis I MATH 313 3 hours -
Students are required to take 32 credit hours of of higher level courses in MTHT, MATH, MSCS, and/or STAT, including ALL 4 courses listed below
16 out of 32 credit hours are comprised by these 4 courses. Math Analysis for Teachers I MTHT 430 4 hours Advanced Euclidean Geometry MTHT 411 4 hours Introduction to Higher Geometry MTHT 510 4 hours Math Analysis for Teachers II MTHT 530 4 hours Additional Requirements
Among the remaining 16 credit hours, the student has to satisfy 4 hours by completing either Linear Algebra II (MATH 425) or Abstract Algebra (MTHT 435). The remaining 12 credit hours can be satisfied by 3 courses (4 credit hours each) in MTHT, MATH, MSCS, or STAT. Note that at least one of those 3 courses must be a 500-level course.
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All of the following courses are mandatory
Methods of Teaching Secondary Mathematics I MTHT 400 4 hours Methods of Teaching Secondary Mathematics II MTHT 401 4 hours Educational Practice with Seminar I MTHT 438 6 hours Educational Practice with Seminar II MTHT 439 6 hours notes
Note that MTHT 400 and 401 should be taken in the two semesters immediately preceding student teaching (in any order). MTHT 401 Methods of Teaching Secondary Mathematics II Includes 20 hours of field experience. All courses listed are required for licensure. The Methods courses are not counted towards a student’s Math GPA.
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Students must complete 18 credit hours in courses focusing on education and instruction, including the following:
Survey Characteristics of Learners with Disabilities SPED 410 3 hours Instruction and Evaluation in Secondary Education ED 432 5 hours Secondary Literacy CI 504 4 hours notes
Note that ED 432 is to be taken in the semester immediately preceding Student Teaching (MTHT 438 and MTHT 439).
Additional Requirements
The remaining 6 credit hours should be covered by two 3-hour courses. The first one has to be one of
- ED 402 Philosophy of Education, or
- ED 403 Policy Issues in the History of American Education:
while the second one has to be one of
- ED 421 Advanced Educational Psychology, or
- ED 445 Adolescence and the Schools
Additional Requirements Heading link
As part of the program, one full semester of supervised student teaching in a secondary school is required for certification. The candidate registers for MTHT 438 and 439 during that semester. For further information, see the Council on Teacher Education’s Student Handbook and Secondary Student Teaching Handbook.Substitutions may be possible with the approval of an advisor.
For more information
Always consult your adviser when you have questions. In addition, consult your Graduate Catalog and the current UIC Timetable for more complete details regarding degree programs. For details regarding licensure, consult your adviser for the latest information. Licensure is subject to the most recent legislation and regulations (i.e., there is no ‘grandfathering’).