Mathematics Teacher (7-12), M.A.
School of Education
Program Overview
Stir up enthusiasm for math for children in seventh through 12th grade. In this master of science program, you’ll learn how to engage students in mathematics and how to build on students’ mathematical thinking. You will discover techniques to engage those who may be reluctant about learning a subject that involves many multiple-step problems and a lot of practice. You will hone your technical skills while our department will help you navigate the challenges of an urban school environment. You will explore pedagogical techniques specific to mathematics education.
Program Details
The program information listed here reflects the approved curriculum for the 2025–26 academic year per the Brooklyn College Bulletin. Bulletins from past academic years can be found here.
Program Description
NYSED Program Code: 26734
The Mathematics Department, in conjunction with the Department of Secondary Education, offers a master of arts degree in education for mathematics teachers (grades 7–12). The New York State Education Department licenses graduates of registered teacher education programs who meet the state requirements for teachers. Applicants must consult matriculation requirements for adolescence education and special subjects in the Department of Secondary Education section of the Bulletin, and should see the chair of the Department of Secondary Education for counseling.
The department also participates in a Master of Science degree program for middle childhood education specialists in math (grades 5–9), with extensions for gifted education at initial and professional certification levels.
This program leads to the M.A. in education and both New York State Initial and Professional Certification in Adolescence Education in teaching mathematics for grades 7–12.
Contact
Michael Meagher, Program Coordinator
Matriculation Requirements
Applicants must have an undergraduate degree in mathematics, mathematics education grades 7–12, or 18 credits in advanced mathematics including the following: multivariable calculus, linear algebra, abstract algebra, geometry, analysis/advanced calculus, probability and statistics, as approved by the chair of the mathematics department and the adviser of the mathematics education (7–12) program.
Applicants must have a minimum undergraduate grade point average (GPA) of 3.00 for matriculation. A minimum GPA of 3.00 in graduate courses is required to maintain matriculation.
International applicants for whom English is a second language are required to pass the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) with a score of at least 500 on the paper-based test, or 173 on the computer-based test, or 61 on the internet-based test before being considered for admission.
Applicants who do not meet all of the specific requirements will be given individual consideration and may be admitted with conditions, with the approval of the program coordinator of Mathematics Education 7–12 and the graduate deputy of the Mathematics Department.
Applicants must consult matriculation requirements for adolescence education and special subjects in the School of Education section of the Bulletin, and should see the Department of Secondary Education for advisement. General matriculation and admission requirements of Graduate Studies are in the section “Admission.”
Each student is evaluated individually based upon prior experiences. Based upon this evaluation and current certification requirements of the New York State Education Department, courses in education or another department may be substituted for required courses with permission of the program coordinator.
Option A (30 Credits)
This option leads to New York State Professional Certification in Adolescence Education in teaching mathematics for grades 7–12.
Matriculation Requirements
Applicants must hold a New York State Initial Certification in Adolescence Education in teaching mathematics for grades 7–12.
Degree Requirements
Thirty credits are required for the degree.
Mathematics Education (12 credits)
The following mathematics education courses, or mathematics education courses approved by the program coordinator, are required in the stated sequence: SEED 7482X, 7483X, 7484T, 7485T.
Mathematics (12 credits)
The following four mathematics courses, or mathematics courses approved by the Mathematics Department chair or graduate deputy are required: MATH 7305T, 7307T, 7309T, and 7313T.
Education Core (6 credits)
The following education class: Development and SEL: SEED 7507X.
One of the following elective education courses, or an education course approved by the program coordinator, is required: SEED 7465X, 7503X, 7504X, 7545X, 7671X.
Option B (30–40 Credits)
This option, for students without certification to teach, leads to both New York State Initial and Professional Certification in Adolescence Education in teaching mathematics for grades 7–12.
Degree Requirements
Thirty to 40 credits are required for the degree.
Education Core (12 credits)
The following four education courses are required unless candidates have taken one or more as part of previous coursework: Foundations: SEED 7500X; Literacy: SEED 7503X; Special Education: SEED 7671X; and Development and SEL: SEED 7507X.
Student Teaching (4 credits)
The following student teaching courses are required unless candidates have a New York State waiver: SEED 7541X, SEED 7542T, and SEED 7543T. (SEED 7500X and SEED 7483T must be completed before student teaching). SEED 7543T is not required if the candidate is teaching mathematics full-time at an appropriate grade level.
Students teaching with a New York State Internship Certificate must be enrolled in either SEED 7542T or 7001T during every semester that they are teaching under the certificate.
Mathematics Education (12 credits)
The following mathematics education courses, or mathematics education courses approved by the program coordinator, are required in the stated sequence unless candidates have taken one or more as part of previous coursework: SEED 7482X, 7483X, 7484T, 7485T.
Mathematics (12 credits)
The following four mathematics courses, or mathematics courses approved by the Mathematics Department chair or graduate deputy, are required: MATH 7305T, 7307T, 7309T, and 7313T.
Option C (30–39 Credits)
This option leads to both New York State Initial and Professional Certification in Adolescence Education in teaching mathematics for grades 7–12.
Matriculation Requirements
Applicants must hold a New York State Transitional B Certificate in Adolescence Education in teaching mathematics for grades 7–12.
Degree Requirements
Thirty to 39 credits are required for the degree.
Education Core (15 credits)
The following five courses in education are required unless candidates have taken one or more as part of previous coursework: Foundations: SEED 7500X; Literacy: SEED 7503X; Mindfulness; SEED 7504X; Special Education: 7671X; Development and SEL: SEED 7507X; Teacher Performance Assessment: SEED 7541X.
Mathematics Education (12 credits)
The following mathematics education courses, or mathematics education courses approved by the program coordinator, are required in the stated sequence unless candidates have taken one or more as part of previous coursework: SEED 7482X, 7483X, 7484T, 7485T.
Mathematics (12 credits)
The following four mathematics courses, or mathematics courses approved by the Mathematics Department chair or graduate deputy, are required: MATH 7305T, 7307T, 7309T, and 7313T.
Student Learning Outcomes
1. ALIGNMENT WITH STANDARDS FOR CONTENT AND TEACHING MASTERY
Develop pedagogical-content knowledge in order to support all students including English Language Learners, students with special learning needs, and students from all racial, cultural and gender identities aligned with the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM), New York State Education Department (NYSED) Mathematics Learning Standards and NYSED Next Generation Learning Standards.
2. ADOLESCENT DEVELOPMENT AND SOCIAL-EMOTIONAL LEARNING
Develop knowledge of adolescent development and social-emotional learning in order to support students to acquire knowledge, skills, and attitudes to develop healthy identities, show empathy, maintain positive relationships and make responsible decisions.
3. CREATING INSTRUCTIONAL PLANS
Apply knowledge of adolescent learners, learning theory, curriculum design, pedagogy, differentiation, and educational technologies when creating instructional plans that support all students in doing, thinking, reasoning, speaking, and writing mathematically and well as using math-specific technological tools in instruction.
4. SUPPORTING DIVERSE, EQUITABLE, AND POSITIVE LEARNING ENVIRONMENTS
Informed by the NYSED Culturally-Responsive Sustaining Education Framework, candidates demonstrate they have knowledge of the impact of culture and language on learning, implement culturally responsive practices while fostering a positive learning environment, and develop the skills required for working with colleagues, parents, guardians and communities for the benefits of all students.
5. ANALYSIS OF STUDENT WORK TO IMPROVE INSTRUCTION
Analyze and evaluate student work for evidence of learning, errors, and misconceptions and use findings to engage in reflective practice supporting the improvement of learning and teaching.
Admissions Requirements
- Fall Application Deadline: May 15
- Spring Application Deadline: November 15. Applications after this date may be accepted on a rolling basis until all places are filled.
Supporting Documents for Matriculation
Submit the following documents to the Office of Graduate Admissions:
- Transcripts from all colleges and universities attended. Applicants who earned a bachelor’s degree outside the United States need to submit a course-by-course international transcript evaluation. See Graduate Admissions for more information.
- Two letters of recommendation
- Résumé
- Photocopy of New York State teaching certificate (Option A)
- A brief biographical statement of 500 to 1,000 words describing your reasons for pursuing the specific graduate program to which you are applying and your future professional goals
Nondegree applicants: Submit a cover sheet describing why you wish to attend as a nondegree seeking student.
Required Tests
- F-1 or J-1 international students must submit English Proficiency Exam. TOEFL—79, IELTS—6.5, PTE—58–63, Duolingo—105–160.
All students accepted to the School of Education are required to submit fingerprint verification before signing up for most education classes. Fingerprint verification is required for work in New York City Department of Education schools if you already have fingerprint records or not. Follow these instructions.
More Information
Refer to the instructions at Graduate Admissions.
Contact
Michael Meagher, Program Coordinator
2608 James Hall
E:
P: 718.951.5000 ext. 5325
Or contact:
Office of Graduate Admissions
222 West Quad Center
2900 Bedford Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11210
E:
P: 718.951.4536
Office Hours
Mondays–Fridays, 9 a.m.–5 p.m.
Schedule an appointment with a graduate admissions counselor.
The Support You’ll Find
Brooklyn College is an integral part of the cultural and artistic energy of New York City. Our faculty members in the departments of Secondary Education and Mathematics offer incomparable expertise and tremendous talent, and each brings a unique perspective to their teaching and mentoring in and out of the classroom.
Internships and Employers
Students complete internships in public and private schools throughout the New York City region as well as across the United States. The internship is a supervised experience designed to hone the requisite skills and knowledge to work as a math teacher.
