Mathematics (MAT)

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Description
Specializations
Program-Related Information
Program Website
Applying for Admission
Requirements

With options at both the secondary and middle level, this program emphasizes mathematical knowledge for teaching by focusing on mathematical concepts with strong connections to the school curriculum.

Description

Awarded by the Department of Mathematics, the Master of Arts for Teachers degree can be completed online, in person on the UNL campus and at other Nebraska locations, or as a combination of both. Since 2005, more than 300 teachers have earned our MAT degree. The program offers one option for secondary mathematics teachers and another for middle-level teachers (grades 5-8), who earn a specialization in the teaching of middle-level mathematics. Emphasis is placed on deepening teachers' mathematical knowledge for teaching by focusing on advanced mathematical concepts that underlie or have strong connections to the school curriculum. Most of the courses in the MAT program were developed with funding from the National Science Foundation and by members of the UNL faculty in partnership with master K-12 teachers. As a result, the content is rigorous yet grounded in the realities of high school and middle-level classrooms.

While the program was designed to develop teacher leaders with special strengths in mathematics, our experience indicates that this coursework can provide considerable value to in-service high school teachers wishing to teach dual credit courses or teach at a community college. Note: Teachers who only seek 18 graduate credit hours in mathematics to satisfy a dual-credit requirement for high school teaching should apply as Non-Degree, Post-baccalaureate.

Applicants must have a valid teaching certificate. This degree does not lead to a teaching endorsement.

Specializations

Teaching of Middle Level Mathematics

Program-Related Information

Graduate Chair

Yvonne Lai
402-472-3731
yvonnexlai@unl.edu

Support Staff

Kimberly Hermsen
402-472-3731
khermsen30@unl.edu

Program Website

https://www.math.unl.edu/mat-degree

Applying for Admission

Standard requirements for all graduate programs

Application for Admission with $50 non-refundable application fee.
Transcripts (unofficial): Uploaded as part of application form.
_{If International: Uploads must include all college- or university-level transcripts or mark sheets (records of courses and marks earned), with certiﬁcates, diplomas, and degrees plus certiﬁed English translations.}

_{After admission: Official documents are required from all students who are admitted and enroll. Photocopies of certiﬁed records are not acceptable. International students enrolled in other U.S. institutions may have certiﬁed copies of all foreign records sent directly to the Office of Graduate Studies by their current school’s registrar office.}
If applicant’s native language is not English, verification of English proficiency is required.
_{When sending TOEFL scores, our institution code is 6877 and a department code is not needed.}
If applicant is not a US citizen and expects an F or J visa: financial information.
Applicants must also fulfill any additional requirements the department specifies at the time of application.

Additional requirements specific to this program

Resume
Personal Statement: If you do not have a current teaching license, your personal statement should explain why you want a degree designed for current teachers.
Teaching License: If you indicate current Nebraska licensure, no upload is needed because the department will verify this with NDE.
Writing Sample (optional): Upload up to 2 research papers that have been submitted or published
Recommenders (optional): 1 letter of recommendation.
- Note: You are not required to submit any letters of recommendation. If you would find it beneficial to have someone from your school/district write you a letter (e.g., principal, superintendent), to get their support in writing for your pursuit of the MAT, we welcome a letter from them.

Admission Application Deadlines

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.