For whom is this degree designed?

The program is designed especially for secondary teachers who are looking for courses that reinforce and extend the foundations of high school mathematics. These courses are not designed for persons who plan on pursuing a Master’s or Ph.D. degree in pure or applied mathematics or who plan to work in industry. The program does not contain the courses necessary to get initial teacher certification.

Is this program completely online or can I take classes on campus?

The entire program will be available online to those who cannot take classes on campus because of distance or other obligations.  A student can definitely take the 6 hours of mathematics electives on campus, if he/she wishes. Also all of the education courses except SEC 534 are taught on campus. If classes are available on campus, the student may choose between on campus classes or online classes

Is a thesis required?

There are two options.  A student may choose to do a thesis as his/her elective hours.  However, a thesis is not required.

What about comprehensive examinations?

At the end of the program, students will take a written examination in education and a written examination in mathematics.

How do I apply?

Admission to the Graduate Program at Western Kentucky University is required.  The application form is available online at
http://www.wku.edu/Dept/Academic/Graduate/application.pdf
The Master of Arts in Mathematics is so new that it is not on the current form.  In the section for Master of Arts, please write “049 Mathematics”.
You will be assigned to a graduate advisor in the Department of Mathematics who will help you fill out a Form B/C outlining the classes that you must take.

How long will the program take?

If a person takes two courses each semester (including summers), she/he can finish the entire program in two years; however, this may be too heavy a load for a full-time teacher. If a student takes two courses during the fall or spring, it would probably be preferable to take one education course and one mathematics course.

Will every class be available every semester?

Since this is a new program, we are building new classes especially for teachers.  Right now we are working to make at least 2 classes available online every semester.  If enrollment increases as we expect, classes will be offered more frequently.  The following is a tentative outline of what we expect to offer over a two-year time span. 

Will this degree allow me to teach in a community college?
Right now, we don’t have the answer to that question.  We have made initial contacts with the Kentucky Community and Technical College System, but we have not yet received an answer.  Our best advice for now is to contact the Division Head for Mathematics and Science at the community college at which you would like to teach.

What if I am not already certified to teach high school?
You cannot gain teacher certification through this program.  If you already have a Bachelor’s degree in mathematics or are willing to take the coursework necessary to get the equivalent of a minor in mathematics, you should look into alternative certification routes.  Please contact the Office of Teacher Services at 270-745-6249 and ask about alternative certification routes.

What if I still have questions?

For more information, please contact Dr. Wanda Weidemann by email at wanda.weidemann@wku.edu or by telephone at 270-745-6211.