Master of Arts in Mathematics

College of Science and Engineering Technology
Dept. of Mathematics and Statistics

Master of Arts in Mathematics

The Master of Arts Degree in Mathematics at Sam Houston State University is a non-thesis program, consisting of 36 semester hours, a capstone research course, and an oral examination. It is primarily designed for those who want to teach mathematics at community colleges, and/or AP or concurrent enrollment at the high school level, and/or pursue a doctorate in mathematics education. Core courses are taught 100% online by exceptional faculty.

Requirements for Admission:

  • A Bachelor's Degree
  • Undergraduate calculus I, II, III, and linear algebra, with B's or higher
  • An application to the Office of Graduate Studies
  • Official undergraduate transcripts
  • Three letters of recommendation


Scholarship opportunities are also available, but there is limited funding/scholarships available for those students who either enroll in three or more courses per semester or are employed as graduate assistants. Graduate Assistant positions are very limited, but they are offered every two years to one or more highly qualified students, depending on funding. Graduate assistantships can be done virtually.



SHSU Catalog

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Testimonials

Michelle Deaton

Michelle Deaton

My professors really made themselves available and were very encouraging throughout the program. I felt that they were truly invested in my success. Looking back, I am so glad I made the decision to apply for this program.

Zafer Buber

Zafar Buber

The inclusive learning environment at SHSU and flexible degree program highly encouraged me to broaden my perspective and enhanced my passion to contribute to the common good of society.

Brigham Barron

Brigham Barron

SHSU has designed an amazing MA program for math teachers. Thanks to the online courses that were offered, I was able to continue teaching while earning my degree! And all the professors were very easy to get to know and work with. I really enjoyed the time I spent on the coursework.

FAQ

  • Q: Are some classes, even though they are fully online, required to meet at certain times?

      It depends on the professor and class. Some professors hold once a week synchronous sessions with everything else done asynchronously and others do everything asynchronously with virtual office hours.

  • Q: What is the normal course load and how long will it take to graduate?

    Most of our students are working adults with full-time jobs so the average student takes 2 courses per semester Fall, Spring, and Summer. With this schedule, you will graduate in 2 years. If you would like to take more classes and graduate faster, that is absolutely possible. Speak with the MA in Mathematics advisor to see how that could work for your situation. Others choose to take only one course per semester which then increases their time to graduation accordingly.

  • Q: Is the GRE required?

    Due to COVID 19, we have suspended the requirement for the GRE at this time.

  • Q: What will this degree help students achieve?

    This degree prepares you to teach mathematics at the undergraduate community college level, teach AP and/or dual credit courses at the high school level (with prior certification--this program is not a teacher licensing program), and/or to pursue a doctorate in mathematics education.

  • Q: Do students ever have to come on campus?

    Everything for the 100% online MA in Mathematics program can be done anywhere in the world. Even the comprehensive exams are conducted virtually.