COURSE CURRICULUM

The master’s program in Mathematics Education at DePaul University is designed to prepare current and future secondary school teachers with strong mathematical knowledge and effective instructional strategies that directly support high school curriculum needs. The program can be completed in as few as 27 months and is available on the Lincoln Park Campus or online, making it accessible for working professionals. A bachelor’s degree in mathematics is not required for admission, allowing individuals from a variety of academic backgrounds to enter the field of mathematics education and develop advanced teaching expertise.The curriculum covers a broad range of advanced and foundational mathematics topics that are closely connected to secondary education. Students study differential and integral calculus along with numerical algorithms, gaining experience in implementing these methods using graphing calculators and web-based software tools that can be applied in classroom instruction. Euclidean and non-Euclidean geometry is also included, with a focus on using software packages that help teachers connect geometric concepts to high school learning standards. The program emphasizes discrete mathematical structures with an introduction to logic, proof, and mathematical reasoning, helping educators strengthen their ability to teach abstract thinking skills.In addition, students explore probability and statistics, including an introduction to combinatorics, which supports data analysis and real-world applications in the classroom. The curriculum also includes the history of elementary number theory, algebra, and geometry, providing teachers with a deeper understanding of how mathematical ideas have developed over time. Advanced topics in abstract algebra are included to strengthen content knowledge related to high school algebra, geometry, and trigonometry. The program further expands into differential equations and advanced linear algebra, giving educators a more comprehensive mathematical foundation. Finally, topics in real analysis are studied with a strong emphasis on improving calculus instruction and helping students better understand core mathematical concepts.Overall, the program equips educators with advanced mathematical knowledge, modern instructional tools, and practical teaching strategies that enhance their ability to support student learning in secondary mathematics classrooms.