Updated March 26, 2008

The Special Program for Secondary School Teachers provides a Master of Science degree for mathematics teachers who wish to enhance their practice by deepening their understanding of mathematics and mathematics education beyond bachelor's level. This degree does not prepare teachers for doctoral studies in mathematics.

Course of Study

SPSST candidates follow an individualized course of study prepared in cooperation with the student's advisor and approved by the MSCS Graduate Committee, following one of the two options.

Plan A 24 semester hours of course work thesis (for 6 credits) comprehensive examination

Plan B 30 semester hours of course work 10-20 page essay comprehensive examination

Under Plan A, a thesis and 24 semester hours are required. The thesis must be an original contribution to the discipline for which six hours of credit are normally given. At least 12 of those semester hours must be taken at the graduate (200) level. Plan B requires a 10-20 page essay that demonstrates the candidate's ability to analyze and synthesize a particular area of research or professional practice, and 30 semester hours of course work, at least 15 of which must be taken at the graduate (200) level. Students will automatically enter under Plan B and will need to consult with their advisor and the Graduate Committee if they wish to transfer to Plan A. Provided approval is obtained from the Graduate Committee your program may incorporate a limited number of courses from other departments, including Psychology, Education, or science courses.

Near the end of your program, a comprehensive examination, based upon the courses in your individual program of study, is required of all degree candidates. No foreign language is required.

The MSCS Department is committed to serving teachers and provides a generous number of mathematics courses in the late afternoon or evening as well as some summer courses to accommodate teachers' work schedules.*

Four Year Rotation of Courses
Special Program for Secondary School Teachers (SPSST)

Rotation Number	Semester	Course Number and Name* ( ) indicates cross-listed undergrad course	Possible Alternate Course**
R6	Fall 2007	272 (124) Algebraic        Structures 1	270 (135) Advanced        Geometry 1
R7	Sp 2008	138 Topics in School        Mathematics from        an Advanced Standpoint	120 Theory of Numbers
R8	Sum 2008	278 Seminar in Mathematics        Curriculum        Development and        Materiel 1
R9	Fall 2008	274 (180) Mathematical        Analysis 1	160 Theory of Probability
R10	Sp 2009	147 System Modeling and        Analysis	139 Topics in Elementary        Mathematics from an        Advanced Standpoint 275 (181) Mathematical        Analysis 2
R1	Fall 2009	270 (135) Advanced        Geometry 1
R2	Sp 2010	120 Theory of Numbers	138 Topics in School        Mathematics from an        Advanced Standpoint
R3	Sum 2010	276 (164) Probability and        Statistics
R4	Fall 2010	121 Linear Algebra and        Matrix Theory	222 Applied Discrete        Mathematics 1
R5	Sp 2011	101 History of Mathematical        Ideas	112 Topology 139 Topics in Elementary        Mathematics from an        Advanced Standpoint 223 Applied Discrete        Mathematics 2
R6-R10; R1-R5	F 2011 - Sp 2015	Repeat the cycle	Repeat the cycle

*	Fall and Spring Courses will be offered in the late afternoon or evening. Summer courses, which will run only if enrollment warrants, will be offered during the second summer session.
**	It is likely, but not guaranteed, that these alternate courses will be offered when indicated. Students must have at least 5 courses numbered 200 or above.