Master of Arts in Education—Mathematics Education
Become a leader in K-12 math education
Prepare for advancing teaching roles and instructional coaching with the mathematics education master’s degree at ECU! Designed for current math teachers, our curriculum will sharpen your instructional expertise and deepen your mathematics knowledge while providing the flexibility you need to balance other priorities. Whether you’re looking for a community of colleagues, improved classroom outcomes, a leadership position, or all of the above, our mathematics education master’s is your formula for success.
New! Cohort in Elementary Mathematics begins in fall 2026.
A degree tailored to your interests
An elementary teacher requires a different skill set than middle school or high school teachers. We designed our
master’s in mathematics education for teachers at all levels. Select a concentration to customize your degree:
- Elementary (K-5) – online
- Middle School – online
- High school – online when part of a cohort program; hybrid otherwise
With ECU’s master’s in mathematics education, you’ll take courses that are specific to your experience and
career goals alongside courses that apply to diverse classrooms. All three concentrations offer online
coursework designed for full-time teachers. The high school concentration is a hybrid program, combining
online coursework with four on-campus MATH courses—although the HS cohort offered every three years is
100% online. Regardless of the concentration you choose, you can complete your coursework in two years while continuing to work full-time in the classroom.
Elementary Concentration Fall Cohort (Fall 2026-Summer 2028)
MAEd Cohort in Elementary Mathematics members experience the convenience and cost-savings of online learning while gaining the structure and community of a cohort model.
Advantages include:
- 100% online
- Peer interaction
- Streamlined admission requirements
- Financial aid eligibility
Schedule
| Semester | Course | Name |
|---|---|---|
| Fall 2026 | MATE 6058 | Number Systems & Operations: K-5 Mathematical Tasks |
| Fall 2026 | EDUC 6001 | Introduction to Differences in Learning |
| Spring 2027 | MATE 6059 | Rational Numbers and Operations: K-5 Learning Trajectories |
| Spring 2027 | MATE 6351 | Data Analysis & Probability in the Middle Grades |
| Summer 2027 | MATE 6060 | Data Analysis & Measurement: K-5 Classroom Interactions |
| Summer 2027 | MATE 6361 | Measurement Across the Curriculum |
| Fall 2027 | MATE 6061 | Algebraic Reasoning: K-5 Discourse & Questioning |
| Fall 2027 | MATE 6211 | Research in Mathematics Education |
| Spring 2028 | MATE 6062 | Geometry & Spatial Visualization: K-5 Assessment |
| Spring 2028 | MATE 6400 | Capstone Project in Mathematics Education |
| Summer 2028 | MATE 6063 | Mathematical Modeling: K-5 Leadership |
| Summer 2028 | MATE 6371 | Teaching and Learning of Algebra |
Questions?
Contact Mathematics Education Coordinator Charity Cayton at caytonc@ecu.edu or (252) 328-9683
Why study math education at ECU?
ECU’s math education master’s degree is highly respected in North Carolina and the region. Get tremendous value for your master’s in mathematics education when you enjoy these other great benefits of our program:
Connect with peers and expand your network
As a graduate student in our master’s in mathematics education program, you’ll study alongside other mathematics teachers, sharing ideas and collaborating on how to improve mathematics education. You’ll also have the support of a large network of ECU education alumni for future learning and career opportunities.
Earn your degree in a flexible format
We understand the daily challenges that teachers face, which is why we designed our mathematics education master’s with flexibility that enables you to continue working while earning your degree. The elementary and middle grades mathematics concentrations are offered 100% online while the high school concentration is offered in a hybrid format (although 100% online when joining a cohort). You can take classes on a part-time basis and still finish your degree in just two years.
Learn from expert faculty
Our faculty are lifelong educators with real-world experience teaching math in K-12 classrooms. Under their guidance, you’ll learn not only mathematics education but also how to become a trusted leader and mentor for other teachers.
Courses you will take in the master’s in math education program
Your master’s in mathematics education classes will help you become a more effective mathematics teacher. As part of the online core curriculum, you’ll take five classes that explore human learning and leadership and strengthen your research skills:
- Introduction to Differences in Human Learning in Schools
- Mathematics Assessment for the Classroom Teacher or Geometry and Spatial Visualization: K-5 Assessment
- Leadership in Mathematics Education or Mathematical Modeling: K-5 Leadership
- Research in Mathematics Education
- Capstone Project in Mathematics Education
In addition to your core curriculum, you’ll take four classes in your concentration area and three classes outside your concentration area to expand your view of K-12 mathematics. In total, you will complete 12 courses (36 credit hours).
View all courses in Degree Explorer
What can you do with your master’s in mathematics education?
If you’re passionate about teaching mathematics in a K-12 classroom setting, ECU’s master’s in math education is an ideal program for you. You’ll be prepared to collaborate with and lead other teachers in your school and district to make a real difference in the classroom.
As a graduate with a master’s in mathematics education, you’ll be able to pursue instructional coaching positions, become a mathematics specialist, teach mathematics education at the college level, or continue on to pursue a doctoral degree. Some of our graduates have used their new skills and credentials to pursue national board certification.
Where are mathematics education master’s graduates working?
ECU alumni who hold a master’s in mathematics education have careers in school districts throughout North Carolina. Several of our graduates are now serving as full-time faculty members in community colleges or universities. Highly qualified mathematics teachers are always in high demand, making a mathematics education master’s degree a worthwhile investment in your future.
Get started on your math education master’s degree
Take the next step toward earning your master’s in math education degree. We have the resources to answer all your questions and help you get started.
Degree programs related to math education
- Curriculum and Instruction, MAEd
- Elementary Education, MAEd
- Elementary mathematics education graduate certificate
- Instructional Technology, MAEd
- Mathematics, MA
- Middle Grades Education, MAEd
Accreditation for mathematics education at ECU
ECU’s master’s in mathematics education is accredited by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS), Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP), and the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction.