Program Overview
Through the master’s degree field in mathematics for teaching you:
- Build a deeper understanding of mathematics content to inspire curiosity, foster inquiry, and cultivate problem-solving skills in your students, both in their learning and in real-life applications.
- Acquire pedagogical content knowledge to effectively support student motivation and interest in mathematics within today’s complex and dynamic academic and social environments.
- Develop a comprehensive understanding of how students learn and do math, including how misconceptions, preconceptions, and evolving mathematical thinking can enhance comprehension of mathematical concepts.
- Acquire the tools and resources needed to excel in mathematics education and positively impact your students’ learning experience.
- Earn an optional certificate in learning design and technology or math leadership to enhance your leadership capacity in mathematics education further.
Program Benefits
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Customizable course curriculum and stackable certificates
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A faculty of math instructors, many of who have earned PhDs in math from Harvard University and have taught at Harvard
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Personalized academic & career advising
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A capstone project or thesis option
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Paid research opportunities
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Harvard Alumni Association membership upon graduation
Customizable Course Curriculum
Our curriculum is flexible in pace and customizable by design. You can study part time, choosing courses that fit your schedule and align with your career goals.
As you work through the 12-course program, you’ll focus on topics such as:
- Discrete mathematics
- Mathematical modeling
- Graph theory
- Calculus
To further personalize your experience, you choose between a thesis or capstone track. Along the way, you can earn a graduate certificate in learning design and technology or math leadership.
11 Online Courses
- Asynchronous and synchronous formats
- Fall, spring, January, and summer options
On-Campus Experience
Join faculty and peers in person for an immersive 3-week summer course: Appraising and Reimagining Middle and High School Mathematics Education.
Capstone or Thesis Track
- Thesis: features a 9-month independent research project with a faculty advisor
- Capstone: includes exploring contemporary research in math education and creating a state-of-the-art lesson plan
Admissions
The path to your degree begins before you apply to the program.
First, you’ll register for and complete 2 required courses, earning at least a B in each. These foundational courses are investments in your studies and count toward your degree, helping ensure success in the program.
Next Start Term: Spring 2025
Enroll for your first admission course this spring. Course registration is open November 4, 2024–January 23, 2025.
To get started, explore degree requirements, confirm your initial eligibility, and learn more about our unique “earn your way in” admissions process.
Earning a Stackable Certificate
As you work your way toward your master’s degree, you can take courses that also count — or “stack” — toward a graduate certificate. It’s a cost-effective, time-saving opportunity to build specialized skills and earn a second professional credential.
For each certificate, you can choose courses that best fit your goals.
Stackable graduate certificates include:
A Faculty of Mathematics Experts
You’ll learn from Harvard faculty and industry leaders who will help you gain real-world perspectives. Our instructors are renowned experts in mathematics — and how to teach the subject. They bring a genuine passion for teaching, with students giving our faculty an average rating of 4.6 out of 5.
Featured Faculty
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![Carolyn Gardner-Thomas]()
Carolyn Gardner-Thomas
Director, Mathematics for Teaching Program, Harvard Extension School
Teaches Math Teacher Leadership, Teaching Projects: Math for Teaching Capstone
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![Andy Engelward]()
Andrew Engelward
Assistant Dean of Academic Programs at Harvard Extension School
Teaches Mathematical Foundations for Teaching Secondary School Math
Our Community at a Glance
Most of our graduates are full-time middle school and high school math teachers. A number of graduates work as math tutors, either running their own private tutoring companies, or employed by such programs as the Russian School of Mathematics.
In this program, you'll join a community of fellow educators, grow as a teacher, and, ultimately earn your Harvard University degree — a Master of Liberal Arts (ALM) in Extension Studies, Field: Mathematics for Teaching.
Download: Mathematics for Teaching Master's Degree Fact Sheet
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37
Average Age
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1
Course Taken Each Semester
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79%
Work Full Time
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97%
Would Recommend the Program
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93%
Professional Experience in the Field
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Most
Pursued to Deepen Expertise
My coursework at Harvard Extension supported and helped me to develop the concept behind Educational Justice... My professors at Harvard have not only been huge fans of our efforts, they’ve helped me to grow and support the venture in a number of key areas from research to networking.
Tuition & Financial Aid
Affordability is core to our mission. When compared to our continuing education peers, it’s a fraction of the cost.
| Our Tuition (2024–25 rate) | $3,340 per course |
|---|---|
| Average Tuition of Peer Institutions | $4,330 per course |
| Average Total Cost | $40,080 |
After admission, you may qualify for financial aid. Typically, eligible students receive grant funds to cover a portion of tuition costs each term, in addition to federal financial aid options.
Learn more about the cost of attendance.
Learning & Connection
Deep learning springs from human connection. That’s why we work so hard to bring people together — whether in a live virtual classroom or an in-person seminar on campus.
Our approach to online learning fosters interaction without sacrificing flexibility. Each week, you’ll engage with your instructor, participate in peer discussions, and receive one-on-one support from teaching staff—all from your home or office.
