Master of Mathematics (MM)
Mathematics
College of Arts & Sciences
Program Overview
Are you currently a secondary mathematics educator interested in teaching dual enrollment courses to high school students or introductory college teaching? The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, offers an online Master of Mathematics degree to help you achieve this goal and more!
Credit Hours
30
Cost Per Credit*
In-State $700
Out-of-State $775
Testing Requirement
No GRE
Admission Terms
Fall, Summer
*Cost per credit hour is an estimate based on maintenance and university fees. Some programs may have additional course fees. Please contact your department for additional information on any related fees, and visit Tuition and Fees in Detail at One Stop.
A Master’s Math Program Tailored for Secondary Educators
The University of Tennessee’s Master of Mathematics (MM) program supports teachers as mathematicians through rigorous training in a broad range of topics. Most of our students are current secondary education math teachers who are interested in advanced placement courses, dual enrollment, introductory college teaching, and other responsibilities that require graduate study in mathematics.
Since its inception in the 1960s, the MM program has developed a history of continual growth in supporting teachers. During the past sixty years, the program has helped generations of Tennessee teachers. In the 2010s, the program moved online to include educators from outside the Knoxville area—currently, there are students from the east to west coasts and from many places in between.
Our most recent change occurred in 2019 when a committee of faculty updated existing courses and added new ones to better reflect the needs of students in the ever-changing landscape of math education. Currently, our faculty continue to refine our program by incorporating more evidence-based practices and by pursuing opportunities to grow. Our faculty have voluntarily sought out extra workshops, additional professional development, new classroom technologies, and better ways to be more inclusive simply because we are dedicated to the profession of teaching and to our students.
The MM program itself particularly emphasizes breadth of graduate math knowledge. Unlike traditional programs, which often target future researchers in a particular subfield of math, the MM program considers the mathematical needs of educators. With the new course catalog options, MM students have more pathways to obtain their graduate degrees while being exposed to a wide range of theoretical and computational tools necessary for their careers. Our classes include linear algebra, math modeling, statistics, differential equations, analysis, and more. Beyond coursework, the MM degree utilizes a practical, comprehensive portfolio as a final assessment instead of a thesis or timed exam. This portfolio includes both coursework samples and academic job search documents, so that our students are ready to launch the next stage of their careers immediately upon graduation. In terms of careers, our alumni primarily report additional opportunities for teaching after obtaining their MM degrees, including at the introductory college level, but we have also had some alumni transition to industry jobs.
Lastly, in addition to the mathematical components of our program, we are most proud of the community that we have been building. Through the synchronous online aspects of our classes, we provide plenty of opportunities for students to meet other educators from around the country. Our graduates consistently mention that this MM network is one of the best highlights of our program, and some have even called it their “MM family.”
Featured Courses
The Master of Mathematics program offers courses focusing on meeting the needs of educators teaching advanced mathematics, here are just a few examples of the courses you can take:
MATH 550: Linear Algebra for Teachers
Teaching methodology of solving systems of linear equations with matrices, Gaussian elimination, matrix computations, determinants, vector spaces, subspaces, eigenvalues and eigenvectors, applications.
MATH 510: Mathematical Modeling for Teachers
Applying mathematics to solve real-world problems. Investigation of meaningful and realistic problems encompassing many academic disciplines.
MATH 530: Differential Equation for Teacher
Elementary solution techniques for differential equations. Existence and uniqueness of solutions. Laplace transform. Series solutions. Systems of differential equations, stability and phase plane analysis.
MATH 505: Analysis for Teachers
Development of differential and integral calculus, proofs of basic theorems.
Student Testimonials
“It has been a pleasure to be a student again. I appreciate the hard work put in by the instructors in the MM program and I have truly enjoyed working with fellow teachers from all across the country!”
Al Shorey, MM graduate, ‘21
“Reflecting on the past two years of classes, I have made great friends that spread across the country and have been inspired and challenged by passionate instructors that cared personally about my understanding of the materials and success within their course.”
Madeline Gustafson, MM graduate, ‘21
“This has been a rewarding experience to be a part of. I can easily see the growth and development that I would not have received without this type of program. With this particular degree, I have been asked to be a part of both the educational leadership and the curriculum development team for my school system. I truly enjoy taking this leap and engaging in this course of study. I would highly recommend any current/prospective math teacher to enroll.”
Justin Lee, MM graduate, ‘20
UT prepared me to teach Dual Enrollment by the types of classes offered in the program and the different approaches from various professors in learning. Typically, Statistics and College Algebra are the most known for being offered as Dual Enrollment courses at the high school level. The classes I took in the MM program helped me learn material that is used in both of these. I felt well-equipped to teach Dual Enrollment math classes after learning from the experienced professors at UT.”
Valerie Capps, MM student
Prestigious Awards Received by Master of Mathematics Students
Dorothea & Edgar D. Eaves Summer Fellowship
The Dorothea and Edgar D. Eaves Summer Fellowships were established in 1977 to encourage high school mathematics teachers to return to the University of Tennessee during the summer to further the study of mathematics.
- 2021: Emilee Frazier
- 2020: Curtis Dishner and Dani Waldrop
- 2019: Valerie Capps and Matthew Ellis
- 2018: Matt Ellis and Christopher Garner
Harry Row Scholarship
Harry Row was deeply committed to teaching and spent considerable time working with teachers. One of his professional goals was to promote the appropriate use of technology in the teaching of Mathematics. This scholarship funds a teacher who wants to continue the study of Mathematics and preference is given to those who have significantly used technology in their teaching.
- 2021: Shande King and Joanna Koziar
- 2020: Justin Lee
- 2019: Theresa Nelson
- 2018: Stefanie Holmes
UT Mathematics Teacher of the Year Award
The Department of Mathematics Teacher of the Year Award is given to a local high school mathematics teacher who best exemplifies the knowledge of and enthusiasm for the discipline of mathematics inside the classroom and out.
- 2021: Michael Pyle and Hayley Pyle
- 2020: Emily Brandel
- 2019: Curtis Dishner
- 2018: Valerie Capps
Ready to Light the Way in Mathematics Education?
Online Programs Bring Brighter Futures
Without the option to participate in online courses, many students would not be able to continue their education and advance their futures.
Graduate Student Finds Online Learning Community (and Confidence) Through Master of Mathematics Program
Graduate student flourishes in tight-knit online learning community of classmates and professors, developing life-changing confidence and career-advancing knowledge in mathematics.
Expecting and excelling: Online student earns Master of Mathematics
With determination and drive, a high school mathematics teacher grows her family while pursuing an online Master of Mathematics degree.
