Is a Master's in Mathematics the Key to a Non-Academic Academic Career?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the potential value of a Master's in Mathematics for pursuing a non-academic career, particularly in areas like mathematics curriculum development and assessment. Participants explore the implications of such a degree on job prospects outside of traditional teaching roles, including considerations of funding and practical teaching experience.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses interest in mathematics curriculum development but is uncertain about the necessity of a Master's degree for such roles, especially given the lack of teaching experience.
  • Another participant suggests that while advanced training in Mathematics is important, practical teaching experience is also necessary for a successful career in STEM education.
  • A later reply mentions the possibility of taking education courses as electives in the Master's program to gain instructional practice.
  • Concerns are raised about the lack of teaching assistant or research assistant funding for the Master's program, which could impact the decision to pursue it.
  • Another participant questions the eligibility for financial aid, noting that the program is not offered by the College of Education, which may limit funding opportunities.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the necessity of teaching experience and the value of the Master's program for non-academic careers. There is no consensus on the best path forward, particularly regarding funding and practical training.

Contextual Notes

Participants mention the absence of teaching assistant or research assistant positions for the Master's program, which may affect financial considerations. There is also uncertainty about the availability of financial aid and scholarships for this specific program.

Shackleford
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I'm graduating in May with a B.S. Math and Physics Minor. I really don't want to teach, but I think I would enjoy something like mathematics curriculum development/assessment, etc. Of course, this would generally be outside of academia - at least at the university level. However, in my search for related jobs, it seems that tutoring companies and other ancillary educational entities hire for such a career. One of math professors recently did academic consulting at some school with a program that needed help. I'm pretty sure I couldn't get very far with just a B.S. and no teaching experience, so I'm again considering this Master of Arts in Math at my university. It's geared towards teachers who want to teach at the high school and junior college level, so it's difficulty is nowhere near a science/research graduate math degree.

So, I'm just wondering what you guys think in general about this. I hope I'm making sense.

http://www.mathematics.uh.edu/graduate/master-programs/master-of-arts/index.php
 
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I think you will have a great future if you go into STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) teaching. The program you linked to, however, does not provide any experience in teaching itself- yes, you likely need advanced training in Mathematics, but you will also need instructional practice. University of Houston seems to have something like UTeach, you may want to investigate that.
 
Andy Resnick said:
I think you will have a great future if you go into STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) teaching. The program you linked to, however, does not provide any experience in teaching itself- yes, you likely need advanced training in Mathematics, but you will also need instructional practice. University of Houston seems to have something like UTeach, you may want to investigate that.

Well, the program includes three approved electives, so I'm sure I could fill those with some education courses. The problem I have is paying for this. There's no TA/RA offers for this program like there is for the M.S. programs.

http://www.coe.uh.edu/current-students/academic-programs/mathematics-education/coursework.php
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Really?

"The College of Education offers a variety of financial aid, including scholarships and graduate fellowships to currently enrolled students. Graduate Fellowships are available to eligible students and usually provide aid to help cover the costs of tuition, as well as a stipend. They can include responsibilities for teaching, conducting research, and other administrative duties"

Are you not eligible?
 
The M.A. Math is not offered by the College of Education. It is offered by the Math Department.

I remember reading somewhere on the Math Dept. website that they don't offer any TA/RA funding for that degree. Someone would have to pursue other general scholarships/grants. I can't find it now, though.
 

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