Mathematics for Teaching Graduate Program

The best math teachers combine a passion for teaching math with a thorough knowledge of mathematics. This Master of Liberal Arts math teaching degree helps you work on both aspects of this equation by revisiting familiar topics from a sophisticated point of view.

Online and on-campus study

Boost your mathematical knowledge for teaching or investigate a new career by exploring courses in mathematical theory or pedagogy and lesson study, enrolling in electives like computer science. You complete either nine courses and a thesis or 11 courses and a capstone course.

Although the degree cannot be earned entirely online, there are a range of online and on-campus courses. See Online Options and Residency Requirement.

Review the full degree requirements.

Admission and getting started

Start off with just one course: every student takes three courses before applying—an ideal way to ensure the program is the right fit for you.

Admission is based in large part on your ability to earn a B or higher in three graduate-credit Harvard courses. There are no standardized test requirements. See all the admission criteria.

Once you have been admitted, a number of resources open up to you, including the program’s connection to the state’s licensure requirements. See Degree Candidate Privileges.

Tuition and financial aid

Graduate-credit tuition is about $1,950 per course. In total, tuition is roughly $20,000 (with a thesis) to $24,000 (with a capstone). After you are admitted, a variety of financial aid options may be available, including grants, scholarships, and loans. See the financial aid options for admitted degree candidates.

Harvard faculty, Harvard degree

Instructors include Harvard faculty and affiliates and faculty from Boston-area universities. Browse the math courses to see who teaches our classes. The program administrators include:

• Director: Andrew Engelward, PhD (meet the director)
• Maura McGlame, Admissions and Academic Advisor

The degree is awarded by Harvard University. It is the Master of Liberal Arts in Extension Studies in the field of mathematics for teaching.

Student profile

• Total degree candidates: 50
• Age range: 25–65 (average: 36)
• Enrollment: 95 percent part time
• Degree completion: four years
• Graduation rate: 93 percent