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Mathematics for Teaching Master’s Degree Program

  • Online Courses

    11 out of 12 total courses

  • On-Campus Experience

    One 3-week summer course

  • Tuition

    $3,220 per course

math equations written on chalkboard

From Harvard-trained faculty, you'll learn new strategies that will dramatically improve your ability to teach.

Your middle and high school students will gain the math skills needed to succeed in life, work, and academia.

Program Overview

Through the master’s degree field in mathematics for teaching you:

  • Build deeper knowledge of mathematics content, with a particular focus on middle and high school math classrooms.
  • Learn tactics that can improve student motivation through interactive problem-solving activities.
  • Develop an enhanced understanding of what it means to learn math and where mathematical misconceptions and student confusion can occur.

Program Benefits

  • Map with a flag.

    Customizable course curriculum and stackable certificates

  • Teacher speaking to class.

    A faculty of math instructors, many of who have earned PhDs in math from Harvard University and have taught at Harvard

  • Two people talking at a table.

    Personalized academic & career advising

  • Notebook and pencil.

    A capstone project or thesis option

  • Texbook.

    Paid research opportunities

  • Graduation cap and diploma.

    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, and 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

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.

Getting Started

We invite you to explore degree requirements, confirm your initial eligibility, and learn more about our unique “earn your way in” admissions process.

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.

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

  • 39

    Average Age

  • 1

    Average Courses Taken Each Semester

  • 81%

    Work Full Time

  • 98%

    Would Recommend the Program

  • 92%

    Professional Experience in the Field

  • Most

    Pursued to Deepen Expertise

Moshe Ohayon
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.
Moshe Ohayon
Master of Liberal Arts, Mathematics for Teaching

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 (2023–24 rate) $3,220 per course
Average Tuition of Peer Institutions $4,330 per course
Average Total Cost $38,640

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.

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.

Online Learning at Harvard Extension School
Student at computer