Our dedication to Racial Equality and Social Justice (RESJ) spans decades. Learn more about our RESJ Initiative
Mathematics Specialist Certificate
-
Credits:
12
-
Degree:
Graduate Certificate
Program Description
Broaden your teaching career as a mathematics specialist or mathematics coach. The certificate in mathematics allows you to specialize in elementary/middle school or high school math. Designed to fit the schedules of working professionals, the certificate program offers convenient day, evening, weekend, and online class options.
Who Is the Mathematics Specialist Certificate Designed For?
This program is best suited for current classroom teachers who wish to add mathematics as a new subject area to their professional skills. It’s also a good option for new teacher candidates entering the teaching profession who are non-mathematics majors, and who wish to earn a highly qualified title to their academic experience and broaden their teaching careers as a mathematics specialist or mathematics coach.
Cambridge College Mathematics Specialist Program Highlights
Whether you’re looking to branch out into new areas of teaching, or advance your skills as a mathematics teacher or math coach, this convenient certificate program will take you there.
- Flexible course schedules. Pursue your certificate in math via convenient day, evening, weekend, and online class options designed for working adults.
- Diverse experiences. Enrich your life and education by working with other adult learners from around the world. Cambridge College welcomes more than 300 students from 50+ countries and was recently ranked among the most ethnically diverse colleges in America.
- Experienced faculty. Learn from top mathematics and education professionals who are accomplished researchers and accessible teachers, dedicated to helping you achieve your goals.
- Convenient location. Save time and money on your commute. All our classroom locations are close to public transportation and/or offer free parking for students throughout the year.
Cambridge College is one of the most affordable four-year private nonprofit colleges in the United States, giving you exceptional value for your education.
Mathematics Specialist Learning Outcomes
Graduates of the math certificate program will gain skills and training in areas such as:
- The relationship between the study of arithmetic and of algebra in grades K-8.
- Massachusetts Common Core State Standards in Mathematics.
- Using technology in K-12 mathematics classrooms.
- Methods to improve outcomes for students with disabilities.
Mathematics Specialist Careers
Earning your certificate in mathematics will open the door to new teaching opportunities and the potential for career advancement. Ideal for current teachers, or students who are just starting a teaching career, graduates of this program may go on to professional positions such as:
- Math teacher (K-12)
- Mathematics specialist
- Mathematics coach
Example Mathematics Specialist Courses
The math specialist curriculum, offering specialization areas in elementary/middle school and high school, features course options such as:
- Technology in Mathematics Learning and Teaching (K-12)
- Inclusion in Math Class
- Discrete Mathematics
Download the Mathematics Specialist program sheet.
Mathematics Specialist Scholarships and Financial Aid
You may qualify for grants, scholarships, loans, and other types of financial assistance to help pay for your certificate in mathematics. Learn more about applying for financial aid at Cambridge College.
Many companies also offer tuition assistance programs that can help to pay for education. Find information about getting your company to help.
Related Programs at Cambridge College
If you’re still exploring degree options, you might be interested in learning more about these programs at Cambridge College:
Curriculum
Choose one mathematics option below: Elementary/Middle School, or High School.
Mathematics Specialist: Elementary/Middle School
12
Credits
Arithmetic to Algebra: Developing Patterns and Ideas (K-8)
MAT 603 • 3 credit(s)
This course explores the relationship between the study of arithmetic and of algebra in grades K-8. Teachers explore selected mathematical concepts at an adult level and discuss how children develop an understanding of it. They explore ways to facilitate classroom learning, and effective activities and materials that enhance learning of algebraic concepts and skills. They learn how to use vertical acceleration to connect arithmetic to algebra.
Common Core Math
MAT 623 • 3 credit(s)
Course will address all Massachusetts Common Core State Standards in Mathematics.
Technology in Mathematics Learning & Teaching (K-12)
MAT 605 • 3 credit(s)
Prerequisites: MAT607, 609, 611 & 613 or program chair’s approval. This course provides teachers with a strong foundation in effectively using technology in mathematics classrooms, K-12. They develop and implement comprehensive lessons for teaching mathematical concepts and skills using calculators, graphing calculators, computer graphing, algebra and geometry software, and internet resources. This course makes educational technology an integral component of the teaching, learning, and assessment of mathematics instruction and learning. Pre-practicum hours of directed field-based training required.
Inclusion in Math Class
MAT700 • 3 credit(s)
Improving math instruction for students with disabilities: This course is designed to promote collaboration between mathematics and special educators to improve math instruction and outcomes for all students including students with disabilities. The course is intended to assist math instructors and special needs teachers by providing a structure for developing a shared vision, common language and foundational knowledge of mathematics instruction and the instructional needs of math students with disabilities. The course will focus on protocols developed as the result of a four-year collaboration between DESE Offices of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics and the Special Education Planning and Policy at the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, EDC and math and special educators from the districts participating in the Massachusetts Urban Math support Network. High quality core curriculum and instruction begins with the Mathematics Curriculum Frameworks. These protocols address the conceptual understandings and mathematical practices that are an essential part of rigorous math expectations for all students with disabilities when planning mathematics instruction, educators will be better able to address the needs of all learners.
Mathematics Specialist: High School
12
Credits
Technology in Mathematics Learning & Teaching (K-12)
MAT 605 • 3 credit(s)
Prerequisites: MAT607, 609, 611 & 613 or program chair’s approval. This course provides teachers with a strong foundation in effectively using technology in mathematics classrooms, K-12. They develop and implement comprehensive lessons for teaching mathematical concepts and skills using calculators, graphing calculators, computer graphing, algebra and geometry software, and internet resources. This course makes educational technology an integral component of the teaching, learning, and assessment of mathematics instruction and learning. Pre-practicum hours of directed field-based training required.
Inclusion in Math Class
MAT700 • 3 credit(s)
Improving math instruction for students with disabilities: This course is designed to promote collaboration between mathematics and special educators to improve math instruction and outcomes for all students including students with disabilities. The course is intended to assist math instructors and special needs teachers by providing a structure for developing a shared vision, common language and foundational knowledge of mathematics instruction and the instructional needs of math students with disabilities. The course will focus on protocols developed as the result of a four-year collaboration between DESE Offices of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics and the Special Education Planning and Policy at the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, EDC and math and special educators from the districts participating in the Massachusetts Urban Math support Network. High quality core curriculum and instruction begins with the Mathematics Curriculum Frameworks. These protocols address the conceptual understandings and mathematical practices that are an essential part of rigorous math expectations for all students with disabilities when planning mathematics instruction, educators will be better able to address the needs of all learners.
Calculus I
MAT 611 • 3 credit(s)
This course focuses on trigonometric and calculus concepts by providing numerical, graphical, and algebraic approaches for a clear understanding and mastering of the material. Course activities are placed in a context of real-world problems which enable students to create mathematical models that will help them understand the world in which they live. Major topics include: continuity, limits’ derivative of a function, anti-differentiation, definite integral, and the Fundamental Theorem of Calculus. Prerequisites: MAT 607 and MAT 609 or program chair’s approval.
Euclidian Geometry
MAT 609 • 3 credit(s)
This course emphasizes the fundamental ideas of Euclidean geometry with a focus on logic, observations, predictions, and conclusions. Significant geometric properties and concepts are explored through the systematic presentation of the axioms, definitions, constructions, and theorems of classical geometry. Major topics include: the foundations of geometry, direct proofing techniques, triangles, parallel lines, and polygons, right triangles and the Pythagorean theorem, circles, and solid geometry. Pre-practicum hours of directed field-based training required.
Completing a Second Math Certificate
If a student wishes to cover both levels, one four-course certificate for one level must be completed, and then the student may re-enroll to complete a second certificate for the other level: Complete the remaining two courses for the second certificate, plus two more courses: MAT615 and MAT613, for a total of four courses.
The two certificates may not be taken concurrently.
History of Mathematics
MAT 615 • 3 credit(s)
This course will show how the historical perspective accentuates many different approaches to problem solving thus allowing mathematics to take on an international, multicultural flavor. It will illustrate how mathematics history creates a bridge from the past to the future and how students can learn to value mathematics more by being exposed to its historical and cultural contexts. Major trends in mathematical thought are introduced, as well as the interplay of mathematical and technological innovations, and the contributions of great mathematicians. Prerequisites: MAT 607, MAT 609, and MAT 611 or program chair’s approval.
Discrete Mathematics
MAT 613 • 3 credit(s)
Prerequisites: MAT607 & MAT 609 or program chair’s approval. This course is designed to cover the major components of discrete mathematics by studying the connections among mathematics topics and real-life events and situations, emphasizing problem solving, mathematical reasoning, and communications. Major topics include: counting and number systems; combinatorics; codes; recurrence relations; graphs and networks; and matrix operations. Pre-practicum hours of directed field-based training required.
Core Faculty
(617) 873-0212sandra.bridwell@cambridgecollege.edu
(617) 873-0849james.horn@cambridgecollege.edu
Senior Instructor
(617) 873-0279Peter.Ash@go.cambridgecollege.edu
(617) 873-0770William.Hoyt@go.cambridgecollege.edu
(617) 873-0347Patricia.Johnson@cambridgecollege.edu
Pages
Admissions
-
Admission Test:
No standardized graduate school tests required for admission into non-licensure programs.
-
Admissions Office:
1-800-829-4723
- Application Form:
-
Application Fee:
$50 ($100 for international students; $100 for EdD)
Health Requirements for Massachusetts Students
The Massachusetts Health Department and Cambridge College require the following of students in Massachusetts:
Immunizations – All students in Massachusetts are required to get certain immunizations before you can register for your first term. See form
Health Insurance – In Massachusetts, undergraduate students taking nine or more credits/term and graduate students taking six or more credits/term must enroll in the College’s health insurance plan. Students who have insurance with comparable coverage may request a waiver. See information and enroll or waive.
School Requirements
See Admissions Requirements for School of Education
International Students
International students need to provide supplemental documentation:
- Official demonstration of English language proficiency
- Supplemental documentation for issuance of I-20
- International transcripts, evaluated by an accepted evaluation service
Transfer Credit
Graduate program applicants, please complete the transfer credit request form if you wish to have prior course work evaluated for transfer. Learn more.
Undergraduate program applicants, once you are accepted, your official transcripts are evaluated for transfer credit.
Tuition
-
Credits:
12
-
Cost per credit hour:
$609
-
Application Fee:
$50 ($100 for international students; $100 for EdD)
-
Health Insurance Fee:
$3,962 - Required for Massachusetts students only. See waiver details on Tuition & Fees page.
Note: Rates are as of July 2022, and are subject to change without notice. Rates apply to all students, unless otherwise noted.
Financial Aid
Cambridge College offers financial aid to students in our degree programs who are enrolled at least half time. Undergraduate students must be enrolled in at least 6 credits each term. Graduate and doctoral students must be enrolled in at least 4 credits each term. Learn more
Grants, Scholarships and Loans
Cambridge College welcomes the opportunity to support your efforts to pay for college. Federal, state and local resources in the form of grants, scholarships, loans and work-study, including Cambridge College Scholarships, are available to help defray the cost of tuition. Learn more
Getting Your Company to Help
Many companies have tuition assistance programs, designed to help their employees with their professional development. Learn more
Take the Next Step Toward Your Mathematics Specialist Certification
Take the Next Step Toward Your Mathematics Specialist Certification
