Mathematics Education M.Ed.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How long will it take to complete the degree?
2. I am a teacher, but I am not licensed or certified. Am I still a candidate for the program?
3. I am not a teacher, but I want to become one. Is this the right program for me?
4. Do I need to know a lot of math to take this course?
5. Are you a fully accredited institution?
6. Will I be able to advance an existing, or obtain a new, teaching license or certification with this program?
7. I was a teacher for many years, but am not currently in the classroom. I plan to finish my degree before re-entering the classroom. Can I still enroll in the program without actively teaching?
8. I teach at a high school, but I notice this program is for grades 1-8. Is this a good fit for me?
9. How much does the program cost?
10. What are the technical requirements for participating in the program?
11. How big are the "classrooms?"
12. How many hours of work per week are required to participate in the program?
13. I know I am going to be away from class for a week or two. Is this a problem?
14. I have some courses from another university that I would like to transfer into the program. Is this possible?
15. Is the GRE required? What are the application requirements? Is there an application deadline?
16. If I apply to the program, will I be eligible for financial aid?
17. I want to get started right away, but it is very close to the coming term's start date and I don't think I can have all of my application materials submitted in time. Can I start the program without being an accepted, matriculating student and is financial aid available to me?
18. I am not interested in completing a Master's degree at this time; however, I am interested in taking some courses that look interesting to me. Is this possible?

1. How long will it take to complete the degree?
The program consists of 33 credits (eleven 3-credit courses). Most students take two courses per semester and finish in just about two years; however, the program does not need to be completed this quickly. If students need to take a semester off, or want to move at a slower pace and take only one course per semester, that is possible as well. Students can take up to seven years to complete the degree.

The program of study and course descriptions can be found here:
http://www.lesley.edu/online_learning/math_pos.html

2. I am a teacher, but I am not licensed or certified. Am I still a candidate for the program?
We have many students who are teaching in the private sector who are not licensed or certified. Eligible candidates are students who have hands on teaching experience along with their bachelor's degree.

3. I am not a teacher, but I want to become one. Is this the right program for me?
No, this is not the right program for you. Lesley University offers many programs in diverse formats that are designed for people who want to become teachers. You can find out more about these programs by contacting the Customer Care Team in the Graduate and Adult Baccalaureate Admissions Office. Their contact information and office hours can be found here: http://www.lesley.edu/grad_admiss/contact.html

4. Do I need to know a lot of math to take this course?
No! This program was designed to 'reopen' the door to math for educators who might not have a strong math background. Within the courses participants develop a deep understanding of mathematical concepts using an inquiry based problem-solving approach. Students work 'as mathematicians' and reach conclusions based on the analysis of the problems.

5. Are you a fully accredited institution?
Lesley University is accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (N.E.A.S.C) and is affiliated with other organizations as well. Please visit our accreditation web page for more information: http://www.lesley.edu/accreditation.html

6. Will I be able to advance an existing, or obtain a new, teaching license or certification with this program?
While the fully online Mathematics Education M.Ed. program is not specifically designed to obtain or further a license, our experience with a diverse and geographically widespread population of students tells us that we do sometimes satisfy state requirements. The program includes math content courses covering the five national content standards that support teachers in becoming highly qualified educators in mathematics.

We strongly encourage you to approach your local Department of Education, or licensing and certification organization, with our accreditation information, program of study, and course descriptions. We suggest obtaining their approval in writing. These documents can be printed directly from our website:

Accreditation (by N.E.A.S.C.): http://www.lesley.edu/accreditation.html
Program of Study and Course Descriptions: http://www.lesley.edu/online_learning/math_pos.html

7. I was a teacher for many years, but am not currently in the classroom. I plan to finish my degree before re-entering the classroom. Can I still enroll in the program without actively teaching?
Some of the coursework includes projects which require the use of a K-8 classroom. Students who are on a leave from teaching must foster a relationship with a local school (grades K-8) and make arrangements to be a guest in a classroom from time to time. Most schools are open to this.

8. I teach at a high school, but I notice thisprogram is for grades 1-8. Is this a good fit for me?
No. The Mathematics Education M.Ed. program is not appropriate for grades higher than eighth.

9. How much does the program cost?
Tuition is currently $465.00 per credit and there is a $30.00 technology fee per course so each course costs $1,425.00. This translates to *approximately $15,675.00 in tuition.

10. What are the technical requirements for participating in the program?
The most important technical requirements for online coursework are access to a high-speed, reliable internet connection (dial up is problematic) and an email address you can check daily. Students can work either with a PC or a Macintosh operating system (preferably with 512 MB of memory and a CD-RW drive) and should have access to an integrated word processor/spreadsheet package, preferably Microsoft Office version 2000 or higher. Students should also have some form of antivirus software loaded on their computers. Some content-specific software will be required throughout the program; students will be given information on how to purchase it prior to the start of each course. Students must also have access to a scanner.

It is essential that all students download Firefox as their browser. This is a free browser and can be downloaded at: http://www.mozilla.com/en-US/firefox/

Software: Geometer's Sketchpad -CD-ROM, available at amazon.com.

Lesley University students are eligible to receive discounts etc. on computers and software alike. For more information: http://www.lesley.edu/ut/academic/stu_purchase.html

11. How big are the "classrooms?"
By design, Lesley University's online classes are small, averaging 15-20 students per class. All of our instructors have practical teaching experience. Small classes, personal attention, and a great deal of interaction are an important part of our teaching philosophy.

12. How many hours of work per week are required to participate in the program?
Students who are actively teaching should not take more than two courses in a semester. Two courses in a semester (6 credits) translates to roughly 10-15 hours of work each week, give or take a few hours depending on projects and assignments. Most students log in every other day to check on assignments, etc. At times students will need to set aside blocks of time to be online (a block can mean up to 90 minutes in one sitting).

13. I know I am going to be away from class for a week or two. Is this a problem?
Being away from class for a week or more is problematic. The online program is not an independent study program; it is very much a classroom environment. While the courses are asynchronous, you still must be present each week. If a situation arises, such as a family crisis or illness, arrangements must be made with the instructor of the course (similar to a traditional face-to-face course).

14. I have some courses from another university that I would like to transfer into the program. Is this possible?
Lesley University may allow a transfer of up to 6 credits from an appropriate institution.  They must be graduate level and relevant to the program of study. Please refer to our policy on transfers from our web pages: http://www.lesley.edu/policies/catalog/transfer_credits.html

15. Is the GRE required? What are the application requirements? Is there an application deadline?
The GRE is not required.

Lesley University admits students to online programs on a rolling admissions basis, so there is no application deadline. If financial aid is a concern however, you should pay attention to the start date of your intended program. You should apply well enough in advance of your intended starting semester to have your aid award in time.

The online program follows a traditional semester format: Fall starting at the beginning of September, Spring starting in mid to late January and Summer starting in the beginning of June.

Application to the program requires:

• Completed and signed application form - http://web.lesley.edu/admissions/application/
• 2 Letters of Recommendation
  http://www.lesley.edu/offcampus/content_overview/np_recomm_form_0506.pdf
• A $50.00 application fee (can be paid online via the online application)
• Official Transcripts (undergraduate, and any post-baccalaureate work)
• A two page written personal statement (guidelines outlined in the application instructions)
• A copy of any teaching licenses or certifications you hold (mailed or faxed)
  Lesley University
  Office of National Programs
  29 Everett Street
  Cambridge, MA 02138
  Fax. 617-349-8391

Note: International students may be required to submit TOEFL Scores. If your official transcripts are from a non-US institution, they are subject to an equivalency evaluation. Questions about applying as an international student should be directed to Assisant Director of International Admissions, Andrea Silva at asilva4@lesley.edu or 617-349-8646.

16. If I apply to the program, will I be eligible for financial aid?
Fully accepted students, enrolled at least part time (i.e. minimum of 6 credits, which is two courses, per semester), are eligible for financial aid. Graduate and professional degree candidates may qualify for up to $ 20,500 per academic year. Please visit our Financial Aid web pages for more information: http://www.lesley.edu/financial.html

17. I want to get started right away, but it is very close to the coming term's start date and I don't think I can have all of my application materials submitted in time. Can I start the program without being an accepted, matriculating student and is financial aid available to me?
Lesley University allows prospective students to take up to two courses (a total of 6 credits) prior to matriculating into the program.

Contact the Program Advisor directly to arrange for permission to enroll.
Mike Matvichuk: 800-999-1959 ext. 8463 (toll free in the United States), or 617-349-8463, or mmatvich@lesley.edu

Financial aid is only available to students who are fully accepted into the degree program; however, Lesley University has payment plan options. More information about this can be found on our Student Account web pages: http://www.lesley.edu/services/bursar/payment_plans.html

18. I am not interested in completing a Master's degree at this time; however, I am interested in taking some courses that look interesting to me. Is this possible?
Probably, however some courses have prerequisites and also may require some specific technical skills. Contact the Program Advisor directly to arrange for permission to enroll.

Mike Matvichuk: 800-999-1959 ext. 8463 (toll free in the United States), or 617-349-8463, or mmatvich@lesley.edu

*Tuition is subject to annual review which typically occurs in the summer. Students enrolled part time (i.e. 2 courses per semester for six consecutive semesters) will only be subjected to one potential tuition increase for the duration of their program.