Master of Arts for Teachers of Mathematics (MAT)

The Master of Arts for Teachers of Mathematics (MAT) degree is for licensed teachers of secondary mathematics. Please note that it is not intended for individuals seeking teacher certification in mathematics.

The goal of the program is to provide our students with a deep understanding of the fundamental mathematical ideas of high school mathematics. To that end, our courses emphasize mathematical content rather than methods of teaching mathematics and provide an advanced perspective on the topics our students teach in their own classrooms.

This graduate degree program requires three consecutive summers to complete. Each summer we offer a two-course sequence covering a main topic of high school mathematics, a course that introduces and uses technology to support this main sequence, and an additional supporting course on a related high school topic. Through these courses, we focus on expanding your mathematical knowledge to help build your expertise.

Although specific prerequisites for the courses are minimal, students are expected to have completed several semesters of calculus and a linear algebra or matrix methods course. Candidates must have teacher certification issued in the US.

All applicants for the MAT program are automatically reviewed for partial scholarship eligibility at the time of application. Apply by April 15 for full consideration.

Applications should be received by April 15.

How to apply for the MAT program: 

1. Create an online application

2. Include these documents in your application:

• Three letters of recommendation. The application system will automatically send an email to each of the recommenders with a link to submit their letters. 
• Unofficial copy of transcripts (official transcripts will be required if you are admitted to the program). 
• Statement of purpose/cover letter. 

3. Pay the application fee

More information:

• Submitting your application materials 
• FAQs for the admission process 
• Tuition and fees for graduate and professional students

If you live in Northern Kentucky or Indiana, you may be eligible for the Metropolitan Non-Resident rates. Follow the link below to learn about the criteria:

• Kentucky Reciprocity and Metropolitan Rates for Tuition Purposes
• Indiana Reciprocity and Metropolitan Rates for Tuition Purposes

Note: If you do not wish to pursue the MAT degree and plan to take the MAT courses only, you will need to register as a non-matriculated student. Later, if you decide to apply for a degree at UC, you can request for the courses to be transferred to your degree program. However, there is a limit on how many credits you can transfer, as explained in the UC Graduate Handbook. Please also notice that non-matriculated students will not be eligible for financial support in the MAT program. 

The MAT degree program requires three consecutive summers to complete. Students can enter the program any summer, as courses are repeated every third year. Classes meet in the mornings from early June to the first week of August so as not to conflict with secondary school calendars.

A minimum of 30 graduate credits in mathematics are required, with a GPA of 3.0 or higher. The standard load is four courses each summer for a total of 9 credits each year. During the second or third summer, students must register for MATH7083 (MAT Project) for 3 credit hours and perform an oral presentation of their MAT project. 

The use of appropriate technology is a component of the program. The courses are also open to those who wish to take them only for their enrichment.

View the curriculum guide to learn about the required courses for each summer or see "Schedule by Summers" below. Consult the Graduate Student Handbook for further details about taking a graduate program at UC.

For further information, please contact the MAT Program Director, Dr. Ryan Therkelsen:

• Email: therkern@ucmail.uc.edu
• Phone: 513-556-4597