General FAQs
Current Students
Prospective Students
Mathematics Education FAQs
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I want to be a mathematics teacher. What program should I apply for?
There are a few different options for you. Depending on your mathematics background, you can choose between middle and high school mathematics. Please read the requirements for admission for each of the two programs on the Admissions page. (http://www.ccny.cuny/mathed/admissions) -
If I am not teaching and I am not a certified teacher can I still be admitted to the Masters in Mathematics Education program?
Yes. The Initial Certification programs are designed for people who are not yet certified and do not have any prior experience or coursework in education. Please read the requirements for admission for each of the two programs on the Admissions page. (http://www.ccny.cuny/mathed/admissions) -
When is the deadline for applying? What is the admission process?
Please visit the School of Education Admissions page to learn about deadlines for applying each semester and about the process of application. -
What is the application fee? How much is tuition?
Please visit the School of Education Admissions page to learn about fees:
https://www.ccny.cuny.edu/education/admissions
Fees change, so please make sure you get the most recent information.
Access tuition information via: https://www.ccny.cuny.edu/bursar/tuition-and-fee-information -
My undergraduate degree is not in mathematics. Can I still be admitted to the Masters in Mathematics Education program?
Yes, you can still be admitted if you have sufficient mathematics background. The two initial certification programs have varying requirements with respect to previous mathematics background. Overall, you have to have at least 12 college mathematics credits (including Calculus) to be admitted in the middle school program with a minimum overall GPA of 3.00. For the adolescent (high school) program, one has to hold a bachelor's degree in mathematics (or its equivalent - 30 credits) again with a minimum overall GPA of 3.00. (https://www.ccny.cuny.edu/mathed/admissions) -
What mathematics courses do I need to have completed to be admitted?
Overall, you have to have at least 12 college mathematics credits (including Calculus) to be admitted in the middle school program with a minimum overall GPA of 3.00. For the adolescent (high school) program, one has to hold a bachelor's degree in mathematics (or its equivalent - 30 credits) again with a minimum overall GPA of 3.00. While we do not have a set list of required courses one must complete prior to admission, one has to have the breadth and depth of a mathematics major including courses in Advanced Calculus, Modern Geometry and Modern Algebra. No more than 6 credits below the level of Calculus will be acknowledged. -
I am an international student. What score do I need on the TOFEL exam?
Unfortunately, currently we do not have programs suitable for international students. Our programs are designed to lead to certification in New York State. For that, one needs to be a citizen or permanent resident of United States. -
I have taken graduate courses in other institutions. Can I transfer credits to CCNY and, if so, how many credits? Are those credits going to be taken into consideration towards my Masters in Mathematics Education program?
You can transfer up to 6 credits from other institutions. However, please note that New York State has specific requirements for certification so each of your transferred courses will be evaluated by the program to ensure that it is aligned with these requirements. -
What exams do I need to take, and when?
Before applying for Student Teaching, you must submit passing scores the CST 004 (Content Specialty Test). Before graduation, you must submit passing scores of the remaining EAS examination and a teaching portfolio for the edTPA. Passing all three exams is required for certification, but not for graduation. -
When and how will I know my application has been accepted?
Please access the School of Education Admissions page via:
https://www.ccny.cuny.edu/education/admissions
You will learn about the “apply yourself” system which you use both to apply to our programs and to receive notifications regarding your admission. -
I want a master’s degree in mathematics education, but I do not want to student teach or be certified. Do you have a program for me?
Unfortunately, currently we do not have programs that lead to a Master’s degree without certification. Our programs are designed to lead to certification in New York State. -
How late after the final decision on my application has been made I can respond if I am planning to attend CCNY or not?
You may respond prior to the beginning of classes in the semester of your admission acceptance. However, you are very strongly encouraged to respond as soon as possible and to meet with an advisor for advising and registration register in order to help secure a place in your preferred courses/times. -
Are there additional requirements for certification by NY State besides completing my Master's degree?
Yes. Besides successful completion of all the coursework, fieldwork and the teaching practicum, one needs to pass the three certification exams (CST 004 and the EAS), have a complete Liberal Arts Core, and have a minimum of 30 credits in college level mathematics. Your advisor will do a transcript review at the time of your admission in the program to determine if additional mathematics credits are needed. -
What is the difference between Professional and Advanced Certificate Programs?
Professional Certification Program:
This program is designed to prepare individuals who hold an initial (or provisional) certificate to teach mathematics in New York State (or the equivalent), but who lack the masters degree necessary for professional (or permanent) certification.
Advanced Certificate Program
This graduate program is designed for individuals who hold an undergraduate degree in mathematics (or its equivalent) and a masters degree in mathematics, statistics, actuarial science or computer science. Upon completion of the program, graduates will be recommended for New York State Initial Certification at the adolescent level in mathematics. -
How long does it take to complete a graduate program in Mathematics Education?
The length of time that it takes to complete the program depends upon whether a student attends full time or part time (generally determined by concurrent obligations, such as full-time employment) and whether a student will need to take additional courses to meet NYS requirements (such as additional mathematics courses or liberal arts courses). If additional courses are required, the student may be accepted to a program provisionally and the requirements will be noted in the admissions letter. Your advisor will help you to decide how to successfully complete your program in a timely manner. -
May I apply as a non-matriculated student? Will the course I take count toward a degree if I decide to apply for admission?
Applicants who do not meet the requirements for admission or have not applied for admissions may be allowed to take a maximum of nine credits as non-matriculants. Non-matriculation is also available for students who wish to take graduate courses for personal and professional enrichment and who do not seek matriculation. To apply for this status, students must obtain a walk-in Non-Degree Application from the Office of Graduate Admissions, pay the $125.00 application fee, and provide transcripts indicating proof of baccalaureate degree. Walk-in non-matriculants who have taken the maximum amount of credits allowed are encouraged to apply for matriculation if they wish to continue graduate study at City College. To select courses that may count toward a degree, it is recommended that you confer with an advisor. -
When should I apply for a certification?
As soon as your degree is posted, you will be eligible to apply for certification. -
I haven’t completed my program but I would like to start teaching. Is there a way I can get my certification prior graduation?
Requirements and information about an Internship Certificate that will permit you to begin teaching prior to completion of your program is available online: State Certification -
Does the Mathematics Education Department offer collaboration with schools where I can do my fieldwork (student teaching, observations)?
For fieldwork, your instructor or the Office of Clinical Practice will help you find appropriate placements, but if you already have a relationship with a specific school, you might be allowed to do your fieldwork there. The Office of Clinical Practice will place you for Student Teaching, but they will consider any request you make for a specific school. -
Do I need to be a US Citizen or permanent resident to teach in New York State?
You do not need to be a US Citizen or a Permanent Resident to be admitted to the Masters in Mathematics Education program. However, to be certified by NYS, you need citizenship or a green card with evidence that you are progressing towards citizenship. -
Will I need to be fingerprinted?
Yes. -
Does the Masters in Mathematics Education program offer and grants, incentives or scholarships for students?
This varies each year depending on the funding that the program has available. Please check our special programs page to see what is currently available. -
When and how do I apply for graduation? For certification?
You apply for graduation during your final semester. The dates vary each semester, so please check with the office of student services. To be approved for graduation, you are required to maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0, complete all courses required for your program (including Student Teaching), and take all four NYS certification exams. If you meet all these requirements and graduate from the program, we recommend you for certification, and NY State will complete the certification process once you have passed all four certification exams. -
I do not think my grade for a course was correct. What can I do?
A student is expected to consult with the instructor, first. In good faith, the instructor should review the final exam or paper(s) with the student. If this does not resolve the issue, or if the original instructor is no longer employed at the college, the student next appeals to the chair of the department in which the course is given. If the issue remains unresolved, the student is next referred to the dean of the division. If these good faith and timely efforts fail to resolve the matter, the student may then prepare a written appeal to the appropriate Committee on Course and Standing. -
When do I do my student teaching?
You will do Student Teaching during your last semester before graduation, and you must APPLY to student teaching during your next-to-last semester. To be approved, you will need to maintain a GPA of a minimum of 3.0 and to have passed the CST 004. Student Teaching puts you in schools for three full days and two half days each week for 15 weeks, and you may not be able to maintain full-time employment at the same time. -
How will I be placed for fieldwork and student teaching?
For fieldwork, your instructor will help you find appropriate placements, but if you already have a relationship with a specific school, you might be allowed to do your fieldwork there. The Office of Clinical Practice will place you for Student Teaching, but they will consider any request you make for a specific school.
Last Updated: 10/11/2023 11:50