UW-River Falls

Graduate Programs

The Mathematics Department offers two tracks for students wishing to pursue a Master of Science in Education (MSE). The MSE - Post Certification is designed for certified teachers of secondary level mathematics. It features a requirement of 24 credits (six courses) in core mathematics, six credits (2 courses) in the College of Education, and a Plan B paper. This degree can be completed in as few as three years.

The MSE - Initial Certification is designed for students with an undergraduate degree,including either a major or a minor in mathematics, who are seeking secondary certification. For further information about the MSE - Initial Certification, please see the Secondary Education Graduate Studies web page.

Degree Requirements for MSE - Post Certification: For certified teachers of secondary level mathematics.
Summer Schedule of Mathematics Courses: The Mathematics courses are offered in consecutive four week sessions during the summer.
Mathematics Graduate Course Descriptions: The overall objective of each content area course is to help educators become more effective in their teaching. Each course addresses an important mathematical topic in context, relating it to other topics in mathematics, and to applications from other fields. At the same time the courses will explore relevant pedagogical issues such as the use of technology, varied scheduling formats, and interdisciplinary and cooperative approaches.
Coordinator of Mathematics Graduate Programs
UW-RF Graduate Studies Home Page

Degree Requirements for MSE - Post Certification

Summer Schedule of Mathematics Courses: The Mathematics courses are offered in consecutive four week sessions during the summer.

Summer 2008:	Probability	Discrete Math
Summer 2009:	Geometry	Statistics
Summer 2010:	Calculus	Modern Algebra

Math 711 - Geometry for Educators (4 credits)

This course explores and compares Euclidean and non-Euclidean geometries and their axiomatic bases. Euclidean, finite, hyperbolic, spherical, and Taxicab geometries will be included. The approach is designed for teachers, with an emphasis on individual and group projects, applications, and the use of technology to explore geometric ideas. Prerequisites: At least an undergraduate minor in mathematics, with an undergraduate geometry course or experience teaching high school geometry, or consent of instructor.

Please contact Dr. Laurel Langford, (715)425-3259, Laurel.Langford@uwrf.edu , for information about this course.

Math 726 - Statistics for Educators (4 credits)

This course will 1) provide a review of basic statistical concepts and methods; 2) provide a survey of sources for statistical information on the internet; 3) establish a laboratory/experimental approach to statistical instruction; 4) explore the use of the computer not only as a computational assistant but also as an instructional tool; 5) provide a variety of class/student projects for instruction. Prerequisites: Prior course in statistics, graduate standing, or consent of instructor.

Please contact Dr. Robert Coffman, (715)425-3326, Robert.L.Coffman@uwrf.edu , for information about this course.

Math 736 - Discrete Math for Educators (4 credits)

This course explores topics and "real-world" applications from discrete mathematics including graph theory, counting principles, both elementary and advanced, combinatorial coding theory and Ramsey theory. The approach is designed for teachers with an emphasis on projects both individual and small group, as well as the use of technology. Prerequisites: at least an undergraduate minor in mathematics or consent of instructor.

Please contact Dr. Keith Chavey, (715)425-3160, Keith.Chavey@uwrf.edu , for further information about this course.

Math 751 - Modern Algebra for Educators (4 credits)

Designed for both experienced and inexperienced teachers of modern algebra, this course explores some of the mathematical concepts which underlie the basic structures of algebra, including topics from abstract and linear algebra. Emphasis is given to understanding how the concepts of abstract and modern algebra connect with algebra as is taught in high school, and geometric interpretations of algebraic structures. In particular, this course explores divisibility, factorization, the Fundamental Theorem of Algebra, linear maps and systems of equations, and geometric constructibility. Prerequisites: a linear algebra course or consent of the instructor.

Please contact Dr. Laurel Langford, (715)425-3259, Laurel.Langford@uwrf.edu , for further information about this course.

Math 756 - Probability for Educators (4 credits)

This course explores topics and applications from probability, including combinatorial techniques, conditional probabilities, tree diagrams and Bayes' Theorem, independence, expectation and variance, density and distribution functions, the Central Limit Theorem, commonly encountered random variables and applications based on these random variables. The approach is designed for teachers with an emphasis on individual and small group projects. Prerequisites: at least an undergraduate minor in mathematics with two semesters of calculus or consent of instructor.

Please contact Dr. Steve List, (715)425-3347, Steve.E.List@uwrf.edu , for further information about this course.

Math 766 - Calculus for Educators (4 credits)

Designed for both experienced and inexperienced teachers of calculus alike, this course will review the major concepts of an Advanced Placement calculus course as they relate to "real-world" applications and more advanced mathematical topics from several different subject areas. Content and pedagogy will be balanced. Particular emphasis will be on the use of technology, student writing, small group projects, and curriculum planning with block-scheduling in mind. Prerequisites: at least an undergraduate minor in mathematics with two semesters of calculus or consent of the instructor.

Please contact Dr. Don Leake, (715)425-3347, Don.Leake@uwrf.edu , for further information about this course.

Math 798 - Independent Research (1 - 4 credits)

Please contact Dr. Robert Coffman, (715)425-3326, Robert.L.Coffman@uwrf.edu , for information about this course.

For more information contact:

Professor Robert Coffman
Department of Mathematics
University of Wisconsin-River Falls
410 S. Third Street
River Falls, WI 54022-5001
(715)425-3326
Robert.L.Coffman@uwrf.edu

Page Author: Kathy Tomlinson
Page Maintained by: David Yurchak
Last modified: Thursday, 06-Sep-2007 09:19:19 CDT