Mathematics

Overview

Students in the Mathematics program of the Northeastern Illinois University have the option to concentrate in:

• Applied Mathematics: is designed for those with a strong undergraduate background in mathematics who wish to better prepare themselves for careers that include statistics, applied mathematics, or who intend to pursue a Ph.D. degree at another institute.

• Secondary Education: prepares students to successfully teach mathematics at High School level. It is designed for teachers who wish to improve their level of competence in mathematics or wish to serve as High School Mathematics Specialists, or wish to teach mathematics at the High School level.

Program Benefits

Secondary Education Concentration

This concentration will benefit individuals who (1) are currently teaching mathematics in high school levels, or (2) plan to teach mathematics in high schools levels, or (3) wish to switch careers and would like to obtain the M.S. in Mathematics and also earn credits toward fulfilling the requirements for a High School Teaching Licensure.

Applied Mathematics Concentration

Students get opportunities to explore more advanced topics in mathematics, with a focus in statistics, applied mathematics, or operations research. Typically students have the ability to select from a wide range of course thought are taught in the evenings. At the end of the program students engage with a faculty member on a research project in mathematics and then present the work as a report and give an oral presentation to the Northeastern Illinois University community. A variety of students in the program are current high school mathematics teachers looking to gain advancement in their knowledge of mathematics and to be eligible to teach higher level math courses in their high school.

Career Options

Secondary Education Concentration

Graduates with the M.S. in Mathematics (Secondary Education concentration) would find employment as mathematics teachers in public and private secondary or high schools, or may pursue a Ph.D. in Mathematics education at other institutions.

Applied Mathematics Concentration

Graduates with the M.S. in Mathematics (Applied Mathematics concentration) generally go on to a variety of fields. These fields may include teaching mathematics at the community colleges, becoming an actuary, going on to attain a Ph.D. in Mathematics or related fields, engineering careers, federal government careers, and careers in the financial sector.