MATHEMATICS EDUCATION
INSPIRE MATHEMATICAL THINKING. UNLOCK NEW POSSIBILITIES.
Mathematics is more than numbers and equations—it's a powerful way of understanding patterns, solving problems, and making sense of the world. At Lehman College, our Mathematics Education graduate program prepares educators to inspire curiosity, develop mathematical reasoning, and create engaging, inclusive learning environments. Through advanced mathematics coursework, innovative teaching practices, meaningful classroom experiences, and faculty mentorship, future educators gain the knowledge and confidence to make mathematics accessible and meaningful for every learner.
Build confidence. Inspire discovery. Transform mathematical learning.
EXPLORE OUR MATHEMATICS EDUCATION PROGRAMS
Mathematics Education (M.S.Ed.)
Prepare to teach mathematics in grades 5–9 or 7–12 through graduate pathways tailored to your academic background, including options for dual certification in special education.
Six program sequences
Mathematics Certification Extension
Already certified to teach mathematics in grades 5–9? Extend your certification to grades 7–12 through a focused 17-credit program combining advanced mathematics and instructional preparation.
17-credit extension
FIND YOUR PATH IN MATHEMATICS EDUCATION
Whether you have a background in mathematics, are transitioning into teaching, or want to work in inclusive classrooms, Lehman College offers graduate pathways designed to build on your academic preparation and support your certification goals.
Turn your mathematics or liberal arts background into a teaching career through pathways leading to initial certification.
Sequences 1, 2 & 3
Build on Your Education Background
Already completed an undergraduate education minor? Build on your previous preparation while developing advanced mathematics teaching skills.
Sequence 4
Prepare to teach mathematics and support students with disabilities in grades 7–12 through inclusive education and residency pathways.
Sequences 5 & 6
EXPLORE OUR M.S.ED. PATHWAYS
Your journey into mathematics education depends on your academic background, previous coursework, and certification goals. Whether you're transitioning from another field, building on a mathematics degree, or pursuing dual certification, Lehman College offers six graduate pathways designed to prepare you for the classroom. Explore the sequences below to find the option that best aligns with your experience and professional aspirations.
40–42 credits
Designed for candidates pursuing Mathematics certification in grades 5–9. This pathway combines foundational education coursework, mathematics teaching methods, advanced mathematics, and supervised teaching experiences.
Best suited for: Liberal arts and sciences graduates without a mathematics major who have completed at least 18 mathematics credits, including Calculus I and II, and lack professional education coursework.
47–49 credits
Designed for candidates seeking Mathematics certification in grades 7–12 who have a background outside a mathematics major. The sequence combines advanced mathematics coursework, pedagogy, educational foundations, and classroom preparation.
Best suited for: Non-mathematics majors who have completed the required mathematics preparation, including Statistics, Calculus I and II, Linear Algebra, and History of Mathematics.
40–42 credits
Build on your undergraduate mathematics degree while developing the instructional knowledge and classroom experience needed to pursue initial Mathematics 7–12 certification.
Best suited for: Graduates with a bachelor's degree in mathematics who have not completed professional education coursework.
31–33 credits
Extend your previous teacher preparation through graduate-level mathematics, teaching methods, research in mathematics education, and supervised classroom experiences leading toward Mathematics 7–12 certification.
Best suited for: Mathematics majors whose undergraduate education minor meets New York State core education requirements, including supervised field experiences.
42 credits
Prepare to teach mathematics in inclusive secondary classrooms through integrated study of mathematics pedagogy, adolescent development, special education, and supervised teaching.
Best suited for: Mathematics majors seeking initial certification in both Mathematics Education and Students with Disabilities Generalist, grades 7–12.
45 credits
Combine mathematics instructional preparation, inclusive teaching practices, and residency-related clinical experiences while working toward initial certification in Mathematics and Students with Disabilities Generalist, grades 7–12.
Best suited for: Eligible mathematics majors pursuing dual certification through the residency pathway. The catalog requires passing Mathematics and Students with Disabilities CST scores for admission.
INTERESTED IN BEGINNING YOUR TEACHING JOURNEY AS AN UNDERGRADUATE?
If you're currently pursuing or considering a bachelor's degree, Lehman College also offers an undergraduate pathway to New York State teacher certification through the Adolescent Teacher Education B.A.
Explore undergraduate teacher preparation options and learn how you can begin working toward becoming a certified teacher while completing your bachelor's degree.
NOT SURE WHICH PATHWAY IS RIGHT FOR YOU?
Choosing the right Mathematics Education pathway depends on your academic background and certification goals. Our faculty can help you review your coursework, explore your options, and identify the pathway that best fits your teaching aspirations.
Connect With a Program Coordinator:
rabab.abihanna@lehman.cuny.edu
celia.cruz@lehman.cuny.edu
WHY CHOOSE LEHMAN?
WHERE MATHEMATICAL THINKING MEETS INSPIRED TEACHING
At Lehman College, we prepare mathematics educators to do more than teach procedures and formulas. Our graduate programs bring together advanced mathematical knowledge, innovative instructional practices, and meaningful classroom experiences to help educators foster problem-solving, mathematical reasoning, and confidence in every learner.
Innovative Mathematics Teaching
Explore creative approaches to problem-solving, mathematical reasoning, and technology-enhanced instruction that bring mathematics to life.
Advanced Knowledge, Practical Experience
Deepen your mathematical expertise while developing effective teaching strategies through graduate coursework and meaningful classroom experiences.
Teaching Mathematics for Every Learner
Prepare to make mathematics accessible and engaging through inclusive instruction that supports diverse learners and builds mathematical confidence.
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To be eligible for fall admission, complete the application by April 15 (with supporting documentation by May 15).
To be eligible for spring admission, complete the application by November 15 (with supporting documentation by December 15).
Apply here.
CUNY offers highly competitive tuition rates here.
Graduation is the official completion of your program and conferral of an academic credential. To graduate, students must apply for graduation using CUNYFirst the semester before the semester of their planned graduation and complete any outstanding requirements by the stated deadlines. Always check the academic calendar here.
The MSED Mathematic Education program leads to New York State certification in grades 5-9 or 7-12 Mathematics and an option to include Students with Disabilities. Students should visit the certification webpage here for more information and contact information.
Click here to read about which tests are required for certification in New York.
New York State requires a minimum of 100 field hours of observations and participation before entering the final semester of student/internship teaching. The field hours will be attached to most of the courses as you move through the program. Candidates must arrange for background checks and fingerprinting before beginning the program.
In the semester before the last semester of the program, candidates will apply for student or internship teaching. The application deadline for a fall placement is April 1. The application deadline for a spring placement is November 1.
Please visit The Clinical Practice & Partnership webpage for information related to fingerprinting, field hours, and student/internship teaching.
Internship Certificate
New York State allows master’s program candidates in an Initial Certification program (SST-MA) to seek fulltime employment as a teacher-of-record after completing at least one-half of the credits in the program. If you are interested, talk to the adviser about entering the profession while completing the second half of the program.
Types of Certifications
Students are recommended for both initial and professional certification in SST-MA and for the professional certification in SSTPRF-MA:
- The Initial Certificate is the entry-level teaching certificate and is valid for five years. Students who graduate from a Lehman College master’s degree certification program without prior certification will be recommended for initial certification.
- The Professional Certificate is an advanced certificate. Once teachers have completed three years of full-time, paid teaching experience including one year of mentored teaching, they can apply for professional certification.
From the Program Coordinators, Rabab Abi-Hanna & Celia Cruz
Assistant Professor and Co-Coordinator, Graduate Program in Mathematics Education, Middle & High School Education
Doctoral Lecturer and Co-Coordinator, Graduate Program in Math Education, Middle & High School Education
