Indiana University of Pennsylvania's Master of Education in Mathematics Education online program has been ranked as a top online graduate program by U.S. News & World Report for 2020.
IUP's selection for the rankings is based on factors including admissions selectivity, faculty credentials, student engagement, and academic and career support services offered to students. IUP's program scored highest in services and technology, student excellence, faculty credentials and training, student engagement (student satisfaction), and admissions selectivity.
In its evaluation, editors recognized that all of the IUP online graduate-level classes in this program are recorded and archived, “so that students can access lecture material at their convenience.” Editors also noted that the program draws working professionals to the program.
“The program is unique in blending both mathematical content knowledge and pedagogical aspects by design in the required courses,” said Francisco Alarcón, professor of Mathematics and chair of the Department of Mathematical and Computer Sciences. “Initiated under the leadership of faculty emeritus Dr. Mary Louise Metz, the program continues to experience growth under the leadership of the current coordinator, Dr. Valerie Long.”
To be selected for the ranking, “programs are required to have a strong traditional academic foundation, based on student-instructor access, graduation rates, and instructor credentials, while excelling at educating distance learnings and offering robust career and financial support,” editors said.
IUP offers two tracks in the program: an elementary-middle school track and a secondary school track. IUP is the only university in the state to offer the specialized elementary and middle school master's program. It is a hybrid program, combining online and classroom instruction.
The secondary school track is offered entirely online, and students can take classes in any order, entering at any time and studying only during the semesters that are most convenient for the student.
Graduates of the program are prepared to enter leadership positions within their school district or prepare for PhD studies.
IUP is consistently ranked as one of the nation's top doctoral universities by U.S. News & World Report. It has been included in the Princeton Review's “Best Colleges” guidebook for 18 years and has been included in Washington Monthly magazine's national rankings of schools based on their contributions to society.