What should I do if I just want to take a few mathematics courses?

If you want to take a UNL graduate class, it is necessary to apply and be admitted as a UNL graduate student. It is possible to apply for admission as a non-degree post baccalaureate student. This offers the opportunity to take a few graduate classes without committing to a degree program. UNL Graduate Studies has a special program, Teach Nebraska, which greatly simplifies the application process and is designed to meet the needs of certified Nebraska K-12 teachers. If you apply through Teach Nebraska, you will not need to pay a fee to apply to Graduate Studies. Moreover, because Nebraska teachers must have an undergraduate degree to be certified, it is not necessary to obtain copies of one's college transcripts in order to apply to the Teach Nebraska program. (If you are a new graduate of a teacher education program and apply to Teach Nebraska prior to obtaining your certification, the process may be more involved because of the need to document that you qualify for the program.) For information on Teach Nebraska, including how to apply as a Nebraska teacher, see the Teach Nebraska website.

I am certified as a high school mathematics teacher and want to apply to the Mathematics (MAT) program.

If you have previously applied through the Teach Nebraska program, you must submit a new application to be admitted to the MAT program. Mathematics teachers are welcome to apply immediately to the MAT program, but by applying first to Teach Nebraska as a non-degree student, you avoid having to pay the fee to apply to Graduate Studies. Be sure to select the "Mathematics (MAT)" program as your degree objective when applying for admission to the MAT program.

Along with your application for admission to the MAT program, you must provide:

1. Official transcripts from your bachelor's degree, as well as any graduate coursework. Note: If your undergraduate degree is from UNL, it is not necessary to request a UNL transcript.
2. A letter of intent, stating your goals for your MAT degree
3. Three letters of recommendation

Note: If you have already applied for and been admitted to a NebraskaMATH program (e.g., Nebraska Algebra or New Teacher Network), your application materials for that program will be accepted as meeting the need for a letter of intent and two letters of recommendation. Thus, we only need one additional letter of recommendation and any transcripts that were not submitted as part of your NebraskaMATH application.

The MAT degree requires 36 graduate credits and the coursework must constitute a coherent program of study that has been approved by the Graduate Chair. The Memorandum of Courses is used for this purpose. Note also that you must earn credit for at least six courses (18 hours) in mathematics/statistics. Many teachers who pursue the MAT degree also choose to earn a minor in Teaching, Learning and Teacher Education. Transfer of some graduate credit from another institution is usually possible if the coursework is supportive of your degree objectives. Once admitted to the MAT program, you will be assigned a graduate advisor who will assist you in meeting the MAT degree requirements.

I am certified as a middle level or elementary mathematics teacher and want to apply to the Mathematics (MAT) program

In addition to offering the MAT degree to high school mathematics teachers, the department has an option for middle level or elementary mathematics teachers who want to have special strengths in mathematics. These teachers pursue the MAT degree with a Specialization in the Teaching of Middle Level Mathematics. The Department of Mathematics has created seven courses specifically for middle level mathematics teachers and the Department of Statistics offers one course for middle level mathematics teachers. These courses, together with a strong selection of Teaching, Learning and Teacher Education courses can lead to a strong Master's degree.

The application process is the same as the MAT process for high school teachers. The one exception is that after you select the "Mathematics (MAT)" program as your degree objective (on the application), be sure to select "Teaching of Middle Level Mathematics" as a Specialization.