Master of Mathematics for Teachers

The primary focus of the MMT program is mathematics and its applications rather than pedagogy. Some of the material and tasks in each course are directly applicable to daily classroom teaching, but much is intended to build educators’ confidence in mathematics by strengthening their knowledge base.

This program is designed for secondary-school mathematics educators. The focus on the secondary-school mathematics curriculum might also make the program a good fit for other educators who teach secondary school-level math. It is expected that applicants will have been away from formal education for several years at the time of enrollment.

Educators from around the world enroll in the MMT.  

The MMT is a fully online professional Master’s program offered on a part-time basis. Almost all required coursework is asynchronous. Due to the sequence of courses offered, students begin the program in September.

Students typically finish the program in three years, but it can be completed faster or slower depending on individual circumstances. 

Students must complete the equivalent of nine full-term courses, including a project-based capstone. Only the equivalent of three full-term courses is required out of these. A “full-term” course refers to 0.5 units.  

Students have the flexibility to choose the remainder of their courses as electives from the program’s course offerings.  

Students in the MMT program benefit from the strength of the University of Waterloo’s world-renowned Faculty of Mathematics and the Centre for Education in Mathematics and Computing, Canada’s leader in mathematics education outreach. Our faculty are experienced, award-winning educators with a passion for mathematics and computer science education.

Here are just some of the courses we offer:

• Problem Solving and Mathematical Discovery
• Foundations of Calculus
• History of Mathematics
• Number Theory for Teachers
• Cryptography
• Statistics for Teachers
• Mathematics for Global Citizens
• Math and Music

To see the courses that we anticipate offering over the next two years, visit MMT Courses. 

Based on the 2023-2024 academic year, tuition is \$1085.00 for a full-term course and \$542.50 for a half-term course. Students can expect to pay under \$1200.00 CAD per course, which includes fees and the cost of textbooks and other materials. To graduate, students complete the equivalent of nine full-term courses. See the University of Waterloo’s graduate program tuition for more information.

Many Canadian residents qualify for a tax break. Please consult the Canada Revenue Agency.

We encourage all students to inquire with their tax authority as well as their school board or Ministry of Education (or the equivalent) about any tax benefits that may result from participation in the program or any professional development subsidies that may offset or cover its cost. 

Scholarship applications for 2025 will open early in the year. The application forms will be made available here at that time:

• MMT Indigenous Scholarships
• Agibcona Award
• Scotiabank MMT Scholarship

Scholarship applicants may contact us if the program application fee is a concern. 

The following admissions criteria must be met in order to be eligible to apply:

• Four-year degree (or equivalent) with sufficient university-level mathematical background (normally at least three or four university-level mathematics courses).
• Have at least one year of prior work experience in education, with preference given to those actively teaching mathematics, science or computer science at the time of application.
• Provide certification of English Language Proficiency through one of the accepted examinations if you do not qualify for an exemption.  

Applicants apply to the MMT program through the University of Waterloo’s online application system. The following documentation must be submitted through the online application system by June 15th:

• Academic transcript from each post-secondary institution that you have attended (past or current). Each transcript should show all courses and marks, along with the transcript legends/keys/grading scales, and where applicable, date conferred. All post-secondary education (universities and colleges) must be declared on your online application. This includes incomplete studies and transfer credit courses.
• Two professional letters of reference from school administrators, department heads or a supervisor.
• Curriculum vitae/resumé indicating your relevant academic and professional experience.

Reference forms must be completed by your referees through the online system. Please ensure that you provide your referees with adequate time to complete this process prior to June 15. Late or incomplete applications may not be accepted. 

There is one admission cycle per year. The application deadline is June 15, and students must begin the program in September due to the sequence of courses offered.

Applicants must apply through the University of Waterloo’s online application system.