Temple University's Graduate Certificate in Secondary Education Mathematics prepares individuals with strong mathematics backgrounds to become certified teachers in grades 7 through 12. Designed for college graduates and professionals seeking a career change, this certificate provides a streamlined, practice-oriented route to initial teacher certification in secondary mathematics.
Participants develop deep pedagogical knowledge and practical instructional skills aligned to the Pennsylvania Department of Education’s academic standards. The curriculum includes coursework in adolescent development, inclusive and equitable teaching strategies, and content-specific methods for teaching middle and high school mathematics.
You’ll also complete a full-time, supervised student teaching placement to build your confidence and classroom readiness in a real-world educational setting. Courses are offered on a part-time schedule with evening sessions at Temple’s Main Campus in Philadelphia—making the program flexible and accessible to working professionals and those currently teaching on emergency permits.
Mathematics Education Focus
In this program, you'll explore how to meet the diverse needs of students at various levels of mathematical proficiency. Emphasis is placed on:
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Fostering mathematical reasoning and conceptual understanding
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Building students’ confidence and critical thinking through problem-solving
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Engaging adolescents in active, inquiry-based mathematics learning
Graduates are well-prepared to teach Algebra I & II, Geometry, Pre-Calculus, and foundational data and statistics content in secondary school environments.
Classes & Curriculum
The Secondary Education - Mathematics graduate certificate program consists of 19 credits. Courses are held on Temple’s Main Campus in Philadelphia, though some online and hybrid options are available. Most classes are scheduled in the evenings to accommodate working professionals. You can attend full- or part-time, and you have up to four years to complete the program.
Core Pedagogy & Inclusion Courses (13 credits)
Course Number | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
Literacy in the Disciplines (Secondary Education) | 3 | |
Literacy Instruction for Students with Disabilities | 3 | |
Foundations of Language Teaching | 3 | |
Supervised Teaching | 4 |
*May substitute TESL 5613 – Literacy Development for English Language Learners, depending on student’s background or program advisor recommendation.
Mathematics Methods Courses (6 credits)
Fieldwork
In addition to state certification exams and student teaching, you must complete field experiences as part of your coursework. Field placements are designed to give you teaching experience working with children in educational and non-educational settings. Students must complete required clearances and prerequisite coursework before beginning fieldwork. The majority of field experiences require students to spend seven full days over the course of a semester in the classroom. EDUC 5888 – Supervised Teaching involves a full-time teaching placement in a secondary classroom under the guidance of a mentor teacher and university supervisor. During the student teaching semester, students are required to spend every day in the classroom for 14 weeks.
Program Outcomes
Graduates will:
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Build deep content knowledge in algebra, geometry, statistics, and mathematical reasoning.
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Design inclusive, standards-aligned lessons for diverse secondary learners.
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Engage students in problem-solving, inquiry, and real-world math applications.
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Create equitable, student-centered classrooms that foster positive math identities.
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Demonstrate professionalism and readiness for Pennsylvania teacher certification.
Teacher Certification
This program prepares you to successfully complete state certification exams, allowing you to apply for a Pennsylvania Instructional I Teaching Certificate. Learn more about certification.
Tuition & Fees
In keeping with Temple’s commitment to access and affordability, this graduate certificate offers a competitive tuition level and multiple opportunities for financial support.
Tuition rates are set annually by the university. They are affected by multiple factors, including program degree level (undergraduate or graduate), course load (full- or part-time), in-state or out-of-state residency, and more. These tuition costs apply to the 2024–2025 academic year.
Pennsylvania resident: $1,105.00 per credit
Out-of-state: $1,518.00 per credit
View the full cost of attendance breakdown on the Student Financial Services website.
Admission Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
- Statement of goals
- Transcripts
- Clearances required prior to field placement
How to Apply
Complete your application online at apply.temple.edu/cehd
Important Application Note
Temple University is in the process of launching a new graduate application for this certificate program. For Fall 2025 admission, applicants should select the corresponding master’s degree in Secondary Education with a concentration in Mathematics Education when applying. After admission, our Graduate Academic Advising team will update your record to reflect enrollment in the graduate certificate program. No additional steps are required on your part.
Questions
For more information about this program, the College of Education and Human Development, how to apply for admission and your application status, contact Enrollment Management.
Enrollment Management
Ritter Annex 150
1301 Cecil B. Moore Ave.
Philadelphia, PA 19122
Phone: 215-204-8011
Email: educate@temple.edu