Elementary Mathematics Specialist (EMS)

Utah State University's online Elementary Mathematics Specialist (EMS) Certificate is designed for graduate students and professionals to strengthen their mathematics content, pedagogy and leadership knowledge and expertise to serve as leaders in elementary mathematics. As outlined in the Association of Mathematics Teacher Educators (AMTE) standards, Elementary Mathematics Specialists are "teachers, teacher leaders, or coaches who are responsible for supporting effective mathematics instruction and student learning at the classroom, school, district, or state levels."

Students who complete the EMS Certificate program will receive a graduate-level certificate as an Elementary Mathematics Specialist that is aligned with national standards. The program is offered completely online. Participants may complete the 24-credit EMS Certificate in one year. USU's EMS Certificate is available as a stand-alone program, and is also complementary to USU's Master of Education degree. In addition, USU's EMS Certificate is complementary to the Elementary Mathematics Endorsement and the Elementary Mathematics Specialist Endorsement awarded by the Utah State Board of Education.

• Applicants go to applynow.usu.edu and choose the Graduate Application
• GPA of 3.0 in the last 60 credits
• Transcript showing the completion of a bachelors degree
• Documentation of Teacher Certification
• Documentation from a supervisor showing at least three years of successful mathematics teaching experience
• $25 application fee

• Apply and be accepted into the EMS Certificate program.
• Register for and complete the 8 required graduate-level courses in the program.
• Maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA in all program courses (grades below C will not be accepted).
• Complete all courses in the EMS Certificate program within 8 years.
• Complete the 24 credits of required courses. All courses applied to the EMS Certificate must contain a TEAL prefix.
• Abide by the Code of Policies and Procedures for Students at Utah State University.

• Mathematics Education Specialists
• Mathematics Curriculum Coordinators or Directors
• Math Instructional Coordinators
• Elementary Math Coach

1. Visit Our Website

a. Go to gradschool.usu.edu/apply/ to start the application process.

b. Read all admissions requirements on our website.

c. Click on the “Apply Now” button to create an account to apply.

2. Fill Out Application

a. Fill out the following information:

i. Personal

ii. Demographic

iii. Misdemeanor/Felony information, if necessary

iv. Citizenship

v. Academic History

vi. Intended Program of Study Information

vii. NOTE: You cannot submit supplemental items until you have filled out all personal and demographic information, submitted the application, and paid the application fee.

b. Make sure to select the correct entry term (e.g., Spring 2022, Fall 2022, etc.)

c. Submit the application and pay the fee.

i. If you have a waiver code, use it in the discount code box to waive the fee.

3. Supplemental Items

a. Log back into the USU Recruit Application Portal.

b. Enter your application to submit items.

c. Required supplemental items may include, but are not limited to, the following (Please check with your intended program for specific details):

i. Transcripts

1. USU applicants do not need to send transcripts. We pull them from our system for you.

2. All other applicants, please send your official transcripts to the following address:

a. School of Graduate Studies

Utah State University

0900 Old Main Hill

Logan, UT 84322-0900

b. Please note that in order to be considered official, the transcript must (1) be sent directly from the institution to Utah State University, or (2) be forwarded by the applicant with the transcript remaining in the original, unopened envelope from the institution.

ii. Letters of Recommendation

1. Fill out the recommendation request forms. Recommendations must come from referee, not from applicant, to be considered valid.

iii. Statement of Purpose

iv. Test Scores

1. GRE Scores

a. Send to school code 4857

2. MAT Scores

a. Send to school code 2273

3. NOTE: Expired test scores will not be accepted.

d. International applicants must also include:

i. Proof of English language proficiency through one of the options below.

1.TOEFL Scores – 71 or higher

a. Send to school code 4857

2. IELTS Academic Scores – 6.0 or higher

a. Upload student copy to application, clearly showing TRF number.

b. Our test score processor will upload official scores.

3. Completion of at least 24 credits of post-secondary/university course work taught in the U.S. in English, excluding English as a second language courses. Courses must have been taken at an accredited college or university to be considered for direct admission.

4. NOTE: Expired test scores will not be accepted.

ii. A certified English translation of any transcript originally penned in another language.

1. Due to COVID-19 constraints, Utah State University is temporarily accepting unofficial transcripts from international applicants. Upon admittance, students will be required to submit an official transcript before registering for classes.

iii. Proof of Financial Support

1. Affidavit of Financial Support

2. Bank Statement Copy

iv. Passport Copy

v. International applicants can direct any questions not related to the information above to the Office of Global Engagement.