Are you ready to become an effective mathematics teacher and a leader who plays a central role in transforming mathematics education for the next generation? The Mathematics Instructional Specialist (MIS) graduate certificate program at California State University, Long Beach is seeking passionate educators who are eager to sharpen their mathematics teaching abilities and expand their impact on diverse student learning.
This MIS graduate certificate program offers a fully online, purposeful, and interrelated sequence of four courses (12 units) that include clinical practice experiences. You’ll have the opportunity to demonstrate mathematical and pedagogical content through a variety of collaborative activities, projects, fieldwork, and technology applications.
These experiences are crafted to exemplify how math education can be exciting and culturally relevant for K-8 learners. As an MIS candidate, you will be equipped to support effective mathematics instruction and foster student learning in dynamic ways. If you’re committed to making a difference and ready to take on the challenge of shaping the future of math education, we invite you to apply for the MIS Certificate program and begin your journey to becoming a Mathematics Instructional Specialist.
Please note: This is a certificate program at CSULB. It is not an approved credential or added authorization for California's Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC).
12 Transfer Credit Units can be applied to the MA in Math Education at CSULB
Convenient online classes for working professionals
Collaboration with colleagues from diverse educational levels and experiences
Access to network of instructors and resources in math education
Opportunities for professional and scholarly growth through conferences and publications
Explore scholarships and other financial aid opportunities
Credentialed teachers
Credential students
K-8 Teachers
Math Coaches
Curriculum Developers
Educational Administrators
Effective strategies to teach math concepts and skills to K-8 students
Assessment techniques to evaluate students’ understanding and progress in math while providing support to struggling students
Curriculum design skills to create and adapt math curricula that meet diverse student needs
Instructional technology to support students’ math understanding and proficiency
Leadership in math education for diverse classrooms
Math pedagogical content knowledge
Research-based best practices for teaching and learning math
Culturally responsive and sustainable pedagogy for math classrooms
Math assessment methods that help all students achieve proficiency
Math intervention to address varied learning needs for struggling students
STEM integration to enhance student math learning
Balanced mathematics programs combining conceptual understanding, procedural fluency, and problem solving
Clinical practice to teach mathematics in real classroom settings
Submit your application to CSULB Cal State Apply by June 1, 2025.
Successfully complete four courses and achieve satisfactory grades.
Program Outline
There are four courses (12 units) required for the MIS Certificate. You will take the following four courses through the College of Professional and Continuing Education (CPaCE) within one academic year:
EDME 501 - Assessment in Teaching and Learning Mathematics (3 units) Prerequisite: MA in Education, Option in in Mathematics Education students only. Designing advanced assessment methods aligned with the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics Assessment Standards; interpreting and using assessment results for planning and teaching mathematics in linguistically and culturally diverse classrooms. Letter grade only (A-F).
EDME 503 - Advanced Mathematics Methods in Teaching, 1 (3 units) Prerequisite: MA in Education, Option in in Mathematics Education students only. Advanced study in mathematics methods by applying state and national mathematics principles and standards to research-based practices. Letter grade only (A-F).
EDME 504 - Advanced Mathematics Methods in Teaching, 2 (3 units) Prerequisite: MA in Education, Option in in Mathematics Education students only. Advanced study of the teaching and learning of mathematics in linguistically and culturally diverse classrooms. Topics include teaching and learning pre-algebra, algebra, plane and solid geometry, measurement, data analysis, probability, learning theories, assessment, state and national academic content standards. Letter grade only (A-F).
EDME 520 - Algebra: Research-Based Pedagogy (3 units) Prerequisite: MA in Education, Option in in Mathematics Education students only. Integration of pre-algebra and algebra content and pedagogy in mathematics classrooms. Exploration of recent research trends, national policies, and standards related to algebra curriculum and teaching. Letter grade only (A-F).
Information Sessions
Potential students interested in learning more about this program are encouraged to attend a free information session. The information sessions include short presentations by a program representative, designed to provide you with an opportunity to ask questions and learn more about the program's benefits.
Upcoming online Information Sessions are listed below. Choose a date and click the link to register for that Zoom meeting. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email with details about joining the meeting.
If no sessions are listed below, then none are currently available. Please check this page at a later date to view updated sessions.
Prior to admission, a candidate for the Mathematics Instructional Specialist (MIS) Certificate must have a bachelor’s degree and a valid CA teaching credential with authorization to teach English learners.
Specifically, a candidate needs to meet the following admission criteria:
Have a GPA of 2.85 or above from your baccalaureate degree.
Submit an online application.
Provide official transcripts from your bachelor’s degree and teacher preparation program(s), along with any other relevant post-baccalaureate transcripts.
Have valid California Teaching Credential(s) or CTE Clear Credential. This includes the MSCP Credential, Single Subject Credential in Foundational Level Mathematics, and/or Full Single Subject Credential in Mathematics.
Successfully complete (with a grade of C or better) at least 8 units of mathematics content coursework specifically designed for K-8 teachers or post-secondary coursework in mathematics.
Include a copy of the English Learner Authorization issued by the CCTC.
Submit Application and supporting documents by deadline: June 1, 2025.
Please refer to the Graduate Studies Office Tips and Tutorials for Applying for help filling out these sections of Cal State Apply. Please also refer to the How to Apply page for detailed information on what documents to submit.
How to Apply
Application Deadline: June 1 (each year)
The MIS program admits students for the Fall semester only. Admission to the program requires approval by the University and the program's Faculty Review Committee. Please follow all directions closely.
Admission Criteria, Documentation, and Information
To be admitted to the program, you must apply for admission using the California State University admissions portal called Cal State Apply. By applying online, you can start, stop, and save your application information throughout the process.
Note the following steps to begin the application process:
Select a term to apply for: Fall
Sign in or create an account
Select CSU Long Beach as your campus and select Extended Education as the source
Select the College of Professional and Continuing Education (CPaCE) from the list of available programs; and once chosen, the program title will be highlighted in green with a check mark to indicate that you have chosen the correct program
Use the dashboard to continue with your application for admission to the program
You will be asked to provide the following:
Personal Information
Academic History
Supporting Information
Program Materials
Please note that there is additional criteria and information on the Admission Requirements page.
For technical assistance with Cal State Apply, please contact the Cal State Apply Help Desk at (857) 304-2087, via email, or visit the Cal State Apply Applicant Help Center. Cal State Apply Application Support is available Monday – Friday, 6:00AM – 5:00PM PT.
Please Note:
Additional documentation requirements and information:
Official transcripts from all previously attended academic institutions after high school must be sent directly to CSULB Enrollment Services. Do not send transcripts to faculty, staff, or the Department, because they will be returned unopened. Some academic institutions will send your transcripts electronically to CSULB. Other institutions will send your transcripts by U.S. Mail, which must be sent to the following address:
Office of Admissions and Records California State University, Long Beach 1250 Bellflower Blvd. Long Beach, CA 90840-0106
The Cal State Apply website requests transcript entry. Graduate applicants need only enter courses that are in-progress or planned. Select “I am Not Adding Any College Transcripts” if you do not have in-progress or planned coursework. Do NOT enter individual course information from each individual institution attended, unless you want the system to calculate your grade point average. Entering all of this information is not necessary for admission to our program.
Review and submit your application with the fee by the published deadline.
You may periodically email the Program Advisor for a status report.
Wait for an admissions decision to come by email directly from CSULB Enrollment Services. If you are admitted to the program, you will receive course scheduling and enrollment instructions from the Program Advisor at least two weeks before the semester begins.
If you have special admissions needs or questions, please contact the appropriate CSULB office directly:
This program is designed for credentialed K-8 teachers to enhance their mathematics teaching skills. It includes a sequence of four courses (12 units) and clinical practice experiences, completed within one year.
The program requires 12 units to complete.
The program is offered fully online.
Applicants must:
Meet the university’s graduate admission requirements.
Have a GPA of 2.85 or above from their baccalaureate degree.
Submit an online application.
Provide official transcripts from their bachelor’s degree and teacher preparation program(s), along with any other relevant post-baccalaureate transcripts.
Hold valid California Teaching Credential(s) or CTE Clear Credential.
Complete at least 8 units of mathematics content coursework with a grade of C or better.
Include a copy of the English Learner Authorization issued by the CCTC.
Submit the application and supporting documents by June 1.
Accepted credentials include the MSCP Credential, Single Subject Credential in Foundational Level Mathematics, and Full Single Subject Credential in Mathematics.
Applicants must have successfully completed at least 8 units of mathematics content coursework specifically designed for K-8 teachers or post-secondary coursework in mathematics with a grade of C or better.
Yes, a copy of the English Learner Authorization issued by the CCTC is required.
Complete and submit the CSULB Cal State Apply application online. Then submit supplementary program application materials to shuhua.an@csulb.edu by the application deadline.
Dr. Shuhua An has over 35 years of teaching experience in mathematics and mathematics education at various levels. At CSULB, Dr. An is a professor and coordinator of the Math Education Graduate Program, and has served as the coordinator of both East Meets West and Math at the Beach programs. In these roles, she has lead math teacher leaders in planning and providing a series of workshops on math education for teachers in Southern California. Dr. An’s research areas include teachers’ knowledge, assessment, STEM integration, classroom teaching research, and comparative study. She is the author of numerous research journal articles, books, and book chapters. Since 2018, Dr. An has been the editor-in-chief for the Journal of Mathematics Education. Dr. An has played leadership roles in state, national, and international math education associations and has received numerous awards during her career, including the President’s Award for Outstanding Faculty Achievement at CSULB in 2024.
Shuhua An, Instructor
Dr. Amanda Bell has been a math educator at elementary and higher education settings for more than 25 years. Dr. Bell is a Director of Elementary Education in Oceanside Unified School District and Adjunct Faculty for National University for the School of Education. Dr. Bell is an elementary classroom teacher, a district level math lead focused on Cognitively Guided Instruction, a Math Program Specialist during the transition to Common Core, and a school administrator at STEM-focused schools. Dr. Bell supports staff in utilizing curriculum to maximize student learning and understanding of foundational math concepts. Her 17 years of instructing students at National University in classroom math instruction have allowed her to bring a practical lens of math instruction for aspiring and veteran teachers alike.
Amanda Bell, Instructor
Dr. Alfonso Romero was born in Guadalajara, Mexico and immigrated to the United States at six years old. He grew up in South Central Los Angeles and became the first member of his family to earn a doctoral degree from the CSULB Educational Doctoral Leadership program. He is deeply committed to public education supporting underserved communities. He currently serves as the Senior Director of Secondary Math for the Partnership of Los Angeles Schools, an organization that caters to the communities of Watts, Boyle Heights, and South Los Angeles. The organization is focused on transforming schools and revolutionizing the education system to provide all students with a high-quality education by. enhancing the capacity of teachers and school leaders with the latest research and instructional approaches.
Alfonso Romero, Instructor
Dr. Zhonghe Wu has taught middle school mathematics and science in public schools, and has been a full-time professor at National University for 20 years. He has also served as an adjunct faculty member in math education at CSULB since 2005. During his teaching career, Dr. Wu has developed and coordinated three programs in math education and STEM education, which provided opportunities for classroom teachers to advance their knowledge and skills in mathematics teaching. He also designed and taught numerous courses including math methods, assessment in math education, technology in math education, research methods, and advanced methods in math teaching and learning. Dr. Wu has been a speaker at seminars for international education delegations at CSULB, covering topics such as curricula, assessment, teaching and learning, educational research, and policy. Wu’s research interests include education policy, pedagogical knowledge, and STEM/STEAM education. He is the author of numerous research journal articles, books, and book chapters, and served as the editor-in-chief for the Journal of Mathematics Education from 2008 to 2017. In addition, Dr. Wu has been the Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Research in Innovative Teaching & Learning. His commitment to mathematics education and scholarly endeavors made him a recipient of the M-CTRAS Lifetime Achievement Award in 2024.
Zhonghe Wu, Instructor
Dr. Jinxia Xie is an experienced educator with over two decades of cross-cultural expertise in mathematics education from China and the United States. With a doctoral degree from Syracuse University, she researched the relationship between problem-solving and problem-posing, focusing on patterns shown by prospective elementary teachers from both countries. Jinxia has taught in higher education settings, and has more recently focused on high school pedagogy, working with a diverse student population that includes minority, first-generation, high-need, and multilingual students. Passionate about dynamic classroom teaching, Jinxia is interested in rigorous educational research on designing inquiry-based activities, creating inclusive learning environments, and integrating problem-posing and technology into student learning.
Jinxia Xie, Instructor
Mathematics Instructional Specialist
Application Period:
Fall 2025
Application Deadline:
June 1, 2025
Cost:
$307 per unit, $921 per 3-unit course*
Total Program Cost:
$3,684
*Fees listed are for the 2024-25 academic and are subject to change.
