Academic Programs Catalog

College of Natural Science

Graduate Study

Mathematics Education - Doctor of Philosophy

The Doctor of Philosophy degree in Mathematics Education is designed for persons who show promise of becoming leaders in local, state, national, and international mathematics education communities. The program prepares researchers and leaders to address critical issues in mathematics education by developing analytical perspectives for research, engaging in reflective teaching, and deepening mathematical knowledge.

In addition to meeting the requirements of the University and of the College of Natural Science, students must meet the requirements specified below.

Admission

The program admits students with a variety of backgrounds.  Some students will have equally strong backgrounds in education and mathematics. Others may have more extensive prior preparation in one of these two disciplines. 

Admissions decisions will be made by an Admissions Committee composed of members of the Mathematics Education Faculty Group.  A student who shows promise for success at doctoral study but who needs additional background to be eligible for admission to the Ph.D. program will be provided with specific conditions to be met before admission.  Upon successful completion of these requirements, the student may reapply.

Requirements for the Doctor of Philosophy Degree in Mathematics Education

The student must complete the requirements listed below. The student’s program of study must be approved by the student’s guidance committee and must include:

1. All of the following courses (12 credits):
MTHE 926 Proseminar in Mathematics Education I 3
MTHE 927 Proseminar in Mathematics Education II 3
MTHE 954 Design and Methods in Mathematics Education Research 3
TE 950 Mathematical Ways of Knowing 3
2. Research Methods (9 credits):
a. One course in quantitative research methods  3
b, One course in qualitative research methods 3
c. One additional research methods course  3
Research methods courses must be approved by the student's guidance committee.      
3. Research Practicum  (1 to 3 credits):
MTHE 995 Research Practicum 1 to 3
4. Mathematics and Mathematical Knowledge for Teaching (12 credits):
Complete 12 credits of course work, approved by the student’s guidance committee, focusing on mathematics content, both traditional mathematical sciences content and specialized knowledge needed by those engaging in research on teaching and learning mathematics. 
5. Area of Concentration (12 credits):
Complete 12 credits of course work in an area of concentration as approved by the student’s guidance committee.
6. Successful completion of comprehensive examinations administered by program faculty.
7. Doctoral Dissertation      
Complete at least 24 credits and no more than 36 credits of MTHE 999 Doctoral Dissertation Research and successfully defend the oral dissertation.