Feb 07, 2025  
2020-2021 Graduate Catalog 
    
2020-2021 Graduate Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Mathematics Education Concentration


Degree Requirements


The Ph.D. in Teaching and Learning with a concentration in Mathematics Education prepares professional mathematics educators to make scholarly contributions to both the theoretical and practical knowledge base of mathematics teaching and learning in a broad range of educational settings. Graduates of this program typically assume positions as college or university professors in schools or colleges of education or departments of mathematics. In these positions, their primary responsibilities are to conduct research on elementary, middle, secondary, or post-secondary mathematics teaching and learning, to teach content and pedagogy courses, and to direct theses and dissertations. Graduates are also qualified to assume positions as mathematics education leaders in school districts, research laboratories, or publishing companies.

During the degree program, students develop advanced professional proficiencies and scholarly knowledges through the successful completion of the (a) Program of Study, (b) Residency Plan, (c) Comprehensive Examination, (d) Research Prospectus, and (e) Dissertation. The degree program, in general, is framed by the principles to guide doctoral programs adopted by the Association of Mathematics Teacher Educators (AMTE) and the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM).

Core Area (18 Hours)


The Core Area consists of 15 semester hours of research coursework and 3 semester hours of Social Foundation of Education and Psychology of Learning coursework.

Research Core (15 Hours)


Required (12 Hours)

  • A two-course sequence (6 hours) in research methodology (see below for specific tracks/courses)
  • Two courses (6 hours) in advanced research methods as identified by the Doctoral Advisory Committee

Social Foundations of Education and Psychology of Learning Core (3 Hours)


In addition to highly specialized research in specific areas, doctoral students in the College of Education and Human Development must possess a deep understanding of comprehensive, theoretical principles and broad ideological conceptualizations.

Through historical, philosophical, sociological, and anthropological inquiry, knowledge of social foundations fosters the types of speculative investigations essential for thorough understandings of those theoretical principles and ideological conceptualizations necessary to uphold the integrity of the Ph.D. degree.

The psychology of learning component is based on the following guiding principles: (1) Educational leaders make judgments that affect learning. (2) Doctoral students should have a substantial understanding of the psychology of learning.

Select one (3):

Major Area (18 Hours)


Cognate Area (18 Hours)


Select (12 Hours)


The student and Doctoral Advisory Committee select additional coursework (12 hours).

Dissertation (15 Hours)


Required (15):

Program Total: Minimum of 69 Semester Hours