Degree Requirements

Foundations of Education  (9 credits from at least 3 of the following 4 areas)

• Learning in a Content Area other than Mathematics Education
• Policy and Leadership
• Social and Philosophical Foundations
• Psychological Foundations

Mathematics Education and Mathematics (30 credits including courses in mathematics and mathematics education at or above the 300 level).

Required courses include:

• 16:300:550  Introduction to Mathematics Education
• 16:300:661  Research into the Development of Mathematical Ideas
• 16:300:660  Seminar in Mathematics Education Research
• 15:254:644  Mathematics Education Practicum (9 credits)

The Practicum Laboratory/Field Work experience is designed to prepare students for pre-thesis research.

Research Methodology (9 credits including 3 each in quantitative and qualitative methods and 6 in mathematics education, of which 3  beyond the required courses listed  can count toward the 30 hours noted above)

Qualifying Examination

Students will pass an examination evaluated by a faculty committee consisting of at least two members, at least one of whom is involved in the student’s program of study.  The qualifying exam has 3 components: (1) a review of the literature in the proposed area of research;  (2)a research component to be completed at home over a specified time;  (3) a one-day exam consisting of mathematics and mathematics education.

Dissertation Candidacy

Students will be admitted to dissertation candidacy by the faculty after successfully completing the above requirements.

Dissertation (24 credits)

15:250:701 Dissertation Study in Learning and Teaching. After admission to candidacy, the candidate will propose and complete a doctoral dissertation in the area of concentration.  Dissertations can be either basic or applied research.  Alternative formats, such as published papers, CD’s and/or videotapes with accompanying papers, will be piloted and evaluated as potential dissertation projects.

The Dissertation Committee will consist of at least three members approved by the department chair and the mathematics education program. At least two committee members of the Dissertation Committee, will be members of the Graduate School of Education faculty, and at least one committee member will be a member of the Mathematics Education program of the Graduate School of Education.  At least one committee member will be from outside the Department of Learning and Teaching.

Total Credits: 72

Please Note:

Admissions:  Highly qualified students who demonstrate potential for outstanding leadership in the practice and/or research in mathematics education will be admitted.

Successful applicants must have:

• A Baccalaureate (or the equivalent) in pure or applied mathematics;
• An undergraduate and (if applicable) graduate GPA of at least 3.0 (on a scale of 4.0)
• Strong performance on the Graduate Record Examination, and (if international) a TOEFL score indicating strong English language proficiency.
• A personal statement reflecting prior experience or interest in educational leadership or research that contributes to effective educational practice;
• Three letters of recommendation from former professors, employers, or school personnel attesting to potential for research and leadership.
• Students must maintain a cumulative GPA of at least 3.25 during doctoral coursework and dissertation
• research courses.

Students may petition the faculty to transfer up to 18 graduate credit hours of coursework taken elsewhere to   meet partially the requirements for this degree.

The proposed program for the degree will be approved by the Mathematics Education program advisor and the Chair of the Department of Learning and Teaching.

Time limits:

Students have seven years from the time of admission to complete course work and qualifying examinations, and a total of ten years to complete all requirements.