Mathematics Education
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
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The Ph.D. program emphasizes research and requires a written dissertation for completion. The program is individualized to meet the needs of graduate students. The student must develop, with the guidance from the major professor and committee, a program that is applicable to their background and interest. The average Ph.D. program requires 4-6 years beyond a master’s degree. The program is comprised of coursework in four major areas.
- Mathematics Education
- Mathematics or a related area
- Cognate Area
- Research Core
This residential program has rolling admission. Applications must be fully complete and submitted (including all required materials) and all application fees paid prior to the deadline in order for applications to be considered and reviewed. For a list of all required materials for this program application, please see the “Admissions” tab.
July 1 is the deadline for Fall applications.
November 15 is the deadline for Spring applications.
March 15 is the deadline for Summer applications.
*Those applicants interested in being considered for any available PhD funding should submit completed applications by December 1 for the following Fall semester.
Program at a Glance
- Major/Department: Curriculum and Instruction
- Research Area: Mathematics Education
- Degree Objective: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
- Program Delivery: Residential
- Does this program lead to licensure? *No, this is a non-licensure program
- Application Deadlines: July 1 (Fall), November 15 (Spring), March 15 (Summer)
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Courses
Mathematics Education Courses
15-18 credit hours
In mathematics education, students engage in courses that cover topics in the cognitive and cultural theories of learning and teaching mathematics, and the role of curriculum in mathematics education.
A three (3) course sequence is required that consists of:
- EDCI 63500 – Goals and Content in Mathematics Education
- EDCI 63600 – The Learning of Mathematics: Insights and Issues
- EDCI 63700 – The Teaching of Mathematics: Insights and Issues
In addition, students are encouraged to take (6 – 9) hours of EDCI 620: Developing as a Mathematics Education Researcher
Related Course Work
Minimum of 6 credit hours
All students should have appropriate course work in mathematics, statistics, educational technology, or a related field. Students without a master’s level background in mathematics may be required to take more courses in mathematics. This will be determined by the student’s major professor and advisory committee.
Cognate
9 credit hours
Students will take three graduate courses in a self-selected cognate area. Cognate area selection should be discussed with the student’s major professor and advisory committee. Possible cognate areas include: mathematics, psychology, philosophy, sociology, technology.
Research Core Courses
15 credit hours
All doctoral students in the Department of Curriculum and Instruction must complete five (5) courses from areas in research methodology and analysis before beginning their dissertation:
- EDPS 53300 – Introduction to Research in Education
- EDCI 61500 – Qualitative Research Methods in Education
- STAT 51100 – Statistical Methods OR EDPS 55600 – Introduction to Quantitative Data Analysis
- EDPS 63000 – Research Procedures in Education
- Advance electives in either quantitative or qualitative methods
Admissions
In addition to a submitted application (and any applicable application fees paid), the following materials are required for admission consideration, and all completed materials must be submitted by the application deadline in order for an application to be considered complete and forwarded on to faculty and the Purdue Graduate School for review.
A completed master’s degree is required prior to admission.
Application Requirements
Here are the materials required for this application
- Transcripts (from all universities attended)
- Minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
- 3 Recommendations
- Resume/CV
- Academic Statement of Purpose
- Personal History Statement
- Writing Sample
- International Applicants must meet English Proficiency Requirements set by the Purdue Graduate School
We encourage prospective students to submit an application early, even if not all required materials are uploaded. Applications are not forwarded on for faculty review until all required materials are uploaded.
How to Apply
When submitting your application for this program, please select the following options:
- Campus and Program Tab:
- Select a Campus: Purdue West Lafayette (PWL)
- Select your proposed graduate major: Curriculum and Instruction
- First Choice Program Details Tab:
- Please select an Area of Interest: Mathematics Education
- Please select a Degree Objective: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
- Primary Course Delivery: Residential
This program does not lead to licensure in the state of Indiana or elsewhere. Contact the College of Education Office of Teacher Education and Licensure (OTEL) at licensure@purdue.edu before continuing with program application if you have questions regarding licensure or contact your state Department of Education about how this program may translate to licensure in your state of residence.
Faculty
