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Residential

Mathematics Education

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Curriculum and Instruction

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OVERVIEW

Advance Your Career

The PhD 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 PhD 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” section.

What degree is conferred upon satisfactory completion of this program?

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Curriculum and Instruction with a concentration of Mathematics Education. This information will be listed on the transcript, and the diploma states the degree objective.

Dec 1
Fall Application Deadline December 1 is the deadline for applicants interested in being considered for any available PhD funding. Applications are accepted until April 1 for all other applicants.
Oct 1
Spring Application Deadline
Feb 1
Summer Application Deadline

Courses

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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

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.

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.

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 (3 credits)
  • EDCI 61500, Qualitative Research I (3 credits)
  • One Introductory Statistics Course (EDPS 55600, STAT 50100, STAT 51100, or other course pre-approved by the department) (3 credits)
  • One Advanced Elective (3 credits)
    • For qualitative methods – EDCI 61600, EDCI 62100, or other qualitative method course pre-approved by the department, or
    • For quantitative methods – EDPS 55700, STAT 50200, STAT 51200 or other quantitative method course pre-approved by the department
  • EDPS 63000, Research Seminar (3 credits)

Admissions

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Admissions

A graduate application must be submitted and application fee paid (if applicable) by the application deadline. In addition, the materials listed under the Application Requirements section below must be submitted by the application deadline in order for an application to be considered complete and for the application to be reviewed for admission consideration. Please review the How to Apply section below before submitting an application.

A completed master’s degree is required prior to admission.

Below are the materials required for this application. Visit the Office of Graduate Students and Postdoctoral Scholars (OGSPS) website for more information about the requirements below.

  • 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 Office of the Vice Provost for Graduate Students and Postdoctoral Scholars

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.

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

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Licensure

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Licensure Information

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) before continuing with the 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.

program FACULTY

Learn From the Experts

Explore how Purdue’s faculty for the residential PhD in Mathematics Education can prepare you to help all students learn.

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Laura Bofferding

Professor

Signe Kastberg

Professor

Rachael Kenney

Associate Professor

Sarah Larison

Clinical Assistant Professor

Jill Newton

Professor

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