Mathematics Education, Ph.D.

The Mathematics Education doctoral program requires a minimum of 90 graduate credits beyond the undergraduate degree, and 9-24 credits of dissertation work. Many students can complete the degree in 3-4 years full time beyond the master’s degree. Part time study is also available for students working, including full-time teaching positions.

The program is flexible and coursework is chosen by the student and their advisor to align to professional and personal goals. You can focus on the teaching and learning of mathematics at the K-12, undergraduate, or teacher preparation levels. A majority of coursework (48 credits) will be in mathematics, mathematics education, or education courses. Internships and co-teaching opportunities are available in conjunction with courses like:

• Primary and Intermediate Grade Methods and Curriculum
• Methods and Curriculum in Teaching Mathematics (grades 7-12)
• Assessment and Data Driven Instruction
• Foundational Mathematics via Problem Solving I and II

Other Requirements

• 12 credits in research methodology or other scholarly inquiry. Recommended sequences have either a qualitative or quantitative research emphasis.
• Research apprenticeship, a deep, collaborative experience with a faculty mentor. Rather than viewing it as a “mini project” or “dissertation pilot,” we instead view this apprenticeship as an opportunity to invite you into faculty work. You should start considering possible projects early in the program, and communicate with potential faculty mentors regularly. Depending on current and future faculty projects, the apprenticeship can take many forms, including:
  • An argumentative literature review that may be submitted for publication, or used as the bedrock for a grant proposal.
  • The development and piloting of one or more instruments for collecting data.
  • Working with research participants and collecting data for analysis.
  • Developing or operationalizing frameworks into tools for analyzing data.
  • Analyzing existing datasets and writing up findings for internal distribution or publication.
• Doctoral Qualifying Exam.
• Dissertation proposal, writing, submission, and defense (within 5 years of exam).

More information on academic requirements available in the Syracuse University Course Catalog.