Portland-State-University 2014-2015 Bulletin

Mathematics Education Ph.D.

The Fariborz Maseeh Department of Mathematics and Statistics offers a Ph.D. in Mathematics Education. The main objective of this program is to develop educators with an understanding of mathematics and its teaching and learning, and with the capabilities for research and professional practice in the field. This program provides a balance between mathematics and mathematics education to help in the development of mathematics educators who may become: (1) Faculty members in mathematics education in mathematics departments or schools of education in universities, four-year colleges, or community colleges; (2) Curriculum specialists in mathematics, supervisors of mathematics at the middle school level or secondary school level, or mathematics specialists in state or local departments of education; (3) Private sector specialists in mathematics education.

Candidates must complete an approved program of 84 credit hours which consists of three major components: coursework, a research practicum experience, and dissertation research. Coursework must include 18 credit hours mathematics education research courses (Mth 690 - Mth 695); 18 credit hours of other 500- or 600-level mathematics courses; and 18 hours of graduate coursework in supporting areas outside of mathematics (such as curriculum and instruction, psychology, educational policy, science, computer science, philosophy, sociology, anthropology, etc.). Candidates must pass comprehensive examinations in mathematics and mathematics education. In addition, candidates will be strongly encouraged to demonstrate competency in reading research in mathematics education in at least one language other than English.