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Graduate Catalog 2024-2025

Mathematics Education PhD

Program Overview

College of Natural and Health Sciences

General Doctoral Degree Admission Requirements

View delivery options, start terms and admission requirements.

Contact: Jodie Novak, Ph.D., Department Chair

Location: Ross Hall 2239

Telephone: 970.351.2820

Website: www.unco.edu/nhs/mathematical-sciences/

This program is designed for graduate students interested in specializing in mathematics teaching and learning in grades 6-14. Our innovative approach to mathematical pedagogy assumes that a deep understanding of mathematics is fundamental to teaching mathematics, for engaging in mathematics education research, and for supporting reform in mathematics education. The program has three major strands: mathematics, mathematics education, and preparing grades 6-14 mathematics teachers. This program is suited to secondary mathematics teachers who want to continue their education and move into mathematics leadership jobs in K-12 education or a faculty position in higher education, as well as to those with graduate work in mathematics who want to focus on research in mathematics education.

Graduates of the program will be able to teach mathematics at several levels, perform research, engage in and further ongoing efforts to improve mathematics education for all students, and serve as leaders in mathematics education.

Degree Requirements — 64-73 credits

Mathematics Content Core — 18-21 semester hours

A. Required Courses: 9 hours

MATH 709Abstract Algebra I

3

MATH 735Real Analysis

3

MATH 743Modern Geometry

3

B. Elective Courses: 9-12 hours chosen from the following courses

MATH 622Directed Studies

1- 4

MATH 695Special Topics

1-4

MATH 723Abstract Algebra II

3

MATH 728Topics in Discrete Mathematics

3

MATH 732Complex Variables

3

MATH 733Geometric Analysis

3

MATH 738Mathematical Modeling

3

MATH 778Mathematical Logic

3

MATH 795Special Topics

1-4

Mathematics Education Core — 18-21 semester hours

A. Required Courses: 12 hours

MED 731Learning Theories in Mathematics Education

3

MED 732Mathematics Curriculum Design

3

MED 733Models of Teaching in Mathematics

3

MED 740Equity in Mathematics Education

3

B. Elective Courses: 6-9 hours chosen from the following courses. Advisor must approve courses.

MED 622Directed Studies

1- 3

MED 678Special Topics

2- 3

MED 750History and Philosophy of Mathematics Education

3

MED 751Teaching Mathematical Sciences Mentorship

3

MED 753Theory to Practice in Mathematical Sciences Mentorship

3

ECLD 601Language, Linguistics, and Education

3

EDF 685Philosophical Foundations of Education

3

EDF 700Implementation and Evaluation of Curriculum

3

EDF 775History of Education Reform and Change

3

EDF 777Social Justice in Education Reform

3

PSY 575Educational Assessment

3

PSY 640Cultural Issues in Education Psychology

3

PSY 644Motivation in Education

3

Required Research Content Course — 12 semester hours

MED 752Research in Mathematics Education Mentorship

3

SRM 602Statistical Methods I

3

SRM 680Introduction to Qualitative Research

3

SRM 700Advanced Research Methods

3

Research Proposal/Dissertation — 16-19 semester hours

MATH 797Doctoral Proposal Research

1- 4

MATH 799Doctoral Dissertation

1-12

MATH 797: Must take 4 credits but they can be split between different semesters.

MATH 799: Must take 12-15 credits but they can be split between different semesters.

Research Tools

This program includes the following required research tools: (A) Applied Statistics, which is fulfilled by successful completion of SRM 602 (3 hours); (B) Research Methods, which is fulfilled by successful completion of SRM 680 and 700 (6 total). These requirements will be satisfied by successfully completing the courses already required above.

Program Notes

Students in this program must pass written comprehensive exams in mathematics and mathematics education followed by an oral comprehensive exam over their entire program. A document describing examination procedures may be obtained from the program office or the program website.

A student in this program is required to write a scholarly dissertation. Dissertation topics may range from mathematics with pedagogical applications to topics in education mathematics such as cognitive process, educational reform, and instructional issues.

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