PhD Handbook: Mathematics Education
Mathematics Education focuses on trends, theories, and reform in mathematics curriculum, as well as current issues and directions in research. Issues include design and evaluation of effective mathematics instruction, the process of learning mathematics, culture and practice in the mathematics classroom, teachers' perspectives and development, or the impact of technology on the teaching of mathematics.
32 units are required in mathematics and mathematics education.
In addition to the Ph.D. program core courses and methodology requirements, mathematics education students are required to take the following three core mathematics education courses:
- 255 - Curriculum Development and Evaluation in Mathematics (4)
- 256A or 256B - Research in Mathematics Education (4)
- 294* - Special Topics in Science, Agriculture & Mathematics Education (8 units)
Suggested additional courses to fill out the 32-unit emphasis requirement include:
- 257 - Computer Technology in Mathematics Education (4)
- 294* - Special Topics in Science, Agriculture & Mathematics Education (additional units)
- 210 - The Psychology of School Learning (4)
- 211 - Social & Situative Perspectives on Learning & Cognition (4)
- 207 - Concepts of the Curriculum (4)
- 292 - Experiential Learning (4)
Up to 12 units of appropriate mathematics coursework may be counted toward the 32-unit emphasis area requirement, and a maximum of 8 of these units in mathematics may be from graduate work (e.g., the MA or MAT) completed prior to enrollment in the Ph.D. Program in Education. Transcripts should be submitted to the emphasis area faculty for assessment. Students may choose mathematics courses from upper division and graduate offerings in consultation with their faculty advisor. Particularly encouraged are courses in the field of mathematics most closely related to the student's research plans. Relevant upper division courses include the following:
Mathematics Closest to Dissertation Research
- Arithmetic: Math 115A, 115B, 115C
- Geometry: Math 114, 116, 141
- Algebra: Math 108, 150A, 150B, 167
- Probability: Math 131, 132A, 132B
- Calculus: Math 108, 127A, 127B
- Statistics: Statistics 108, 130A, 130B
Electives
Students in the Mathematics Education emphasis are expected to take a minimum of 6 units (2 courses) of additional coursework in areas relevant to their research interests. These courses, determined in consultation with the faculty adviser, are intended to add breadth and/or depth to the student's program of study.
*Any course marked with an asterisk is a proposed course with a tentative course number. Proposed courses are offered as sections of EDU 292, Special Topics in Education, until they have completed the approval process.