Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Mathematics Education

Graduate Programs

The Ph.D. 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 Ph.D. 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 below.

July 1 is the deadline for Fall applications.
November 15 is the deadline for Spring applications.
March 15 is the deadline for Summer applications.

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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) at licensure@purdue.edu before continuing with 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.

APPLICATION PROCEDURE

How to Apply

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Admissions

View Application Instructions

Application Instructions for the Mathematics Education PhD program from the Office of Graduate Studies:

In addition to a submitted application (and any applicable application fees paid), all completed materials must be submitted by the application deadline in order for an application to be considered complete and forwarded on to faculty and the Purdue Graduate School for review.

Here are the materials required for this application:

Transcripts (from all universities attended, including an earned bachelor’s degree from a college or university of recognized standing)
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 Graduate School

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

Program Requirements

View Requirements

I. Mathematics Education Courses (15 – 18 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

II. Related Course Work (minimum 6 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.

III. Cognate (9 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.

IV. Research Core Courses (15 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: