This document supplements the Montana State University Graduate Catalog.

The Ph.D. in Mathematics with a specialization in Mathematics Education combines study in advanced mathematics, mathematics education, and quantitative and qualitative research methods in education. This pathway is designed for candidates who plan a future of teaching, research, and service focused on mathematics education in K-12 settings. The program focuses on the teaching and learning of K-12 mathematics including curriculum, instruction, assessment, and teacher preparation or professional development in the K-12 education system. Graduates typically go on to faculty positions in mathematics departments that involve teacher preparation and research in K-12 mathematics education. Applicants are expected to possess K-12 teaching experience or to gain such experience through internships.

Admission (preferred qualifications)

  • An earned master’s degree in mathematics, statistics, or mathematics education, including graduate-level mathematics coursework in topics such as algebra and analysis. (Applicants with a strong undergraduate degree in mathematics or mathematics teaching may also be considered for an extended version of the program.)
  • One of the following:
    • Teacher licensure in secondary mathematics
    • Two years K-12 teaching experience
    • Two years college teaching experience

Required Coursework (minimum 60 credits)

Mathematics - required (minimum 15 credits earned at MSU)

Required preparation for the mathematics component of the three-part comprehensive exam:

  • M 503 (3) Advanced Linear Algebra
  • M 505 (3) Principles of Mathematical Analysis
  • One two-course doctoral course sequence from the list below (6 credits)
  • Additional mathematics courses to be selected (3+ credits)

Mathematics Education - required (minimum 9 credits)

Required preparation for the education component of the three-part comprehensive exam:

  • M 528 (3) Curriculum Design in Mathematics (alternate years, online)
  • M 529 (3) Models of Assessment in Mathematics (alternate years, online)
  • M 534 (3) Research in Mathematics Education

Research Methods and Statistics - required (minimum 12 credits)

Required preparation for the research component of the three-part comprehensive exam:

  • STAT 511 (3) Methods of Data Analysis I
  • STAT 512 (3) Methods of Data Analysis II
  • EDCI 506 (3) Applied Educational Research
  • EDU 610 (3) Qualitative Educational Research

Seminars and Internships - see explanation above (0 to 6 credits)

  • M 576-01 (3) Internship: Elementary
  • M 576-02 (3) Internship: Secondary
  • M 500 (1) Seminar (attendance mandatory, credit optional)

Supporting Coursework - to be approved by committee (3 to 6 credits)

  • May include specialized research courses or additional mathematics education coursework

Dissertation - required (21 credits)

  • M 689 (3) Doctoral Reading & Research
  • M 690 (18) Doctoral Thesis

Note: Students may not register for dissertation credits until all written comprehensive exams have been successfully completed.

For more information, please contact the Department of Mathematical Sciences.

Doctoral Mathematics  - choose one two-course sequence from the following

  • M 547 (3) Measure Theory, M 551 (3) Complex Analysis
  • M 547 (3) Measure Theory, M 586 (3) Probability Theory
  • M 544 (3) and M 545 (3), Partial Differential Equations I&II
  • M 560 (3) and M 561 (3), Methods of Applied Mathematics I&II
  • M 581 (3) and M 582 (3), Numerical Solution of Partial Differential Equations I&II
  • M 584 (3) and M 585 (3), Functional Analysis I&II
  • M 591 (3) and M 592 (3), Topics in Applied Mathematics I&II
  • M 595 (3) and M 596 (3), Dynamical Systems I&II

Comprehensive Examinations

Graduates of the program earn the equivalent of a master’s degree in mathematics, and must successfully complete acomprehensive examination in mathematics. Two additional examinations address knowledge related to K-12 mathematics teaching and learning and educational research design.

  • One comprehensive exam in Mathematics. This exam will be determined by the graduate committee and administered according to the guidelines for mathematics.
  • One comprehensive exam in Mathematics Education. This exam is developed and scored by the current (or most recent) instructors of Curriculum Design (M 528) and Assessment Models and Issues (M 529).
  • One comprehensive exam in Research Methods and Statistics. This exam is collaboratively developed by the current (or most recent) instructor of Research in Mathematics Education (M 534) and appropriate research methods faculty in Statistics and Education.

Dissertation Research Component

The dissertation is a study in mathematics education. Scholarship in mathematics education examines teaching and learning, with roots in the disciplines of mathematics and educational theory and practice. It is grounded in mathematics content through the study of curriculum and mathematical practice and is generally carried out through social science research methods, including both qualitative and quantitative analysis. Mathematics education research at Montana State University adopts an applied approach, and research efforts often focus on the development and ongoing support of K-12 mathematics teachers. Doctoral students conduct research in areas relevant to current faculty research interests or funded projects.

Required Equivalencies (upon completion of coursework)

Provisional Licensure

All graduates of this program are expected to acquire a minimum level of competency in secondary mathematics instruction, comparable to satisfying the requirements for Montana's provisional license to teach mathematics. This includes a Bachelor of Science degree in mathematics and at least six credit hours of education coursework. Ph.D. candidates who fall short of the six-credit requirement will select courses from the following:

  • Complete a secondary mathematics methods course (EDU 497-40 or EDU 497-45)
  • Complete either M 520 (Standards), M 521 (Learning Theory), or M 522 (Assessment)

K-12 Classroom Experience

Students who lack sufficient exposure to instruction at the elementary or secondary level will be required to complete school-based internships prior to beginning dissertation research. Each internship calls for 135 hours of field experience as well as participation in a spring seminar that may address reviews of research, lesson study, analysis of student work, and reflection on classroom experiences.

  • Elementary internship: teach, tutor, and observe students in a K-8 classroom
  • Secondary internship: teach one or more courses at high school level

Screening and Advising

Providing your GRE scores is optional. International applicants, in addition, need to submit TOEFL scores. Be sure to check which program option you plan to apply for, as well as the semester and year you wish to start. Also, indicate if you want to be considered for a Graduate Teaching Assistantship.  Applications to our programs are accepted on a rolling basis.

 

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Updated: Fall 2017.