Mathematics Education: Program Overview
The School of Education offers Mathematics Education degrees at both the Master's and Doctoral levels.
Doctoral degree in Mathematics Education
The doctoral specialization in Mathematics Education prepares scholars to work as researchers, expert practitioners, or policy professionals with a special focus on the teaching and learning of mathematics. In this specialization, mathematics education is considered in its intersections with the nature of mathematics as a discipline; considerations of teaching and teacher learning; the design, implementation and effects of curriculum and instructional interventions and their implementation and effects; contemporary developments in learning theories and technologies; issues of equity and social justice; and the framing and enacting of educational policies.
Doctoral students in mathematics education take a common set of core courses, dealing with curriculum, learning, teaching, and research in mathematics education. They also select electives from other areas, and from programs and departments outside the School of Education. In addition, we engage our students in two practicum experiences, to provide focused opportunities to learn to use what they are learning in the contexts important to work in mathematics education. Our faculty is engaged in a wide variety of projects, both within the School, and nationally and internationally. Hence, myriad opportunities exist for graduate students to gain professional knowledge and skill through their involvement in these projects.
Students in the mathematics education specialization may work on any portion of the span from pre-K through college, and they may focus on mathematics as encountered in or out of school. In an intensive program consisting of coursework, practica, and apprenticeships, students engage in practice and scholarship alongside nationally recognized specialists in their field. Many opportunities are provided for students to work collaboratively with each other and with faculty, but students are encouraged and expected to develop and examine their own research questions and emphases.
This degree specialization is housed within the Educational Studies program, which fosters links among students and faculty in a number of specializations sharing a commitment to the integration of theory and research on teaching, learning, and educational access in P-16 settings.
It is also worth noting that, as a unit within Michigan's Educational Studies Program, the Mathematics Education PhD program is a national partner in the Carnegie Initiative on the Doctorate, sponsored by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of teaching.
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Master's degree in Mathematics Education
This program focuses on K-16 schools and how their students are educated in mathematics. Faculty work with students to learn more about how teachers can be prepared to teach more effectively in diverse classrooms, how curricular and instructional innovation may be introduced to good effect, how innovative curricula can be developed and implemented for the betterment of all youth, and how rapidly-changing computer technologies can be used most effectively in K-16 classrooms and in teacher education programs. This dynamic and mature program welcomes students who are mathematically knowledgeable and deeply interested in mathematics instruction and learning.
This degree specialization is housed within the Educational Studies program, which fosters links among students and faculty in a number of specializations sharing a commitment to the integration of theory and research on teaching, learning, and educational access in P-16 settings.
What else would you like to learn about the Master's program?
I would like to see a list of faculty and their research interests.
What kind of work can I do in this program?
I would like to see a list of Master's degree course requirements.
I have questions about the Master's program which still need answering.
I would like to talk to a graduate student about the program.
