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Doctor of Philosophy in Education and Human Development, Mathematics Education

School of Education & Human Development

Overview

Degree: PhD

Classroom Type: Online and on campus classes

Equips students to become leaders, faculty, and researchers at the forefront of mathematics education. A critical shortage of mathematics teachers and lagging student achievements call for an improved understanding of math learning and teaching across all grade levels.

Application​ deadlines


December 16, 2024

Program Details

Interest Categories: Education & Counseling

Campus: CU Denver

Mathematics education is in crisis across our country. There is a critical shortage of teachers prepared to teach effectively in classrooms at all grade levels. From preschool through college, student achievement levels are lagging. At the same time, great headway is being made in understanding how children learn mathematical concepts. The PhD in Education and Human Development, Mathematics Education, prepares students to be a leader and changemaker in mathematics education.

In this concentration, PhD students will: 

  • Obtain knowledge on teacher learning and professional development designed to impact content knowledge and student-informed pedagogical practices in classrooms.
  • Learn how to incorporate mixed research methods to answer research questions about interventions, and how they may support teacher and student learning.
  • Use digital data in both the design of professional development interventions and the evaluation of teaching and learning. Thus, students will become experts in mathematics teaching, learning literature, and the promotion of new, research-based knowledge

This program is designed for those with aspirations to join an academic faculty for a career in higher education teaching and research. It helps PhD students become an expert in the field’s research literatures, contemporary policy/practice issues, and research methodologies while working in a close relationship with world-renowned faculty mentors. This program culminates in an original research dissertation. Courses and experiences will prepare students to design and conduct such a dissertation study and serve as a basis for becoming a career-long researcher.

  •  Take part in teaching and research experiences early and throughout your program
  • Leverage opportunities to present, write and publish with your faculty to build your dossier
  • Become involved with campus faculty activities 

Choose CU Denver's School of Education & Human Development 

Students trust CU Denver to provide an education that will prepare them for excellence in their career as a faculty member or researcher. CU Denver's School of Education & Human Development (SEHD) is recognized for preparing leaders of distinction who value educational excellence and social justice. Additionally, SEHD is counted among U.S. News & World Report's “Best Graduate Schools,” making us one of the top education schools in the country.

Why the Doctor of Philosophy in Education and Human Development, Mathematics Education program at CU Denver?

 

Teaching- and Research-intensive Experiences

Throughout this program, students take part in teaching and research experiences. These include hands-on work with faculty and higher-ed teaching opportunities.

Personal Caring and Support

Faculty members collaborate with students to leverage learning opportunities. This includes presenting, writing, and publishing research, thus building students' dossier

Conduct a Dissertation Study

As part of course requirements, you will learn how to design and conduct research, including work on your dissertation study.

Helpful Links & Documents


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Program Courses

Course Catalog

Recommended Completion Time:4 to 8 years

Required Credits for Completion:75

Admission Requirements


The core course rotation begins every fall. We encourage students to review the concentration area choices on our website and contact one or more of the faculty associated with that concentration area for an appointment prior to submitting their application. This ensures the students have an opportunity to discuss their research area of interest, as well as introduce themselves to the faculty. Also, the financial support we provide our PhD students is often tied to federal and state funding decisions, so meeting with a faculty member will let you know if any funding opportunities will be available in the upcoming year.

As part of gaining admission to the PhD program, students are paired with a doctoral faculty advisor/mentor. The doctoral faculty may request a personal interview to complement the information provided in the application materials.

Application Dates

Application Opens: July 1, 2024
Application Deadline: December 16, 2024

Application Requirements

  • Minimum requirements:
    • Master's degree or equivalent
    • 3.5 GPA in graduate-level course work recommended
  • 3 recommendation letters: two letters should come from faculty in a university program in which you were previously enrolled
  • Official Transcripts from all institutions attended
  • If applying for a license, a copy of your teaching license is required
  • Resume/CV: Applicants must have and show evidence of relevant professional and/or academic experience.
  • Written Statement: In 2-4 pages (double-spaced, Times New Roman 12 point font or larger). This should be a brief biographical description of your educational experiences and preparedness for doctoral studies and your research goals or a problem of practical or theoretical importance that could lead to a research study. Be sure to address how your career goals would fit into the concentration area.
  • Recommended: Master's thesis and/or published materials — Examples of published materials include articles, book chapters, newsletters and technical reports.
  • $50.00 application fee
  • Admissions Interview: An interview may be required as part of the admissions process. If so, applicants will be contacted with more details.
  • International Applicants only: Proof of English Language Proficiency (International applicants should review the following information regarding English language proficiency)
For more information, email education@ucdenver.edu or call 303.315.6300.

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