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 15, 2025
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.
Program Courses
Course CatalogRecommended Completion Time:4 to 8 years
Required Credits for Completion:75
Admission Requirements
Application Opens: August 1, 2025
Application Deadline: December 15, 2025
Minimum Requirements:
- Master's degree or equivalent
- 3.5 GPA in graduate-level coursework (recommended)
- Three recommendation letters (two from university faculty)
- Official transcripts from all institutions attended
- Teaching license (if applying for licensure)
- Current resume/CV demonstrating relevant professional and academic experience
- Written statement (2-4 pages) addressing educational background, research goals, and career alignment with the program
- Master's thesis and/or published materials (recommended)
- $50 application fee
- Admissions interview (may be required)
- Proof of English language proficiency (international applicants)
Pre-Application Consultation: We encourage prospective students to contact faculty in mathematics education for consultation prior to applying. This ensures alignment between student interests and faculty expertise while providing information about potential funding opportunities.
This interdisciplinary Mathematics Education specialization prepares graduates to be transformational scholars who drive positive change in mathematics education. Whether conducting groundbreaking research, preparing future teachers, or developing innovative pedagogies, CU Denver's PhD program empowers educators to shape the future of mathematics learning for all students.