Center for Mathematics Education (CFME)
Doctoral Degree
The program options in Mathematics Education offered through the Center for Mathematics Education are among the strongest in the country. For advanced degree candidates seeking the doctorate, the Center offers specialization in mathematics education in both Ph.D. and Ed.D. program options. Elementary, middle grades, secondary, or college level mathematics education may be emphasized in these graduate programs. Qualified candidates should have K-12 or postsecondary mathematics teaching experience, or other relevant experience in mathematics education (e.g., research, curriculum development) and have completed a Masters degree in a mathematics education or mathematics-related field by the start of the doctoral program.
Doctoral Program Requirements
The Ph.D. program in Mathematics Education requires 60 units of coursework beyond a Master's degree, including four foundational courses in mathematics education, as well as coursework in mathematics, learning theory and research methodologies. Electives allow for coursework in educational leadership, urban education, evaluation design, college teaching, or other areas relevant to the student's goals. Students must also pass comprehensive exams as well as complete a doctoral dissertation.
Doctoral Program Requirement Details
Admission Requirements & Deadlines
Fey-Graeber Fellowships for Doctoral Study
Since 2007, through support provided by the Center for Mathematics Education together with the Department of Teaching and Learning, Policy and Leadership (TLPL), mathematics education doctoral candidates are eligible for Fey-Graeber fellowships. Fey-Graeber fellows are supported through a combination of assistantships and additional fellowship moneys for 5 years of full-time doctoral study. Fey-Graeber fellows also receive some travel support and some support for dissertation expenses, as well as health insurance benefits, access to the University Health Center, and tuition remission for courses in the doctoral program. For two out of the five years, Fey-Graeber fellows will receive support from CfME so that they only need to work 10 hours a week, rather than 20 hour a week in their assistantships. This level of financial support is designed to support the Fey-Graeber fellows toward making rapid progress to completion of the Ph.D. in mathematics education. While receiving financial support, fellows must be registered as full-time graduate students as defined by the University of Maryland.