Mathematics Education, Ph.D

Four Research Apprenticeship Experiences

• MSE 801 - Faculty Research Units: 1
• MSE 802 - Orientation Practicum Units: 1-3
• UCSD: MSED 295

•  

• MSE 820 - Research Project Units: 3-6

• or

• UCSD: MSED 298 But not both.

Core Courses in Mathematics or Science Education

• UCSD: MSED 296A
• UCSD: MSED 296B
• UCSD: MSED 296C
• MTHED 603 - Seminar on Learning Theories in Mathematics Education Units: 3

Science Education Students Must Also Take

• SDSU:  TE 610C - Seminar in Science in Elementary Education Units: 3

Mathematics Education Students Must Select Two of the Following Additional Courses

• MTHED 600 - Teaching and Learning Mathematics in the Early Grades (Pre-K to 4) Units: 3
• MTHED 601 - Teaching and Learning Mathematics in the Middle Grades Units: 3
• MTHED 604 - Seminar on Teaching Issues in Mathematics Units: 3
• MTHED 605 - Algebra in the 7-14 Curriculum Units: 3
• MTHED 606 - Selected Topics in 7-14 Mathematics Curriculum Units: 3
• MTHED 607 - Seminar on Research in Undergraduate Mathematics Education Units: 3

Three Courses on Quantitative and Qualitative Research Methods

• MSE 810 - Seminar in Research Design Units: 3

Two Courses in Cognitive Science at UCSD Selected From

• COGS 102A
  or
• COGS 102B
• COGS 152/252
• COGS 155
• COGS 200
• COGS 203
• COGS 220
• COGS 260
  
  or one of
• COGS 101A
• COGS 101B
• COGS 101C

One Teaching Practicum Selected From:

• MSE 805 - Supervised Teaching of Teacher Preparation Courses Units: 3
• MSE 806 - Supervised School Practicum Units: 3
• MSE 807 - Specially Designed Practicum Units: 3

• or

• UCSD: MSED 294

• or

• Discipline 500

Two Courses from Any Categories

Two courses from any categories are selected with advisers according to the student’s needs and background:

Two Doctoral Research Courses

• MSE 830 - Research Seminar Units: 3

• and

• MSE 899 - Doctoral Dissertation Units: 1-15

• or

• UCSD: MSED 299

Beyond These Requirements

Beyond these requirements, no specified number of courses is required for the doctoral degree. It is expected, however, that all the doctoral students will supplement the requirements with electives that contribute to individual career objectives.

Option A

UCSD: MATH 240A, 240B, 240C
and
Pass the UCSD comprehensive examination on analysis at the master’s level
and
One graduate algebra course:

• UCSD: MATH 200A
  or

• MATH 623 - Linear Algebra and Matrix Theory Units: 3
• MATH 620 - Groups, Rings, and Fields Units: 3

Option B

• Pass the SDSU comprehensive examination on algebra at the master’s level
• UCSD: MATH 240A

Whether the Student Selects Option A or Option B

Whether the student selects Option A or Option B, the year-long sequence in algebra or analysis must be taken in Year 1 of the doctoral program. All of the requirements for Option A or Option B must be completed prior to the second year examination; however, students are strongly encouraged to fulfill all of the requirements in Year 1. A grade of B or better must be earned in each course.

First Year Evaluation

The student’s ability to master graduate level course material may be assessed after completion of no more than 24 semester units of coursework. This evaluation may take place not later than the third semester of the student’s enrollment in the program. The evaluation will be based on the student’s performance in coursework and on indicated research competence, and it will be undertaken by the student’s advisory committee together with instructors from the student’s first year courses.

Comprehensive Examinations

At the end of the second year, the student will take a written comprehensive examination in general cognition and an oral examination on issues of learning pertinent to the student’s area of specialization.

Oral Examination

During the third year in the program, the student will make an oral presentation to the dissertation committee to accompany a written proposal for the doctoral thesis. The student will be questioned on both the topic of the investigation and on the proposed research methodology. Upon successful completion of this presentation, the student will be recommended for advancement to candidacy for the doctoral degree.

Dissertation Defense

After completion of the dissertation, the candidate will present a public defense of the doctoral dissertation. A copy of the dissertation must be made available to the doctoral faculty at both institutions four weeks prior to the defense. Copies of the abstract of the dissertation, along with the announcement of the defense, must be publicly available four weeks before the defense. The student’s dissertation committee will make a recommendation to the graduate deans to pass or fail the student.

Faculty Advisers

Upon admission to the doctoral program, the program directors will assign each student a faculty adviser at both universities. The faculty advisers will serve as advisers until the student’s dissertation committee is appointed.

Dissertation Committee

The dissertation committee will be composed of five members with at least two faculty members from each campus. The student will select members of the dissertation committee in consultation with program faculty and the graduate advisers.

Dissertation

Following the successful completion of all prescribed coursework and qualifying examinations, the major remaining requirement for the Ph.D. degree will be the satisfactory completion of a dissertation consisting of original research carried out under the guidance of the major professor. Approval of the completed dissertation attests that an organized investigation that expands the frontiers of knowledge and understanding in mathematics and science education has been carried out.

Award of the Degree

The Doctor of Philosophy degree in Mathematics and Science Education will be awarded jointly by the Regents of the University of California and the Trustees of The California State University in the names of both cooperating institutions.