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masters in
mathematics
masters
in math. ed.
phd in math. ed.
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Ph.D. Program in Mathematics Education
Objective
The primary mission of the Ph.D. program in Mathematics Education at
Illinois State University is to prepare individuals for careers as college
or university professors in Schools of Education or in Departments of
Mathematics where the primary responsibilities will be to conduct and
direct basic research on the teaching and learning of school mathematics
and to teach courses to prospective and in-service mathematics teachers.
Graduates will also be qualified to assume positions as mathematics
curriculum consultants in school districts, researchers in educational
laboratories, or staff members in educational publishing companies.
The Ph.D. program is designed to produce individuals who have the knowledge,
competencies, and skills which enable them to (1) conduct, direct, and
evaluate research related to the teaching and learning of school mathematics,
(2) educate prospective and in-service teachers on the principles of
teaching and learning mathematics, and (3) develop and evaluate mathematics
curricula. Students in the program will acquire these skills through
(1) a combination of coursework in mathematics education, mathematics,
and a cognate area; (2) the completion of a professional project; (3)
the acquisition of research tool skills; (4) the completion of a dissertation;
and (5) the demonstration of competence in teaching prospective or practicing
mathematics teachers.
Program Requirements
1. Mathematics Education (30 hours)
2. Professional Project (3 hours)
3. Mathematics (6 hours)
4. Electives (6 hours)
5. Research Tools (12 hours)
6. Residence
7. Teaching Experience
8. Qualifying Examinations
9. Dissertation
Options Available
The Ph. D. program in Mathematics Education places special emphasis
on the mathematics curriculum in Grades K--12. Two options are available
depending on the grade level interest of the student.
One option prepares individuals whose career focus will be directed
toward research on the teaching and learning of mathematics at the elementary
and middle school grades. Most persons selecting this option will enter
the program with teaching experience at the elementary / junior high
school level and will have a specialization in mathematics at the undergraduate
level, including collegiate coursework in calculus, algebra, and geometry.
Another option extends upward to include research on the teaching and
learning of mathematics as it relates to high school. Persons selecting
this option will most likely have secondary school teaching experience
and an undergraduate or graduate degree in mathematics education or
mathematics.
Admissions Process
A.
The following items must be submitted to 2200 Graduate Admissions, Illinois
State University, Normal, IL 61790-2200:
1. completed application, and check for $30 application fee (on-line application available at
http://www.admissions.ilstu.edu/apply/download.shtml)
2. official transcripts of all undergraduate and graduate work
3. general GRE scores (at least 500 on the verbal and at least 600 on the quantitative). These scores must not be more than 4 years old..
4. international students, a TOEFL score (at least 215, computer version; 550 otherwise)
B.
The following items must be submitted to the Ph.D. Coordinator, Department
of Mathematics, Campus Box 4520, Illinois State University, Normal,
IL 61790-4520:
1. Personal resume.
2. at least three letters of recommendation (forms available at
http://www.grad.ilstu.edu/downloads/DoctoralRecommendation.pdf).
3. Statement describing teaching experience.
4. Statement describing professional goals.
5. Description of coursework in mathematics and mathematics education
as requested by the Department.
Generally, all of this material must be received before the application will be considered.
Because the Department will be requesting information about coursework, it is important that the applicant be in contact
with the Ph D Coordinator during the application process.
Entrance Expectations
Most students enter the doctoral program after earning a master's degree.
Individuals wishing to focus on elementary-middle school levels will
enter the program with teaching experience at these levels and will
have specialization in mathematics at the undergraduate level, including
collegiate coursework in calculus, algebra, and geometry.
Other persons will most likely have secondary school teaching experience
and an undergraduate degree in mathematics education or mathematics.
Faculty
The thirteen faculty in Mathematics Education comprise a strong group
with a high national and international reputation. Faculty members are
active in state and national professional organizations, serving in
a wide range of responsibilities. Their expertise includes international
and national assessment, the teaching and learning of algebra, technology,
geometry, curriculum design, teachers' decision making, teacher education,
and problem solving covering the whole K--12 range.
Financial Support
Assistantships involving teaching, research, and curriculum design
are available. Departmental stipends are currently $1345 per month with
tuition waived. (Students will still be expected to pay fees.)
The following requirements are the minumum needed to complete the Doctor
of Philosophy in mathematics education at Illinois State University.
Some of these requirements may be satisfied by coursework and experience
prior to admission to the program at Illinois State University (e.g.,
a master's degree completed prior to acceptance into this program).
All requirements are given as semester hours past a bachelor's degree.
The minimum coursework for the program can be completed in 3 to 4 years
of full-time study past the bachelor's degree.
Mathematics Education . . . 30 semester hours
A. Courses (all must be taken):
1. MAT 581: Research in Mathematics Education
2. MAT 582: History of Mathematics Education
3. MAT 585: Topics in Mathematics Education
4. MAT 586: Mathematics Teaching and Teacher Education
B. Electives (selected from courses such as):
1. MAT 401: Current Research in School Mathematics
2. MAT 402: Mathematics Instructional Strategies
3. MAT 403: Theories of Mathematics Learning
4. MAT 404: Issues and Trends in School Mathematics
5. MAT 421: Topics in Algebra for Teachers
All students will be involved with mathematics methods courses: elementary,
junior high, secondary.
Professional Project . . . 3 semester hours
MAT 583: A student in this course will work with a mathematics education
faculty member on a project of mutual interest. Examples of projects
are: (1) a research project related to the teaching or learning of mathematics;
(2) the development, implementation, and evaluation of an in-service
program for teachers of mathematics; (3) an evaluation of a school mathematics
program. This project should culminate in a paper (typically co-authored
by the student and faculty mentor) that would be submitted for publication
or presented at a national conference. Ordinarily a student should enroll
in MAT 583 during the semester that project completion is expected.
Mathematics . . . variable semester hours
Persons selecting to focus on research on the teaching and learning
of elementary and middle school mathematics are required to demonstrate
understanding of mathematics equivalent to an undergraduate major in
mathematics. Coursework normally includes linear algebra, number theory,
probability and statistics, discrete mathematics, geometry, abstract
algebra, and history of mathematics.
Other individuals are required to demonstrate understanding of mathematics
equivalent to a master's degree in mathematics. Coursework normally
includes advance coursework in linear algebra, analysis, abstract algebra,
number theory, probability and statistics, discrete mathematics, applied
mathematics, geometry, and history of mathematics.
Electives . . . 6 semester hours
Students are to select approved electives in curriculum, evaluation,
educational psychology, supervision, human development, learning theory,
or measurement.
Research Tool Skills . . . 12 semester hours
Students are required (a) to complete a course in qualitative research
methods, to complete EAF 509 (Research Design in Education), and to
complete both EAF 510 and EAF 511 (Research Methodology and Statistics
II and III), with EAF 512 (Research Methodology and Statistics IV) as
a highly recommended elective, and (b) to demonstrate competence in
computer technology that is appropriate for their career aspirations.
Students may demonstrate this competence through prior experience, including
coursework, or through enrolling in courses while in the Ph.D. program.
Residency Requirement
The residency requirement for the Ph.D. in Mathematics Education consist
of two consecutive semesters (Fall, Spring) during an academic year.
Dissertation . . . 15 semester hours
Each candidate will complete a dissertation that involves independent
research and that results in an original contribution to knowlege about
the teaching and learning of mathematics.
Teaching Competence
Students in the doctoral program must demonstrate competence in teaching
prospective or practicing mathematics teachers. This requirement is
typically met by teaching mathematics or mathematics education classes
during residency at the University. Some candidates, however, may demonstrate
this competence through prior teaching experience.
For further information see the ISU catalog, or call or write.
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