Mathematics Education (PhD) – STEM Designated Degree Program
Montclair State University’s PhD program in Mathematics Education is designed for students with strong backgrounds and experiences in both mathematics and mathematics education. The program prepares students to make contributions to research and practice in the field through careers including mathematics education researchers, teacher educators, leaders in school districts and educational agencies, mathematics program designers and curriculum developers, and research-driven teachers and school leaders.
Students enter the program with a variety of curricular, pedagogical, psychological, and philosophical experiences and interests related to mathematics education. While enrolled in the program, they become immersed in research, work with faculty and other students on projects, develop and carry out their own projects, and network with other members of the mathematics education research community. And as they do these things, they complete coursework focused on research in mathematics teaching, learning, and curriculum that prepares them for these scholarly activities. As many of our students have experience teaching mathematics at the elementary, secondary, and college levels, their research has the benefit of being grounded in, and applicable to, practice.
All classes are offered on campus in the evenings between 3:45 pm and 8:00 pm. Full-time students take 3 courses each Fall and Spring semester and tend to complete the program in about 5 years; part-time students take 1 or 2 courses per semester and tend to complete the program in 7 years. Some courses are also offered in the summer.
The Montclair State University Westerdahl Fellowships for Doctoral Studies in Mathematics Education provides full tuition and a stipend of $25,000 per year, renewable for up to four years.
Along with the PhD in Mathematics Education, the Mathematics Department also offers the following options for graduate study: Mathematics (MS) and Mathematics (MS) with a concentration in Mathematics Education.
Please refer to our programs of study page for a comprehensive list of all of the graduate programs offered within the university.
The Office of Graduate Admissions requires the equivalent of a U.S. bachelor’s degree in order to be eligible to apply for a graduate program. Applicants with non-U.S. degrees, please visit the International Applicants page to review the U.S. degree equivalency information.
In order to make applying for graduate school as seamless as possible for you, we have
created an application checklist. This checklist can be a reference point for you during the
application process to ensure that you have a comprehensive understanding of the steps
needed to apply, as well as all corresponding supplemental materials for your specific
program of interest.
- Application Deadline: March 1st (for Fall admission). November 1 (for Spring Admission). Please note: Upon offer of admission, you will be asked to submit an enrollment deposit of $200.
- Submit Online Application: Please create your online account and submit your application by following the general application instructions and pay (or waive) the non-refundable $60 application fee. Once this step has been completed, the online portal will allow you to upload your supplemental materials.
The following is a list of the supplemental materials that will accompany your application for the Mathematics Education (PhD) program:
- Transcript: One from every college attended.
- Essays/Personal Statement: Two.
- General Statement of Purpose: The Statement of Purpose provides you an opportunity to give evidence of your unique talents and experiences as an applicant to doctoral study at Montclair State University. In preparing your statement, please keep in mind that the Admissions Committee is seeking evidence of your ability to communicate clearly and professionally. Please include your reasons for pursuing doctoral studies by referring to relevant personal, academic and work experiences. Please also outline your future plans and any other information that may be of interest to the Admissions Committee.
- General Statement of Research/Inquiry: The Statement of Research/Inquiry provides you an opportunity to inform the Admissions Committee of your thoughts, ideas and areas of interest that may lead to dissertation research. In preparing your statement, please keep in mind that the Admissions Committee is seeking evidence of your ability to communicate clearly and professionally.
- Resume: Required.
- Letters of Recommendation: Three.
- Standardized Test Scores: GRE Not Required. Applicants have the option of submitting GRE scores. Any applicant voluntarily choosing to do so should select Montclair State University as the receiving institution on their score report.
- Applicants with non-U.S. degrees, please visit the International Applicants page to review the US degree equivalency information.
This program is 67 semester hours. For more information, please visit the Mathematics Education (PhD) program listing in the University Catalog.
If you have any general questions regarding the application process and requirements, please email or call us:
Office of Graduate Admissions
Email: graduate@montclair.edu
Telephone: 973-655-5147
Fax: 973-655-7869
If you have specific inquiries regarding your program of interest, please contact the Mathematics Education (PhD) Program Coordinator:
Program Coordinator: Dr. Nicole Panorkou
Office:Center for Computing and Information Science 425F
Email: panorkoun@montclair.edu
Phone: 973-655-6684
*During the summer months, there will be a rotating department chair available to answer your inquiry. Find the updated summer chair for this program.*