Mathematics Education Leadership
Education, PhD
Specialization in Mathematics Education Leadership
The Mathematics Education Leadership Program offers a unique PhD in Education specialization for educators interested in Mathematics Education Leadership. The program prepares individuals for leadership, research, and university teaching positions in mathematics education. Such positions might include roles as school or central office leaders, college or university faculty or researchers, curriculum and instructional materials developers, state or national agency leaders, or professional organization leaders.
Mathematics Education Leadership (MEL) focuses on research, curriculum, technology, and professional development for mathematics teaching, learning, and leadership. Many students receive secondary concentrations in instructional technology, teacher education, or education policy with opportunities to collaborate with faculty and fellow doctoral students in ongoing research, grants development, and professional networking activities.
Currently the Mathematics Education Leadership specialization admits students on an ongoing basis following PhD in Education deadlines for admission. Students interested in the PhD specialization in MEL are encouraged to meet with the program coordinator during the admissions process.
PhD #1
Program Structure
The program requires a minimum of 85 credits of study beyond the baccalaureate degree or a minimum of 55 credits beyond the master's degree. However, an individual's program typically requires 10 more credits depending on the person's goals, program requirements, and previous preparation. Students have five years to complete all course work and the portfolio reviews. Five additional years are allowed to complete the dissertation. Most students complete the entire program in five or six years.
Course Work
General Culture (3 credits)
- EDUC 800: Ways of Knowing (3 credit hours) (1st semester)
Research Methods (12 credits)
- EDRS 810: Problems and Methods in Education Research (3 credit hours) (2nd semester)
- EDRS 811: Quantitative Methods in Educational Research (3 credit hours)
- EDRS 812: Qualitative Methods in Educational Research (3 credit hours)
- Choose one from below:
- EDRS 820: Evaluation Methods for Educational Programs and Curricula (3 credit hours)
- EDRS 821: Advanced Applications of Quantitative Methods (3 credit hours)
- EDRS 822: Advanced Applications of Qualitative Methods (3 credit hours)
- EDRS 823: Advanced Research Methods in Single Subject/Case Design (3 credit hours)
- EDRS 824: Mixed Methods Research: Integrating Qualitative and Quantitative Approaches (3 credit hours)
- EDRS 825: Advanced Research Methods in Self-Study (3 credit hours)
- EDRS 826: Qualitative Case Study Methods (3 credit hours)
- EDRS 827: Development and Validation of Assessment Scales (3 credit hours)
- EDRS 828: Modern Measurement in Education and Human Development (3 credit hours)
- EDRS 831: Structural Equation Modeling (3 credit hours)
Professional Specialization (24 credits)
These courses differ according to a student's major specialization but always include three hours of internship credit.
- EDCI 855: Mathematics Education Research on Teaching and Learning (3 credit hours)
- EDCI 856: Mathematics Education Curriculum Design and Evaluation (3 credit hours)
- EDCI 857: Preparation and Professional Development of Mathematics Teachers (3 credit hours)
- EDCI 858: Mathematics Education Research Design and Evaluation (3 credit hours)
- EDCI 725: National and International Leadership Issues in Mathematics Education (3 credit hours)
- EDCI 726: State and Local Leadership Issues in Mathematics Education (3 credit hours)
- EDUC 994: Advanced Internship in Education (3 credit hours)
Secondary Concentration Area (12 credits)
Students have a number of options for secondary concentrations including concentrations within the Graduate School of Education, within other George Mason University departments and interdisciplinary concentrations. Most students in Mathematics Education Leadership choose Instructional Technology or Education Policy as their secondary concentration.
Dissertation (12 credits)
- EDUC 998 Doctoral Dissertation Proposal [3 credits]
- EDUC 999 Doctoral Dissertation Research [9 credits]
Portfolio
Students complete an electronic portfolio as part of the requirement of the PhD program. The portfolio is an organized, selective collection of documents designed to facilitate a student's academic and professional development, and to provide a basis for evaluation degree progress. The portfolio represents the scope and depth of a student's goals, plans, and accomplishments in coursework, independent study, research, internships, and other advanced learning activities. The portfolio thus provides both a vehicle for self-reflection and a comprehensive record of a doctoral student's experiences and ongoing progress toward academic and professional goals.