departments & programs academic departments mathematics, science & technology education mathematics education doctorate in mathematics education mission & goals Doctorate of Philosophy in Mathematics Education
Mission and Goals
The North Carolina State University Doctoral Program in Mathematics Education will prepare individuals who are knowledgeable about and prepared to accept positions related to: 1) scholarly inquiry and discourse in mathematics education, 2) preparation of K-12 mathematics teachers, 3) instruction and development issues in K-16 mathematics and 4) leadership positions in mathematics education.
Conceptual Framework
The Mathematics Education Doctoral Program follows the Conceptual Framework for Professional Educators of the College of Education and contains the four forms of professional knowledge: general pedagogy, pedagogical content knowledge, disciplinary content knowledge and knowledge of the context of education. A strong emphasis on pedagogical content knowledge and disciplinary content knowledge is a unique characteristic of the N. C. State University programs in Mathematics Education. As students progress through the program, they will have the opportunity to exhibit the dispositions of scholarship, ethical behavior, reflective practice and value diversity and will experience the application of professional knowledge.
Through the program, students will further develop their instructional expertise, extend their knowledge of learners, deepen their subject matter knowledge, use educational research methods and engage in professional leadership activities as they strive toward the goals expressed below.
Goals of the Doctoral Program
Students enrolled in the Doctoral Program at NCSU should be knowledge-seekers who are eager to pursue educational problems and develop critical thinking skills in a collaborative environment. Through the Program, doctoral students will develop:
- A strong foundation in advanced mathematical sciences.
- A profound understanding of K-12 school mathematics.
- A theoretical foundation in the learning of mathematics for a broad range of age groups and diverse populations.
- An applied foundation in the teaching of mathematics to a range of age groups with diverse populations.
- The knowledge and ability to lead and contribute to dialogues and debate about historical, philosophical, psychological and sociological perspectives in mathematics education.
- An ability to analyze, critique and conduct research related to the teaching and learning of mathematics.
- An ability to apply theoretical knowledge and research results in settings such as: mathematics instruction, mathematics teacher education, evaluation, supervision, curricula development, technology development and policy-making.
