OREGON STATE UNIVERSITY
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Math and Science Doctoral Program

Science and Mathematics Education

The Science and Mathematics Education Ph.D. degree program has the following two goals:

  • To develop learning leaders in the fields of science and mathematics education who are committed to and understand how to support lifelong science and mathematics learning in a variety of settings and can apply research in education and related fields, including but not limited to the social and behavioral sciences and technology, to the everyday work of teaching in subject matter college courses or courses in teacher education/free-choice learning;

  • To develop scholars in the fields of science and mathematics education who make significant contributions to the body of knowledge describing and analyzing the work in learning in a variety of settings, teacher education, curriculum development, educational technology, professional development, assessment, free-choice/non-formal education, and college teaching;

The program is designed for a variety of students with academic backgrounds including but not limited to the sciences, mathematics, agriculture, environmental sciences, forestry, fisheries and wildlife, oceanography, ecology and science and mathematics education. There are three possible areas of concentration:

  1. Research on K-12 science and mathematics student learning and teacher preparation.
  2. Research on community college/college level science and mathematic student learning and teaching.
  3. Research on learning in and from free-choice learning environments in science and mathematics.

All three options require: two years of research content courses (doctoral core courses) and five quarters of research methods courses. In addition, an approved program of study fulfilling the minimum total credits for the degree, an approved minor, and a dissertation are required for all three options.

Please see concentration documents linked below for specific degree requirements.

Specific requirements for individual options:

  • Potential doctoral students whose goal is to become a science/mathematics educational researcher or leader in this arena may be considered for the School-Based Science and Mathematics Educators option. Typically, these applicants have been prepared and been licensed to teach science/mathematics in public schools at the elementary, middle, high school level, and have at least three successful years of teaching experience and/or supervisory experience. Those exhibiting adequate background in the earth, biological, physical, computer, and/or mathematical sciences, or engineering will pursue graduate work in their chosen field. Those with less preparation in technical course work would pursue graduate work in fields such as psychology, sociology, and/or anthropology.

  • Potential doctoral students whose goal is to teach science, mathematics, computer science, or engineering at the community college or four-year college level or to conduct science/mathematics educational research at this level may be considered for the College Science and Mathematics Instructors option. Applicants for this option must have a Master's degree in the subject matter to be taught or equivalent coursework with a grade average of B or better.

  • Potential doctoral students whose goal is to conduct science/mathematics educational research/evaluation in free-choice/non-formal learning environments or to be a leader in this arena may be considered for the Free-Choice/Non-Formal Learning Professional option. Applicants would typically have a strong academic background in science, mathematics, computer science, or engineering and may have had work experience in museums, science centers, and other community-based organizations such as scouting, youth-serving organizations or zoos or aquaria.

These documents contain all the info you will need to know about this program.

Graduate Teaching/Research Assistantships Application Guidelines

All graduate applicants interested in being considered for Graduate Teaching Assistantships (GTA) or Graduate Research Assistantship (GRA) positions must have their Graduate Applications in by January 15th of the academic year prior to beginning the program. Enclose a letter with the application indicating interest in this type of position.