:: DOCTORAL PROGRAM OVERVIEWS

:: Doctoral Degree   

• Course Descriptions
• Overview of Doctoral Program
• Fellowships for Doctoral Study
• Doctoral Degree Course Requirements
• Stages in the Doctoral Program
• Sample Doctoral Program Plan
• Comprehensive Exam Policies

Overview of Doctoral Program

The program options in Mathematics Education are offered through the Center for Mathematics Education and are among the strongest in the country. For advanced degree candidates seeking the doctorate, the Center offers specialization in mathematics education in both Ph.D. and Ed.D. program options. Elementary, middle grades, secondary, or college level mathematics education may be emphasized in these graduate programs. Doctoral students take four foundational courses in mathematics education, as well as coursework in mathematics, learning theory and research methodologies. Electives allow for coursework in educational leadership, urban education, evaluation design, college teaching, or other areas relevant to the student’s goals. Qualified candidates should have K-12 or postsecondary mathematics teaching experience, or other relevant experience in mathematics education (e.g., research, curriculum development) and have completed a Masters degree in a mathematics education or mathematics-related field by the start of the doctoral program.

Fey-Graeber Fellowships for Doctoral Study

Currently the Center for Mathematics Education provides 5-year Fey-Graeber fellowships to highly qualified doctoral students. Because of support provided by the Center for Mathematics Education together with the Department of Curriculum and Instruction (EDCI), Fey-Graeber fellows are supported through a combination of assistantships and additional fellowship moneys for 5 years of doctoral study. The position begins with a 9.5 month appointment (mid-August 2009 through May 2010), plus an additional stipend of $7000. Although the salary figures within the 2009-2010 budget for the University are not yet authorized, it is anticipated that the initial 9.5 month appointment will provide a salary of approximately $23,700 (including stipend). In addition, health insurance benefits (www.personnel.umd.edu/benefits/generalInfo.cfm#1), access to the University’s health center (www.health.umd.edu), and tuition remission for courses in the doctoral program (www.personnel.umd.edu/benefits/tuition.cfm) are provided, as is an annual travel allowance of up to $1000 for scholarly interaction. (This travel allowance is restricted to travel for scholarly interaction and professional conferences within the U.S.) Center funding, along with University contributions, will provide the fellow with continuing 12-month appointments (June through May) plus approximately $7000 stipends annually for up to four more years (totaling approximately $27,700 annually). In addition, health benefits, tuition remission, and annual travel allowance continue. Stipends in years two through five are contingent upon satisfactory progress. At the time of dissertation study, the fellow is supported by the Center up to $1000 toward dissertation-related expenses.

This level of financial support is designed to support the Fey-Graeber fellows toward making rapid progress to completion of the Ph.D. in mathematics education. This appointment as a funded doctoral student engages the fellow in teaching, research, and professional development projects in the Center and in EDCI requiring a commitment of approximately 10 hours per week for the first three years and 20 hours per week for the final two years. While receiving financial support, the fellow must be registered as a full-time graduate student as defined at the University of Maryland.