Education Programs @ Temple

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CITE Department

Temple Graduate School

Doctor in Education (Ed.D) Program in Math or Science Education

The Doctoral Program in Mathematics or Science Education at Temple University seeks to attract into advanced graduate study individuals with a clear interest in the advancement of knowledge and practice in mathematics or science education. The CITE Ed.D. Program aims to prepare high-quality professionals to take on a variety of roles in mathematics and science education. Currently, there is a shortage of mathematics and science teachers, specialists, and researchers. Persons of color and individuals with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.

Coursework emphasizes a broad knowledge of critical lines of inquiry in mathematics or science education and the development of research and analytic skills. It also provides students the opportunity to specialize in a variety of areas. Research opportunities include working alongside prominent faculty on federally funded projects, exposure and presentations at regional and national conferences, and co-authoring papers for publication in top-tiered journals. Thus, practice and research will be blended in a program that promotes both teaching and learning.

Program Requirements

Successful completion of the Ed.D. in Math or Science program in CITE consists of a minimum of 48 semester hours beyond the Master’s degree: 15 semester hours Core Education courses; 12 semester hours Department Courses; and 21 semester hours Specialization Courses. In order to make successful progress in the program, doctoral students must complete a minimum of 12 semester hours per year. Prior to candidacy, the student must pass a qualifying doctoral comprehensive examination, prepare and pass a dissertation proposal hearing, exhibit scholarship related to important issues in teaching and learning mathematics or science, and an oral examination of the dissertation. 

Admissions Requirements

The program admits individuals from a variety of backgrounds. Strong content knowledge in mathematics, science or a related field is expected. Teaching experience in formal and/or informal settings is strongly recommended, as appropriate to the applicant’s career goals. Because of our strategic location in North Philadelphia, the program strongly encourages applications from candidates with a demonstrated commitment to issues of teaching, learning, and schooling in urban contexts.

Applications are reviewed for fall admission only.  The deadline is January 5 for University fellowship consideration and February 1 for all applications.   Applications submitted after February 1 will be considered if space permits. Graduate assistantships and research assistants are available.

Application materials should include the following:

1. Application for Graduate School (online) and application fee.
2. Official transcripts of all prior work (minimum undergraduate GPA is 3.0, although applicants may be admitted provisionally if other compelling evidence of academic potential is presented).
3. Official scores from the Graduate Record Exam (GRE) taken no longer than 5 years prior to application. Candidates are expected to score above the 40%
4. TOEFL for non-native speakers of English. Minimum TOEFL score needed to be accepted: 550 paper-based, 213 computer-based, or 79 internet-based.
5. Three letters of recommendation:  References should be obtained from individuals familiar with the applicant’s academic and/or professional achievements and who can comment on the applicant’s aptitude for doctoral study.
6. Statement of Goals: The personal statement should be written in autobiographical style and should explain your reasons for pursuing a doctoral degree in Mathematics or Science Education. The statement should address the following questions:
   
   
   • How have your personal, academic, and professional experiences shaped your research interests, and how might a doctoral program in Mathematics or Science Education help you explore those interests?
   • What academic/professional goals would the program help you to achieve following graduation?
   • How does the doctoral program at Temple fit your individual interests, needs, and future goals (including the faculty member whose research best matches your own interests)?
     
     The personal statement is an important factor in the admissions process. Candidates should present a thorough and thoughtful explanation of their reasons for pursuing a doctoral degree and the match between their goals and professional interests and program offerings at Temple.
7. Writing sample: Applicants should provide a sample of academic or professional writing.  Examples of writing that demonstrate an applicant’s analytic skills are particularly helpful in assessing candidate’s aptitude for doctoral study.
8. A resume is not required but may be included.
9. Interviews: Interviews are recommended. Program faculty will contact applicants regarding interviews beginning in February.

Submitting Your Materials

The Office of Graduate Academic & Student Affairs in the College of Education at Temple University receives supporting application materials for graduate admissions via the Interfolio service. See the Application Checklist for complete details on how to submit your application materials.

It is the student's responsibility to see that everything is completed by the deadline date.

Deadline for application:

• For fall admission: January 5 for University fellowship consideration and February 1 for all other applications

We strongly encourage applicants to apply early and to periodically check TUPortal (http://tuportal.temple.edu) as to the status of their materials.

Contact Us

For more information about the Math or Science Education Doctoral Program, please contact:

Dr. Michael W. Smith
email: mwsmith@temple.edu
phone: (215) 204-2296