Doctor of Education
The Mathematics program offers both the Ed.D. and the Ph.D. degrees. In general, the Ed.D. degree places emphasis on breadth of professional course work with a focus on educational practice. All candidates are required to be competent in statistical research methodology and computer programming, to have knowledge of the epistemology of mathematics.
The Ed.D. culminates in a dissertation contributing knowledge to the field. Dissertations in mathematics education can be (1) experimental studies in learning, (2) design and formative evaluation of mathematics curricula, or (3) analytical studies in policy theory in mathematics education.
Admission Information
Displaying requirements for the Spring 2025, Summer 2025, and Fall 2025 terms.
Doctor of Education
- Points/Credits: 75
- Entry Terms: Spring, Summer, Fall
- Enrollment Formats: Full-Time Campus-Based, Part-Time Campus-Based
Application Deadlines
| Entry Term Available | Priority Deadlines | Final Deadlines | Extended Deadlines |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring | November 15, 2024 | November 15, 2024 | N/A |
| Summer | December 1, 2024 | June 1, 2025 | N/A |
| Fall | December 1, 2024 | July 1, 2025 | N/A |
Select programs remain open beyond our standard application deadlines, such as those with an extended deadline or those that are rolling (open until June or July). If your program is rolling or has an extended deadline indicated above, applications are reviewed as they are received and on a space-available basis. We recommend you complete your application as soon as possible as these programs can close earlier if full capacity has been met.
Application Requirements
| Requirement | |
|---|---|
| Online Degree Application, including Statement of Purpose and Resume | |
| Transcripts and/or Course-by-Course Evaluations for all Undergraduate/Graduate Coursework Completed | |
| Results from an accepted English Proficiency Exam (if applicable) | |
| $75 Application Fee | |
| Two (2) Letters of Recommendation |
For admission-related inquiries, please contact MSTadmission@tc.columbia.edu.
Admission to a Doctor of Education program requires a prior study in mathematics or mathematics education that includes a combined undergraduate/graduate total of at least 36 semester hour credit in mathematics.
Requirements from the TC Catalog (AY 2024-2025)
Displaying catalog information for the Fall 2024, Spring 2025 and Summer 2025 terms.
Doctoral Degrees
All candidates for the Ed.D., Ed.D.C.T., or Ph.D. degrees are expected to demonstrate both mathematics and mathematics education competencies through a series of certification examinations taken upon the completion of 60 graduate points. Certification examinations test the student’s knowledge of current research and theory in mathematics education and mathematics content. Examinations are offered once in the fall, spring, and summer terms. Courses recommended as preparation for the examinations in mathematics education include MSTM 6037, MSTM 4019, and other mathematics education courses; Courses recommended as preparation for the examinations in mathematics are 6000- level mathematics content courses.
Students must demonstrate acceptable proficiency in at least three of the following six mathematics content areas: algebra, analysis, discrete mathematics, foundations of mathematics, geometry and topology, and probability and statistics. Students may sit for the examination in mathematics content during the regular certification examination times. Alternatively, they may register for advanced content courses and, with permission of the Program, sit for the content area certification examination upon completion of the course. Incoming doctoral candidates should register for MSTM 6037 Professional Seminar in Mathematics during the first year of doctoral studies.
Doctoral students whose dissertations require statistical analysis should include appropriate statistics courses in their programs. These points can be included either in the mathematics/mathematics education requirement or can be taken as research electives.
Doctor of Education
A program of study for the Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) degree must include a minimum of 75 semester hours of approved graduate credit, at least 45 points of which must be taken under Teachers College registration.
Professional courses taken outside the Program of Mathematics Education normally should include 15 points in the curricular, psychological, and social foundations of education. Students specializing in teacher education are encouraged to select elective courses related to higher education programs and practices. Preparation in computing and statistics is also recommended.
Students whose dissertations involve statistical analysis are required to include appropriate statistics courses in their programs. These points can be included either in the mathematics/mathematics education requirement or can be taken as electives.
The Ed.D. degree culminates in a dissertation contributing knowledge to the field and should be planned early in the doctoral degree program when sufficient advanced courses have been completed to permit the candidate to enroll in relevant research courses and pertinent advanced study to enable efficient preparation of the dissertation.
Dissertations in mathematics education can be (1) experimental studies in learning, (2) design and formative evaluation of mathematics curricula, or (3) analytical studies in policy theory in mathematics education. The website of the Program offers a list of Topic study groups which doctoral students are recommended to join.