PhD in Education and Human Development - Mathematics Education in Denver United States | University of Colorado Denver

Prepares students to emerge as leaders, educators, and scholars at the cutting edge of mathematics education. The nation faces a severe shortage of qualified math instructors and declining student performance, highlighting the urgent need for enhanced approaches to math instruction across all educational stages. Our nation's mathematics education system is confronting a profound crisis. Schools at every level struggle to find adequately trained teachers capable of delivering effective instruction. Academic performance in mathematics remains concerningly low from early childhood through higher education. Meanwhile, significant advancements continue in our comprehension of how young minds grasp mathematical principles. The PhD in Education and Human Development with a focus on Mathematics Education develops future innovators who will transform mathematics teaching. This advanced program targets individuals pursuing academic careers in university teaching and research. Doctoral candidates develop deep expertise in scholarly literature, current policy challenges, and research methods while collaborating closely with distinguished faculty advisors. The program concludes with an original dissertation project. Coursework and practical training equip students to design and execute dissertation research while establishing foundations for lifelong scholarly work. Participants in this specialization concentrate on educator training and professional growth initiatives. Research projects specifically examine how various professional development approaches influence math teachers' subject mastery and classroom techniques. This work adopts a situated learning framework and employs mixed methodologies to explore how specific strategies enhance both teacher and student learning outcomes. Video analysis plays a central role, both in developing professional training programs and as primary research material. Analytical techniques adapt to each study's specific objectives and scope.
This doctoral program combines rigorous research training with specialized content knowledge to ready graduates for academic or research-oriented careers. Admitted students work closely with faculty mentors who guide their involvement in research projects, program development, community engagement, and professional growth opportunities.