Doctoral Degrees in Curriculum and Instruction at The University of Alabama are offered with an emphasis in Elementary or Secondary Mathematics Education, or a combination of both Elementary/Secondary for Mathematics Education can be constructed for a program of study with K-12 interested students. All perspective applicants are encouraged to contact program faculty to answer questions about our doctoral degrees.
The doctoral degree program is the highest professional degree and is designed primarily for top-level education practitioners and university researchers. The College offers both Ph.D. and Ed.D. degrees. Programs at the doctoral level are designed to prepare advanced practitioners for school positions or for professorships in institutions of higher education.
There are two types of doctorates available. The Ph.D. is for students who intend to become researchers in their given field, while the Ed.D. is for students who intend to become highly skilled practitioners and school leaders. Normally, three years of teaching are required to enter either of the programs.
- The Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degree is mainly focused on research and theory. Program requirements include the acquisition of special skills that would be useful in conducting scholarly investigation and traditional research. Typically doctoral students have aspirations to move into an academic position in higher education that requires research activity.
- The Doctor of Education (Ed.D) degree includes a focus on facilitating the development of action researchers and experienced practitioners. Typically, doctoral students may have aspirations for entering school district central offices, teaching positions in higher education, or return to the classroom as a highly experienced teacher leader.
Mathematics education faculty (4) are housed in curriculum and instruction and (2) in the mathematics department. The doctoral degrees are granted through the college of education, but high collaboration exists with the mathematics department faculty.
Secondary Mathematics Emphasis Description
Doctoral students will take 24 hours comprised of curriculum and instruction coursework based on a student's professional goals/interests and 24 hours in their content field of study (mathematics education). The field of study consists of courses examining research, pedagogy, instruction, curriculum, teacher education, current educational issues, and other courses related to curriculum and instruction, including a study of research methodology.
Secondary Mathematics/Education Courses for the Field (Build 24 hours)
CSE 666 – Secondary School Mathematics
CSE 675 – Improving/Researching Mathematics Teaching with Technology
CIE 680 – Research Seminar in Mathematics Education (K-12)
CIE 560 - Principles of Math Ed: Access & Equity
CSE 694 – Advanced Problems in Secondary Mathematics Education
Math 503 – Advanced Algebraic Connections and their Development
Math 505 – Transformational Geometry for Secondary Teachers
Math 509 – Advanced Data Analysis
Math 591 – Teaching College Mathematics
Math 593 – Collegiate Mathematics Education Research
Math 5** - Many electives to choose from with our mathematics department colleagues
Additional independent study courses are possible, including additional graduate level mathematics courses if doctoral students in mathematics education wish to seek faculty positions in mathematics departments. Teaching is possible for full-time doctoral students in mathematics education methods courses and teacher candidate supervisory roles, or teaching a mathematics class depending on qualifications from master's degree coursework
In addition, doctoral students will take 18 hours in research methodology courses spanning two qualitative and two quantitative research methods courses and two additional courses specific to the doctoral student’s needs in preparing them for the dissertation research.
Elementary Mathematics Emphasis Description
Doctoral students will take 24 hours comprised of curriculum and instruction coursework based on a student's professional goals/interests and 24 hours in their content field of study (mathematics education). The field of study consists of courses examining research, pedagogy, instruction, curriculum, teacher education, current educational issues, and other courses related to curriculum and instruction, including a study of research methodology.
Elementary Mathematics/Education Courses for a Minor Field (12 hours minimum)
CEE 580 - Concepts in Elem School Mathematics
CEE 581 – Mathematics Curriculum Design
CIE 560 - Principles of Math Ed: Access & Equity
CIE 680 – Research Seminar in Mathematics Education (K-12)
CEE 692 – Advanced Field Work in Elementary Mathematics Education
CEE 694 – Advanced Problems in Elementary Mathematics Education
MATH 593 – Collegiate Mathematics Education Research
There will be opportunities for Elementary Math Doctoral students to teach preservice elementary math methods courses as well as other teaching opportunities which may include teaching elementary math content courses for preservice teachers (if qualified), reserved generally for full time doctoral students on assistantships.
In addition , doctoral students will take 18 hours in research methodology courses spanning two qualitative and two quantitative research methods courses and two additional courses is specific to the doctoral student’s needs in preparing them for the dissertation research.