STEM Education PhD

The STEM Education PhD program helps address the national shortage of essential STEM educators and the need for better STEM education teaching practices.

Doctoral students gain in-depth knowledge, robust interdisciplinary research skills, and a variety of practical experiences. The STEM Education PhD is currently offering concentrations in mathematics education and science education.

You will develop the knowledge and skills needed to:

  • reconstruct, appropriate, and develop mathematical and scientific knowledge
  • explore approaches that emerge from the study of the research literature
  • write original research that represents your own contribution to knowledge
  • use critical-thinking skills to deal with transformation of knowledge
  • formulate and design solutions to complex educational problems 

Degree requirements

  • 18 credits of introductory coursework to develop your knowledge of research tools, methodologies and theories
  • 18 credits of preparatory coursework that refines and focuses your understanding of the research process
  • 36 hours of doctoral work, 12 of which are doctoral coursework and 24 credits of dissertation research 

Research

Your research projects involve real-world situations ranging from local schools to higher education departments and other formal and informal learning settings. Your advisors will work with you as you conduct, publish, and present your own research throughout the program.

Doctoral students can explore questions about how to:

  • improve STEM education at the K-12 level
  • promote better learning in STEM fields
  • engage more K-20 students in STEM-related fields
  • prepare teachers to better teach STEM content
  • develop materials to support teaching and learning in STEM fields 

Kaput Center for Research & Innovation in STEM Education

UMass Dartmouth has a long-standing tradition of leadership in STEM with its nationally renowned Kaput Center for Research & Innovation in STEM Education. The Kaput Center fosters a spirit of innovation among the faculty, graduate students and educational and scientific institutions, industry, and federal agencies.

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