PSU Fariborz Maseeh Department of Mathematics and Statistics
Our Ph.D. in mathematics education prepares you to grow as both an intellectual and practitioner who is committed to improving math education for all students.
Our program strikes a balance between mathematics and mathematics education, with the goal of developing math educators who can become faculty members in colleges and universities, curriculum specialists or supervisors in middle or high schools, mathematics specialists in state or local departments of education, or education specialists working in the private sector.
We offer a strong foundation in research and teaching, hands-on experience collaborating with faculty and community partners on impactful research projects, and support from peer mentors and accessible faculty. Most of our alumni go into academic positions and have been successful at securing funding to continue their research.
For program-specific information about degree details or admission requirements, please visit the department.
About the Fariborz Maseeh Department of Mathematics and Statistics
The Fariborz Maseeh Department of Mathematics and Statistics is dedicated to excellence in research and teaching in mathematics, statistics, and mathematics education. Guided by the mission of Portland State University and by the principles of disciplinary excellence and cross-disciplinary engagement, we are particularly committed to building expertise and providing leadership in such areas as applied and computational mathematics and statistics and mathematics education.
Join one of the best mathematics education Ph.D. programs on the West Coast.
You'll learn from and work closely with our expert faculty, who are leading researchers on topics such as mathematical knowledge for teaching, student learning in the middle grades, elementary and middle school mathematics teacher education, teaching and learning of abstract algebra, statistics education research, and undergraduate calculus and differential equations education.
Our faculty are active, nationally and internationally, in the mathematics education community and regularly serve on editorial boards of top journals.
PSU's program prepares you to excel in both teaching and research by combining advanced training in mathematics and mathematics education with teaching experience at both the K-12 and college level and courses in the use of technology in math education, research methods and supporting areas such as curriculum and instruction, psychology, and educational policy.
Our location in Portland and our partnerships with Portland Public Schools and other area districts provide you with a natural laboratory to conduct research on the teaching and learning of math in an urban setting. Our community-based practicum gives you an opportunity to get hands-on experience with the qualitative and quantitative approaches that are now used by researchers and curriculum developers in a variety of settings, from elementary to college level.
Practicums range from case studies of students' learning documented over time to studies of teachers' practice in the math classroom. You'll also engage in individual research to complete a dissertation study, the most important part of your program. You'll identify and research a significant problem and make an original contribution to an area of research in mathematics education.
We also offer scholarships and teaching and research assistantships to ensure you have the support and experience you need to succeed.
Most alumni go on to secure academic positions — some with a focus on research, others on teaching.
Recent graduates have been hired at Virginia Tech, Texas State University, Oregon State University, California State University, Chico, University of Portland, and Portland Community College.
With a Ph.D. in Mathematics Education, you can also work in professional development, curriculum development, and other educational settings.
Read more about our program's learning outcomes.