Admissions | Mathematics Education Ph.D.

The main objective of this program is to develop educators with an understanding of mathematics and its teaching and learning, and with the capabilities for research and professional practice in the field.

Application Materials

Below is the list of the materials and information you will need to provide as part of your application. We recommend preparing these materials in advance of submitting your application.

• Professional Portfolio: Upload (a) a one-page statement of your experience in teaching or tutoring mathematics at the school or college level; (b) a written statement that includes your personal and professional goals in mathematics education, philosophy of teaching and learning mathematics, and reasons for applying to this Ph.D. program; and (c) a sample of previous work that demonstrates potential for creative and independent work necessary to succeed in the program.
  • If applying for a GA position, you will also be required to upload a statement describing your background in mathematics/statistics, and previous teaching, tutoring, and/or grading experiences. This is the same as part A of the professional portfolio.
• References: Submit contact information for at least three professional or academic references who can comment on your ability to do graduate work and your teaching potential. Portland State University will contact your references and provide them with instructions for submitting recommendation forms.
  • If applying for a GA position, you do not need to submit additional references but it is to your benefit to let your recommenders know that you are also applying for a graduate assistantship so that they can address your teaching potential in their reference letter. 
• Copies of transcripts from each college or university attended
• Proof of English Language Proficiency (if applicable)

Cost and Funding

The department offers a limited number of Teaching Assistantships, Research Assistantships, Fellowships and Scholarships. Program applicants are able to indicate their interest in an assistantship as part of the online program application.

If you applied for a graduate assistantship and you are in the first round of offers, the offer will be included in your admission letter. Applicants have until April 15 to accept or decline the offer. Once an offer is declined, an offer will be made to another applicant. This process may take some time until all available slots are taken. Please be assured that everyone who applied for a graduate assistantship will be contacted by the department by email once all available positions are taken. Please do not email the department asking about the status of your graduate assistantship application.

Contact 

If you have questions about the admissions process, please contact the Graduate Program Administrator at mathstatgrad@pdx.edu.

If you have academic advising or career related questions about one of our graduate programs, contact the advisor for your program of interest.