Educational Studies (Ph.D.): Mathematics and Science Education

Offered by: Integrated Studies in Ed (Faculty of Education)ÌýÌýÌý
Degree: Doctor of Philosophy

Program Description

This Ph.D. concentration emphasizes research in mathematics and science education, including a specific focus on teacher education in the area of math and science. Graduates will gain sufficient research experience to conduct empirical research in math and science education and sufficient teacher education experience to assume roles as teacher educators in university or other settings. The program includes targeted opportunities for candidates to develop skills, knowledge, and practices specific to teaching and learning mathematics and science, mathematics and science teacher preparation, and research in both of these areas. Applicants for the Ph.D. concentration in mathematics and science education would be expected to already have a Master's degree that included educational research.

Thesis

A thesis for the doctoral degree must constitute original scholarship and must be a distinct contribution to knowledge. It must show familiarity with previous work in the field and must demonstrate ability to plan and carry out research, organize results, and defend the approach and conclusions in a scholarly manner. The research presented must meet current standards of the discipline; as well, the thesis must clearly demonstrate how the research advances knowledge in the field. Finally, the thesis must be written in compliance with norms for academic and scholarly expression and for publication in the public domain.

Required Courses (17 credits)

Note: EDECÌý701 Ph.D. Comprehensive Examination.Ìýis normally taken at the end of the second year for Ph.D. 2 program entrants and at the end of the third year for Ph.D. 1 entrants.

Complementary Courses (3-9 credits)

3 credits of graduate-level courses in curriculum, from the following:

0-3 credits of advanced quantitative methods, as listed below. Students who have taken an equivalent course in quantitative methods, or are currently taking an equivalent course as part of their Ph.D. program requirements, will be deemed to have satisfied these credits.

0-3 credits of qualitative methods or advanced research design from the following: Students who have taken an equivalent course in qualitative methods or advanced research design, or are currently taking an equivalent course as part of their Ph.D. program requirements, will be deemed to have satisfied these credits.

Elective Courses (0-9 credits)

Depending on the student's prior coursework and in consultation with the Supervisor and/or Doctoral Advisory Committee, an additional 0-9 credits of elective courses at the 500 level or higher may be required.

(Note that individual supervisors may list further details, such as when they are taking new students and application instructions in the Graduate Supervision section at the bottom of their individual profile pages.)

Applicants should meet the following requirements:

1. Possess aÌýMaster's degree.
2. AÌýminimum CGPA of 3.0 out of 4.0, or a Grade Point Average (GPA) of 3.2 out of 4.0 in the last two years of full-time studies.ÌýInternational applicants can look upÌýgrade equivalencies on 9IÖÆ×÷³§Ãâ·Ñ’s Future Graduate Students website.
3. Have relevant practical or research experience informing your proposed area of research. You will be asked to demonstrate this eligibility criterion in your supporting documents.
4. Proficiency in English. Applicants to graduate studies whose mother tongue is not English and who have not obtained an undergraduate or graduate degree from a recognized foreign institution where English is the language of instruction, or from a recognized institution in Canada or the US (anglophone or francophone), must submit documented proof of proficiency in oral and written English.

• IELTS with a minimum overall band of 7.0; (with a minimum writing score of 7.0); or
• TOEFL:iBT (Internet-based test) – total score of 92 with a minimum score of 22 each for the Writing and Speaking sections and a minimum of 20 each for the Reading and Listening sections and PBT (paper-based test) – 580

(The Department reserves the right to evaluate the applicant's language proficiency before initial registration and at the time of application.)

Applicants without an Education degree or who do not meet the minimum requirements should include a clear rationale and supporting documents, as applications are considered on a case-by-case basis.

All applications are done throughÌý. The application steps and instructional video are on the University'sÌýFuture Graduate Students website. The following documents must be part of your application: (Note that all uploaded documents to the portal must be in PDF format.)

1. A completeÌýapplication formÌý(accompanied by your application fee payment). You will be asked to name up to three (3) potential supervisors as part of your application. (See the Graduate Supervision section above for more details.) Be sure to fill in your citizenship and residence status correctly, as this affects potential tuition and fee charges, as well as funding considerations.

2. A copy of yourÌýunofficial transcriptsÌýfrom all previous university-level studies (undergraduate and graduate). Official transcripts are required to be submitted by those who gain admission to the program. (Instructions on sending official transcripts will be sent upon acceptance.)

3.ÌýA current workingÌýCV/resume.ÌýFollow the advice for standard academic CVs (and not the standards for business professionals). You should be able to find examples and templates by searching reputable online sources.

4.ÌýLetters of Reference:ÌýWithin the online application, applicants must provide valid institutional e-mail addresses forÌýtwo (2) references. At least one reference must be from a university-level instructor; the other may be from an administrator in an educationally relevant context. 9IÖÆ×÷³§Ãâ·Ñ will contact the referees directly to submit their letters of reference.

5.ÌýResearch Statement:Ìý(1,000 words in APA format). Your Research Statement should address the following prompts:

• What problem or issue do you propose to research during your PhD? Why is that problem or issue important to address?
• How do your research interests build on your previous studies, professional experience, and/or lived experiences? (Please reference any existing publications that has inspired your research interests.)
• How do you think your research ambitions can be supported by your potential supervisor?

6.ÌýResearch Summary:Ìý(200 words) A succinct summary of your research statement. This document will be reviewed by prospective supervisors.

7.ÌýEnglish Language Proficiency Test Score (if applicable):ÌýPlease arrange for test scores (TOEFL, IELTS) to be sent to 9IÖÆ×÷³§Ãâ·Ñ directly from the testing agency. You must indicate the 9IÖÆ×÷³§Ãâ·Ñ institution code: 0935.

• Fall Admission: December 1

As the deadline is firm, please make sure you start your application process early, leaving yourself with enough time to secure the essential components needed for your submission, in particular the transcripts, references, and test scores which can take several weeks to obtain.

Applications are first processed by the department, with recommended applications sent to Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies (GPS) for further review. Once your application has been fully processed, you'll receive an email notification confirming your status. Successful candidates will be asked to confirm their acceptance via their .