Mathematics and Science Education
Become empowered to research learning and teaching within and across STEM disciplines. Shape the future.
Mathematics and Science Education, Interdisciplinary Science Education Concentration, Ph.D.
The Interdisciplinary Sciences Education Concentration of the PhD Program in Mathematics and Science Education is designed to prepare individuals to conduct research on the teaching and learning of a STEM discipline or across multiple STEM disciplines and to teach in their chosen field(s) at post-secondary institutions. Students in the Interdisciplinary Sciences Education Concentration develop substantial content mastery across STEM disciplines at the graduate level through coursework. In addition, students engage in conducting STEM education research as they work closely with faculty conducting research in their area.
Graduates find employment in institutions of higher education as well as education administration, publishers, research firms, and other related businesses.
Students in the MSE program have the opportunity to customize their experience to meet their professional goals. Students will work closely with faculty mentors to narrow their dissertation research topic to one that is both current in the field and a topic of interest to the student.
Recent Dissertations in the Interdisciplinary Sciences Education Concentration include:
- An examination of variability: using construct measurement to develop an interdisciplinary assessment by Dr. Fonya Scott under the direction of Dr. Ryan "Seth" Jones
- Unveiling the path to science teacher leadership: Identity development and leadership trajectory by Dr. Andrea Reeder under the direction of Dr. Gregory Rushton.
- Examining undergraduate students' approaches to learning biology with a focus on women of color by Dr. Angela Google under the direction of Dr. Anna Grinath.
News Briefs
High schoolers acquire STEM-ulating hands-on experience at MTSU science college camp
Sean Vornhagen didn’t mind the burning smell inside the Middle Tennessee State University chemistry lab. He loves science “and my two favorite sciences are chemistry and biology,” he said, knowing burning smells come with the territory.[ Read More ]
MTSU professor conducts research, joins national conference to improve data science education
As the emerging field of data science becomes an everyday part of industry and the modern job market, associate professor and researcher Ryan “Seth” Jones from the College of Education is taking a lead in developing best practices and frameworks for getting K-12 students well-versed in the topic.[ Read More ]
News Briefs
High schoolers acquire STEM-ulating hands-on experience at MTSU science college camp
Sean Vornhagen didn’t mind the burning smell inside the Middle Tennessee State University chemistry lab. He loves science “and my two favorite sciences are chemistry and biology,” he said, knowing burning smells come with the territory.[ Read More ]
MTSU professor conducts research, joins national conference to improve data science education
As the emerging field of data science becomes an everyday part of industry and the modern job market, associate professor and researcher Ryan “Seth” Jones from the College of Education is taking a lead in developing best practices and frameworks for getting K-12 students well-versed in the topic.[ Read More ]
Mathematics and Science Education, Interdisciplinary Science Education Concentration, Ph.D.
This program aims to produce college-level professors and researchers in mathematics and science education. It also helps prepare leaders in K-12 mathematics and science education whose jobs require them to perform, evaluate, and integrate the results of research in mathematics and science education into classrooms.
Employers of MTSU alumni include
Our graduates have been employed by the following institutions:
- Aquinas College, Nashville TN
- Aspen Academy, Denver, CO
- Austin Peay State University, Clarksville, TN
- Belmont University, Nashville, TN
- California State University Long Beach, Long Beach, CA
- Central Magnet School, Murfreesboro, TN
- Coffee County School District, Manchester, TN
- Crowley Ridge College, Paragould, AR
- James Madison University, Harrisonburg, VA
- Lander University, Greenwood, SC
- Lipscomb University, Nashville, TN
- Middle Tennessee State University, Murfreesboro, TN
- Motlow Community College, Smyrna, TN
- Smyrna High School, Smyrna, TN
- Southeast Missouri State University, Cape Girardeau, MO
- Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX
- Trinity Washington University, Washington, DC
- University of Alabama-Birmingham, Birmingham, AL
- University of Alabama at Huntsville, Huntsville, AL
- University of Missouri, Columbia, MO
- University of New Hampshire, Durham, NH
- University of North Alabama, Florence, AL
- University of Northern Colorado, Greeley, CO
- University of South Alabama
- Webb School, Bell Buckle, TN
- Welch College, Gallatin, TN
- Western Kentucky University, Bowling Green, KY
- Wright State University, Dayton, OH
MTSU’s Career Development Center
MTSU offers a comprehensive Career Development Center that serves students throughout the full student experience and beyond. They collaborate with faculty and staff to equip students with the tools to be marketable to the world of work and continuing education.
Students can schedule an appointment or check online resources and job boards at mtsu.edu/career.
Students can find current internship opportunities by talking to faculty and visiting the University job and internship board called Handshake.
Wondering what you can do with your major? Check out our What Can I Do with A Major In guides.
Links
- National Association for Research in Science Teaching (NARST)
- National Association of Biology Teachers (NABT)
- SABER (Society for the Advancement of Biology Education Research)
- ASTE (Association for Science Teacher Education)
- NSTA (National Science Teachers Association)
- ACS Division of Chemistry Education
- NCTM (National Council of Teachers of Mathematics)
- AMTE (Association of Mathematics Teacher Educators)
- NCSM Leadership in Mathematics Education
- RUME (Research in Undergraduate Mathematics Education)
- PME-NA (International Group for the Psychology of Mathematics Education / North American Chapter)
- PME (International Group for the Psychology of Mathematics Education)
- AERA (American Educational Research Association)
Assistantships
Research and teaching assistantships, with stipends beginning at $20,100, are available on a competitive basis to full-time students in the MSE program. In addition to the stipend, the university also pays all tuition for assistantship holders. Non-Tennessee residents who are awarded a graduate assistantship are not required to pay out-of-state fees. To learn more about the types of graduate assistantships and to download an application, visit the Graduate Studies Assistantship page.
The College of Graduate Studies also awards a limited number of scholarships. For additional information and applications, visit the Graduate Studies Finance page.
In addition to assistantships and scholarships, MTSU's Office of Financial Aid assists graduate students seeking other forms of financial support while in school.
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