SDSU/UCSD Ph.D. Program in Mathematics Education Named 7th Best in the Nation

Contact:
Lorena Nava
San Diego State University
(619) 594-3952 office
lnava@mail.sdsu.edu

SAN DIEGO (Thursday, Nov. 8, 2007) — San Diego State University’s joint-doctoral program in mathematics and science education was named the 7th best in the country in an article published in Notices, the journal of the American Mathematical Society. The Ph.D. program is administered in conjunction with University of California San Diego.

"The rankings reinforce what we've believed for some time – that our program is one of the best in the country," said Joanne Lobato, SDSU director for the Ph.D. program. "With the increased need for rigorous math and science education in the U.S., SDSU and UCSD are working together to help produce high-quality researchers and teacher-educators for this growing field."

The rankings, conducted in early 2007, were based on a nationwide survey of 70 doctoral programs in mathematics education. Institutions were ranked based upon nominations received from faculty members at other institutions granting doctoral degrees in mathematics education; SDSU received 17 nominations. As noted in the study, 80 percent of the programs reviewed housed their doctoral programs in their college or school of teacher education. While the SDSU/UCSD program receives nominal funding from the College of Education, the program is housed primarily in the College of Sciences, and was the top-ranked such program. To read the study, please visit www.ams.org/notices/200710.

The SDSU/UCSD Ph.D. program in mathematics and science education is a part of the SDSU Center for Research in Mathematics and Science Education, which brings together researchers interested in studying the teaching and learning of mathematics and science. Since 2000, CRMSE faculty members have brought in over $40 million in externally funded grants. These research grants provide financial support for doctoral students, as well as important opportunities for learning critical research skills.

In the Ph.D. program, students complement their knowledge of math and science with studies of how people learn such subjects. The interdisciplinary course requirements, which include courses in cognitive science and philosophy, strike a balance between theoretical and practical classes, including a teaching practicum. Additionally, the program is composed of three strands: research apprenticeship experiences, practical applications and formal course work. For more information on the joint-doctoral program, please visit www.sci.sdsu.edu/CRMSE/msed/.

San Diego State University is the oldest and largest higher education institution in the San Diego region. Since it was founded in 1897, the university has grown to offer bachelor's degrees in 81 areas, master's degrees in 73 areas and doctorates in 16 areas. SDSU's approximately 35,000 students participate in an academic curriculum distinguished by direct contact with faculty and an increasing international emphasis that prepares them for a global future. For more information, visit www.sdsu.edu.

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