D. program usually involves at least 90 semester hours of graduate work, including relevant work taken for the master's degree. The Ph.D. is research oriented and includes significant independent research and a dissertation. The Ed.D. also includes a dissertation, but the focus may be more applied or programmatic in nature. Programs are individually planned, however, the following components are typical. Course work in mathematics education.
Course work in learning theory, human development curriculum and supervision.
Programs with an emphasis on secondary school or higher level mathematics education include coursework equivalent to a master's degree in mathematics. Department requirements in research, EDMS 646, EDCI 684, EDCI 685, EDCI 780, and two additional courses. Those two courses must both come from the same strand, either quantitative or qualitative. A preliminary examination, during the initiation of doctoral study, and a comprehensive examination near the completion of course work. An oral defense of the dissertation.