Comparing Top Online PhD Programs in Math Education

The need for skilled math educators, researchers, and curriculum specialists has never been greater. According to the National Assessment of Educational Progress, only 39% of fourth graders scored proficient or above in math — a clear signal that K–12 math instruction needs innovation and leadership.

An online PhD in math education gives you the opportunity to be part of that solution. Whether you’re an educator looking to deepen your expertise or a math professional transitioning into teaching or research, a doctorate can prepare you to transform math learning through curriculum design, research, or educational leadership.

Below, you’ll find program spotlights, key differences between Ed.D. and PhD options, common courses, and core components of today’s leading online math education doctorates.

Program Review: Top Math Education PhDs Online

If the programs below aren’t already on your shortlist, they’re strong contenders. Each stands out for curriculum quality, flexibility, affordability, and student support so you can use them as benchmarks for evaluating your own options.

Indiana University Bloomington

Indiana University Bloomington offers both Ed.D. and PhD programs in math education online.

Ed.D. Highlights:

• Focus on applied leadership in school districts
• Coursework in research methods, instructional techniques, mathematical thinking and learning, and digital tools for math classrooms
• Emphasis on practical assessment strategies and improvement of everyday math instruction

PhD Highlights:

• Designed for students pursuing research and university-level work
• Coursework centered on how students learn mathematics, teacher and student beliefs, and advanced instructional technologies
• A longer, more research-intensive path than the Ed.D.

Both programs feature flexible online scheduling, ideal for licensed educators working full time.

Texas A&M University

Texas A&M’s PhD in Curriculum and Instruction: Mathematics Education prepares graduates to teach and develop curricula across K–12 and higher education.

Program Structure:

• Foundational coursework in curriculum theory, educational history, and philosophy
• Training in qualitative, quantitative, or mixed-methods research
• Electives aligned with dissertation methodology
• Optional emphases including Teacher Education, History of Education, Technology Education, or Teaching Philosophy
• Strong integration of technology; students are encouraged to focus dissertation research on technology’s impact on math learning

Estimated Tuition:

• ~$5,500 per semester for in-state students
• ~$12,000 per semester for out-of-state students
  

University of Wyoming

The University of Wyoming offers two fully online math education doctorates:

Ed.D. in Math Education

• An applied, practice-oriented program
• Prepares graduates for leadership roles in school districts or educational organizations
• Coursework emphasizes instructional improvement and applied problem-solving

PhD in Math Education

• Research-focused, ideal for future scholars or professors
• Notable emphasis on curriculum development, more so than many comparable programs
• Within the broader PhD in Education, students complete coursework in theory, curriculum design, and math education-specific research

Both programs offer flexible course schedules to support working professionals.

Ed.D. vs. PhD: Which Degree Is Right for You?

While both degrees appear in online math education searches, the differences matter.

Ed.D. (Doctor of Education)

• Focus: Applied practice and leadership
• Ideal For: District leaders, curriculum specialists, instructional coaches
• Timeline: 3–4 years
• Capstone: Often a capstone project that applies research to real-world settings

PhD (Doctor of Philosophy)

• Focus: Research, theory, and scholarship
• Ideal For: Professors, researchers, policymakers
• Timeline: 5–7 years
• Capstone: Typically requires a multi-year dissertation

Both paths offer:

• Flexible online coursework
• The ability to maintain full-time employment
• No commuting or relocation requirements

Common Courses in Math Education PhD Programs

Online PhD programs in math education differ in structure, but many share the following foundational courses:

Advanced Topics in Mathematics Education

Doctoral-level work builds on prior training. Many programs expand into areas such as applied or computational mathematics, as seen at Illinois State University.

Cognition and Learning in Mathematics

These courses explore how students process new mathematical concepts and why certain instructional methods promote deeper understanding. Programs like Purdue University include this as a core topic.

Educational Leadership in Mathematics

Leadership courses help doctoral students apply their expertise at the classroom, department, or district level. The University of Colorado’s hybrid Ed.D. program offers strong examples of this focus.

History of Education

Understanding how math education has evolved is essential for improving it. Texas State University offers both foundational and elective coursework in this area.

Instruction Theory

PhD programs often include courses on learning theories and how they influence instructional design — a staple at institutions such as Columbia University.

Special Topics and Seminars

Elective seminars let students tailor the degree to areas like educational technology, equity in math learning, or professional development. Programs at the University of Georgia and Ohio University offer such flexibility.

Components of an Online PhD in Math Education

Beyond coursework, doctoral students complete several major milestones. Here’s what to expect:

Capstone Project or Dissertation

Most PhD programs require a dissertation: a multi-year, original research project defended before a faculty committee.
Ed.D. programs often require a capstone that blends research with real-world application in a school or district.

Examples: Ashlynn M. Holley’s dissertation on parents’ perceptions of math education demonstrates the scope and depth typical of doctoral research.

And if a dissertation sounds like a big hurdle, it might be worth taking a look at online EdD programs with no dissertation requirement.

Comprehensive Examinations

Some programs require a final exam assessing mastery of coursework, research methods, and specialization areas. Unlike fields such as psychology, math education doctorates do not use a standardized national exam; requirements vary by institution.

Coursework

In addition to major courses already listed, students typically take:

• Research methods
• Educational theory and history
• Educational psychology
• Technology in education

These courses build both teaching expertise and research competence.

Internships & Fieldwork

Fieldwork is more common in Ed.D. programs, where students may implement real-world projects in schools.

PhD students often gain experience through research assistantships or teaching assignments, preparing them for academic careers.

Prerequisites

Admission requirements vary but often include:

• Prior coursework in math education (bachelor’s and/or master’s level)
• Professional experience in math or teaching
• Teaching license (not required everywhere)
• Minimum GPA
• Letters of recommendation
• Statement of purpose

Because requirements differ significantly between universities, applicants should review each program closely.