World-Improving Research and Creativity
Students will develop expertise in mathematics or science education by studying and engaging in research on how students think and learn in these content areas. This high-quality program prepares candidates to engage in interdisciplinary collaborations and research.
About Our Program
The STEM Education area of emphasis prepares educators to pursue higher education careers or leadership positions in mathematics or science education. Specializations include:
- Elementary mathematics education (K-8)
- Secondary mathematics education (7-12)
- Elementary science education (K-8)
- Secondary science education (7-12)
Candidates will develop expertise in mathematics or science education by studying and engaging in research on how students think and learn in these content areas. This high-quality program prepares candidates to engage in interdisciplinary collaborations and research. It allows candidates to work collaboratively with faculty to develop an individualized program of study based on their area(s) of interest. This program is flexible for both the working professional and full-time students. Graduate assistantships and financial aid may be available.
The STEM Education area of emphasis is guided by the general framework found in the Doctoral Program in Education Application Manual. The manual provides general information about doctoral concentrations offered in the College of Education. This page will provide you with specific information that is unique to the STEM Education strand.
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Admission Deadlines
Applications and all associated documents must be received by the following dates to be considered. Fall Semester: April 15 | Spring Semester: Oct. 1.
Program Information
If you miss the Graduate School deadline, you may still apply to be a Graduate Special to begin taking coursework for your intended first semester. Materials and criteria for the STEM Education area of emphasis are as follows:
- Undergraduate and graduate GPA of 3.00 or higher
- At least three years of teaching experience
- Resume or curriculum vitae
- Statement of Intent that includes a Philosophy of Education
- Three letters of recommendation
- One sample of scholarly writing
To get started on the application process, please contact Teruni Lamberg, program coordinator, at terunil@unr.edu.
All materials are submitted through the University's application portal. Once you create your account, go back to MyNevada to log in and start your application. Please reach out to Dr. Lamberg if you have any questions.
The Ph.D in Education with a concentration in STEM Education is a research-oriented degree intended for educators who wish to advance their study in elementary mathematics education, secondary mathematics education, elementary science education, or secondary science education. Students may select either subject as their key research focus and take STEM courses of interests in a cognate area that can include engineering education. This degree program prepares students to advance their K-12 careers (teaching or curriculum leadership), pursue education-related positions at the state or national levels, or earn a tenure-track professorship in higher education.
The full-time track is intended to be completed in three years, but the program also exercises flexibility for working professionals with part-time options that allow for evening courses. Students get to work closely with faculty mentors to develop an individualized course of study and area of research. A minimum of 72 credits are required beyond the baccalaureate degree, which includes a minimum of 12 credits of dissertation. At least 30 credits of 700-level courses, exclusive of dissertation credits, are required for this degree. Degree requirements must be completed within eight years of admission to the program.
Please see the University tuition and fee rates for information regarding costs and financial aid. Graduate assistantships are available through various departments in the College of Education & Human Development. Prospective students who indicate their interest in a graduate assistantship will be interviewed for one of multiple positions within the department following their application. Several highlights of a graduate assistantship include:
- 20-hour work week
- Monthly salary
- Grant-in-aid/fee waiver (does not include fees such as room/board, textbooks, etc.) (Students will have to pay remaining portion of tuition, per credit fees and ALL mandatory and differential fees.)
- Health insurance coverage
- In-state Nevada resident status
- Funding to present at conferences through the support of the Graduate Student Association (competitive process)
Looking for a Graduate Assistantship?
The College of Education & Human Development has a limited number of Graduate Assistantships for full-time students admitted to masters or doctoral programs.
World-Class Education and Human Development
The College is a recognized leader in guiding, shaping, and mentoring high-performing education professionals who will go forth with a lifelong love of learning and with the skills essential for thriving in a global, knowledge-based economy. The U.S. News and World Report ranks the College of Education and Human Development's graduate programs top 100 in the nation. The online graduate programs are ranked 88th in the nation.
Program Faculty
Assistant Professor of Secondary Education, Co-Director NevadaTeach
(775) 682-7520
WRB
3113
Department Chair of Educational Studies and Professor of Mathematics Education and Educational Equity
(775) 682-7868
WRB
3079