Mathematics and Science Education, Chemical Education Concentration, Ph.D.

The Chemical 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 chemistry and to teach chemistry and chemistry education courses in post-secondary institutions.

Program Description

Students in the Chemical Education Concentration develop substantial content mastery of chemistry at the graduate level through coursework. Graduates will accrue at least 18 credit hours using a CHEM rubric so they can teach chemistry at the undergraduate level. In addition, students engage in conducting chemistry education research as they work closely with chemistry education faculty conducting research in this area.

Careers

Graduates find employment in institutions of higher education as well as education administration, research firms, and other related businesses. Students in the MSE program have the opportunity to customize their experience to meet their professional goals.

Recent Dissertations

• Unraveling the complexities of science identity development among first generation college students in learning assistant-supported introductory science classes by Dr. Oluwatobiloba (Theresa) Ayangbola under the direction of Dr. Katy Hosbein and Dr. Sarah Bleiler-Baxter.
• Investigating discourse practices for students in a hybrid POGIL introductory chemistry class by Dr. Shaghayegh Fateh under the direction of Dr. Gregory Ruston.
• The Effect of Adding Relevant and Irrelevant Visual Images to an Animation of an Oxidation-Reduction Reaction on Students' Conceptual Understanding by Dr. Martin Cole under the direction of Dr. Michael Sanger.

Requirements

Admission Requirements

Admission is based on a comprehensive assessment of a candidate's qualifications including Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores, undergraduate and graduate grade point average, and letters of recommendation.

• An earned bachelor's or master's degree from an accredited university or college. Applicants holding only a bachelor's degree will be expected to have earned that degree in an area of mathematics or science relevant to the concentration to which application is being made and may consider applying for and completing a master's degree in science, mathematics, or education as they complete the requirements of the Ph.D.
• An acceptable grade point average (GPA). Successful applicants typically have a minimum 3.25 GPA in their most recent graduate work or a minimum 3.00 GPA when entering with a bachelor's degree.

Application Procedures

Applicants must submit all application materials to the College of Graduate Studies.

1. Submit application with the appropriate application fee.
2. Submit official transcripts showing a grade point average (GPA) in previous academic work that indicates potential for success in advanced study;
3. Submit official scores for the verbal, quantitative, and analytical writing measures of the GRE that indicate potential for success in the Mathematics and Science Education program.
4. Submit supplemental application;
5. Provide letters of recommendation from at least three professors or professionals that address the applicant's potential to successfully complete a Ph.D. in Mathematics and Science Education.

Degree Requirements

The Ph.D. in Mathematics and Science Education with a concentration in Chemical Education requires completion of 70-94 semester hours.

1. Complete at least 70 post-baccalaureate semester hours as described in the Curriculum section below.
2. Make at least two research presentations at regional, national, or international meetings as the lead or coauthor.
3. Be lead author or make significant contribution as coauthor of two articles published, in press, or under review in high quality, peer-reviewed journals.
4. In collaboration with an MTSU faculty member serving as principal investigator, make a significant contribution to the development of at least one external grant proposal.
5. Complete the MSE 7800 - Teaching Internship. Those who lack teaching experience in the K-12 setting are required to complete MSE 7800 in a K-12 teaching experience.
6. Complete a dissertation and successfully defend it in the final oral examination.

Curriculum

Required Core Courses (27 hours)

• MSE 7001 - Residency Seminar in Mathematics and Science Education I (2 credit hours required)
• MSE 7002 - Residency Seminar in Mathematics and Science Education II (2 credit hours required)
• MSE 7310 - Theoretical Frameworks in Mathematics and Science Education
• MSE 7800 - Teaching Internship
• MSE 7820 - Research Seminar in Mathematics and Science Education
• MSE 7900 - The Nature of Mathematics, Science, and STEM
• SPSE 7010 - Educational Research Methodology
• SPSE 7180 - Qualitative Evaluation and Research Methods
• SPSE 7270 - Learning Theories in Mathematics and Science Education
• Choose one from the following:
  • ALSI 7600 - Educational Statistics
  • ALSI 7620 - Advanced Quantitative Research Methodologies
  • PSY 7280 - Psychological Statistics: Regression
  • PSY 7460 - Factor Analysis and Related Methods
  • PSY 7550 - Structural Equation Modeling
  • PSY 7565 - Behavioral Statistics Using R

Concentration Core (19 hours)

• CHEM 6100 - Intermediate Organic Chemistry
• CHEM 6230 - Intermediate Analytical Chemistry
• CHEM 6300 - Intermediate Physical Chemistry
• CHEM 6400 - Intermediate Inorganic Chemistry
• CHEM 6500 - Biochemistry I
• CHEM 7900 - Teaching and Learning in Chemistry

Electives (12 hours)

In consultation with his or her major advisor and dissertation committee, each student will choose 12 credit hours from courses in the College of Basic and Applied Sciences, College of Behavioral and Health Sciences, and the College of Education at the 6000 or 7000 level.

Dissertation (12-36 hours)

• MSE 7640 - Dissertation Research in Mathematics and Science Education

Residency Requirement

During the residency year, students are expected to complete at least 16 hours of coursework that apply directly to the degree. Of these 16 hours, 13 hours of coursework are prescribed.

• Fall Semester (5 hours)
  • MSE 7001 Residency Seminar in Mathematics and Science Education I (1 to 2 credit hours required)
  • SPSE 7010 Educational Research Methodology or SPSE 7270 Learning Theories in Mathematics and Science Education (3 credit hours)
• Spring Semester (5 hours)
  • MSE 7002 Residency Seminar in Mathematics and Science Education II (1 to 2 credit hours required)
  • SPSE 7180 Qualitative Evaluation and Research Methods or MSE 7900 The Nature of Mathematics, Science, and STEM (3 credit hours)
• Summer (3 hours)
  • MSE 7310 Theoretical Frameworks in Mathematics and Science Education or BIOL 7900 Teaching and Learning Biology / CHEM 7900 Teaching and Learning in Chemistry or MATH 7320 Mathematical Problem Solving (3 credit hours)

In addition, during the residency year, students are expected to complete each of the following:

1. Attend at least one conference: The conference should be directly related to the student's concentration and should be at the regional, national, or international level. The advisor must approve the selected conference.
2. Make significant progress toward the submission of a manuscript on which the student is a co-author. The manuscript will be prepared under the guidance of or in conjunction with MSE faculty. Residency seminars will support this process.
3. Attend at least five (5) program activities not associated with course credit: The MSE program has numerous activities that occur during the academic year. These include seminars, book club meetings, reading/writing groups, journal clubs, etc.

Faculty

• Jennifer J Kaplan, Director
• Dr. M. Elizabeth Barnes, Associate Professor
• Dr. Sarah K. Bleiler-Baxter, Professor
• Dr. Kim Evert, Associate Professor
• Dr. Grant E. Gardner, Professor
• Dr. Angela N. Google, Assistant Professor
• Dr. Scott Handy, Professor
• Dr. Angela G. Hooser, Associate Professor
• Dr. Katy Hosbein, Assistant Professor
• Dr. Rongjin Huang, Professor
• Dr. Ryan Seth Jones, Associate Professor
• Dr. Dovie Kimmins, Professor
• Dr. Alyson E. Lischka, Professor
• Dr. Jennifer N. Lovett, Associate Professor
• Dr. Katherine Anna Mangione, Professor
• Dr. Chaney W. Mosley, Associate Professor
• Dr. Amy J Phelps, Professor
• Dr. Gregory T Rushton, Professor
• Dr. Michael L. Rutledge, Professor
• Dr. Kim Cleary Sadler, Professor
• Dr. Michael Sanger, Professor
• Dr. Jeremy Strayer, Professor

Information

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.

Middle Tennessee State University

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Overview:

Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU) is a large university with a small-town feel, located in Murfreesboro, Tennessee. It is known for its affordability, strong academic programs, and vibrant campus life. MTSU is a public university with a diverse student body, including a significant number of first-generation students.

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Services Offered:

MTSU offers a wide range of services to its students, including:

Financial Aid:

83% of students receive financial aid, with over $230 million in assistance available.

Campus Improvements:

The university has invested $1.5 billion in recent campus improvements and renovations.

Academic Support:

MTSU provides academic advising, tutoring, and other support services to help students succeed.

Student Life:

The university offers a variety of student organizations, clubs, and activities to enhance the campus experience.

Career Services:

MTSU provides career counseling, job placement assistance, and internship opportunities.

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Student Life and Campus Experience:

MTSU boasts a vibrant campus life with a strong sense of community. Students can enjoy:

Large Campus with Small-Town Feel:

MTSU's 515-acre campus offers a scenic, park-like setting while maintaining a close-knit atmosphere.

Active Student Organizations:

Students can join over 200 student organizations and clubs, catering to diverse interests.

Athletics:

MTSU has 17 Division I sports teams, providing opportunities for both participation and spectator enjoyment.

Campus Events:

The university hosts a variety of events throughout the year, including concerts, lectures, and sporting events.

Student Union:

The Student Union serves as a central hub for students, offering dining, a bookstore, a game room, a theater, and more.

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Key Reasons to Study There:

Affordability:

MTSU offers the lowest tuition among Tennessee's three largest universities, making it a highly affordable option.

Strong Academic Programs:

MTSU offers over 300 undergraduate and graduate majors and concentrations, including highly ranked programs in areas like Industrial and Organizational Psychology and Audio Engineering.

Diverse Student Body:

MTSU is home to a diverse student population, including a significant number of first-generation students.

Vibrant Campus Life:

The university offers a wide range of student organizations, clubs, and activities, fostering a strong sense of community.

Career Opportunities:

MTSU provides career counseling, job placement assistance, and internship opportunities to help students prepare for their future careers.

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Academic Programs:

MTSU offers a wide range of academic programs across eight colleges, including:

Arts and Sciences:

Offers majors in fields like biology, chemistry, English, history, and mathematics.

Business:

Offers majors in accounting, finance, marketing, and management.

Education:

Offers majors in elementary education, secondary education, and special education.

Engineering and Technology:

Offers majors in computer science, electrical engineering, and mechanical engineering.

Fine Arts:

Offers majors in music, theater, and art.

Health and Human Sciences:

Offers majors in nursing, health sciences, and human development.

Liberal Arts:

Offers majors in communication, journalism, and political science.

University College:

Offers a variety of general studies programs and interdisciplinary majors.

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Other:

• MTSU is the number 1 producer of college graduates in the greater Nashville area.
• MTSU is home to the first public Honors College in Tennessee.
• MTSU has more than two dozen Fulbright scholars.
• MTSU students, alumni, faculty, and staff have won 47 Grammy Awards since 2001.
• MTSU is known for its flexible programs that emphasize real-world projects and soft skills development.