STEM Education Specialization (education Ph.D.)
About
NOTE: We are not currently accepting applications for this program.
We are still accepting applications for the Ph.D. concentrations in Special Education and Higher Education, as well as the Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) in Educational Leadership.
We apologize for the inconvenience.
The STEM Education specialization within our Education Ph.D. is an interdisciplinary degree program for those who have an interest in improving the quality of science, technology, engineering, or mathematics education through research. The program is housed in the University of Maine College of Education and Human Development and governed by an interdisciplinary committee consisting of STEM education faculty associated with the college and the Maine Center for Research in STEM Education (RiSE Center).
This program prepares students for faculty positions in STEM education within discipline departments and in colleges of education, or for education research positions in museums, research centers, policy agencies or think tanks. It is a full-time program in which students are supported through graduate assistantships contingent on available funding and have a day-to-day presence on the University of Maine campus. Students study and conduct research on a broad range of issues related to STEM education through coursework and interdisciplinary research apprenticeships, both of which combine rigorous research methodology with disciplinary perspectives on educational challenges and opportunities. The graduate assistantships may also involve teaching assistantships, where STEM education doctoral students teach undergraduate courses in science, technology, engineering, education or mathematics.
Program Delivery
All of our Ph.D. specializations require a minimum of 57 graduate credits beyond a master’s degree. There are two pathways through the STEM Education Ph.D. specialization. In both pathways, a bachelor’s degree in a STEM field or STEM Education is a prerequisite for admission.
Pathway 1
This pathway is for interested students who hold both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in a relevant field. Candidates for this pathway will likely have experience teaching STEM in K-12 school(s), informal learning center(s), or at the collegiate level; hold undergraduate and master degrees in education, science, or a combination of education and science; and/or have evidence of progressive professional development experiences in STEM education.
Pathway 2
This pathway is for interested students who have not earned a master’s degree in a relevant STEM field or STEM education. Students will enroll concurrently in one of several UMaine master’s degree programs and the STEM Education Ph.D. program.
The following are some of the options for the master’s degree component of the program:
By design, there is substantial overlap between the course requirements of the MST program and the first two years of requirements for the STEM Ph.D. specialization. In consultation with their advisors, students in other master’s programs will plan their program of study so it fulfills requirements for the Ph.D. as well as the master’s degree.
In both Pathway 1 and Pathway 2, students will be required to pass milestones in order to continue to advance in the program. Details of these milestones will be provided by their advisor and the program once the student is admitted but entail a qualifying paper their first year, comprehensive exams and their defense at or near the end of coursework, a dissertation proposal and defense, and a dissertation and defense.
Advising & SUpport
The College of Education and Human Development provides students with academic guidance and personal support before they set foot on campus through graduation and beyond. Our graduate students work with faculty advisors, who build genuine relationships and provide timely information to help you navigate your program, your work in schools and communities, and whatever else is on your plate.
Program Learning Outcomes
The University of Maine Graduate School prepares engaged scholars and professionals to make meaningful contributions to their communities of practice: research consortia, clinical practices, studios, workplaces, classrooms, and political collectives. As graduate students are key agents in helping to sustain an environment supportive of learning through teaching, collaborative inquiry, mentoring or demonstration, they are critical ambassadors for public higher education during their coursework and after graduation. During and after graduate training, accordingly, the Graduate School’s doctoral, masters, and professional-certifications degree programs will enable students to:
Careers
This program is designed so graduates can pursue careers as faculty in science or mathematics education research at universities or colleges. Additional professional opportunities include research and administrative positions at museums, research organizations, nonprofits, government agencies, and think tanks or policy centers.
At a Glance
College of Education & Human Development
Degree Level
Doctoral
Degree Earned
Doctor of Philosophy in Education
Mode of Study
In-Person, Hybrid
time to Complete Degree
57 Credits
Next Steps
Contact
International
Chadbourne Hall, Room 122
go.umaine.edu/international-undergraduate-admissions/
P
207.581.3437
F
207.581.2920
