PhD in Mathematical Education: General Information

Chairperson of the Departmental PhD Committee:
Prof. Rosa Leikin

The following document supplements the university’s doctoral studies regulations, which can be found at:
University of Haifa Graduate School

Program Objectives and Overview

The program is designed for individuals holding a master’s degree (MA or equivalent) from a recognized higher education institution, awarded in a thesis-based track.

Target Audience:
The program is intended for those involved in mathematical education or related fields, including:

  • Mathematics teachers at all educational levels
  • Developers of curricula and learning environments
  • Educators in mathematics within special education and learning disabilities contexts

It also welcomes candidates with degrees in mathematics or computer science who wish to expand their research into mathematical education. Candidates with master’s degrees in other fields (e.g., other exact sciences, engineering, cognitive psychology) who meet the admission requirements may be required to complete supplementary studies as determined by the doctoral committee.

Program Structure

Regular Track

The program duration is approximately four years, divided into two stages:

  1. Stage A – Research Proposal:
    • Duration: Up to one year from the semester of admission (including breaks).
    • Requirements: Students must prepare and submit a research proposal for approval by their supervisor(s) and the departmental doctoral committee. Additional requirements may apply.
  2. Stage B – Research Completion:
    • Upon approval of the research proposal, the student progresses to Stage B.
    • Duration: Up to three years, with possible extensions as justified.
    • Requirements: Completion and submission of the doctoral dissertation.

Additional Academic Requirements:

  • Students must complete at least three courses, including one mandatory course during Stage A:
    Educational Research: Conceptualization and Development
  • Participation in a doctoral forum for two years during the second and third years of study (non-credit).
  • Attendance at nine lectures from the Thinking Mathematics seminar series.

Admission Requirements and Procedures

Regular Track:

Applicants must meet the following criteria:

  • A master’s degree in a related field with a minimum overall grade of 86 and a thesis grade of 86.
  • Written approval from a faculty member in the department to supervise the research.
  • Submission of a brief research proposal approved by the intended supervisor.

Application Documentation:
Applicants must submit four copies of the following:

  1. Transcripts and certificates for BA and MA degrees
  2. CV in Hebrew and English
  3. Supervisor’s written consent
  4. Summary of the master’s thesis
  5. Supervisor’s letter detailing the proposed research topic, its significance, and innovation
  6. Two academic recommendation letters, one from the master’s thesis advisor
  7. Statement of intent signed by the supervisor
  8. Research topic summary in English

Direct Track:

  • For outstanding students with a BA degree and a minimum grade of 90 in each field of study.
  • Candidates must demonstrate the potential for doctoral studies and receive departmental approval.

Supplementary Studies (Preliminary Research):

Candidates with a non-thesis MA degree must complete the following:

  • Achieve a final grade of 90 in the master’s degree.
  • Obtain written consent from a supervisor willing to guide their thesis work.
  • Fulfill the academic requirements set by the doctoral committee.
  • Duration: Up to one year.

Completion of supplementary studies does not guarantee admission to the PhD program.

Scholarships and Funding

The university offers scholarships and financial support for doctoral students. Students may also apply for research grants from various foundations in Israel and abroad. Guidance is available for grant applications.

Doctoral Research Proposal Requirements

Proposal Structure (Up to 30 Pages):

  1. Title (Hebrew and English), candidate’s name, supervisor’s name, submission date
  2. Research objectives and justification
  3. Theoretical background, including key and current research in the field
  4. Research methodology:
    • General research question or hypothesis
    • Research design, participants, and data collection methods
    • Data analysis methods (optional)
  5. Ethical considerations
  6. Bibliography
  7. Supervisor’s approval

Preliminary Proposal (Up to 1500 Words):

  • Text format: Font size 12, 1.5 line spacing, 2.5 cm margins.