Advance STEM education through research and professional practice.
Florida Tech’s Ph.D. in STEM education prepares educators, researchers and leaders to shape the future of learning in STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics).
Students choose a specialization to align their studies with their career goals and deepen knowledge in their STEM field:
Graduates are equipped to advance their careers in teaching, research, supervisory and administrative roles within K-12 systems, colleges, universities and STEM-focused programs.
Florida Tech is where STEM research and education intersect. As Florida’s STEM University™, we offer a research-intensive environment in which doctoral students work closely with faculty to advance STEM education through theory, inquiry and evidence-based practice.
The STEM education Ph.D. program emphasizes theoretical and research-based approaches, with coursework and projects designed to expand both STEM content knowledge and educational expertise.
Students gain experience as consumers of research, researchers and research advisors. Insights from doctoral research enhance instructional effectiveness, inform leadership in educational programs and support future research initiatives in STEM education.
Graduate courses in education are offered in the evening to accommodate professionals pursuing doctoral studies while continuing their careers.
STEM extends beyond science and mathematics. Many organizations in the U.S. follow the National Science Foundation (NSF) definition of STEM, which encompasses chemistry, computer and information technology science, engineering, geosciences, the life sciences, mathematical sciences, physics and astronomy, the social sciences (including anthropology, economics, psychology and sociology) and STEM education and learning research.
This broader perspective recognizes the range of disciplines that contribute to scientific knowledge, innovation and STEM teaching and learning.
Academic units at Florida Tech may offer graduate student assistantships to full-time, degree-seeking graduate students on a competitive basis.
Teaching Assistants (TAs) support faculty in teaching undergraduate and graduate courses, including tasks such as grading, tutoring and conducting office hours. First-time TAs attend a teaching assistant seminar to prepare for their responsibilities.
Research Assistants (RAs) collaborate with faculty on projects funded by government agencies, private sponsors and university research funds.
For current information regarding available assistantships, please contact the Department of Mathematics and Systems Engineering.
Florida Tech’s location in the heart of the Space Coast, home to one of the nation’s largest high-tech and research-driven workforces, offers outstanding opportunities for STEM education doctoral students.
You’ll be near leading companies, research labs, government agencies and environmental organizations, making it an ideal setting for collaboration and career development. Our 130-acre campus is just south of NASA-Kennedy Space Center and Cape Canaveral, a region where science and innovation thrive.
Florida Tech offers a safe and welcoming campus environment that supports advanced research alongside personal well-being. The campus includes extensive green spaces, such as the Joy and Gordon Patterson Botanical Garden, along with facilities like the Holzer Health Center and Clemente Center for health, fitness and stress management.
Located minutes from the Indian River Lagoon and 72 miles of Atlantic beaches, the university combines access to outdoor recreation with proximity to industry and government organizations that contribute to research collaboration and career development.
Graduate students from around the world come together at Florida Tech in a campus community that fosters international collaboration and innovation. This environment encourages students to work across cultures and perspectives, preparing them for research and professional settings around the globe.
International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) supports international students throughout their academic journey, providing guidance on immigration matters, serving as a liaison with sponsoring agencies and foreign governments, and sharing information about campus and community resources.
Applicants to the Ph.D. in STEM education typically hold a master’s degree in a STEM field or in a related area of K-16 STEM education.
While not required, at least three years of teaching experience is highly recommended, as it can provide valuable context for advanced study and research.
Applicants with a strong content background from their bachelor’s and master’s degrees may also be considered, even if their prior graduate work was completed in a closely related discipline.
For more information, please see our graduate admission requirements.
Graduates pursue leadership, teaching and research roles in K-12 STEM programs and higher education. They are well-prepared to contribute to STEM education research, curriculum development and policy implementation.
This program is designed to support advancement into leadership, supervisory or administrative roles, rather than leading to specific certification or license.
Florida Tech Career Services helps students, alumni and employers connect through career planning, job search support and recruitment resources.
For information on job outlook, pay and working conditions in this field and related fields in the United States, see the Occupational Outlook Handbook from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
The dissertation is the heart of the Ph.D., deepening your expertise while advancing the field of STEM education.
Graduate students in STEM education investigate teaching, learning and assessment in science and mathematics across K-16 contexts. Research has included international student achievement studies, classroom and large-scale assessment, inquiry-based and project-based learning, and the role of motivation and self-regulated learning in STEM engagement. Students explore how effective STEM education practices, curriculum design and technology integration can improve learning outcomes and inform educational research and policy.
Browse recent dissertations in the Florida Tech Scholarship Repository.
The Ph.D. in STEM education is organized into three phases, integrating coursework, research preparation and dissertation work.
Phase 1: Coursework and Comprehensive Exams
Students complete core and elective courses in education and their Major Technical Area (MTA)—science education, mathematics education or educational technology—then take comprehensive exams to demonstrate readiness for research.
Phase 2: Research Proposal Development
Students develop and defend a research proposal under guidance from their advisor and committee.
Phase 3: Dissertation
Students conduct, analyze and report their research, culminating in a dissertation defense and manuscript submission.
This curriculum ensures that students develop both deep content expertise and advanced research skills, preparing them to advance in leadership, research and educational advisory roles.
The Ph.D. in STEM education requires a minimum of 42 semester credit hours beyond a master’s degree.
Check the catalog for a description of all courses. Check the catalog for detailed degree requirements.
Florida Tech’s STEM education doctoral program prepares students to conduct research on teaching and learning in science, technology, engineering and mathematics across K-16 contexts.
Research focuses on scientific and mathematical literacy, inquiry-based learning, assessment design, curriculum development and classroom and large-scale evaluation.
Faculty bring expertise in science and mathematics education, project-based learning, statistical literacy and innovative teaching approaches, guiding students as they explore the intersections of content knowledge, pedagogy and STEM learning environments.
Learn more about STEM Education at Florida Tech on the Mathematics and Systems Engineering website.