Iranian Journal of Engineering Education

Dimensions of Mathematics Decline in Iran: A Warning for the Future of Science and Engineering Education

Articles in Press

Document Type : Scientific - Research

Authors

Abolfazl RafiePour 1
Pouya Karimi 2

1 Department of Mathematics Education- Faculty of Mathematics and Computer- Shahid Bahonar University of Kerman

2 Department of Mathematics Education, Faculty of Mathematics and Computer, Shahid Bahonar University of Kerman

10.22047/ijee.2026.567939.2233
Abstract
The decline in demand for studying mathematics and physics in high school and, subsequently, the decline in demand for studying various engineering and basic science disciplines has become one of the fundamental challenges of the country's higher education system in recent years. A challenge whose consequences go beyond universities and affect the future of the country's scientific, technological, and industrial development. The aim of this article is to systematically analyze the dimensions of this phenomenon and explain its educational, social, economic, and structural roots, focusing on the role of mathematics education as the foundation for training engineers and basic science specialists in the country. The present study was conducted with a descriptive-analytical approach and using secondary data, official documents, statistical reports, and critical analysis of previous research. The findings show that the quantitative decline in students choosing mathematics-physics, along with the qualitative decline in mathematics learning based on the results of international tests (TIMES study), negative attitudes towards engineering disciplines, the mismatch of curricula with labor market needs, and the weakening of university-industry ties are key factors in the decline in the inclination towards these disciplines (technical-engineering and basic sciences). Finally, paths are suggested to overcome the current situation.

Keywords

Science education
Engineering education
STEM education
Quantitative decline in mathematics
Qualitative decline in mathematics

Subjects

Iranian Journal of Engineering Education

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 16 February 2026

  • Receive Date 24 December 2025
  • Revise Date 16 February 2026
  • Accept Date 16 February 2026
  • First Publish Date 16 February 2026
  • Publish Date 16 February 2026

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