Ph.D. in Education and Human Development

Program Overview

The Ph.D. in Education and Human Development program at Western Michigan University prepares researchers and scholars in various areas of education and human development. The program combines coursework, research methods, and a dissertation project, offering emphasis areas in fields such as educational technology, family science, and sport management. Graduates are qualified for positions in research universities, higher education, and research-related roles in public policy and non-governmental organizations.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

• The Ph.D. in Education and Human Development (EHD) program at Western Michigan University (WMU) is an innovative doctoral program that prepares researchers and scholars in various areas of education and human development.
• The program is designed to provide students with a strong foundation in research methods and theories, while also allowing them to specialize in a particular area of interest.
Graduates of the program will be qualified for positions in research universities, higher educational institutions, postdoctoral positions, and research analytic capacities with public policy think-tanks and non-governmental organizations.

Outline:

• The Ph.D. in EHD program requires a minimum of 54 credit hours beyond the master's degree.
• The program follows a master-apprentice model of doctoral preparation, which combines the coursework-focused model of doctoral education primarily used in the US with the research-focused model of doctoral education embraced by European nations.
• Students will take coursework in their area of emphasis, research methods, and statistics.
They will also conduct a dissertation research project under the guidance of their advisor.
• The program offers a variety of emphasis areas, including:
• Educational and Instructional Technology
• Organizational Change Leadership
• Family Science
• Workforce Education and Development
• Athletic Training
• Biomechanics
• Coaching Sport Performance
• Exercise Science
• Physical Education
• Sport Management
• Literacy Studies
• Teaching English as a Second Language
• Curriculum and Instruction
• Early Childhood Education
• Foundations of Education
• Youth and Community Development

Assessment:

• Students in the Ph.D. in EHD program will be assessed through a variety of methods, including:
• Coursework assignments
• Research projects
• Presentations
• Dissertation

Teaching:

• The Ph.D. in EHD program is taught by a team of experienced faculty members who are committed to providing students with a high-quality education.
The faculty use a variety of teaching methods, including:
• Lectures
• Discussions
• Workshops
• Research projects
• Dissertation supervision

Careers:

• Graduates of the Ph.D. in EHD program will be prepared for a variety of careers in research, teaching, and administration.
Potential career paths include:
• Research scientist
• Professor
• Administrator
• Policy analyst
• Program evaluator
• Consultant