Program Overview

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Doctor of Philosophy in Instructional Leadership and Academic Curriculum in Early Childhood Education

The University of Oklahoma offers the Ph.D. in Instructional Leadership and Academic Curriculum in Early Childhood Education with a concentration in Early Childhood Education. This program is designed to prepare faculty researchers and leaders serving young children and their families in multiple settings, with a strong focus on research, leadership, and advocacy.

Program Overview

The program can be completed in three years if enrolled full-time, followed by the writing of a doctoral dissertation. The time for completion of the dissertation varies from candidate to candidate.

Why Study ILAC at OU-Tulsa?

The Ph.D. program is interdisciplinary in nature, allowing for flexibility and an individualized focus. Students work closely with their faculty advisor to determine the appropriate coursework and experiences needed to reach both their program and career goals.

Program Requirements

• Names and email addresses for letters of reference from at least three persons who are familiar with your qualifications.
• Graduate Record Examination general test scores.
• A resume, and if the applicant chooses, a narrative autobiography emphasizing career experience.
• A short essay including a statement of career objectives and why a Ph.D. in ECE will assist you in meeting your career objectives.
• Official transcripts of both graduate and undergraduate work.
• One academic writing sample, such as a published article or graded graduate-level research paper.

Doctor of Philosophy in ILAC in Early Childhood Education Degree Curriculum

Students in the Instructional Leadership and Academic Curriculum in Early Childhood Education doctoral program will take courses in:

• Theoretical Issues in the Curriculum and Instruction
• Teaching and Learning
• Cultural Diversity
• Research Methodology
• The Specialization Area in which they are admitted

Core (24 hours minimum)

• ILAC 6013 Proseminar in Instructional Leadership and Academic Curriculum (3 hours)
• ILAC 6023 Theoretical Issues in Instructional Leadership and Academic Curriculum (3 hours)
• ILAC 6003 Curriculum Theory (3 hours)
• ILAC 6233 Understanding Different Cultures (3 hours)
• Research Methodologies 12 hours (minimum)

Concentration (36 hours minimum)

The concentration focuses on specializations within the field of Instructional Leadership and Academic Curriculum. Studies undertaken shape the thematic issues in the students' programs. Courses for all concentrations focus on:

• the specialization areas
• related educational areas, including academic disciplines

Requirements and distribution of hours are specified by each program area. For all concentrations, courses are selected based on program criteria and students' professional interests and goals. Programs of study must be approved by the advisor and members of the doctoral committee.

Electives (12 hours maximum)

Electives allow the student and advisor some flexibility in including coursework that either extends the number of hours in areas such as research methodology or includes previously taken graduate course hours that do not fit existing categories. Courses will be selected based on the students' professional interests and goals and approved by the advisor and doctoral committee.

Career Paths

Typical career paths allow individuals to blend their passion for research, leadership, and advocacy to positively impact the lives of young children and their families across diverse settings. These can include:

• University Professor/Researcher
• Research Institution Leadership
• Nonprofit Organization Leadership
• Government Agencies
• Curriculum Development Specialist
• Consultancy
• Advocacy Organizations
• Professional Development
• Publishing and Writing
• International Development

Employers

Our program’s value is well demonstrated through the employers our graduates have worked for:

• Northeastern State University
• University of Central Oklahoma
• Oklahoma Christian University
• Tulsa Technical College
• University of Oklahoma

Scholarships

• Barbara Brite Paul Early Childhood Education Endowed Scholarship
• Early Childhood Education Endowed Scholarship
• Mary Rule Murphy Endowed Scholarship Fund
• Ramona Ware Emmons Paul Early Childhood Education Endowed Scholarship

The Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) program in Instructional Leadership and Academic Curriculum in Early Childhood Education is directed toward the development of scholarly expertise in a field of study and is intended to serve individuals who have promise of making contributions to their areas of expertise.