Doctor of Philosophy in Curriculum and Instruction
Program Overview
Doctor of Philosophy in Curriculum and Instruction
Overview
The PhD in Curriculum and Instruction program is designed to intensify your studies in educational practice and develop new theories of learning and teaching through rigorous research. You will actively engage in scholarly inquiry and collaborate with faculty on major research projects.
Program of Study
Core Courses
- Principles of Curriculum Development
- Principles of Instruction
- Foundations of Research in Curriculum and Instruction
Specialization
Choose five or more courses within your specific area of interest.
Minor Field of Study/Electives
Select a coherent series of courses in subjects related to your chosen specialization.
Inquiry Courses
Take four courses in quantitative and qualitative research methodologies.
Other Requirements
- Research Tool Exam
- The Gateway Paper Review
- Qualifying Exam
- Dissertation
Areas of Specialization
Learning, Teaching, and Teacher Education
Study learning, teaching, and learning to teach across disciplines in diverse school contexts, including teaching and teacher education, humanizing pedagogies, reflective practices, and school improvement, all with a focus on social justice and equity.
- Faculty: Jonathan Foster, Julie Learned, Brett Levy, Alan Oliveira, Carol Rodgers, Robert Yagelski
Learning Sciences and Technology
Conduct interdisciplinary research on how people learn and how to design productive learning and educational practice with new technologies, such as online learning, collaborative/social technologies, virtual games, computational devices, and AI-augmented learning environments and analytics.
- Faculty: Reza Feyzi-Behnagh, Jonathan Foster, Peter Shea, Lijun Ni, Jianwei Zhang
Language and Technology
Examine language and literacy education with, through, and around digital screens and how the language of instruction, orchestrated in alignment with technology affordances, comes to shape learning environments, opportunities, processes, outcomes, and teacher preparation for both online and classroom contexts.
- Faculty: Alan Oliveira, Peter Shea
Literacy, Language, and Culture
Research the dynamic and interconnected roles of literacies, languages, and cultures in learning, including English education, disciplinary literacy, instructional discourse, the creation of just and inclusive contexts, and students' cultural and linguistic practices in school-based and out-of-school learning.
- Faculty: Alex Kumi-Yeboah, Julie Learned, Robert Yagelski
Science and Mathematics Education
Examine critical issues in the teaching and learning of science, mathematics, and computer science at the K-12 and post-secondary levels, such as disciplinary thinking and practices, classroom discourse, integration of technology, computing education, and environmental education.
- Faculty: Jonathan Foster, Alan Oliveira, Lijun Ni, Jianwei Zhang
TESOL and Second Language Acquisition
Explore concepts in TESOL and second language acquisition as related to pragmatics, cognitive linguistics, intercultural communication, and multilingualism.
- Faculty: Istvan Kecskes
Society, Equity, and Social Studies
Examine social studies education in K-12 as well as the role of education in fostering just and equitable societies, addressing key issues in civic engagement, equity in education, and socially just teaching.
- Faculty: Brett Levy, Alan Oliveira, Carol Rodgers, Alex Kumi-Yeboah
Careers
The PhD program prepares you to succeed as an academic scholar and instructor at higher education institutions or pursue curriculum and teaching leadership positions in K-12 schools, continuing and community education centers, and training departments.
- Common Job Titles: Educational Researcher, Professor or Teaching Faculty, Senior Instructional Designer, and Instructional Technology Director.
- Common Employers: Colleges and Universities, Public School Districts, Businesses and Corporations, Nonprofit Organizations, State, Regional, and Federal Agencies, Ministries of Education, United States Department of Defense, Medical Centers and Teaching Hospitals.
Admissions Requirements
Deadlines
- Departmental Assistantship Consideration:
- Fall: February 25
- Spring: November 19
- Summer: February 25
- No Departmental Assistantship Consideration:
- Fall: Rolling
- Spring: Rolling
- Summer: Rolling
Required Application Materials
- Transcripts from all schools attended
- Three letters of recommendation (Two of the three required letters of recommendation must be from faculty addressing applicant's potential to succeed in the PhD program.)
- GRE
- Statement of Background and Goals
Student Learning Objectives
Our doctoral students:
- Develop in-depth knowledge of current research and theory in their particular area of specialization.
- Are able to articulate researchable educational problems and plan and carry out well-framed studies that address these problems.
- Are able to read and write critically and analytically on critical issues in educational theory and research.
- Are able to participate effectively in the community of educational researchers, including collaborative working groups, professional presentations, and publication in formats and genres appropriate to their fields of specialization.
Entry Requirements:
Transcripts from all schools attended:
This requirement applies to all applicants, regardless of their origin. Applicants must provide official transcripts from every educational institution they have attended, including high schools, colleges, and universities. These transcripts should reflect the applicant's academic performance, including courses taken, grades earned, and degrees obtained.
Three letters of recommendation:
Applicants must submit three letters of recommendation from individuals who can attest to their academic abilities and potential for success in the PhD program. Two of these letters must be from faculty members who have taught the applicant and can speak to their intellectual curiosity, research skills, and writing abilities. The third letter of recommendation can be from another source, such as a professional supervisor, mentor, or colleague, who can offer insights into the applicant's work ethic, interpersonal skills, and motivation.
GRE:
The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is required for all applicants. The GRE is a standardized test that assesses verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, and analytical writing skills. Applicants are encouraged to take the GRE as early as possible to ensure that their scores are available when they submit their applications.
Statement of Background and Goals:
Applicants must submit a personal statement that outlines their academic background, research interests, career goals, and reasons for applying to the PhD program. The statement should be approximately 2-3 pages in length and should be written in a clear and concise style.
Available information for International Applicants:
International applicants must also submit the following documents:
- Passport or other official identification document
- English language proficiency test scores (TOEFL, IELTS, or PTE)
- Financial support documentation
Additional Notes:
- Applicants who have previously been convicted of a felony are advised to contact the Dean's Office of the PhD program to discuss their eligibility. This suggests that all international applicants, regardless of their native language, are required to demonstrate their English language proficiency. It is recommended that interested applicants contact the PhD program directly to inquire about the required language proficiency scores.
