Program Overview
The Ph.D. in Policy Studies in Urban Education at UIC focuses on policy, equity, leadership, curriculum, and pedagogy in urban contexts. It prepares graduates for careers in research, policy analysis, educational leadership, and curriculum development in urban school districts and other organizations. The program offers a wide range of courses, electives, and dissertation research opportunities, and students benefit from internships, research assistantships, and funding opportunities. Graduates are equipped to become leaders and agents for change in urban education systems.
Program Outline
Outline:
Content and Structure
This program focuses on issues of policy, equity, leadership, curriculum, and pedagogy in the urban context. It aims to prepare graduates for careers in research, policy analysis, educational leadership, and curriculum development in urban school districts and other organizations.
Course Schedule:
The program requires completion of 51 credit hours, including core courses, electives, and dissertation research. Core courses cover topics such as:
- History and Philosophy of Education
- Education Policy and Politics
- Urban School Leadership
- Educational Equity
- Qualitative and Quantitative Research Methods The program offers a wide range of electives in areas such as:
- Curriculum and Instruction
- Special Education
- Urban Higher Education
- Youth Development
- Gender and Women's Studies Students are also required to complete 6 credit hours of dissertation research.
Modules:
- _Foundations and History:_ This module explores the historical and philosophical roots of educational policy in the U.S., with a particular focus on the evolution of urban schooling. Courses may include:
- EDPS 502 Advanced Foundational Studies in Philosophy of Education
- EDPS 503 History and Historiography in Education
- _Policy Studies:_ This module delves into the theoretical frameworks, research methodologies, and key concepts of education policy analysis. Courses may include:
- EDPS 515 Urban Higher Education Organization and Context
- EDPS 555 Political Economy of Urban Education
- EDPS 571 The Education Policy Process
- _Leadership:_ This module examines different approaches to leadership and their implications for improving outcomes in urban schools and communities. Courses may include:
- EDPS 558 Leading Improvement of Mathematics Learning
- EDPS 573 Seminar in Education Leadership Practice
- EDPS 589 Administrative and Leadership Theory in Education
- _Equity & Social Justice:_ This module explores issues of inequality, race, ethnicity, class, gender, and disability in the context of urban education, focusing on critical approaches and research-informed strategies for promoting educational equity. Courses may include:
- EDPS 543 The Criminalization of Youth in Urban Schools
- EDPS 563 Politics of Gender, Sexuality, and Education
- EDPS 582 Cultural Pluralism and Educational Policy
- _Teaching and Learning:_ This module examines effective instructional practices, curriculum development, and assessment strategies that address the diverse learning needs of students in urban environments. Courses may include:
- EDPS 425 Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment in the Urban Secondary Classroom
- EDPS 543 The Criminalization of Youth in Urban Schools
- EDPS 556 Leading Classroom Diagnostics and Interventions
Assessment:
Assessment methods vary depending on the specific courses taken. They may include traditional assessments such as exams and papers, as well as project-based assessments, presentations, and reflective essays.
Teaching:
The program utilizes a variety of teaching methods, including lectures, seminars, guest speakers, and case studies. Faculty are experts in their fields with experience in research and practice related to urban education.
Careers:
Graduates of the program have gone on to pursue careers as researchers, policy analysts, educational leaders, curriculum developers, and faculty members at universities and colleges. Some graduates also work with non-profit organizations, advocacy groups, and government agencies.
Other:
- Students have opportunities for internships, research assistantships, and other professional development experiences.
- The program offers funding opportunities such as scholarships, fellowships, and assistantships.
Conclusion:
The Ph.D. in Policy Studies in Urban Education at UIC provides students with a comprehensive and interdisciplinary understanding of the complex issues facing urban education.