Program Overview

Early Childhood Curriculum and Instruction Studies Ph.D.

Program Overview

The Curriculum and Instruction Ph.D. with a concentration in Early Childhood Studies develops educational leaders, researchers, and facilitators of social change for children, their families, and their teachers and caregivers. Research and scholarship are created to increase equity, social justice, and life opportunities for young people. Graduates prepare for diverse teaching, research, and administrative responsibilities.

Program Details

• Degree Type: Doctoral Degree
• Format: On Campus
• Estimated Time to Complete: 3-4 years
• Credit Hours: 60

Marketable Skills

• Lead learning organizations
• Use theory, research, best practices
• Engage community for social justice
• Develop organizational agendas promoting success
• Manage resources/services promoting success

Program Highlights

• Receive a firm grounding in educational theory, pedagogical practice, and research methodology.
• Engage in educational efforts focused on social justice and equity.
• Develop research agendas to pursue your professional career.
• Prepare to be a leader in research and pedagogy.
• Gain an integrative perspective on education.

Career Opportunities

The Doctor of Philosophy degree in Curriculum and Instruction prepares graduates for careers as scholars, researchers, or teacher educators in higher education or to hold research-oriented leadership positions.

Sample Courses

• Culture, Identity, and Education (3 hrs) Examination of conceptions of culture and notions of multiculturalism, interculturalism, and transculturalism in education. Attention is on related concepts, especially social identity, and on the conduct of research in various sociocultural contexts.
• Theoretical Foundations for Educational Studies (3 hrs) Theoretical perspectives of major importance in educational studies today. Attention is given to the contexts in which the theories have developed, to the major claims that are made, and to the means by which the claims are supported.
• Current Readings and Research in Early Childhood Studies (3 hrs) Critical readings of historical and current research in early childhood studies. Contributes to students’ roles as professionals in the field by involving students in determination of research application to practice. Students lead discussions on self-directed readings.
• Contemporary Critical Issues in Early Childhood Studies (3 hrs) Examines contemporary critical issues influencing early childhood studies and public policy affecting young children. Issues include contemporary discourses, societal institutions, educational supports, and cultures/families/communities as well as societal and educational equity.
• Advocacy/Activism in Early Childhood Studies (3 hrs) Critically examines the rationale, political agendas, evidence perspectives, and program and policy issues involved in early childhood initiatives and service systems. Readings and discussions focus on the ways that emerging policies and programs strengthen or inhibit supports for young children.
• Traditions of Inquiry (3 hrs) History, theoretical assumptions, and methodological issues associated with major traditions of inquiry in educational studies.