Program Overview

Foundations of Education, Ph.D.

College of Education

Our students study cultural, historical and social perspectives of education in local, national, global and comparative contexts and multiple methodological approaches to research.

Join a community of scholars examining the intersection of education and politics from interdisciplinary perspectives. Gain expertise in foundations of education and qualitative research methodologies. Our program offers depth and flexibility in the study of social, philosophical and historical issues and research projects to meet individual interests and career goals.

Program Highlights

• Design Your Program: Develop your area of expertise through a specialization and cognate based on an area of personal interest.
• Internship Experience: Bring the curriculum of the program into focus in a real-world setting with an equity and justice internship.
• Interdisciplinary Studies: Combine research skills with the human factors, behavior and cultural differences influencing education and learning via various courses.
• Convenient Courses: Attend evening classes designed for those who have other commitments and need part-time enrollment.

What You’ll Study

Students in this program distinguish themselves as interdisciplinary researchers and leaders who focus on issues of access, equity and justice in higher education, and they'll be prepared for leadership positions in state government, nongovernmental organizations and schools.

Building Skills

Gain the professional and personal intelligence it takes to have a successful career.

• Teaching: Foster learning by conveying knowledge, skills and concepts to students
• Research: Gathering and analyzing information to increase knowledge or solve problems
• Writing: Creating professional written content for inclusion in scholarly journal articles, books and reports
• Collaboration: Working with others to achieve a common goal or objective
• Problem Solving: Identifying, analyzing and resolving problems or challenges using creative and effective strategies
• Initiative: Taking action and demonstrating leadership without being prompted or directed by others

Using your degree

Make your college experience the foundation for a successful future.

• Potential Careers:
  • Researcher
  • Leader
  • Faculty Member
  • Assessment Director
  • Policy Manager
• Workplace Settings:
  • Higher Education
  • K-12 Teaching and Leadership
  • Research Institutes
  • Government
  • Non-governmental Organizations (NGOs)

I believe the EDFI courses challenged me to consider fundamental truths of education, and provided an opportunity to engage in serious critique. I connected on a deep level with my fellow classmates to seek understanding of various viewpoints.

Theresa Harrison