Program Overview

Graduate Programs

Doctor of Philosophy in Science Education

The proposed PhD program in Science Education prepares students to address key research issues related to Science education in the UAE. Students in the program will acquire expertise in applying and evaluating appropriate research methodologies to inform recent developments in the field of Science education.

Program Objectives

• Offer a rigorous and innovative discipline-based knowledge that prepares students to succeed in a globally challenging, competitive and changing environment.
• Develop graduates' scholarly inquiry grounded in research and the reality of practice in education.
• Enhance graduates' professional growth, lifelong learning skills and leadership competencies in the area of specialization for career opportunities in educational sectors.
• Provide opportunities for graduates to adhere to professional integrity and research ethics, and be committed to values related to the area of specialization.
• Prepare graduates to be inquisitive, to reason critically, and to communicate clearly and effectively.

Program Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this program, students will be able to:

• Analyze educational issues and topics of interest in the field of Science Education.
• Create an original research in Science Education that adds to human knowledge.
• Assess issues, decisions, or practices in Science Education applying relevant research methodology to finding a possible solution.
• Explain the major tenets of Science Education orally, and in writing, to different audience.
• Devise strategies or actions that resolve ethical issues in Science Education.
• Apply research skills in Science Education to other work environments and career opportunities inside and outside academia.

Degree Requirements

Required Credit Hours

• Minimum 60 hours

Core Courses

• Required Courses (9 hours)
  • CURR701: Curriculum Theory and Practice (3 hours)
  • FOED702: Organizational theory in educational leadership (3 hours)
  • SPED704: Teaching Students from Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Background (3 hours)
• Research Methodology Requirements (9 hours)
  • CURR710: Quantitative Research Methods in Education (3 hours)
  • CURR713: Qualitative Research Methods in Education (3 hours)
  • CURR715: Mixed Methods Research in Education (3 hours)

Specialization Elective Courses

• Students should take any 3 courses from the following list (9 hours)
  • CURR702: Theory and research on learning and teaching science (3 hours)
  • CURR720: Philosophical and historical perspectives in science education (3 hours)
  • CURR721: Science teacher education: Theory and practice (3 hours)
  • CURR722: Current issues in science education (3 hours)
  • CURR732: Assessment in science education (3 hours)

Electives

• Students should take one course only from the following courses (3 hours)
  • CURR724: Independent Study in Science Education (3 hours)
  • CURR730: Advanced studies in science teaching methods (3 hours)
  • STAT712: Advanced Quantitative Research Methods (3 hours)

Qualification Requirements

• Required Courses
  • CURR800: Comprehensive Examination (0 hours)
  • CURR810: Research Proposal (0 hours)

Research Requirements

• Required Courses (30 hours)
  • CURR900: Dissertation Research (30 hours)
  • CURR910: Dissertation Defense (0 hours)