Early Childhood Education

The University of Oklahoma offers a Ph.D. in Instructional Leadership and Academic Curriculum with an emphasis in Early Childhood Education. This program prepares students to be leaders in the field, qualifying them for various professional roles such as expert teachers, mentors, administrators, advocates, researchers, instructional coaches, and higher education faculty.

Early Childhood Education Ph.D. - Norman Campus

The Instructional Leadership and Academic Curriculum Ph.D. with an emphasis in Early Childhood Education at the University of Oklahoma prepares students to be leaders in the field. Graduates of this program are qualified for a variety of professional roles. For example, graduates work as expert teachers, mentors, administrators, advocates, researchers, instructional coaches, and higher education faculty.

Course of Study

• Students in the Instructional Leadership and Academic Curriculum doctoral program will take courses in:
  • Theoretical Issues in the Curriculum and Instruction
  • Teaching and Learning
  • Research Methodology
  • The Specialization Area in which they are admitted
• New doctoral students in the Instructional Leadership and Academic Curriculum program also take a proseminar the first fall of their residency to orient them to the field, introduce them to professors, administrative leaders, and fellow students on campus, and to socialize them to the ethos of doctoral study and the academy.

Degree Information

• Core: 24 hours (minimum)
  • ILAC 6013 Proseminar in Instructional Leadership and Academic Curriculum (3 hours)
  • ILAC 6023 Theoretical Issues in Instructional Leadership and Academic Curriculum (3 hours)
  • ILAC 6003 Curriculum Theory (3 hours)
  • ILAC 5233 Understanding Different Cultures (3 hours) (course under revision)
  • Research Methodologies 12 hours (minimum)
• Concentration: 36 hours (minimum)
  • The concentration focuses on specializations within the field of Instructional Leadership and Academic Curriculum.
  • Studies undertaken shape the thematic issues in the students' programs, with either a broad Instructional Leadership emphasis or a specific program area emphasis.
• Electives: 12 hours (maximum)
  • Electives allow the student and advisor some flexibility in including coursework that either extends the number of hours in areas such as research methodology or includes previously taken graduate course hours that do not fit existing categories.
• Dissertation: 9-12 hours
  • Additional hours beyond the maximum 12 may be taken but will not be included as part of the 90-hour program.
• TOTAL HOURS: 90 hours beyond the Bachelor’s Degree

Early Childhood Education Ph.D. - Tulsa Campus

The University of Oklahoma offers the Ph.D. in Instructional Leadership and Academic Curriculum with a concentration in Early Childhood Education in its entirety on the Tulsa campus. Course delivery is typically in the evenings. If enrolled full-time, coursework can be completed in three years. Part-time enrollment will result in more time needed to complete courses. Coursework is followed by the writing of a doctoral dissertation. Time for completion of the dissertation varies from candidate to candidate.

Program Overview

The Ph.D. program is designed to prepare faculty researchers and leaders serving young children (birth through age eight) and their families, in multiple settings. The program will have a strong focus in research, leadership, and advocacy, as well as infant/toddler studies.

University of Oklahoma Summary

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Overview:

The University of Oklahoma (OU) is a comprehensive research university with a strong focus on innovation and educational excellence. It is a major contributor to the state of Oklahoma, impacting the lives of Oklahomans through scholarship, research, and healthcare. OU boasts a diverse student body representing 50 states, 76 Oklahoma counties, and 125+ countries.

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Services Offered:

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Student Life and Campus Experience:

OU offers a vibrant and diverse campus experience with over 400 student organizations. The university has a strong sense of community and is known for its spirited and driven atmosphere.

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Key Reasons to Study There:

Strong Research Focus:

OU is a highly ranked research university, designated as a Highest Research Activity institution by the Carnegie Foundation.

Top-Ranked Programs:

OU is ranked #1 in the country for Aviation and Atmospheric Science & Meteorology.

Diverse Student Body:

OU welcomes students from across the globe, fostering a rich and inclusive learning environment.

Vibrant Campus Life:

With over 400 student organizations, OU offers a wide range of opportunities for students to engage in extracurricular activities and build community.

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Academic Programs:

OU offers over 170 academic programs across various disciplines. The university is particularly known for its strengths in research, aviation, atmospheric science, and healthcare.

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Other:

• OU has three campuses located in Norman, Oklahoma City, and Tulsa.
• The university is committed to supporting the state of Oklahoma through its research and educational initiatives.
• OU has a strong alumni network, with 80% of Oklahoma's healthcare professionals being OU graduates.