Program Overview

Educational Foundations and Research Ph.D.

The Educational Foundations and Research program offers a multi-disciplinary study of educational issues, using applied research methods to confront critical problems in communities, supporting justice, equity, and reform efforts. This Ph.D. program from the University of North Dakota provides real-world preparation for students to succeed as university professors, education researchers, data analysts, educators, policymakers, program evaluators, and education or research consultants.

Program Details

• Program Type: Doctoral Degree
• Format: On Campus
• Estimated Time to Complete: 4-5 years
• Credit Hours: 90 (30 from master's)

Why Earn a Doctorate in Educational Foundations and Research?

The Ph.D. program in Educational Foundations and Research offers a deep dive into the intellectual and scholarly themes that are foundations to best practice in teaching and research. Drawing from the social sciences, humanistic traditions, and critical frameworks, this program provides real-world preparation for students to succeed in various roles.

Education Faculty Researchers

Classes are highly interactive, with teaching focused on research assessment, discussion, and project-based application to real-world educational issues. Faculty researchers include:

• Virginia Clinton-Lisell
• Cheryl Hunter
• Joshua Hunter
• Steven LeMire (Ph.D. Director)
• Diana D'Amico Pawlewicz
• Robert Stupnisky
• Pempho Chinkondenji

Program Highlights

• Work closely with faculty mentors in authoring publications and presenting research.
• Pursue research in your area of passion, with highly customizable programs and class times accommodating working professionals.
• Learn the newest research methodologies and technology, using leading theories to tackle current education issues.
• Become highly employable by developing actionable skills paired with content knowledge highly sought after by various industries.

Educational Foundations and Research Careers

The demand for education professionals with advanced degrees is growing nationwide across a variety of industries. A Ph.D. in Educational Foundations and Research prepares students to make their mark as:

• University professors
• Research analysts
• Educators
• Leaders
• Policymakers
• Program evaluators
• Consultants in settings such as higher education, P-12 schools, federal and state agencies, nongovernmental organizations, and curricular and program evaluation.

Educational Foundations and Research Ph.D. Courses

• Psychological Foundations of Education (EFR 501): A study of the learning process with secondary emphasis on how the learning process is affected by individual differences, growth and development, and personality.
• Multivariate Statistics (EFR 518): Multiple regression in generalized problem solving; discriminant analysis, factor analysis, multivariate analysis, canonical analysis, and multivariate analysis of covariance.
• Multicultural Education (EFR 506): A review of the conceptual, historical, and theoretical aspects of multicultural education.
• Translational and Pluralistic Designs in Qualitative Research (EFR 520): Designing the qualitative study: advanced methodologies.
• Educational Equity and Social Change in Schooling (EFR 505): Students study how education, and specifically schooling, has shifted with changing social and cultural conditions.
• Advanced Ethnographic Methodology: Inquiry into Culture (EFR 508): This course introduces the central concepts and methods employed by cultural anthropologists in the study of educational processes.

Application Deadlines

• Priority Deadline: January 15
• Final Deadline: February 15 International students should refer to the international application process for deadlines.