Program Overview

Introduction to the Doctor of Philosophy in Curriculum and Instruction

The Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Curriculum and Instruction is a rigorous academic program designed to prepare students for careers in education and related fields. The program focuses on developing the knowledge, professional skills, ethical sensibilities, and leadership potential necessary to make a positive impact in the lives of children and youth.

Program Overview

The Ph.D. program in Curriculum and Instruction is offered by the Teaching, Curriculum, and Society (TCS) department at the Lynch School of Education and Human Development. The program consists of 18 courses (54 credits) and typically takes four to five years to complete. Students can begin the program only in the fall semester.

Specializations

The program offers several specializations, including:

• Educational Leadership and Policy: This specialization focuses on how educational leaders engage in policy and practice to support education reform and instructional improvement.
• Language, Literacy, and Disability: This specialization fosters an understanding of varied methodological and theoretical approaches to the study of language, literacy, and disability in cultural contexts.
• Methods and Modes of Inquiry in Curriculum & Instruction: This specialization is appropriate for students interested in answering research questions related to inquiry methodologies.
• Science, Mathematics, and Technology: This specialization is interdisciplinary, encompassing a range of work including innovative technologies, inclusive teaching, and design of learning environments.

Curriculum

The program curriculum includes:

• Core courses (12 credits): Students must complete four core courses, including Research on Teaching, Historical and Political Contexts of Curriculum, Independent Study, and Dissertation Seminar in Curriculum and Instruction.
• Quantitative Strand (6 credits): Students must choose one of two sequences and complete both courses in the sequence.
• Qualitative Strand (6 credits): Students must complete a course on Design of Qualitative Research Methods and select another qualitative methods course with the help of their advisor.
• Advanced Research (6 credits): Students will select one additional advanced methods course with the help of their advisor.
• Major Areas of Study (18 credits): Students will select six courses in their major area of study with the help of their advisor.
• Electives (6 credits): Students will choose two electives with the help of their advisor.
• Specializations: Students will choose 6 courses from their chosen specialization(s).

Learning Outcomes

Students in the Curriculum and Instruction doctoral program will be prepared for a variety of professional roles in education and related fields. They will be mentored in conducting empirical and/or conceptual research and will receive training in preparing and submitting their research to peer-reviewed journal outlets.

Requirements

The program requires:

• 18 courses (54 credits)
• A dissertation
• A comprehensive exam
• Full-time study (part-time study is not available)

Faculty

The TCS department has a diverse faculty with expertise in various areas, including curriculum and instruction, educational leadership, language and literacy, and science, mathematics, and technology.

Tuition and Aid

The Lynch School of Education and Human Development provides more than $10.8 million in financial aid to students each year. All full-time Ph.D. students receive a multi-year funding package that includes full tuition remission, a living stipend, and medical insurance coverage.

Careers

Graduates of the program can pursue careers as deans, assistant professors, research associates, principals, post-doctoral fellows, and curriculum directors. They can work in universities, research institutions, schools, and other educational organizations.

Application and Deadlines

The application deadline for the fall semester is December 1. Applicants must submit a personal statement, resume, letters of recommendation, transcripts, and a writing sample. The program does not require GRE scores, but applicants can submit them if they wish. International students must submit a course-by-course evaluation of their transcript(s) and a TOEFL or IELTS test result that meets the minimum score requirement.