Program Overview

Introduction to the Ph.D. in Education: Curriculum and Instruction

The Ph.D. in Education with an emphasis in Curriculum and Instruction is designed for students interested in developing expertise in teaching and teacher education, curricular development and implementation, subject-specific areas, and issues in pre-K through college education.

Program Overview

This emphasis area is for students interested in developing expertise in teaching and teacher education, curricular development and implementation in subject and/or grade-specific areas, and/or issues that reach across education. Individuals pursuing this degree may go on to pursue careers as researchers and teacher educators, become advanced teachers or instructional coaches within schools, or become curriculum specialists working in a variety of contexts.

Admission Requirements

• Undergraduate and Graduate GPA 3.00 (university requirements)
• Preference for applicants who hold a master's degree from a regionally accredited institution in an area appropriately related to education. High achieving applicants who possess only a Bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution will be considered. Emphasis of prior degree area(s) should be appropriately related to education.
• Program application form
• Complete vita/resume
• Sample of scholarly writing
• Essay of intent - should include qualifications for completing a doctoral degree and reasons for pursuing the degree
• International Studies: TOEFL score of 550 (unless you have a college degree from a U.S. institution)
• Three letters of recommendation from professionals qualified to judge potential for success in doctoral work
• Preferred: at least three years teaching or commensurate experience

Admission Deadlines

Applications and all associated documents must be received by the following dates to be considered:

• Fall Semester: July 1
• Spring Semester: October 1

Program Structure

The Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) program requires a minimum of 72 credits beyond the baccalaureate degree, which includes a minimum of 12 credits of dissertation. Of the remaining 72 credits, a maximum of 24 credits (with grades of B or better) may be applied from a master's degree program or previous post-baccalaureate graduate studies program toward the doctoral degree.

Research and Required Core

• 24 credits: Research and required core
  • Doctoral Seminar in Education
  • One Quantitative research course
  • One Qualitative research course
  • Additional research courses (may be chosen from courses above, others from below with approval of advisor)
    • Program Development and Evaluation
    • Survey Research in Education
    • Research Applications in Education
    • Mixed Methods Research in Education
    • Special topics research course such as Single Subject Design
    • Others from outside COE (with approval)

Area of Emphasis

• 36 credits (dependent upon number of dissertation credits carried): Area of emphasis
• Coursework is determined by the Advisory/Examining Committee in close consultation with the student.
• Credits brought in from Master's degree may apply to area of emphasis.

Dissertation

• Minimum of 12 credits: Dissertation
• The dissertation is the culminating experience for the doctoral degree. It represents an independent research project that makes a contribution to the field of study.

Program Faculty

• Curriculum and Instruction
  • Jessica Gallo, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Secondary Education
  • Teruni Lamberg, Ph.D., Professor of Elementary Mathematics
  • Jennifer Mahon, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Sociocultural Education
  • Ian McGregor, Ph.D., PackTeach Coordinator and Assistant Professor of Secondary Education
  • Robert J. Quinn, Ed.D., Professor of Mathematics Education
  • Carolyn S. F. Silva, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Elementary Education

Program Goal

The program goal is for all students to complete the doctoral degree within 5-6 years. Research has shown that students who work on this trajectory have the highest chance of ultimately completing their doctoral studies. The best way to meet this objective is full-time studies; however, the program also accommodates part-time students. Students are advised to work closely with their initial advisor and ultimately their chair to develop a timeline and program of study that meets their career goal and is most likely to result in completion.