phd in education requirements

Earning A Doctoral Degree In Education: What You Need To Know

Updated: Oct 31, 2023, 10:19am

For many professionals working in education, earning a doctorate is a great way to learn new skills, explore challenges, and reach personal and career goals.

Earning a doctoral degree in education can help advance your career in research, academia and leadership. With this degree, you could engage in impactful research to solve challenges in education or develop practical ways to support faculty and staff at every level.

This article explores doctoral degrees in education, including admission requirements, specializations, common courses and job options. Keep reading to see if pursuing this degree is right for you.

Why You Can Trust Forbes Advisor Education

Forbes Advisor’s education editors are committed to producing unbiased rankings and informative articles covering online colleges, tech bootcamps and career paths. Our ranking methodologies use data from the National Center for Education Statistics , education providers, and reputable educational and professional organizations. An advisory board of educators and other subject matter experts reviews and verifies our content to bring you trustworthy, up-to-date information. Advertisers do not influence our rankings or editorial content.

• 6,290 accredited, nonprofit colleges and universities analyzed nationwide
• 52 reputable tech bootcamp providers evaluated for our rankings
• All content is fact-checked and updated on an annual basis
• Rankings undergo five rounds of fact-checking
• Only 7.12% of all colleges, universities and bootcamp providers we consider are awarded

What Is a Doctorate in Education?

A doctorate in education equips scholars and education professionals with the advanced knowledge and skills needed to move into higher-level positions. Graduates may earn a doctor of education (Ed.D.) or a doctor of philosophy in education (Ph.D.) . Doctorates in education often specialize in certain areas, such as educational leadership, special education or literacy.

A doctorate in education typically requires between 48 and 72 credits of coursework. Students can usually earn their degree within three or four years, including time to complete a dissertation. However, each school determines its own requirements, so total credits and time commitment will vary.

Admission Requirements for a Doctoral Degree in Education

While each program sets its own standard for admissions, the following list covers common requirements.

• Master’s degree
• Academic transcript showing a minimum GPA, typically 3.0 to 3.5
• Résumé or curriculum vitae detailing relevant professional experience
• Statement of purpose and/or personal statement
• Letters of recommendation
• Writing sample, such as a published article, term paper or thesis
• Demonstration of English proficiency, sometimes through a test

Prospective students often must submit an application fee and complete an interview with program faculty.

Specializations for Doctoral Degrees in Education

Doctoral students can pursue a wide variety of specializations. Offerings vary by institution and degree type, though some specializations apply to both Ph.D. and Ed.D. programs.

Popular focus areas for doctoral degrees in education include:

• Agricultural education
• Career and technical education
• Curriculum and teaching
• Early childhood education
• Educational technology
• English language learning
• Exercise science
• General education
• Instructional leadership
• International education and globalization
• Leadership and counseling
• Learning analytics in higher education
• Organizational leadership
• Science and mathematics education
• Special education
• Trauma-informed educational practices

Common Courses in a Doctorate in Education

Doctorate coursework includes both core classes and concentration courses. Below, review a few common courses you might encounter in an education doctoral program.

Foundations of Advanced Graduate Study and Research

This course provides an overview of a doctoral program’s many concepts, practices and expectations. Students learn about university resources, such as learning and research technology.

Scholarly Literature Review

In this class, learners develop an understanding of research and writing strategies, an essential skill for their doctoral program and future careers. They learn techniques for surveying scholarly literature, avoiding bias, identifying themes and theoretical perspectives, and reflecting different viewpoints in their writing.

Introduction to Statistics: Inquiry, Analysis and Decision Making

In this course, learners study approaches to analyzing quantitative information. Enrollees evaluate real-world data and learn about the importance of statistics in policy decisions.

Doctoral Comprehensive Assessment: Pre-Candidacy Prospectus

Students enroll in this class after completing their foundation, specialization and research coursework. Using the knowledge and research techniques they’ve learned, students create a prospectus that addresses a problem within an educational context, which may serve as the starting point for their dissertation.

Accreditation for Doctoral Degrees in Education

Accreditation affirms that a college or program meets high standards for quality education and state licensing requirements. Educational institutions may be accredited nationally or regionally.

Programmatic accreditation applies to specific departments, degree programs and colleges within educational institutions. For education degrees, this distinction is crucial. It ensures the program properly equips graduates for high-level work in classrooms, universities and education-focused organizations.

Programmatic Accreditation

The Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation is the largest professional accrediting body for doctoral degrees in education. This organization focuses on metrics like student performance data, program impact, fiscal responsibility and clinical practice.

Departments may also earn accreditation from the newer, smaller Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation (AAQEP). AAQEP uses a collaborative, flexible, improvement-focused, holistic approach to accreditation.

Finally, some agencies provide accreditation for specific areas of study within education. For example, the American Psychological Association accredits school psychology programs .

Ph.D. in Education vs. Ed.D.: What’s the Difference?

While an Ed.D. and a Ph.D. in education can both prepare you for high-level careers in academia, these two degrees differ in scope.

A Ph.D. in education is ideal if you want to conduct scholarly research or teach at a college or university. It will help you develop research techniques, understand the principles of inquiry and hone your teaching skills.

If you aim to use your knowledge in practice rather than research, an Ed.D. may suit you better. A doctor of education degree readies you to work in leadership positions directly with students, teachers and other education professionals.

What Can You Do With a Doctorate in Education?

Earning a doctorate in education prepares you for various careers in academia. Consider the following list of potential jobs, including education requirements and salary information. We sourced salary data for this section from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and Payscale in October 2023.

Average Annual Salary: $167,000 Minimum Required Education: Doctorate Job Overview: Provosts serve as senior-level administrators in universities and colleges. They may oversee educational program development, allocate funds to departments, work to maintain academic integrity, and provide guidance and leadership to students.

Academic Dean

Average Annual Salary: $103,000 Minimum Required Education: Doctorate Job Overview: Academic deans manage personnel and development in educational institutions. They work with faculty and staff to establish academic goals and strategies. They also participate in hiring faculty and staff, oversee budgets, develop academic standards for their departments, and aid in recruitment and retention.

Median Annual Salary: $80,840 Minimum Required Education: Doctorate Job Overview: Professors, also referred to as postsecondary teachers, instruct students in colleges and universities. They may also research and publish books or scholarly papers. Professors plan and develop lessons and assignments, guide students, and stay up-to-date on new technologies and innovations in their areas of expertise.

School Superintendent

Average Annual Salary: $139,000 Minimum Required Education: Master’s in education , doctorate sometimes preferred Job Overview: As the highest-ranking school system administrators, superintendents work under the supervision and direction of a school board. They hire school principals, manage and terminate employees, adhere to budgets and solve problems within the district.

Postsecondary Education Administrator

Median Annual Salary: $99,940 as of May 2022 Minimum Required Education: Master’s in education leadership or a related field, sometimes bachelor’s degree Job Overview: Postsecondary education administrators work in university departments, such as student affairs, athletics or admissions. Their duties depend on their department. For example, a registrar’s office administrator oversees registration and academic policies, while an admissions administrator handles applications and applicants’ questions.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Earning a Doctoral Degree in Education

How long does it take to earn a doctorate in education.

Earning a doctoral degree in education typically takes three to four years, but some programs require more or less time. Each educational institution sets its own credit requirements.

Is getting a doctorate in education hard?

Earning a doctorate in education requires dedication and commitment. But that challenge might be worth it if you’re passionate about education and want to learn new skills to propel your career forward.

• Best Affordable Early Childhood Education Degrees Online
• Best Online Doctorate In Educational Leadership Programs
• Best Master’s In ESL Online Programs
• Where Can You Earn An Online Ph.D. In Special Education
• Best Master’s In Education Online
• The Best And Worst States For Teaching Jobs
• Early Childhood Education Degrees Online: Best
• Best Online Teaching Degrees
• Best Online Ed.D. Programs
• Best Online Elementary Education Degrees
• Best Online History Degrees
• Best Higher Education Online Master’s Programs
• Where To Earn An Online Physical Education Degree
• Best Online Secondary Education Degrees
• Guide To Early Childhood Education Careers
• Finding A Career In Educational Leadership
• Higher Education Career Guide
• How To Become A Professor
• Career Paths For Different Types Of Teachers
• Earning A Bachelor’s Degree In Early Childhood Education
• Earning An Associate Degree In Education
• Your Guide To Earning A Master’s In Higher Education
• Earning An Associate In Early Childhood Education
• Earning A Master’s In Early Childhood Education
• What Can You Do With An English Degree?

Best Online Doctorates In Education Of 2024

The Best And Worst States For Teaching Jobs In 2024

Where Can You Earn A Ph.D. In Early Childhood Education Online In 2024?

Best Online Ph.D.s in Educational Leadership Of 2024

Best Early Childhood Education Associate Degrees Online Of 2024

Best Online Master’s In Educational Leadership Programs Of 2024

Sheryl Grey is a freelance writer who specializes in creating content related to education, aging and senior living, and real estate. She is also a copywriter who helps businesses grow through expert website copywriting, branding and content creation. Sheryl holds a Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communications from Indiana University South Bend, and she received her teacher certification training through Bethel University’s Transition to Teaching program.

• Future Students
• Current Students
• Faculty/Staff

Admissions & Aid

• Admissions Home
• Application Requirements
• Financing Options
• Diversity Profile

You are here

Application requirements for all doctoral programs (phd).

All of our doctoral programs are designed to develop outstanding educational researchers who have a deep understanding of the scientific, practical and policy issues they study. All require full-time study, and we promise five years of full-time financial support for every student we admit. Our doctoral programs are small, typically ranging from about 25 to 35 new students a year. The small size of our doctoral cohorts creates big educational advantages for students: the classes are almost always small, students receive individualized attention from their advisors, and they have many opportunities to develop close collegial relationships with fellow students.

It is extremely important to demonstrate in your statement of purpose that your interests converge closely with the current research of faculty who work in the program to which you are applying. Other doctoral applicants will certainly do this, and if you don't, you will forfeit an important competitive advantage to them. 

If you wish to contact faculty, please read our Which Degree Which Program article, by Professor Eamonn Callan, which outlines the appropriate process for contacting faculty with whom you share research interests. 

• Program website:  Degrees and Programs/PhD
• Length of Program:  5 years (average length)
• Tuition: fellowship/assistantship salary and tuition guaranteed for first five years of the program (autumn, winter and spring quarters) for all students, including international students. Funding includes two summers.

Application Requirements:

Application form.

Complete and submit Stanford's graduate online application .

Application Fee

The application fee is $125 , is non-refundable, and must be received by the application deadline.

Application Fee Waivers

Stanford offers three types of application fee waivers for which GSE applicants may apply and be considered:

• GRE Fee Reduction Certificate-Based Waiver
• Diversity Program Participation-Based Waiver
• School-Based Waiver

Please visit the Stanford Graduate Diversity website for instructions, deadlines, and the fee waiver application form.

Statement of Purpose

A Statement of Purpose is required. Your statement should be typed, single-spaced and should be between one to two pages . Describe succinctly your reasons for applying to the proposed program, your preparation for this field of study, and why our program is a good fit for you, your future career plans, and other aspects of your background as well as interests which may aid the admissions committee in evaluating your aptitude and motivation for graduate study. You may indicate potential faculty mentors as part of your study and research interests. Be sure to keep a copy for your records. What's a Good Statement of Purpose?

A resume or CV  is required of all applicants, depending on which document is most appropriate for your background. There is no page limit for resumes or CVs, though we typically see resumes of one page in length. Please upload your resume or CV in the online application.

Three (3) Letters of Recommendation

Applicants are required to submit three letters of recommendation . In the online application, you will be asked to identify your recommenders and their email addresses. Please notify your recommenders that they will receive an email prompt to submit their recommendation online. You can submit your request for letters of recommendation through the system without submitting the entire online application.  Stanford GSE only accepts online recommendations through the application system ; Stanford GSE cannot accept mailed, emailed or faxed recommendations.

Recommendations should be written by people who have supervised you in an academic, employment, or community service setting. We very strongly recommend that at least one of these letters be from a university professor familiar with your academic work. Your recommendations should directly address your suitability for admission to a graduate program at Stanford GSE.

It is the applicant's responsibility to ensure that all three letters of recommendation are submitted through the system by the application deadline , so please work closely with your recommenders to remind them of the deadline.

College and University Transcripts

Transcripts are required from every college and university you have attended for at least one academic year as a full-time student. When submitting your online application, transcripts should be uploaded to the application as a scanned copy or PDF ; this is sufficient for the application review process. Please refrain from sending a secured PDF/transcript with a digital signature as our system cannot upload these properly. The best way to ensure we receive an upload-able document is for you to print out the secured transcript, scan it, and upload the scanned copy (not to exceed 10MB) as a PDF. 

If you earned a degree at the institution from which you are submitting a transcript, please ensure that the degree conferral date and the degree conferred is clearly visible on the document. If you are currently enrolled in a degree program and will not have earned the respective degree by the time of submitting your GSE application, you should submit your most recent in-progress transcript from your institution.

Only if admitted will we contact you with instructions on sending two copies of your official transcripts to our office. We cannot accept mailed, emailed or faxed copies of your transcripts during the application process. Please note: the instructions for sending transcripts on the online application and on the general Stanford Graduate Admissions Office website differ from this Stanford GSE requirement.

Concerning course work completed in a study abroad program

If the coursework and grades are reflected on the transcript of your home institution, you do not need to submit original transcripts from the study abroad institution.

Concerning foreign institutions

If your institution provides a transcript in a language other than English, we require that you submit a translation of the transcript that is either provided by the institution or a certified translator. Translations must be literal and complete versions of the original records.

If your transcript does not include your degree conferral date and the degree conferred , please submit a scanned copy of your diploma, a conferral statement, or a conferral document in addition to your transcript . If you are currently enrolled in a degree program and will not have earned the respective degree by the time of submitting your GSE application, you should submit your most recent in-progress transcript from your institution.

Stanford University requires the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) from all applicants whose native language is not English. The GSE requires a minimum TOEFL score of 250 for the computer-based test, 600 for the paper-based test or 100 for the internet-based test in order to be considered for admission. The Test of Written English (TWE) portion of the TOEFL is not required. Applicants who have completed a four-year bachelor's degree or a two-year master's program (or its equivalent) in the U.S. or at an institution where English is the main language of instruction are not required to take the TOEFL. For more information on TOEFL requirements, please refer to the Required Exams  page on the main Stanford Graduate Admissions website. You may register for the TOEFL test directly at the ETS website .

TOEFL Dates and Deadlines

PhD applicants who are required to take the TOEFL should plan to take the internet-based TOEFL test and have official TOEFL scores sent electronically to Stanford at institution code 4704 (department code does not matter) no later than November 1 . This will give your official TOEFL scores time to be sent from ETS and be received by our system in time for the December 1 deadline. PhD applicants to Knight-Hennessy Scholars should plan to take the internet-based TOEFL test no later than October 16 so your scores can be received by our system in time for the November 16 KHS GSE deadline. Please note that the TOEFL may be taken no earlier than 18 months prior to the application deadline.

Does Stanford accept tests other than TOEFL?

No. We accept only TOEFL scores; we do not accept IELTS or other test scores.

Contact Information

Admissions:  [email protected]  

• Financial Aid
• Current Student Info

Stanford Graduate School of Education

482 Galvez Mall Stanford, CA 94305-3096 Tel: (650) 723-2109

• Contact Admissions
• GSE Leadership
• Site Feedback
• Web Accessibility
• Career Resources
• Faculty Open Positions
• Explore Courses
• Academic Calendar
• Office of the Registrar
• Cubberley Library
• StanfordWho
• StanfordYou

Improving lives through learning

• Stanford Home
• Maps & Directions
• Search Stanford
• Emergency Info
• Terms of Use
• Non-Discrimination
• Accessibility

© Stanford University , Stanford , California 94305 .

Doctor of Philosophy in Education : Admission Details

Application details, prerequisites to apply.

A bachelor’s (four years) and master’s degree from a regionally accredited college/university or an equivalent credential earned from a qualifying international institution. Previous degrees must document outstanding academic achievement in a relevant area of educational research. This program requires in-person residential study at the Johns Hopkins School of Education in Baltimore, Maryland.

Application Requirements and Deadlines

Tuition and Fees

All PhD students at the School of Education are eligible for a fellowship for up to four years. The fellowship includes a yearly stipend and health insurance and will cover tuition and fees.

We recognize that it can be financially burdensome to relocate to a new city to attend a PhD program. Students admitted to PhD programs at Johns Hopkins can apply to potentially receive a $1,500 need-based grant to offset the costs of relocating. These grants provide funding to a portion of incoming students who, without this money, may otherwise not be able to afford to relocate to Baltimore for their PhD program. This is not a merit-based grant. Applications will be evaluated solely based on financial need. More information can be found on the Office of the Provost website .

Admissions Webinar

More information, what to expect, program goals.

Upon successful program completion, graduates will have the capacity to:

• Translate disciplinary knowledge into multidisciplinary applications and solutions.
• Employing sophisticated statistical and /data science approaches
• Linking educational practices with student outcomes in complex databases,
• Employing open science strategies,
• Designing survey measures,
• Conducting innovative program evaluations, and
• Navigating research-practice partnerships.
• Conduct and use evidence-based research to inform and assess educational policies and practices that improve outcomes for historically underserved populations.

IMPORTANT QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

What is the difference between a phd and an edd, how much is a phd in education, what can you do with a phd in education, how long does it take to get a phd in education, a doctor of philosophy (phd) in education centers on theory and academic research while a doctor of education (edd) emphasizes practice and applied research..

At the Johns Hopkins School of Education, the PhD in education is a well-respected academic degree that focuses on the conduct of research, creating new knowledge vital for educational policies and practice. The EdD is a sought-after professional degree that focuses on the application of existing research to drive innovation and address practical issues in diverse educational settings.

The cost of a PhD in education depends on a few factors.

At the Johns Hopkins School of Education, PhD students are eligible for a fellowship for up to four years. The fellowship includes a yearly stipend and health insurance, and will cover tuition and fees. Additionally, Johns Hopkins PhD students can apply to receive a $1,500 need-based grant to offset the costs of relocating.

You can pursue various career paths with a PhD in education.

With a PhD in education from Johns Hopkins, you can pursue career paths such as university faculty or professor, researcher, policy analyst, educational consultant, educational leader (e.g., school superintendent or principal), curriculum developer, program evaluator, or positions in administration and leadership at the district or state level

The duration of a PhD in education depends on a few factors.

The time required to complete a PhD program can vary depending on factors such as the program structure, research focus, and individual progress. On average, it takes around 4 to 6 years of full-time study beyond a master's degree to earn a PhD in education.

International Applicants

International students interested in applying to a program at the Johns Hopkins School of Education must follow the same application process and submit the same general application materials as their peers, along with some additional requirements.

International Student Admissions

Please visit the International Student Admissions webpage for additional application requirements or information.

• All Programs

Higher Education: Ph.D. - Doctor of Philosophy in Education

The Ph.D. in education with a concentration in higher education develops scholars who are able to conduct original research and interpret and communicate the results of such research through writing, teaching, practice, and other means.

At a Glance

Program results.

Ph.D. - Doctor of Philosophy in Education

–Higher Education

Career Objective

This program prepares graduates to pursue faculty careers or become senior administrators in colleges and universities.

Best Suited To

Highly qualified scholar-researchers who are interested in working in fields where the emphasis is on the production and communication of scholarship.

Program Type

Estimated length.

2-3 full years for coursework, plus dissertation research.

Application Deadline

About this program.

The School of Education and Human Development's Ph.D. in education with a concentration higher education program prepares graduates to pursue faculty careers or become senior administrators in colleges and universities. This is a research-based, full-time program that is offered in Charlottesville only.

Ph.D. students complete a program of study that includes at least 60 hours of coursework (excluding dissertation credit). Acceptance of up to 24 hours of transfer credit from a student’s master’s degree program or from post-master’s work completed at another institution is determined on an individual basis by the student’s advisor and the program head. The program coordinator may exempt students from required courses that they have already taken.

In addition to a required set of core courses in higher education (12 credits) and a minor in research methods (18 credits), the Ph.D. student is also required to complete elective coursework in higher education (12 credits). A content minor (12 credits), chosen with the advice and consent of the student’s advisor and organized around a theme or set of questions, is also required for the Ph.D. Courses for the content minor may be taken outside of the program and the School of Education and Human Development. Typical content minor concentrations include (but are not limited to) higher education policy, economics of higher education, politics of higher education, student affairs in higher education, organization and governance of higher education, and social foundations of higher education.

Ph.D. students are required to complete ten hours of mentored research per week each semester they are enrolled. Internship placements (paid, ten to twenty hours per week) can be arranged within the University of Virginia and at cooperating colleges and universities, other postsecondary agencies, or institutes. Research assistantships may also be available.

• Request Information

Program Overview

Admission requirements.

Admission requirements that apply specifically to this program are listed below:

• Statement of purpose (3-5 pages, speaks to reasons for pursuing the degree, including academic and professional goals)
• Writing sample (typically a paper written during Master’s program)
• Applicants are welcome but are not required to come to the School of Education and Human Development for an interview. To schedule an interview or campus visit, please reach out to the contact at the bottom of this page.

Visit our  Graduate Admission  page for the full admission process.

Graduate Admission

Application for admission is made to the School of Education and Human Development Office of Admission & Enrollment. For more information about the graduate admission process, please visit our Graduate Admission page.

To learn more about specific courses taken as part of the completion of this degree, visit the graduate record website. These webpages represent the official repository for academic program requirements. A link to these publications can be found in the Curriculum Information section at the bottom of this page.

Total hours required 72 Course credit hours required 60

Core (12 credits)

• EDLF 8665 Contemporary Issues in Higher Education
• EDLF 8654 Organization and Governance in Higher Education
• EDLF 8640 Inequality in Higher Education
• EDLF 8662 Politics and Education

Higher Education Electives (12 credits minimum) Coursework should be distributed between three categories (minimum 1 course per category)

• Student Experience/Student Development
• History, Philosophy, and Contexts
• Governance and Policy 

Research Courses (18 credits required)

Content Minor (minimum 12 credits) Students may take their content minor courses outside the program and the School of Education and Human Development, or they may choose courses from other School of Education and Human Development programs. The minor is meant to supply the student with substantive knowledge of and a theoretical grounding in an area that might be the topic of the dissertation. Courses to be taken for minor credit must be negotiated with and approved by the student’s advisor.

Dissertation (minimum 12 credits) EDLF 9999 Doctoral Dissertation (may be repeated for credit)

Course Descriptions

Information on courses that are part of the Ph.D. in Education-Higher Education curriculum can be found on the UVA graduate record website.

Interdisciplinary Doctoral Fellowship

There is a pressing need to address and eradicate racial injustice from institutions of higher education across the country. The most effective responses to this complex situation are informed by collaboration among scientists, social scientists and humanists. Mutual insights from psychology, sociology, public policy, and higher education are further enriched and deepened through their intersection with the study of anthropology, culture, economics, history, politics and spatial planning. Training researchers across these areas will advance the development of meaningful interventions in the higher education environment, refine our ability to assess these interventions quantitatively and qualitatively, and enhance our opportunity to engage public audiences on this topic. Doctoral students with this background will be better positioned to pursue research careers in academe and a variety of employment sectors.

Race and Inequality in Higher Education Fellowship Website

Although students will apply to the Ph.D. in Education-Higher Education program, more information regarding the fellowship can be found on The Graduate School of Arts & Sciences website.

Additional Program Details

Departmental fellowships and assistantships are provided to a select number of applicants each year. A typical funding package includes funding for nine months in a combination of wages and stipends, tuition and all mandatory fees, and funds to cover student health insurance costs. The University also offers a limited number of competitive fellowships for which students enrolled in Ph.D. programs may apply.

Visit the  Fellowships, Scholarships, and Awards  page for additional funding opportunities.

In 2024, the UVA School of Education & Human Development is ranked #8 for best graduate schools of education in the country by U.S. News and World Report.

The school is ranked #18 in higher education for graduate schools of education.

Higher Education News

Higher Education Alumni Reunion Celebrates Legacy and Community

Six decades of Higher Education alumni gathered to celebrate the program’s five founders and launch a fund supporting new community-building initiatives.

Program Faculty

Juan C. Garibay

• Associate Professor

Karen Kurotsuchi Inkelas

• Professor of Education

Brian Pusser

Christian L. Steinmetz

• Assistant Professor

Current Ph.D. Students

Below are some current students in this program. Prospective students are encouraged to reach out to current students via email to inquire about the program experience.

Jesse McCain

• Ph.D. Student

Danielle A. Moore-Lewis

Christian P.L. West

The following faculty proposed the theme for an interdisciplinary doctoral fellowship program and are committed to co-mentoring students. Please contact them with questions about the research cluster or to discuss your research interests.

• 434-924-3180
• [email protected]

Ridley Hall 286 PO Box 400265 405 Emmet Street S Charlottesville, VA 22903

Josipa Roksa

• 434-924-6528

PO Box 400766 445 Rugby Rd Charlottesville, VA 22903

• 434-243-6461

Ridley Hall 288 PO Box 400265 405 Emmet Street S Charlottesville, VA 22903

Admission & Enrollment

Engaging with prospective students and families on the process of applying to our school.

• 434-924-0742
• Ridley Hall 102
• Monday-Friday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm

You are using an outdated browser. This website is best viewed in IE 9 and above. You may continue using the site in this browser. However, the site may not display properly and some features may not be supported. For a better experience using this site, we recommend upgrading your version of Internet Explorer or using another browser to view this website.

- Download the latest Internet Explorer - No thanks (close this window)

• Penn GSE Environmental Justice Statement
• Philadelphia Impact
• Global Initiatives
• Diversity & Inclusion
• Catalyst @ Penn GSE
• Penn GSE Leadership
• Program Finder
• Academic Divisions & Programs
• Professional Development & Continuing Education
• Teacher Programs & Certifications
• Undergraduates
• Dual and Joint Degrees
• Faculty Directory
• Research Centers, Projects & Initiatives
• Lectures & Colloquia
• Books & Publications
• Academic Journals
• Application Requirements & Deadlines
• Tuition & Financial Aid
• Campus Visits & Events
• International Students
• Options for Undergraduates
• Non-Degree Studies
• Contact Admissions / Request Information
• Life at Penn GSE
• Penn GSE Career Paths
• Living in Philadelphia
• DE&I Resources for Students
• Student Organizations
• Career & Professional Development
• News Archive
• Events Calendar
• The Educator's Playbook
• Find an Expert
• Race, Equity & Inclusion
• Counseling & Psychology
• Education Innovation & Entrepreneurship
• Education Policy & Analysis
• Higher Education
• Language, Literacy & Culture
• Teaching & Learning
• Support Penn GSE
• Contact Development & Alumni Relations
• Find a Program
• Request Info
• Make a Gift
• Current Students
• Staff & Faculty

Search form

Teaching, learning, and teacher education, doctor of philosophy (ph.d.), you are here, a doctoral program preparing education researchers, teacher educators, curriculum specialists, and instructional leaders..

The Ph.D. in Teaching, Learning, and Teacher Education focuses on the preparation of researchers and teacher educators in universities and colleges. Focal areas include teaching and learning, research and practice in teacher education, mathematics education, science education, and the study of urban education and urban contexts. 

What Sets Us Apart

About the program.

The Ph.D. in Teaching, Learning, and Teacher Education focuses on the preparation of researchers in education. The program includes formal courses, mentored research, and informal seminars.  The program is designed to draw together coursework, research apprenticeship, and other professional academic activities to build a complete professional program that is tailored to your interests and needs.

Fall: 3; Spring: 3

Culminating experience Dissertation

Coursework and research experiences address a range of practice-based and theoretical problems in schools and community settings from sociopolitical, cultural, philosophical, psychological, and historical perspectives. Taking an interdisciplinary stance, faculty and students explore issues of equity, social justice, and educational change in a range of formal and informal educational settings. You will build a program of study that includes courses in teaching and learning, social foundations, and research methods.  Applicants interested in the focal area of literacy are encouraged to consider the doctoral program in Literacy Studies .

Field-based research and collaborative projects with practitioners in schools or other educational settings are key components of the program. The program is designed to draw together coursework, research apprenticeship, and other professional academic activities to build a complete professional program that is tailored to your interests and needs.

As a full-time Ph.D. student, you are expected to be in residence and participate in practicum activities, courses, and other academic experiences throughout the first two years, where you will be enrolled in 3 course units per semester. Coursework and experiences are arranged around three areas or strands, including specialization courses, research methods courses, and electives/professional experiences, as well as a set of core courses. For more information about courses and requirements, visit the  Teaching, Learning, and Teacher Education Ph.D. program in the University Catalog .

Research Apprenticeship Course (RAC)

The RAC is part of the Professional Experiences strand and is designed to assist you in developing, conducting, and presenting your own original research. The course focuses on the research interests of the students and requires participation in the scheduling of activities, presentations, and directing part of the RAC agenda as it pertains to the collective needs of the group. Students from the different stages of the doctoral program will serve as mentors to one another, with faculty oversight. You will participate in the RAC beginning in the spring of your first year and continue participation until the completion of your dissertation.

Annual Self-Evaluation : Each year, doctoral students complete a Professional Self-Evaluation that is used as part of the ongoing evaluation and planning process. You are introduced to the evaluation form in the proseminar and will work on it in the spring Research Apprenticeship Course (RAC). The deadline for the Professional Self-evaluation falls in mid-autumn or mid-spring.

Qualifying Examination : The Qualifying Examination is taken by all doctoral students, most often at the end of the first year. Passing this exam is an important step in being admitted to program candidacy. In order to take the qualifying exam, you need to have completed the Doctoral Proseminar, Doctoral Foundations of Teaching and Learning, Education, Culture, and Society, 1 RAC, and 1 research methods course.

Program Candidacy : You are assessed for program candidacy after successfully completing the  Doctoral Proseminar, Doctoral Foundations of Teaching and Learning, Education, Culture, and Society, 1 RAC, and 1 research methods course, and passing the Qualifying Examination. You must be in good academic standing to receive program candidacy.

Preliminary Examination : The Preliminary Examination is taken after you have completed all courses and before you begin work on your dissertation. Passing the Preliminary Exam allows you to be admitted to doctoral candidacy. You may submit a Preliminary Exam from the start of the fall semester through April 1. A description of the Preliminary Exam is available from the Division Coordinator. 

Dissertation : To complete the Ph.D., you must design and undertake an original research study under the direction of your dissertation committee. Students should see Penn GSE and Penn-wide policies and speak with their advisor about the requirements of the dissertation.

Our Faculty

Affiliated Faculty

Ryan S. Baker Professor Ph.D., Carnegie Mellon University

Bodong Chen Associate Professor Ph.D., University of Toronto

Matthew Duvall Lecturer Ph.D., Drexel University

L. Michael Golden Vice Dean of Innovative Programs and Partnerships, Catalyst @ Penn GSE Ed.D., University of Pennsylvania

Zachary Herrmann Adjunct Assistant Professor Ed.L.D., Harvard University

Charlotte E. Jacobs Director, Independent School Teaching Residency Ph.D., University of Pennsylvania

Yasmin B. Kafai Lori and Michael Milken President’s Distinguished Professor Ed.D., Harvard University

Andrea M. Kane Professor of Practice, Education Leadership Ph.D., Northcentral University

Rand Quinn Associate Professor Ph.D., Stanford University

Sharon M. Ravitch Professor of Practice Ph.D., University of Pennsylvania

Susan A. Yoon Graduate School of Education Presidential Professor Ph.D., University of Toronto

"Penn taught me, Penn GSE especially, that if you have the right combination of ingredients—commitment from the structure, mentors, and colleagues—then risk-taking, innovation, and progress will for sure ignite."

Justice Toshiba Walker

Our graduates.

Our graduates are prepared for research and academic careers in education, psychology, and related human services fields.

Alumni Careers

• Adjunct Professor, Moore College of Art and Design
• Assistant Professor of Special Education, Villanova University
• Assistant Professor, Montclair State University
• Assistant Professor, Utah State University
• Director, Out of School Time Resource Center
• Postdoctoral Fellow, Temple University

Admissions & Financial Aid

Please visit our Admissions and Financial Aid pages for specific information on the application requirements , as well as information on tuition, fees, financial aid, scholarships, and fellowships.

Contact us if you have any questions about the program.

Graduate School of Education University of Pennsylvania 3700 Walnut Street Philadelphia, PA 19104 (215) 898-6415 [email protected] [email protected]

Noemí Fernández Program Manager [email protected]

Please view information from our Admissions and Financial Aid Office for specific information on the cost of this program.

All Ph.D. students are guaranteed a full scholarship for their first four years of study, as well as a stipend and student health insurance. Penn GSE is committed to making your graduate education affordable, and we offer generous scholarships, fellowships, and assistantships.

Related News & Research

Environmental innovations initiative: From the classroom to the real world

Sharon Wolf co-edits “Nature” npj collection on using social and behavioral science to address global achievement inequality

Penn gse’s pilot abcs elective builds new math friendships and curriculum along the way.

Dean Strunk advocates for student teacher stipend in the "Philadelphia Inquirer"

Collaboratory for Teacher Education

The Collaboratory for Teacher Education at Penn GSE is a laboratory for the design, implementation, and study of experimental approaches to teacher education.

Core Practice Consortium

The Core Practice Consortium brings together teacher educators from across institutions, disciplines, and theoretical perspectives to grapple with questions about how better to prepare novice teachers. 

Our Students

Current students in the Teaching, Learning, and Teacher Education program are researching a range of topics including mathematical practices, teacher education, maker-based project education, culturally responsive pedagogy, science education, and media making. 

View Doctoral Student Profiles

You May Be Interested In

Related programs.

• Teaching, Learning, and Teacher Education Ed.D.
• Reading/Writing/Literacy Ph.D.
• Reading/Writing/Literacy Ed.D.
• Learning Sciences and Technologies M.S.Ed.
• Teaching, Learning, and Leadership M.S.Ed.
• Education, Culture, and Society Ph.D.

Related Topics

Home > Blog > Academic Degrees > Education Degree News > Considering a PhD in Education? Here’s What You Need to Know

Academic Degrees , Education Degree News

Considering a PhD in Education? Here’s What You Need to Know

Updated: June 19, 2024

Published: December 17, 2018

For anyone looking to pursue a career in education in academia or research, a Ph.D. in education is the degree to seek. A doctorate degree in education is a terminal degree in the field, which means it is the highest level degree you can get. So the natural next question is, “What can you do with a Ph.D. in education?

Here, we will share Ph.D. in education jobs, as well as answer all your big questions surrounding a doctorate degree in education.

What is a Ph.D. in education?

A doctor of philosophy (Ph.D.) in education is a graduate degree that is well-suited for anyone who wants to focus their career on academics or research. Just like a Ph.D. in education is a terminal degree, so is a Doctor of Education (EdD) degree.

Although it can be confusing when faced with two terminal degrees in the same field, it helps to clarify when we understand what each of their focus is. An EdD in education is more hands-on and practice-oriented, which means that it’s of use to those who want to work in education, for the government, or in a non-profit organization.

A Ph.D. in education is theoretically-focused and more study-based, in comparison. For this reason, it’s best for anyone looking to work in research or academia at the university level.

There are more differences between the two, including:

• A Ph.D. in education takes four years to complete, while an EdD takes two.
• A Ph.D. requires doing a dissertation, while an EdD doesn’t.
• A Ph.D. focuses on developing new research. EdD students, on the other hand, use existing research to guide decisions about issues within their area of study.
• A Ph.D. requires taking 90 credits, whereas an EdD requires 60.

Why Earn a Ph.D. in Education?

There are many reasons why a Ph.D. in education is valuable and worthy of your effort. Here’s why:

1. It’s one of the most highly respected credentials in education, and as mentioned, it is a terminal degree (which means its the highest level that you can achieve in this field).

2. You’ll use research-based methods to solve problems and identify gaps in your specialization of choice.

Plus, you will have the expertise and credentials to publish in professional journals and/or present your findings at conferences around the world.

3. You’ll be advancing in an area of education in which you’re passionate.

Are you fascinated by childhood development? Or do you have a passion for classroom management? If you have a desire to advance a particular field in education, a Ph.D. is an excellent way to do so.

4. You’ll earn respect in your field and gain personal satisfaction.

Since a Ph.D. in education requires doing a dissertation, that alone is not an easy feat! Accomplishing it will surely give you a rewarding feeling. Plus, being called Doctor isn’t so bad either. Just like any degree, a Ph.D. in education involves a certain skill set . Some learned along the way, and some you may have naturally. These are some skills involved in a Ph.D. in education:

Technical skills:

Analysis and problem-solving, project management and organization, research and information management, and written and oral communication are all important in such a research-based degree.

Soft skills:

Interpersonal and leadership skills, self-management and work habits, concentration, and patience are all important personal skills to have when you’re spending lots of time on one specific topic.

The Doctorate in Education Salaries You Can Expect

Did you know that in America, Ph.D. graduates will earn $1.3 million more than BA holders in their working lifetimes? There are all kinds of career options for Ph.D. education graduates.

Here are some examples of typical careers for Ph.D. in education holders, as well as their average salaries in the US:

• Clinical, Counseling and School Psychologists: $79,820
• Education Teachers, Postsecondary: $80,56 0
• Survey Researchers: $59,870 
• Sociologists: $86,110
• Training and Development Specialists: $62,700

Many PhD in education graduates want to become professors. Here’s what the average annual salaries look like around the globe for professors in the top-paying countries (in their equivalent USD):

Denmark: $109,600

Switzerland: $185,000

UK: $110,000

US: $102,400

Finland: $95,000

Canada: $93,000

Germany:$92,000

France: $82,000

There are other career options as well, such as school administrator, superintendent, curriculum coordinator, and principal.

What are the Requirements?

Considering that a Ph.D. in education is the highest level you can achieve in education, it means that you will already have a bachelor’s under your belt, and in most cases, a master’s degree, as well. In other words, you probably like being a student. There are lots of years of studying that get dedicated to earning a Ph.D. If you plan on doing a doctorate in education, earning a master’s degree in education can be the right first step.

Another important thing to know is that almost all Ph.D. candidates have background experience in research. So if education is your field of interest, getting a Ph.D. will mean coming to the table with previous research experience from your undergraduate (and potentially graduate) degrees.

Every institution may differ on their prerequisites for enrolling in their Ph.D. in education program. Be sure to consult directly with your school of choice to find out what they are.

Where Can I Earn My Ph.D. in Education?

There are many schools that offer Ph.D. in education programs. Just like most subjects, there are going to be online /on-campus options as well as throughout the world. Some are even fully funded.

Online programs

University of the People has a Master’s in Education (M.Ed) degree. This could be a great choice for those of you who may be aiming for a Ph.D. in education but only have a BA. The next step is getting that MA. So, why not choose a tuition-free program ?

Liberty University, Walden University, University of Colorado, and the University of Nebraska are just a few popular universities that offer a Ph.D. in Education. Here’s a look at some of the most affordable online Ph.D. programs.

Studying in Europe

Studying in Europe can be both exciting and low-cost . Germany, Sweden, Norway, and Finland offer free doctorate tuition for university students, regardless of their nationality! France offers low-cost Ph.D. tuition fees. If you want to see some specific schools in these countries, look at this list.

Fully-funded Programs

Fully-funded sounds wonderful, and it is! But, it doesn’t mean there are no costs associated. Fully-funded actually means that your tuition is covered, but you’ll still have to cover costs for textbooks and supplies, living expenses, and other fees.  no cost. That said, it’s still an awesome option. One condition: it has to be on campus. Why? Because you need to pay with your time — by teaching and performing research.

University of Michigan School of Education, Vanderbilt Peabody College, and Steinhardt School at NYU all offer tuition-free on-campus Ph.D. in education programs.

Online vs On-campus

You might be wondering what it’s like to get your Ph.D. online, as compared to on-campus institutions. Like all degrees, there are advantages and disadvantages to earning your degree entirely online. In regards to a Ph.D. in education, you will need to consider a few things.

Online Ph.D. programs are best suited to students who work better solo. They are also great for those who have worked in the field for some time and want to advance in their area of study. And, of course, it’s the best option for those who work and are raising families. On the other hand, you aren’t in the presence of peers and professors that can be a valuable resource in the research-driven program of a Ph.D.

Earning a Ph.D. on-campus has its pros and cons, too.. While they’re generally more expensive than online programs, on-campus Ph.D. programs allow you to communicate face-to-face with your professors, supervisors, and other students.

What You Can Expect to Study in a Ph.D. in Education

Completing a Ph.D. means doing your dissertation, or research thesis. Naturally, it is going to be based on the field of study that you are most interested in. You can specialize in a certain area. Some common specialization options for a Ph.D. in education are:

• Early Childhood Education
• Special Education
• Adult Education
• Teacher Leadership
• Curriculum and Pedagogy
• Educational Psychology

Aside from the research involved in planning and executing your thesis, you will also have professional development activities and coursework relevant to your area of study. They’re designed to help give you the skills needed to succeed in your research and your future career in education.

While the curriculum is going to vary according to your specialization, there are some general core courses that most PhDs in education involve. You will likely take the following: group psychology, leadership, learning models, ethics, education and globalization, and analytics courses as part of your curriculum.

Is a Ph.D. in Education for Me?

If you choose to study for a Ph.D. in education, chances are you’re passionate about teaching and learning, and everything in between. Even if you’re not looking to stand in front of a lecture hall and teach, you may wish to improve upon the field of education as a whole through research and other means. With a Ph.D. in Education, you open the door to that possibility and many more.

How you choose to earn your degree is up to you. Whether you conclude upon enrolling online or on-campus, prepare yourself for lots of reading, writing, researching, and communicating. Whatever you chose, we’re sure you’ll give it your best shot. Here’s to reaching the top in the field of education!

In this article

At UoPeople, our blog writers are thinkers, researchers, and experts dedicated to curating articles relevant to our mission: making higher education accessible to everyone. Read More

• Prospective Students
• Make a gift to the School of Education
• Attend a credential program info session
• Know if my courses meet the prerequisite requirements for the teaching credential
• Find course schedules
• Learn more about the MA part of the Credential/MA program
• Learn about applying to the teaching credential program
• Know if the School offers a part-time, night or summer teaching credential program
• Learn about the cost of the Credential/MA program
• Learn about the Doctorate in Educational Leadership (EdD)
• Learn about the PhD program

• Course Requirements
• PhD Timeline and Milestones
• PhD Advising
• GGE Research Seminars
• Financial Support
• Language, Literacy & Culture
• Learning & Mind Sciences
• Mathematics Education
• School Organization & Educational Policy
• Science & Agricultural Education
• Graduate Group Faculty

PhD in Education

Welcome to the graduate group in education phd program.

Our Ph.D. program critically engages students in contemporary issues that impact education research, policy and practice.  Emphasizing collaboration, the program is an interdisciplinary graduate group that draws its faculty from diverse fields of education, humanities, social science, physical and biological sciences, mathematics, and medicine, and engages with key campus centers and programs, such as the M.I.N.D. Institute and the Poverty Center.

Designed to foster scholarly engagement and impact the practice of education, students may select from 5 areas of emphasis:

• Language, Literacy and Culture
• Learning and Mind Sciences
• Science and Agricultural Education
• School Organization and Educational Policy

Graduates of our program gain deep knowledge of educational theory and practice related to strengthening schools and other educational settings. Our close proximity to California’s state capital of Sacramento also affords students a rich set of opportunities and networks for influencing education policy.

To learn more about applying to our program, visit our  Admissions & Financial Aid – PhD Program  page. You are also welcome to attend one of our virtual Ph.D. Information Sessions listed below. You will need to register for the event to receive the Zoom link to attend. 

Wednesday, September 18, 2024 3:00-4:00pm (PST) ( Registration Link )

  Thursday, October 17, 2024, 5:00-6:00pm (PST) ( Registration Link )

Monday, November 4, 2024 3:00-4:00pm (PST) ( Registration Link )

PhD Student Antoinette Banks Wins $1 Million Black Ambition Prize

Award is for parent-facing app that uses predictive AI to optimize IEP plans

Kaozong Mouavangsou

MA ’16, PhD ’22

The Graduate School of Education and Human Development

• Accreditation
• Adrienne Robinson
• Andrew Flagel
• Anissa Rodriguez
• Antonio Nwozo
• Aristide Collins
• Brenda Simmons
• Brigid Griffin
• Callie Hyder
• Carol Pankow
• Carol Stapp
• Celia Pena-Gomez
• Chris Dietrich
• Christine Johnson
• Crystal Garry
• De' Von Henderson
• Diane Koffenberger
• Diona Emmanual
• Elana Riback Rand
• Eli Gottlieb
• Esther Friedman
• Francine Krull
• Holly Snyder
• Ilana Weltman
• Jordan Hurd
• Joyce Moreland
• Julya Doyle
• Laura DeLuca
• Linda Hedenblad
• Linda McCullough
• Lois Elaine Rhymers
• Madison Thurston
• Marcia Brightman
• Maria Coyle
• Marian Jarrett
• Marion Flythe-Inman
• Mary Ellen Solomon
• Meg Holland
• Melissa Diehl
• Monique Barner
• Naomi Gamoran
• Nichole Tichy
• Patty Rosario
• Rebecca Dedmond
• Rebecca Vander Schaaf
• Reyna Smith
• Samantha Cropper
• Samantha Long
• Sandra Miller
• Sarah Boland
• Sarah Buscher
• Sevinj Mammadova
• Shreyas Bhatnagar
• Stephanie Spar
• Tal Vaizman
• Talia Hurwich
• Tammy Peery
• Thelma Davis-Myers
• Touran Waters
• Vinnie Mitchell
• Wesal Abdelbasit
• Yael Findler
• Yuliya Stone
• Zachary Nichols
• Doctorate in Counseling
• Graduate Certificate in Counseling and Life Transitions
• Graduate Certificate in the Foundations of Rehabilitation Counseling
• Post-Master's Certificate in Counseling
• Master's in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
• Master's in Rehabilitation Counseling
• Master's in School Counseling
• Doctorate in Curriculum and Instruction
• Graduate Certificate in STEM Teaching
• Master's in Curriculum and Instruction
• Master's in Elementary Education
• Graduate Certificate in Curriculum Writing, Evaluation, and Development
• Graduate Certificate in Literacy Education
• Graduate Certificate in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL)
• Graduate Certificate in Assessment, Testing, and Measurement in Education
• Master's in Assessment, Testing, and Measurement in Education
• Master's in Experiential Jewish Education
• Educational Technology Leadership Programs
• Master's in Educational Leadership and Administration
• Post-Master's Certificate in Educational Leadership and Administration
• Education Specialist in Educational Leadership and Administration
• Doctorate in Educational Leadership and Administration
• Master's in Education Policy Studies
• Juris Doctorate / Master's in Education Policy
• Master's in Higher Education Administration
• Juris Doctorate / Master's in Higher Education Administration
• MBA / Master's in Higher Education Administration
• Doctorate in Higher Education Administration
• Master's in International Education
• Graduate Certificate in Incorporating International Perspectives in Education
• Master's and Graduate Certificate in Israel Education
• Master's in Museum Education
• Graduate Certificate in Organizational Learning and Change
• Doctorate in Human and Organizational Learning
• Master's in Organizational Leadership and Learning
• Graduate Certificate in Leadership Development
• Graduate Certificate in Sustainability Leadership
• Education Specialist in Special Education Leadership
• Graduate Certificate in Autism Spectrum
• Graduate Certificate in Brain Injury and Transition Services
• Graduate Certificate in Secondary Transition Services
• Master's in Interdisciplinary Secondary Transition Services
• Doctorate in Special Education
• Master's in Special Education
• Master's in Early Childhood Special Education
• Master's in Special Education for Children with Emotional and Behavioral Disorders
• Master's in Special Education for Cultural Responsiveness and Equity in Teaching
• Graduate Certificate in Special Education for Cultural Responsiveness and Equity in Teaching
• Individualized Master's Program
• Comparative and International Education Concentration
• Education and Inequality Concentration
• Human and Organizational Learning Concentration
• Human-Technology Collaboration Concentration
• Curriculum and Instruction Concentration
• Education Policy Concentration
• Online Programs
• Prospective Students
• Request Info
• How to Apply
• International Applicants
• Funding Your Education
• Visit Campus
• Admitted Students
• Student Resources
• Dates & Deadlines
• Student FAQs
• New Student Orientation
• New Student Guide
• Student Life & Engagement
• Career Services
• Dissertation Guide
• Research Lab
• UNESCO Chair & Fellowship
• Futrell Scholars
• EdFix Episode 34: From Virtual to Victorious - The Remarkable Success of an Online High School
• EdFix Episode 35: The End of Affirmative Action in Admissions? Experts Explore the Implications for Higher Education
• EdFix Episode 36: Community Colleges - America's Hidden Economic Engines?
• EdFix Episode 37: Policy Perspectives and Possibilities - A Conversation with Jack Jennings
• EdFix Episode 38: Can Standardized Tests Bridge the Equity Gap?
• EdFix Episode 39: ChatGPT and Beyond - Teaching in the AI Era
• EdFix Episode 40: From Civil Rights to Civics - Dr. Raymond Pierce on Equity in Education
• Feuer Consideration
• Refer a Student

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Education

Become an education change agent.

Advance your career and take steps toward truly making a difference in your field by earning a PhD in Education at the Graduate School of Education and Human Development (GSEHD) within the George Washington University . Our unique programs create opportunities for cross-disciplinary research, collaboration, and hands-on experiences—alongside leading experts—exploring solutions to a range of complex challenges facing our education system today.

Program Overview:

• Candidates apply to a cross-disciplinary research concentration, detailed below, that is focused on a related critical problem.
• Students engage in individual and collaborative research, using a cross-disciplinary lens, throughout the program.
• Candidates should aspire to careers in which the production of research is paramount.

Request Information     

Explore Programs     

Upcoming Info Sessions     

Choose a Concentration to Match Your Research Interests and Career Goals  

Why GSEHD at GW?

Our Location is Your Advantage

Our unique location in Washington, D.C., the policymaking capital of the world, along with GW’s vast connections, offer unparalleled opportunities for high-level, hands-on research experience and competitive employment opportunities with prestigious organizations, think tanks, federal agencies, and diverse school systems.

Cross-Disciplinary Perspectives

How do we educate people to interact with intelligent technologies? How can modern societies combat inequality and enhance opportunity for disadvantaged populations? To investigate critical national/global questions in the field, teams of students and faculty use—and contribute to—knowledge and methods from psychology, sociology, engineering, and economics, in addition to education.

Principles of Research + Hands-On Experience

Gain a deeper understanding of the responsible conduct of research with human subjects, research ethics, and how to consider the social impact of the work. You’ll bring your experience in education to the design, development, data collection, and analyses in a research project. Engage with peers from multiple concentrations within our inclusive cross-disciplinary team, as well as within more focused research projects.

You May Be Eligible

Learn more about benefits that may apply to you, depending on the program you choose >

No Application Fees

GRE is Not Required

Scholarships Available

 Upcoming Info Sessions

Society’s big problems don’t have tidy boundaries. Our approach prepares students to look for solutions through the lens of multiple academic disciplines, to build bridges that reinforce and connect established pillars of knowledge.

DR. COLIN GREEN Associate Professor, Curriculum and Pedagogy

  PhD Programs in the News

Drs. Cha and Nakamura Receive GW Sigur Center for Asian Studies Summer Research Grants

April 10, 2024

Doctoral Students Attend Curriculum Camp

March 5, 2024

Dr. Streitwieser Receives CIES 2024 Teaching Comparative and International Education Innovative Curriculum Development Award

February 28, 2024

What Can You Do With an Organizational Leadership and Learning Degree?

February 19, 2024

PhD Candidate, InJung Cho, Published Peer-Reviewed Book Review in International Studies in Sociology of Education

February 15, 2024

Graduate School

Ph.d. requirements.

• Academics & Research
• Programs & Requirements

Brown University awards more than 200 doctor of philosophy degrees annually.

The Brown Ph.D. is primarily a research degree. Teaching is an important part of many doctoral programs, and many departments require candidates for the Ph.D. to have teaching experience.

Brown University offers substantial financial support to doctoral students. All incoming doctoral students are guaranteed five years of support, which includes a stipend, full tuition remission, health-services fee, and a health-insurance subsidy. Doctoral students in the Humanities and Social Sciences are guaranteed six years of support. All promises of student support are subject to students making satisfactory academic progress, as determined by their programs of study. Please see related links for additional details regarding the University's commitment to doctoral education.

Ph.D. Funding

Funding guarantee, four general requirements for the doctor of philosophy.

The candidate must be formally admitted to his or her degree program.

The normal residency requirement is the equivalent of three Academic Years of full-time study beyond the bachelor's degree. Students who enter a PhD program at Brown already holding a master’s degree in a related field have a residency requirement equivalent to two Academic Years of full-time study upon entering the PhD program at Brown. Use of a previously earned master’s degree to reduce PhD residency requirements is contingent upon approval of the program Director of Graduate Study. Graduate work done at other institutions and not used in fulfillment of the requirements for any doctoral degree elsewhere may, on the approval of the program Director of Graduate Study, be counted in fulfillment of up to, but not exceeding, one year of the residency requirement. A student who desires credit for work done elsewhere should file a timely application with the program Director of Graduate Study; transfer credit forms are available through the  Office of the Registrar .

A student is advanced to candidacy for the Ph.D. when he or she has completed satisfactorily all the requirements, departmental and general, requisite to beginning work on the dissertation. Candidacy is determined by the department or program of study and certified by the Registrar. Most departments require a preliminary examination before advancing any student to candidacy. Most departments also require a final examination or defense. The examination is conducted by professors in the department and by such other members of the faculty as may be appointed.

The candidate must present a dissertation on a topic related to his or her area of specialization that presents the results of original research and gives evidence of excellent scholarship. The dissertation must be approved by the professor or committee under whose direction it is written and by the Graduate Council. All requirements for the Ph.D. must be completed within five years after advancement to candidacy.

Faculty Member Leaves Brown

If a faculty member working with a doctoral student leaves Brown for any reason before that student has completed his or her degree requirements, it may not always be possible for that faculty member to continue working with the student as an advisor. In such cases, departments will work with students to help them locate a new advisor.

Additional Requirements

Individual departments and programs may have additional requirements regarding the number of courses to be taken, proficiency in foreign languages, special examinations, and theses. The department should be consulted for specific information.

• 1-800-NAT-UNIV (628-8648)
• Bachelor of Arts Degree in Early Childhood Education (BAECE)
• Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Development with an Inspired Teaching and Learning Preliminary Multiple Subject Teaching Credential (California)
• Bachelor of Arts in English
• Bachelor of Arts in History
• Master of Arts in Social Emotional Learning
• Master of Education in Inspired Teaching and Learning with a Preliminary Multiple and Single Subject Teaching Credential and Intern Option (CA)
• Master of Arts in Education
• Master of Early Childhood Education
• Education Specialist
• Doctor of Education
• Doctor of Philosophy in Education
• Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership
• Ed.D. in Organizational Innovation
• Certificate in Online Teaching (COT) Program
• Online Medical Coding Program
• Building Our Team Through Community Policing
• Inspired Teaching and Learning with a Preliminary Single Subject Teaching Credential
• Inspired Teaching and Learning with a Preliminary Multiple Subject Teaching Credential and Internship Option (California)
• Preliminary Administrative Services Credential (CA Option)
• Preliminary Education Specialist Credential: Mild/Moderate with Internship Option (CA)
• All Teaching & Education
• Associate of Science in Business
• Bachelor of Business Administration
• Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Administration
• Bachelor of Arts in Management
• Master of Business Administration (MBA)
• Master of Public Health (MPH)
• Master of Science in Data Science
• Master of Public Administration
• Doctor of Criminal Justice
• Doctor of Philosophy in Organizational Leadership
• Doctor of Business Administration
• Doctor of Philosophy in Business Administration
• Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Business
• Post-Master's Certificate in Business
• Graduate Certificate in Banking
• Certificate in Agile Project Management
• All Business & Marketing
• Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) (California)
• Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) Second Bachelor Degree (California)
• Bachelor of Science in Clinical Laboratory Science
• Bachelor of Science in Public Health
• Master of Science in Nursing
• Master of Science in Health Informatics
• Master of Healthcare Administration
• Doctor of Nurse Anesthesia Practice (DNAP)
• Doctor of Health Administration
• Doctor of Nursing Practice in Executive Leadership
• LVN to RN 30 Unit Option Certificate
• Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Certificate
• Family Nurse Practitioner Certificate
• Emergency Medical Technician Certificate
• All Healthcare & Nursing
• Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
• Bachelor of Arts in Integrative Psychology
• Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice Administration
• Bachelor of Arts in Sociology
• Master of Science in Applied Behavioral Analysis Degree
• Master of Arts Degree in Counseling Psychology
• Master of Arts in Consciousness, Psychology, and Transformation
• Doctor of Clinical Psychology (PsyD) Program
• Doctor of Philosophy in Marriage and Family Therapy
• Doctor of Philosophy in Psychology
• Doctorate of Marriage and Family Therapy
• Graduate Certificate in Trauma Studies
• Post-Master's Certificate in Psychology
• Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Applied Behavior Analysis
• Pupil Personnel Services Credential School Counseling (PPSC)
• University Internship Credential Program for Pupil Personnel Services School Counseling (California Only)
• All Social Sciences & Psychology
• Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity
• Bachelor of Science in Electrical and Computer Engineering
• Bachelor of Science in Computer Science
• Bachelor of Science in Construction Management
• Master of Science in Cybersecurity
• Master of Science in Computer Science
• Master of Science in Engineering Management
• Doctor of Philosophy in Data Science
• Doctor of Philosophy in Computer Science
• Doctor of Philosophy in Technology Management
• Doctor of Philosophy in Cybersecurity
• All Engineering & Technology
• Associate of Arts in General Education
• Bachelor of Arts in Digital Media Design
• Bachelor of Arts in General Studies
• Master of Arts in English
• Master of Arts in Strategic Communication
• Foreign Credential Bridge Program
• All Arts & Humanities
• Graduate Certificate in Forensic and Crime Scene Investigations
• Bachelor of Public Administration
• Bachelor of Science in Homeland Security and Emergency Management
• Minor in Business Law
• Master of Criminal Justice Leadership
• Master of Forensic Sciences
• Master of Science in Homeland Security and Emergency Management
• Doctor of Public Administration
• College of Law and Public Service
• All Criminal Justice & Public Service
• Paralegal Specialist Certificate Corporations
• Paralegal Specialist Certificate Criminal Law
• Paralegal Specialist Certificate Litigation
• Associate of Science in Paralegal Studies
• Bachelor of Arts in Pre-Law Studies
• Bachelor of Science in Paralegal Studies
• Juris Doctor
• Associate of Science in Human Biology
• Associate of Science in General Education
• Bachelor of Science in Biology
• Bachelor of Science in Mathematics
• All Science & Math
• Program Finder
• Undergraduate Admissions
• Graduate Program Admissions
• Military Admissions
• Early College
• Credential & Certificate Programs
• Transfer Information
• Speak to an Advisor
• How to Pay for College
• Financial Aid
• Scholarships
• Tuition & Fees
• NU offers a variety of scholarships to help students reduce their financial burden while focusing on achieving their goals. Explore Scholarships
• Colleges/Schools
• University Leadership
• Office of the President
• Academies at NU
• Course Catalog
• Accreditation
• Workforce and Community Education
• President’s Circle
• Board of Trustees
• NU Foundation
• Military & Veterans
• Coast Guard
• Space Force
• National Guard & Reservist
• Military Spouses & Dependents
• Military Resources
• NU proudly serves active duty and Veteran students from all branches of the military — at home, on base, and abroad. Military Admissions
• Online Degrees & Programs
• Consumer Information
• Student Login
• Graduation Events
• Student Portal
• Student Bookstore
• Student Resources
• Dissertation Boot Camp
• Show your NU pride and shop our online store for the latest and greatest NU apparel and accessories! Shop Now
• Request Info
• Our Programs

Doctor of Philosophy in Education (PhD), Curriculum and Teaching

Courses start every monday, take the first step in your national university journey, 240k + alumni worldwide, phd in curriculum and instruction.

For education professionals with a desire to be an active scholar in the field of education and make significant contributions to the existing body of knowledge, the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Education program can take both your research skills and career options to a higher level. The program begins with a review of theoretical frameworks to support your understanding of the role of theory in a PhD degree. Coursework combines this strong base of theoretical knowledge with an individualized focus to conduct research in Pre-K-12, post secondary, and adult learning environments as you contribute new and innovative findings to advance your field of educational specialization.

Why Earn Your PhD in Curriculum and Instruction with National University?

The Curriculum and Teaching specialization provides you with the professional competencies to make significant contributions to the areas of instruction and courses of study. You’ll have the opportunity to examine and evaluate contemporary theories, designs, development, application, and assessment of curriculums and instructional strategies. You’ll also have access to a support system of advisors, faculty, and tools to guide you through your coursework, research, and the intensive, yet rewarding dissertation process.

Admission Requirements 

A conferred postbaccalaureate master’s degree or doctoral degree from a regionally or nationally accredited academic institution or an international institution determined to be equivalent through an approved evaluation service.

Dissertation Process

In addition to the foundational and specialization courses, each PhD student is required to complete a high-quality dissertation through a systematic process and sequential courses assisted by faculty. A PhD dissertation is a scholarly documentation of research that makes an original contribution to the field of educational study. The step-by-step process requires care in choosing a topic, documenting its importance, planning the methodology, and conducting the research. These activities lead smoothly into the writing and oral presentation of your dissertation.

Courses and Sequence

The PhD in Education program requires 60 credits for degree completion. Additional credit hours may be allowed as needed to complete your dissertation research. If granted, additional courses will be added to your degree program in alignment with the SAP and Academic Maximum Time to Completion policies. The estimated time needed to complete this program is 45 months.

Course Details

Course listings.

A PhD prepares you to make significant contributions to the body of literature within the education field. This course prepares you for understanding what theory is, recognizing theoretical frameworks within existing literature, connecting your research interests to existing theoretical frameworks, and justifying how your research will add to the wealth of current theories in the field.

Specialization Course 1

Your success as a scholarly professional will largely depend upon your communication skills, particularly in your written work. This course supports your development as a scholar who can publish in different types of research-based publications for a variety of audiences. You’ll practice synthesizing multiple sources, formulating arguments, and integrating feedback through iterative drafts of your work. These are key capabilities you’ll need as you submit your research in published manuscripts and presentations.

In this course, you’ll develop effective search and writing strategies to create a scholarly review of literature. The course emphasizes how to: (a) use effective literature search strategies; (b) develop a scholarly synthesis of research literature; (c) organize research literature around identified themes, including a study problem, purpose, and theoretical perspectives; and (d) focus on developing a scholarly exposition that reflects divergent viewpoints and contrasting perspectives. The overarching goal is for you to understand strategies for surveying scholarly literature that avoid bias, focus on educational, practice-based research problems, and address the requirements of a scholarly literature review.

Specialization Course 2

This course introduces you to the research process by exploring its underpinnings, examining its paradigms, and investigating the foundations of qualitative and quantitative methodologies used in educational studies. You’ll identify criteria for the development of quality research studies that are ethical, accurate, comprehensive, cohesive, and aligned. Specific course topics involve the ethics of conducting research; data collection and analysis techniques; and issues of feasibility, trustworthiness, validity, reliability, transferability, and rigor. The goal is to familiarize yourself with the concepts and skills associated with conducting theoretical and applied research.

Specialization Course 3

This course provides the foundational knowledge to become a critical consumer of statistical-based research and a skilled analyst of non-inferential quantitative data. Coursework focuses on understanding multivariate data, non-inferential and inferential statistical concepts, the conventions of quantitative data analysis, and interpretations and critical inferences in statistical results. You’ll use software applications to complete statistical computations and perform quantitative data analysis. The course culminates in a synthesis project to demonstrate your statistical skills and present your results using APA guidelines.

Specialization Course 4

Elective Course*

Specialization Course 5

A focus on qualitative research methodology and the designs and methods used to collect and analyze data in educational research. You’ll examine the principles of qualitative research and explore commonly used designs (also referred to as qualitative traditions or genres) with a focus on application and feasibility. Qualitative data collection and analysis methods will be examined for their suitability with regard to the research design selected. Alignment between qualitative designs and research methods, issues of trustworthiness, and the responsibilities of the qualitative researcher will also be explored.

Specialization Course 6

An exploration of quantitative research methodologies and associated designs and methods. You’ll examine paradigmatic perspectives along with the tenets and conventions of quantitative research. Topics for examination include feasibility, validity, reliability, variable operationalization, inferential designs, and analytic software applications used within the quantitative research paradigm. You’ll also look at the components of quantitative research designs that support meaningful studies within the field of education.

Select One of the Following Two Data Analysis Courses:

An exploration of advanced statistical principles and how to apply them to quantitative research. This course provides an overview of advanced statistical concepts used in empirical research, including inferential analyses. You’ll use SPSS software to perform advanced computations as you build independent, scholarly statistical skills. Coursework will emphasize multivariate data; the use, comprehension, and evaluation of sophisticated statistical concepts; and the proper presentation of statistical results.

This course builds on a foundational understanding of qualitative designs and measurements to focus on analyses of the data. Coursework takes you deeper into the skills and techniques necessary to ensure the appropriate analyses of qualitative data, including integrating relevant frameworks, verifying trustworthiness of the findings, and selecting suitable methods for presenting analyses and findings.

The doctoral comprehensive assessment is your opportunity to demonstrate your preparation for entering the dissertation phase as a PhD candidate. You’ll synthesize discipline-specific content with research designs and analysis methods to create a prospectus for a theoretically-based research study that focuses on furthering knowledge in the field of education. Whereas EdD research focuses on addressing a researchable problem with practical applications, PhD research has a focus on contribution to theory and the broader discipline of education. This course is begun only after all your foundation, specialization, and research courses have been completed, and your prospectus will likely become the foundation of your PhD dissertation. 

Students in this course will be required to complete chapter one of their dissertation proposal, including the following: a review of literature with substantiating evidence of the problem, the research purpose and questions, the intended methodological design and approach, and the significance of the study. A completed, committee-approved chapter one is required to pass the course. If you don’t receive approval to minimum standards, you’ll be able to take up to three supplementary eight-week courses to finalize and gain approval of chapter one.

In this course, you’ll work on completing chapters one to three of your dissertation proposal and receiving committee approval for the dissertation proposal (DP). Chapter two consists of the literature review, while chapter three covers the research methodology and design, including population, sample, measurement instruments, data collection and analysis, limitations, and ethical considerations. Completed, committee-approved chapters two and three are required to pass the course, as is a final approved dissertation proposal. If you don’t receive approval to minimum standards, you’ll be able to take up to three supplementary eight-week courses to finalize and gain approval of these requirements.

In this course, you’ll prepare, submit, and obtain approval of your Institutional Review Board (IRB) application. You’ll also collect data and submit a final study closure form to the IRB. If you’re still collecting data at the end of the 12-week course, you’ll be able to take up to three supplementary eight-week courses to complete data collection and file your IRB study closure form.

In this dissertation course, you’ll work on completing chapters four, five, and your final dissertation manuscript. Specifically, you’ll complete your data analysis, prepare your study results, and present your findings with an oral defense and a completed manuscript. A completed, committee-approved dissertation manuscript and successful oral defense are required to complete the course and graduate. If you don’t receive approval for either or both, you can take up to three supplementary eight-week courses to finalize and gain approval.

* The elective can be satisfied with any doctoral-level School of Education course. The course listed in the degree plan can be changed upon request. Contact your academic and finance advisor for assistance.

Specialization Courses

CT-7000 Developing Instructional Strategies and Curriculum

In this course, you’ll analyze instructional strategies based on the principles of universal design for learning, including integrating strategies for providing multiple means for pre-K-12 learners to access the curriculum. You’ll plan instructional strategies for curricula aligned to standards that support current educational requirements, including the use of technology to engage, comprehend, and express learning. You’ll also consider other educational issues, trends, and recommendations for change in the pre-K-12 classroom related to instructional strategies.

CT-7100 Dispositions of Learner and Teacher

This course examines the effects of dispositions on learner motivation, participation, and comprehension, and the impact of teacher dispositions on overall learning and classroom culture. The course includes considerations for dispositions related to inclusivity, technology, social-emotional development, and successful collaboration throughout the community.

CT-7200 Design and Evaluation of Curriculum and Programs

This course begins with the distinction between curriculum and programs in K-12 education. While both are important, evaluation is different for each. In addition to exploring evaluation processes, you’ll examine the development of curriculum and programs. This examination will incorporate theories, trends, and future directions, including technology recommendations to design and develop innovative curricula for K-12 learning environments.

CT-7300 Theories and Applications of Instructional Strategies

Here, you’ll take a closer look at instructional strategies, with particular attention to supporting theories and practical applications in K-12 learning environments. You’ll assess learning theories that frame instructional strategies, including those for remote learning. Ultimately, you’ll recommend instructional strategies, justify approaches to inclusive instruction, and design inclusive learning experiences for K-12 education.

CT-7400 Assessment Practices

This course considers the critical role of assessment in curriculum and teaching. You’ll examine assessment types and processes, including how trends and accountability practices inform instructional decisions, curriculum development, and continuous improvement in K-12 environments. You’ll then integrate the assessments with the universal design for learning perspective, and recommend strategies for effective assessment practices across classrooms, schools, and districts.

CT-7500 Advanced Capstone in Curriculum and Teaching 

In this final course of the curriculum and teaching specialization, you’ll synthesize your work across all courses into a capstone project of your design. The project will integrate theory and practice related to a specific topic of your choosing regarding curriculum and teaching. As you prepare your project, you’ll evaluate the impacts of current trends, technologies, and issues of diversity, equity, inclusion, and social justice. Finally, in one of your last assignments in the specialization, you’ll compose a philosophy of teaching based on research, theory, and personal reflection.

Program Outcomes

The PhD in Education program prepares you for making significant contributions to the body of knowledge in the broad field of education as well as a more narrowed area of instructional specialization. Learning outcomes include the ability to:

• Develop deep knowledge of educational systems, theories, and research in an area of expertise
• Interpret theories, research, and ideas for different audiences through multiple methods of communication
• Integrate ethical principles and professional standards for a specific discipline within the field
• Conduct autonomous or collaborative research using high-level analytical skills
• Contribute to the body of knowledge specific to a discipline within the field

Why Choose National University

• Four-Week Courses
• 190+ Degree Programs
• Online or On-Site
• Year-Round Enrollment
• Military Friendly

We’re proud to be a Veteran-founded, San Diego-based nonprofit. Since 1971, our mission has been to provide accessible, achievable higher education to adult learners. Today, we educate students from across the U.S. and around the globe, with over 240,000 alumni worldwide.

“National University has impacted my career. You can immediately apply what you learn in class to your business.”

-Francisco R., Class of 2016

Program Disclosure

Successful completion and attainment of National University degrees do not lead to automatic or immediate licensure, employment, or certification in any state/country. The University cannot guarantee that any professional organization or business will accept a graduate’s application to sit for any certification, licensure, or related exam for the purpose of professional certification.

Program availability varies by state. Many disciplines, professions, and jobs require disclosure of an individual’s criminal history, and a variety of states require background checks to apply to, or be eligible for, certain certificates, registrations, and licenses. Existence of a criminal history may also subject an individual to denial of an initial application for a certificate, registration, or license and/or result in the revocation or suspension of an existing certificate, registration, or license. Requirements can vary by state, occupation, and/or licensing authority.

NU graduates will be subject to additional requirements on a program, certification/licensure, employment, and state-by-state basis that can include one or more of the following items: internships, practicum experience, additional coursework, exams, tests, drug testing, earning an additional degree, and/or other training/education requirements.

All prospective students are advised to review employment, certification, and/or licensure requirements in their state, and to contact the certification/licensing body of the state and/or country where they intend to obtain certification/licensure to verify that these courses/programs qualify in that state/country, prior to enrolling. Prospective students are also advised to regularly review the state’s/country’s policies and procedures relating to certification/licensure, as those policies are subject to change.

National University degrees do not guarantee employment or salary of any kind. Prospective students are strongly encouraged to review desired job positions to review degrees, education, and/or training required to apply for desired positions. Prospective students should monitor these positions as requirements, salary, and other relevant factors can change over time.

Search the site

Modal window with site-search and helpful links

Featured Programs

• Business and Management
• Computer Science
• Teaching and Credentials

Helpful Links

• Admissions & Application Information
• Online College Degrees & Programs
• Student Services
• Request Your Transcripts

Terms & Conditions

By submitting your information to National University as my electronic signature and submitting this form by clicking the Request Info button above, I provide my express written consent to representatives of National University and National University affiliates (including City University of Seattle) to contact me about educational opportunities. This includes the use of automated technology, such as an automatic dialing system and pre-recorded or artificial voice messages, text messages, and mail, both electronic and physical, to the phone numbers (including cellular) and e-mail address(es) I have provided. I confirm that the information provided on this form is accurate and complete. I also understand that certain degree programs may not be available in all states. Message and data rates may apply. Message frequency may vary.

I understand that consent is not a condition to purchase any goods, services or property, and that I may withdraw my consent at any time by sending an email to [email protected] . I understand that if I am submitting my personal data from outside of the United States, I am consenting to the transfer of my personal data to, and its storage in, the United States, and I understand that my personal data will be subject to processing in accordance with U.S. laws, unless stated otherwise in our privacy policy . Please review our privacy policy for more details or contact us at [email protected] .

By submitting my information, I acknowledge that I have read and reviewed the Accessibility Statement . 

By submitting my information, I acknowledge that I have read and reviewed the Student Code of Conduct located in the Catalog .

National University

Chat Options

_linkedin_partner_id = "1170812"; window._linkedin_data_partner_ids = window._linkedin_data_partner_ids || []; window._linkedin_data_partner_ids.push(_linkedin_partner_id); (function(){var s = document.getElementsByTagName("script")[0]; var b = document.createElement("script"); b.type = "text/javascript";b.async = true; b.src = "https://snap.licdn.com/li.lms-analytics/insight.min.js"; s.parentNode.insertBefore(b, s);})(); School of Education

Ph.d. in education.

The Ph.D. in Education program in the School of Education seeks to prepare scholars whose research will address critical problems in education, develop our understanding of teaching and learning in diverse contexts, and lead to improved outcomes for all learners. There is no more important goal, nationally and globally, than educating all children and youth so that they may develop to their fullest potential. However, much remains to be discovered about how best to achieve this goal, given variation in learners, contexts, and opportunities.

Our mission, to prepare the educational researchers of tomorrow, is accomplished through the implementation of a rigorous doctoral program that emphasizes high quality educational research utilizing varied methodological approaches. The program is grounded in interdisciplinary perspectives, including those from anthropological, sociological, psychological, and cognitive science traditions.

The Ph.D. program prepares students to assume leadership roles in both academic and non-academic settings. The program requires a shared first year core that provides the foundation needed to frame and begin investigating important research questions. Specializations within the program build on this foundation and offer students the opportunity to pursue individualized programs of study that capitalize on faculty expertise both within the School of Education and across the University. By engaging in ongoing research and producing evidence of their accomplishments through apprenticeship activities, graduates are well positioned to contribute to solving significant educational problems throughout their careers.

Program Coordinator:  Dr. Christina Barbieri

Areas of Specialization

The Learning Sciences is an interdisciplinary specialization area that focuses on the systematic study of learning and teaching, human development, and educational technology as well as the application of research to design educational innovations and interventions.

The focus of the Literacy specialization is on literacy development and instruction with particular attention to students with learning problems, including problems due to disability and to background.

The specialization area of Mathematics Education focuses on examining issues of teaching and learning mathematics. A distinctive feature of this specialization area is the integration of research experiences, including teaching mathematics content and methods courses for prospective K-8 teachers.

Grounded in the scientist/practitioner model, the school psychology program provides students with a strong foundation in psychological theory and research.

The Sociocultural and Community-Based Approaches (SCA) specialization emphasizes the development of expertise in conducting high-quality research on significant issues in sociocultural and community-centered approaches to education.

Ph.D. in Education Program Requirements

Students generally complete the degree in 4-5 years of full-time study. A minimum of 55 credit hours is required to complete the Ph.D. program. Most students will take far more than this minimum in order to complete apprenticeship and specialization requirements or maintain full time status. While some courses may be offered online, this program in general is not offered in an online-only format.

• Core Content Courses: Doctoral Core coursework includes two proseminars (EDUC 805, EDUC 806) that students take in the first two semesters of their program.
• Research Methods Core Courses: Students take two core research methods courses (EDUC 850 and 856) while taking their core content courses. They also choose primarily a qualitative (EDUC 852, 858, 859) or quantitative (EDUC 812, 865, 874) set of three courses to fulfill the methodology core requirement. In some cases, and with the approval of their advisor, students may fulfill the methodology core by choosing courses from both tracks.
• Specialization Area Courses: All students are accepted into one of 4 specialization areas. These areas vary in how specialized knowledge and skills are acquired, but each requires between two and four specialization courses. All students will take at least two additional specialization core courses from one or more areas outside of their primary area. Students must choose courses carefully to ensure that this requirement is met, recognizing that most courses are offered every other year (some may be offered less frequently depending on enrollments). Students may draw courses from Learning Sciences , Literacy , Mathematics Education , Sociocultural and Community-Based Approaches or from our degree programs in Educational Statistics and Research Methods or School Psychology . (Students admitted in Fall 2019 or earlier to the Ph.D. in Education program may view the School Psychology specialization page .)
• Colloquium Series: Research colloquia expose students to some of the foremost thinkers and researchers in the field of education. Guest scholars are invited to share their research findings with doctoral students and faculty in a setting that encourages collegiality and familiarizes students with a number of scholarly presentation styles and content areas. A one-credit course (EDUC 840) is offered each semester in conjunction with the colloquium series and students must complete a minimum of 4 credits of colloquium.

Students may view the schedule of courses online.

First Year Assessment

All students in the program are required to successfully pass the First Year Assessment, which serves as the qualifying exam for the program. This assessment occurs during finals week of the spring semester of the first year. Students are provided a research article and write a critique of the article using skills learned during their first-year coursework.

Scholarly Apprenticeship

Scholarly Apprenticeship Requirements consist of the following activities and requirements: participation in an annual College of Education and Human Development Research Forum; submission of a publication to a peer-reviewed journal; presentation at a national conference in the student’s area of expertise; and supervised university teaching experience.

Individual Program Plan

By the beginning of the third semester of enrollment, students will write an Individual Program Plan (IPP) that must be approved by the student’s advisor. The IPP will include a listing of the courses the student plans to take to fulfill research methods core and specialization area requirements, and it will outline a timeline of research the student intends to undertake. (Current students can find the Individual Program Plan form on Graduate Resources and Forms .)

University policy requires Ph.D. students to complete one year in residence (one continuous academic year—9 credit hours per semester). Students in this cohort-based program are encouraged to complete the residency requirement during their first year in the program.

Dissertation Proposal

A written proposal that is defended before one’s advisory committee.

Dissertation and Defense

An original work of scholarship, meeting School, University and professional requirements, plus an oral defense of the work. Nine hours of dissertation credit (EDUC 969) are required of all Ph.D. students.

Program Policy Document

Students may download the program policy document for complete information about this degree and the Student Handbook .

Advisor and Assistantship Assignment FAQ

Students may download the Advisor and Assistantship FAQ document for more information about PhD student advising and funding.

Admission Information

To apply to the Ph.D. in Education program, complete the steps of the UD online graduate application process. Additional information about the graduate application process can be found on our “How to Apply” page. For information about graduate tuition, visit UD’s graduate tuition page for CEHD programs.

Application Requirements

Some application items specific to the Ph.D. in Education program include:

• Transcripts of all previous academic work at the undergraduate and graduate (if applicable) level. Please note that the Mathematics Education Ph.D. specialization requires the applicant to hold a master’s degree in mathematics or a related field. Applicants may upload unofficial copies of their transcripts and if admitted, all transcripts will be verified by the Office of Graduate and Professional Education. Applicants who previously attended the University of Delaware still need to upload an unofficial transcript, but do not need to provide official transcripts for verification. Please do not send any transcripts to the School of Education.
• GRE scores are required. Students typically are expected to have minimum scores of 150 on the verbal and quantitative sections and a 4.0 on the analytic writing section. Most admitted students have far higher than the minimum scores. The GRE is optional for Fall 2025 applicants. Please see the note at the top of this section.
• Three letters of recommendation are required. Applicants should select recommenders who can comment on their potential to succeed in doctoral work.
• Applicants should introduce themselves and discuss educational and career goals related to the Ph.D. in Education program and how this program is a good match for their interests. Applicants should identify their area of specialization and potential research interest.
• While there are no requirements set by the School of Education, personal statements are generally 2-5 pages in length.
• A resume is required.
• No writing samples or supplemental documents are required.
• International applicants must submit scores from either the TOEFL, IELTS, or iTEP Academic Plus. Scores more than two years old cannot be validated or considered official. Required minimum scores for the TOEFL are 100 (internet-based test -iBT), 600 (paper-based test), or 250 (computer-based test). For the IELTS, the minimum score is 7.0. For the iTEP Academic Plus, the minimum score is 4.5.

Application Deadline

The deadline for all applications to the Ph.D. in Education program is December 1  for study beginning the following fall term. In general, it is not possible to take required core courses before becoming admitted. The required core courses are generally restricted to students already admitted into the program.

Cost and Financial Support

Our full-time Ph.D. in Education students receive financial support for four years through a variety of sources, including assistantships and tuition scholarships. Students with assistantships receive 100% tuition scholarship and a 9-month stipend, plus health insurance. Merit-based supplemental funding is available. For more information about this financial support, visit CEHD’s graduate tuition page .

Graduate student assistants work 20 hours a week, engaged closely with their faculty mentors in research and teaching activities. Prospective students can learn more about PhD assistantship experiences through our PhD student spotlights and our PhD student directory .

We also have conference travel funding available through the SOE and the UD Graduate College.

How to Apply

Applications for all graduate programs at the University of Delaware are done online through the Office of Graduate and Professional Education. To apply to the Ph.D. in Education program, complete the steps of the UD online graduate application process . For information about graduate tuition, visit UD’s graduate tuition page for CEHD programs.

Student Spotlight

“The Ph.D. in Education program has provided me with the research skills and collaborative relationships to make my goals a reality. I’ve taken rigorous coursework with Drs. Christina Barbieri, Henry May, Rosalie Rolón-Dow and Elizabeth Farley-Ripple to develop my quantitative, qualitative and mixed methods research skills. I’ve also had the opportunity to collaborate with my advisor, Dr. Steve Amendum, and other faculty on research projects where I have applied these skills to develop advanced knowledge related to multilingual learners’ learning. Receiving the International Literacy Association’s Jeanne S. Chall Research Fellowship would not have been possible without all of the support I have received through the College and the Ph.D. program.”

Featured Research

From fractions struggle to fractions success

For many elementary and middle school children, fractions are the scariest topic in their mathematics classroom. How can a fraction represent something larger than the number one? How can three-fifths be smaller than three-fourths when five is bigger than four? Without these foundational skills in fractions, students struggle in later mathematics courses, such as algebra, and begin to lose interest in math. They believe that math is simply “not for them” and turn away from career paths in science, technology…

Read the Full Article

Spencer grant to improve assessment of students’ writing skills

Over the past three years, Joshua Wilson, assistant professor in the University of Delaware’s School of Education (SOE), has studied how computer software could be used to evaluate and improve student writing, and his research continues to…

CADRE Fellow will broaden instructional math research

Jenifer Hummer, a doctoral student in the University of Delaware School of Education, has been awarded one of 10 highly competitive Community for Advancing Discovery in Research in Education (CADRE) Fellowships, funded by the National Science…

NSF grants support community-based computer science programs to expand participation

Teach kids how to program a toylike robot or a computer game and suddenly computer science looks like great fun. Coding – the letters and numbers that govern the robot’s every motion – is worth learning. The concepts and math behind all of…

Applying To Graduate School: Tips For Getting Started

Applying for Ph.D. programs is exciting but can also be overwhelming and stressful. How do you even begin the process? From narrowing down different programs to working on application materials, deciding which doctoral program is right for you takes some time. Some of our Ph.D. students share their best advice on applying to graduate school.

Student Outcomes

Jessica Rodrigues

Jessica pursued her Ph.D. in Education (specializing in Learning Sciences and Education, Measurement & Statistics) because of the opportunity to learn from and work with leaders in the field: “I knew I would receive the training required to advance my research skills and to be competitive on the job market.”

Request More Information

Visit Campus

Awards and Scholarships

• Major and Minors
• Graduate Programs
• Prospective Students
• Academic Calendar
• Social Media
• 113 Willard Hall Education Building , Newark, DE 19716
• Phone: (302) 831-8695
• Fax: (302) 831-4110

Connect with Pitt Education

PhD Admissions

Congratulations on your interest in joining the PhD program at the Pitt School of Education.

You will soon have the opportunity to work alongside the leading minds in education research.

The University of Pittsburgh is a Research 1 institution, which means that we engage in the highest levels of research activity. Our faculty are working on groundbreaking research that has a transformative effect on education policy, practice, and science.

PhD Admissions Deadlines

The admissions deadline for PhD programs is December 1.

Program Start Date

All PhD programs begin in the fall term.

How to Apply

Students must complete an online application following the instructions below. No GRE exam is required.

PhD Admissions Guidelines

Gre exam not required.

GRE scores are not required. Admission is based on your past educational achievement and accomplishments, and your visions for the future as a scholarly researcher.

Online Application

Applicants must complete the School of Education  online admissions application. Please select the application for the fall term.

There is a non-refundable application fee of $50 (USD) by credit card with the application, unless you apply for and receive a need-based fee waiver.

Your online application will include your:

• Current resume or curriculum vitae
• Goal statement
• Contact information for three academic or professional contacts to later be invited to provide letters of recommendation.
• Academic Transcript

Goal Statement

In the online application, applicants are required to complete a goal statement not to exceed 750 words.

Below is a summary of the writing prompt:

“Please share your reasons for pursuing a degree at the University of Pittsburgh School of Education, focusing on your long-term goals and how your academic program will help you achieve those goals. Include any aspects of your experience, skills, and background which may aid the admission committee in evaluating your fit for the program for which you are applying. If applying for an EdD or PhD program, please also discuss your area(s) of research, academic and/or professional interests and identify 1-3 faculty you’re interested in working with and why.”

You may identify faculty on the degree page for your program of interest. Or you may contact our admissions team for more information at [email protected] .

Equity & Justice Fellowship

The online application includes a field to select for students interested in participating in our Equity and Justice Fellowship program .

In February, the admissions committee will provide applicants with additional information regarding the essay.

Writing Sample

Submission of a professional writing sample in the form of a previously completed term paper, master’s thesis, article, etc. that does not exceed 20 pages in length. The writing sample can be uploaded as part of your online application.

Transcript Submission

In the Academic History section of the online application, please request that official transcripts from all U.S. institutions attended are sent to GRADCAS. If your previous institution is unable to send transcripts electronically, please contact an Admissions & Recruitment Manager at 412-648-2230 or  [email protected].

Application Fee Waiver

Applicants may be eligible for a need-based application fee waiver due to:

• Pell eligibility within the last three years
• Recent participation in federal, state, or local programs that aid students from low-income families
• Qualification for public assistance
• Otherwise demonstrable financial hardship, including emergency expenses or unexpected medical bills

REQUEST NEED-BASED FEE WAIVER

Our admissions staff will review your request, and reach back out to assist you in completing your application. The School of Education reserves the right to request any necessary documentation.

Ready to Apply?

Submit your application online

This website uses cookies to improve visitor experiences. You can configure cookie settings in your web browser.

• Introduction

Harvard Griffin GSAS strives to provide students with timely, accurate, and clear information. If you need help understanding a specific policy, please contact the office that administers that policy.

• Application for Degree
• Credit for Completed Graduate Work
• Ad Hoc Degree Programs
• Dissertations
• English Language Proficiency
• African and African American Studies
• American Studies
• Anthropology
• Architecture, Landscape Architecture, and Urban Planning
• Molecular and Cellular Biology
• Organismic and Evolutionary Biology
• Biological Sciences in Public Health
• Biostatistics
• Business Administration
• Business Economics
• Byzantine Studies
• Celtic Languages and Literatures
• Chemical Biology
• Chemical Physics
• Chemistry and Chemical Biology
• Comparative Literature
• Division of Medical Sciences
• Earth and Planetary Sciences
• East Asian Languages and Civilizations
• Engineering and Applied Sciences
• Film and Visual Studies
• Germanic Languages and Literatures
• Health Policy
• History of Art and Architecture
• History of Science
• Human Evolutionary Biology
• Inner Asian and Altaic Studies
• Linguistics
• Mathematics
• Middle Eastern Studies
• Near Eastern Languages and Civilizations
• Organizational Behavior
• Political Economy and Government
• Population Health Sciences
• Public Policy
• Quantum Science and Engineering
• Religion, The Study of
• Romance Languages and Literatures
• Slavic Languages and Literatures
• Social Policy
• South Asian Studies
• Systems, Synthetic, and Quantitative Biology
• Secondary Fields
• Year of Graduate Study (G-Year)
• Master's Degrees
• Grade and Examination Requirements
• Conduct and Safety
• Financial Aid
• Non-Resident Students
• Registration
• Residence Halls
• Student Groups

Questions about these requirements? See the contact info at the bottom of the page. 

The PhD in education is awarded by the Harvard Kenneth C. Griffin Graduate School of Arts and Sciences (Harvard Griffin GSAS).

Students will work with faculty in the Harvard Graduate School of Education (HGSE) and the Faculty of Arts and Sciences (FAS).

Candidates for the PhD in education will be affiliated with one of three concentrations: Culture, Institutions, and Society (CIS); Education Policy and Program Evaluation (EPPE); or Human Development, Learning, and Teaching (HDLT).

All entering PhD students (G1s) are assigned an academic advisor based on interests and goals discussed in the admissions application. The advisor must be a  current  HGSE faculty member who is a member of the Faculty of the Whole. The relationship between the faculty advisor and student is integral for scholarly progress and professional development. Like any professional relationship, the advisor-student relationship takes time to develop and is unique in nature, matching the styles and needs of both individuals.

Academic Residence

Completion of a minimum of two years of full-time study in residence is required to receive the PhD from Harvard Griffin GSAS. The academic residence requirement can be reduced by as much as one term (four four-credit courses) if the candidate's department grants academic credit for prior work done at HGSE within three years of starting the PhD (see Credit for Completed Graduate Work ).

Satisfactory Progress

The PhD in education Steering Committee monitors each student’s progress year by year. The PhD in education degree is governed by a series of benchmarks that define what is considered evidence that the student is making “satisfactory, adequate and timely progress.” During the period between admission and submission of the dissertation, the PhD Steering Committee conducts annual reviews to ensure each candidate is meeting relevant benchmarks and academic milestones.

Program of Study

The first two years.

PhD in education students must complete a minimum of 64 credits/16 courses toward the degree, along with other academic and research-related requirements including:

• PhD Proseminar in Education (year one fall; one course)
• Concentration Core Seminar (year one spring; one course)
• Foundational Quantitative Methods Courses (two courses)
• Foundational Qualitative Methods Course (one course)
• Additional Qualitative Methods Course (one course)
• Concentration Electives (three courses)
• General Electives (five courses)
• Research apprenticeship (each year)
• Reading Time (written comprehensive exam preparation; year two spring, one course)
• Written Comprehensive Examination (year two spring)
• Research Colloquia (years one and two; one course per year)
• Any outstanding coursework
• Oral Comprehensive Examination
• Research apprenticeship
• Teaching Fellow appointment(s) (four “slots” required at HGSE, typically fulfilled in years three and four)
• Research Colloquium presentation (year three, four, five, or six)

Years Four-Six

• Dissertation Proposal (to be completed by the end of year four)
• Dissertation Committee Meeting (year four or five)
• Dissertation and Dissertation Defense (year four, five, or six)

Master of Arts (AM)

Candidates for the PhD in education degree may apply 8 courses/32 credits of their doctoral program toward an AM in passing from Harvard Griffin GSAS. PhD in education students may apply for a master’s only after they have completed at least 16 courses (64 credits) since enrolling in the PhD program.

Students who wish to receive the AM in passing must file with the Harvard Griffin GSAS Registrar’s Office. While the department does not admit candidates for a terminal AM degree, students who have met all the course requirements may petition to be awarded the AM in education. Students must have a B+ average to receive a master’s-in-passing.

To enhance students’ teaching skills and to promote consolidation of their own learning, all PhD in education students are required to complete four Teaching Fellowship (TF) “slots” at HGSE over the course of their time in the program. Most students will fulfill this requirement in their third year or fourth year, though students must fulfill the requirement before receiving Harvard Griffin GSAS dissertation completion funding .  

Please note that this requirement is applicable to all PhD in education students—regardless of amount/level of teaching experience—and MUST be met with HGSE courses. TF slots from the FAS, Harvard Griffin GSAS, and/or other Harvard schools do not count toward this requirement, though are certainly encouraged in terms of professional development.

TF “slots” at HGSE represent one and a half days per week (on average) of salaried academic work over the course of a term, or the equivalent amount of time when spread over a longer period (e.g., yearlong) or condensed into a shorter more intensive period (e.g., January term). A TF “slot” can be fulfilled in the following ways:

• A single course “slot” for a traditional term-long class (equates to one “slot”)
• A single course “slot” spread across a year-long class (equates to one “slot”)
• A double “slot” for a course with a particularly heavy TF workload (equates to two “slots”)
• A January term or August term “slot” (equates to one “slot”)

Other Requirements

Research colloquia.

The HGSE Research Colloquia Series brings together faculty and doctoral students in a community of learning to foster disciplinary and interdisciplinary dialogue. These meetings include presentations by Harvard faculty, faculty and researchers from outside of Harvard, and other Harvard doctoral students. They meet weekly at the same day and time. Each colloquium addresses topics salient to its participants and includes presentations of work-in-progress in addition to completed work in topic areas in education, such as leadership in education, global contexts in education, early childhood education, education access and equity, civic learning and engagement, or teaching and instructional effectiveness. 

First- and second-year PhD in education students are required to register (and earn two credits per year) for the colloquium related to their academic concentration. Participation is strongly encouraged in later years as well. PhD in education students are required to present their work in the colloquium once during their program, typically between their third year and graduation.

Research Apprenticeship

All PhD in education students are expected to engage in research starting in their first year and continuing throughout their doctoral studies. The research apprenticeship provides students an opportunity to develop their research skills, and may take several forms, including:

• independent research work under the guidance of a faculty member, either as a paid research assistant (RA) or for independent study credit
• research work with a faculty member (and often other doctoral students) as part of a research project
• active participation in a research group or lab, often led by the primary academic advisor or by a small group of collaborating faculty.

Students are strongly encouraged, as part of their research apprenticeship work, to collaborate with faculty and other doctoral students in order to jointly author scholarly papers.

Grade Requirements

Students must maintain a cumulative grade average of B+ or better in each year of graduate work. At no time may a student register for a term if they have more than one Incomplete. Where the primary field requires that all courses be passed at or above a certain grade, or that the student’s average grade be higher than B+, the student will be required to meet that requirement for courses in the field.

No more than one Incomplete may be carried forward at any time by a PhD student in education. The work of the incomplete course must be made up before the end of the term following that in which the course was taken. In applying for an Incomplete, students must have signed permission from the instructor and, in some cases, the director of graduate studies, or the course in question may not count toward the program requirements. If students do not complete work by the deadline, the course will not count toward the program requirements unless there are documented extenuating circumstances.

Comprehensive Examinations

All PhD in education students take the Written Comprehensive Exam at the end of their second year.  In their third year, students take the Oral Comprehensive Exam with their faculty advisor and committee members. Once the student has passed the oral exam, they are approved to move forward to the dissertation proposal stage.

Dissertation Proposal

The Dissertation Proposal (DP) is a document generated prior to the dissertation to introduce and summarize a student’s research goals and proposed methods of investigation. It is a blueprint for the research to follow. The purpose of the dissertation proposal is to articulate for committee readers that there is a research question worth pursuing and that the study is well designed to address it. Every DP includes a literature review leading to an explicit research question and a detailed plan for investigating the question through original research. The DP should convince readers that the study is both likely to enrich the field in general and feasible in nature. As noted above, all PhD students are required to obtain DP approval by the end of their fourth year.

Dissertation Committee Meeting

The Dissertation Committee must hold at least one meeting (the Dissertation Committee Meeting, or DCM) to discuss and support the student’s progression toward completing the dissertation proposal as well as the dissertation. Each student should determine, in consultation with their advisor, when holding the DCM would be the most useful for advancing the dissertation work. For some students, the DCM will occur early in the dissertation process and involve discussion and/or approval of the DP. For other students, the DP can be approved by committee members without holding a committee meeting, allowing the DCM to be held after data collection has commenced (e.g., in order to talk about progress and potential challenges in the dissertation study). Regardless of timing, all DCMs should include the following elements:

• provide faculty readers the opportunity to question and offer suggestions about the dissertation proposal, data collection, analysis, and writing plans
• anticipate and/or discuss emergent issues in the early progress of the proposed work
• establish a framework and timetable for reading and submitting dissertation drafts to faculty readers.

At the DCM, members of the Dissertation Committee should come to an understanding about the future progress of the dissertation, resolve any emergent issues, and agree upon what will be included in the final dissertation in order for it to be considered complete.

Dissertation

The dissertation is the cornerstone of a PhD, presenting the student’s independent research and supporting their candidacy for earning the doctoral degree. For purposes of this program, a dissertation is a scholarly inquiry into some aspect of education based on original empirical research; it addresses a particular question and contributes significantly to knowledge and/or concepts in the field of education.

Dissertation Defense

The Dissertation Defense is, in many ways, a doctoral student’s crowning academic achievement––the presentation and defense of one’s own ideas and scholarship in a public forum. The Dissertation Defense promotes intellectual discourse and emphasizes the importance of disseminating educational research with the goal of having an impact on practice and/or policy. The Dissertation Defense is 75 to 90 minutes—beginning with a 20- to 30‐minute presentation by the student, followed by a 45‐minute Q & A session led by the Dissertation Committee. At the conclusion of these public aspects of the Dissertation Defense, the student’s Dissertation Committee will deliberate and vote in private before having the student return and learn the rating, along with suggestions for steps to finalize the dissertation. The Dissertation Committee must submit original signatures on the PhD in education dissertation cover sheet and the dissertation and defense rating sheet. In the event a committee member is participating remotely, please consult with the Doctoral Programs Office on how best to obtain all original signatures.

Contact Info

Education Website Harvard Graduate School of Education 13 Appian Way Cambridge, MA 02138

[email protected]

617-495-3414

Explore Events

• Chancellor’s Message

Print Options

2024-25 edition, education, ph.d..

The School of Education offers a Ph.D. in Education. The program seeks applicants from varied backgrounds and experiences who have the potential to become outstanding scholars and researchers in the field of education. The program currently offers three areas: (1) Human Development in Context; (2) Educational Policy and Social Context; and (3) Teaching, Learning, and Educational Improvement. Students enrolling in the program choose among these areas based on their research interests.

Course work for the program ordinarily takes two to three years to complete and involves a number of core courses, methodology courses, elective courses, and a directed research sequence. Before advancing, students are required to have successfully completed their first-year research poster project, second year research paper, and 12 courses as specified by the area requirements. Students should advance to candidacy in the fall quarter of their fourth year. The normative time for completion of the Ph.D. is five years, and the maximum time permitted is seven years.

Students are admitted to the program once per year to begin each fall quarter. Applicants must have completed a bachelor’s degree with a grade point average of at least 3.0 and have prior course work or background related to the area for which they express interest. Applicants are required to submit a UCI application, transcripts, a statement of purpose, a personal statement, CV or resume, a writing sample, and three letters of reference. General GRE scores are not required.

All graduate applicants, except those who have earned an undergraduate or master's degree from an institution at which English was the sole language of instruction according to the  World Higher Education Database,  are required to demonstrate English proficiency for admissions consideration. If English is not the sole language of instruction listed or if no language is listed at all, the waiver does not apply and the applicant is required to take and pass an approved English proficiency test (TOEFL or IELTS). More information can be found on the Graduate Division Website .

Students must complete degree requirements for one of three areas below. All students take a minimum of 12 4-unit courses, including five required research methods courses, two other area courses, and five area courses. Area requirements for the area courses and other area courses are described below.

Area courses are designated by specific letters. EPSC area courses are designated with an E, HDIC courses are designated with a D, and TLEI courses are designated with a T.

Required Methods Courses

Other Area Courses

Each student must take one course from the other two areas they are not majoring in:

Area Courses

Students must take five courses based on their area requirements.

Human Development in Context (HDIC)

To satisfy HDIC area requirements, students must receive approval of their selected courses by the Associate Dean.

Of the four HDIC courses, students must select at least one course from three different sub-areas.

Educational Policy and Social Context (EPSC)

To satisfy ESPC area requirements, students must receive approval of their selected courses by the Associate Dean.

Students must select one course in the Economics of Education, one course in Education Policy, and one course in the Structure and Social Context of Schools.

Teaching, Learning, and Educational Improvement (TLEI)

To satisfy TLEI area requirements, students must receive approval of their selected courses by the Associate Dean.

Students must select two courses in one TLEI sub-area and two other courses (either in the same or a different TLEI sub-area).

S/U Research Courses

Students who wish to engage in pre-dissertation or research for credit but not for a letter grade, may enroll in EDUC 295 for 2-4 units (pre-dissertation research) or EDUC 299 for 2-8 units (dissertation research). Both courses may be repeated for credit and both are graded on a Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory basis. As with other S/U courses, EDUC 295 and EDUC 299 may not be used to fulfill degree requirements.

Elective Courses

Students are expected and strongly encouraged to take courses beyond the 12 courses required, such as the additional research courses listed below, that provide training essential to the student's research interests and professional development throughout their five years of doctoral study. These courses may come from their own area, from the other two areas, from other appropriate classes in the School of Education, from other departments on campus, or from other campuses within the University of California. Elective courses must be graduate-level courses taken for a letter grade. Independent study courses (e.g., EDUC 298 ) are also acceptable when taken for a letter grade, pending approval and syllabus is provided.

Further information regarding the Ph.D. program, courses, and application requirements is available at the School of Education website .

Additional Research Methods Courses (not required but strongly encouraged)

Send Page to Printer

Print this page.

Download Page (PDF)

The PDF will include all information unique to this page.

2024-2025 Catalogue

A PDF of the entire 2024-2025 catalogue.

Higher and Postsecondary Education PhD

Doctor of philosophy in higher & postsecondary education.

The Higher and Postsecondary Education (HPSE) Program at Teachers College, Columbia University strives to create knowledge, knowledgeable scholar-practitioners, and practicing scholars concerned broadly with teaching, learning, and scholarly and professional development; organizational and institutional analysis, including abilities to probe and develop the structures, processes, policies, and technologies that comprise colleges, universities, and state and national systems of tertiary education; social and comparative perspectives, with attention to the social, cultural, economic, and historic context of knowledge production, policy, and institutional development. We expect that students will work within and across these domains and scholarly disciplines, developing programs of study that, though focused on particular themes and issues (e.g., policy, scholarly learning and careers, student development, professional development), will be informed broadly and deeply by a diverse array of ideas, perspectives, and questions.

The Ph.D. degree in Higher and Postsecondary Education is designed to prepare scholars and researchers in the area of Higher Education. To achieve the purposes of the program, the Ph.D. was designed to provide both subject-matter competence and research skills (study design, methodology). The domain of inquiry for the Ph.D. is the field of higher education. However, each student will also select a discipline-based cognate as an anchor for their developing understanding of the multi-disciplinary field of higher education.

Candidates for the degree will be equipped to recognize significant issues and their value assumptions, identify problems needing research, and design and undertake original scholarly research projects that are likely to have direct application to a particular higher education setting. Candidates will also receive supervised training in the teaching of higher education as a field of study. The program will draw on designated College strengths in diverse research strategies/methods, tailoring these to the study of higher education when appropriate.

The Ph.D. in Higher Education is designed for students pursuing careers as academic faculty, administrators, policy analysts, and educational researchers. Since the PhD is a scholarly degree, the core objective of this degree program is to prepare researchers of the highest quality. Our program engages in broad explorations of higher and postsecondary education, and of the contexts that shape the enterprise and its activities. Ph.D. students conclude their program by writing a dissertation that, though focused on a particular research problem within higher and postsecondary education, reflects the deep understanding of knowledge structures underpinning a particular area of inquiry.

Admissions Information

Displaying requirements for the Spring 2025, Summer 2025, and Fall 2025 terms.

Doctor of Philosophy

• Points/Credits: 75
• Entry Terms: Fall
• Enrollment Formats: Full-Time, Part-Time

Application Deadlines

Select programs remain open beyond our standard application deadlines , such as those with an extended deadline or those that are rolling (open until June or July). If your program is rolling or has an extended deadline indicated above, applications are reviewed as they are received and on a space-available basis. We recommend you complete your application as soon as possible as these programs can close earlier if full capacity has been met.

Application Requirements

Statement of Purpose

• For more information on our application process and guidelines for the statement of purpose, please visit the Admissions website .

Additional Degree Information

Our curriculum emphasizes the mastery of particular theoretical frameworks and research methods in the social sciences or humanities. Each doctoral student is required to create a cognate in a discipline or interdisciplinary area. Students who enroll full-time typically complete the program in four to five years, past their master’s.

The Ph.D. requires a minimum of 75 points of graduate coursework, completion of the certification exam (two parts), and the writing and successful defense of a dissertation.

Required core courses include (19 points):

ORL 5521 Introduction to research methods in education (3) or equivalent with advisor approval

• ORLH 4020 College and University Organization and Administration (3)
• ORLH 5011 College Teaching & Learning (3) OR ORLH 5527 The College Professoriate (3)
• ORLH 5044 Theories of Diversity in Higher Education (3) OR ORLH 5545 The Civic Mission of Higher Education (3)
• ORLH 5526 The Literature of Higher Education (3)
• ORLH 6511 Coordinating Seminar in Higher Education (3)
• ORLH 7500 Dissertation Seminar (1)

Methods Requirements (9-12 Points):

A minimum of three (3) additional research courses (9 points beyond ORL 5521) will be selected relative to the student's research preparation needs; selection of research coursework requires approval of the dissertation sponsor. At least one introductory qualitative and one introductory quantitative course are required; plus, one advanced methods course. Additional methodological coursework and a research apprenticeship are recommended and may be required by dissertation sponsor or committee toward development of appropriate research expertise. Consult with dissertation sponsor.

Disciplinary Cognate Requirement (12 points):

A minimum of four (4) courses within a discipline that is chosen by student in consultation with academic advisor.

The remaining courses are electives. Up to 30 points may be transferred from a relevant master’s program with advisor approval.

Changes or other adjustments to requirements and distributions, as shown for the Ph.D. in Higher and Postsecondary Education, require approval of the HPSE faculty advisor. The above plan assumes advisor approval for all courses of enrollment.

A limited number of internships may be available to Ph.D. students, pending advisor consultation and approval of the Program Director. For information, please contact the Program’s Internship Coordinator.

Requirements from the TC Catalog (AY 2023-2024)

Displaying catalog information for the Fall 2023, Spring 2024 and Summer 2024 terms.

View Full Catalog Listing

The Ph.D. degree requires a minimum of 75 points of graduate coursework, completion of the certification exam (two parts), and the writing and successful defense of a dissertation.

ORLH 4020 College and university organization and administration (3)

ORLH 5011 College teaching & learning (3) OR ORLH 5527 Advanced professional seminar: The college professoriate (3)

ORLH 5044 Theories of diversity in higher education (3) OR ORLH 5545 Advanced professional seminar: The civic mission of higher education (3)

ORLH 5526 Advanced professional seminar: The literature of higher education (3)

ORLH 6511 Coordinating seminar in higher education (3)

ORLH 7500 Dissertation seminar (1)

A minimum of three (3) additional research courses (9 points beyond ORL 5521) will be selected relative to the student's research preparation needs; selection of research coursework requires approval of the dissertation advisor. At least one introductory qualitative and one introductory quantitative course are required; plus, one advanced methods course. Additional methodological coursework and a research apprenticeship are recommended and may be required by dissertation advisor or committee toward development of appropriate research expertise. Consult with dissertation advisor.

A minimum of four (4) courses within a discipline that is chosen by the student in consultation with their academic advisor.

The remaining courses are electives. Up to 30 points may be transferred from a relevant master’s degree program with advisor approval.

• View Other Degrees

Program Director : Professor Noah D. Drezner

Teachers College, Columbia University 206 Zankel

Phone: 212-678-3750 Fax: 212-678-3743

Email: highered@tc.edu

• marquette.edu //
• Contacts //
• A-Z Index //
• Give to Marquette

Marquette.edu  //  College of Education  //  Graduate Studies  //  Counselor Education and Counseling Psychology  // 

Ph.D. Admission Process

All doctoral applications to the Department of Counselor Education and Counseling Psychology must originate with the Graduate School. New students enter the program in the fall semester of each year, and the application deadline is December 1 of the preceding year—all application materials must be postmarked or received electronically by this date, and materials not postmarked or received electronically by this date will not be considered. The vast majority of our doctoral students now enter the program already having a master’s degree in a mental health field. All applicants must have at least attained a baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university.

Prerequisites for Admission

The following courses are prerequisites for graduate study for all programs in the Department of Counselor Education and Counseling Psychology: introduction to psychology, introduction to statistics, research methods in behavioral sciences, abnormal psychology, human development, multiculturalism/diversity, in addition to experience in human service (field work, service learning, volunteering, or employment). Applicants not meeting all prerequisites may still be considered for admission, but should contact the department to discuss alternate plans for meeting the requirements prior to starting the program. Students who have completed relevant graduate course work prior to entry into the program may apply to have some of their requirements waived if the previous course work is equivalent to the courses currently required by the program.

Course Waivers for Program Requirements

Students who have completed graduate coursework at other institutions or at other Marquette University departments that is equivalent to courses required in our Program may petition to have those course requirements recognized (substituted) by the Marquette University Graduate School as meeting specified program requirements. A Petition for Course Waiver or substitution form must be completed for each course to be considered for a waiver. Students will need to submit to their advisors the course syllabi from the original course taken. Copies of course syllabi for our department that can be used for comparison purposes are available from the department assistant. The advisor and department chair both need to sign the form indicating their approval for the waiver to be accepted. In cases of disagreement between the advisor and chair, the petition will go to the full department faculty for a vote. Courses taken longer than six years ago normally will not be waived because the materials that was covered is likely no longer current. This procedure does not need to be followed for courses that a new student previously completed within the department with the previous six years.

Students should also use this procedure for elective courses not already preapproved or for courses that they wish to take as a substitute for required program courses. Students need to obtain preapproval for substitute courses, however, because the faculty will not approve courses that may at first glance appear to be similar to our courses but which we judge as not meeting our standards.

The time to program completion will depend on the number of courses waived because prior graduate coursework meets current program requirements. If no courses meet current program requirements, it is expected that students require six years to reach degree completion. If courses are waived because prior completed graduate courses meet program requirements, then students can expect that it would take four to five years for degree completion. Students will determine the specific program plan in collaboration with their academic advisors, and a completion date during the first semester of the program.

Admission Process

Admission applications that are incomplete or received after the deadline will not be reviewed. To ensure your file is complete and on time, please contact the Graduate School at 414-288-7137 or email at [email protected] .

• Doctoral admission applications due to the Graduate School: December 1, 2023
• Doctoral campus interviews: Friday, January 26, 2024

Expand all   |   Collapse all  

Materials to be Submitted for Application

All of the following materials must be submitted to the Graduate School by the appropriate deadline.

• Graduate School application form and application fee.
• If coursework was completed within the United States, submit copies of all current and previous college/universities except Marquette.
• If coursework was completed outside of the United States, a transcript evaluation is required. A copy of a course-by-course evaluation is approved for the application process.
• Test scores on the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) General Test and the Writing Test are optional.
• Your interested in our doctoral program in counseling psychology;
• How your research experiences and career goals are congruent with the scientist-practitioner model of our department;
• A ranking of up to three department faculty with whom you wish to work on research, as well as the reasons why you wish to work with these faculty ( View a full list of faculty );
• How your experiences or interests would contribute to fostering diversity in the program.
• Current resume or vita.
• Three letters of recommendation from individuals who can address the applicant's academic and professional potential.
• International applicants must submit a TOEFL score or other acceptable proof of English proficiency.

The Counseling Psychology program strongly encourages applications from those who believe that their commitment to diversity in health service psychology and/ or their own personal identity (e.g., ethnic, national origin, sexual, or gender identity) will contribute to a positive climate for diversity in the program and department. We also encourage diverse applicants to request consideration for the Marquette University Graduate School Diversity Fellowship at the time of application.

For application information and forms, please contact the Graduate School [email protected] at 414-288-7137,or email Coreen Bukowski , department academic coordinator.

After all completed applications are reviewed, the highest ranking applicants will be contacted for an interview that is required for admission. International applicants and others for whom an in-person interview would be prohibitively expensive are invited to interview over the phone. These interviews normally are held on the last Friday in January.

Applicant Evaluation by Departmental Faculty

The department faculty reviews applicant files comprehensively, emphasizing all aspects of applicants’ backgrounds. Academic transcripts, test scores, letters of recommendation, statements of purpose, writing samples, and professional backgrounds receive special attention in the first phase of the application process. Those applicants who are judged to show good potential for graduate study in our department, and who demonstrate a strong fit with at least one faculty member’s research interests , are then invited for an interview with the department faculty. Potential for graduate study and the fit between the applicant and the advisor/program are the focus of these interviews. After the interviews have been completed, the entire faculty again reviews each application and makes decisions about whom to offer admission. As noted earlier, students are admitted to work with a particular faculty member, and this match is based upon the advisor’s and the student’s shared research interests.

With regard to previous grades for our recent doctoral counseling psychology students, the median undergraduate GPA was 3.6. The faculty admits students with lower grades when there are significant compensating factors that are important for determining success in the field. If relevant, applicants should highlight these factors in their Statement of Purpose.

Tuition and Financial Aid Information

Tuition for a graduate education student can be found on the Graduate School tuition page. This level of tuition is often fairly competitive with other institutions. In recent years, new full-time doctoral students have been supported by part-time research assistantships through the department. Scholarships have helped some additional students, and a variety of fellowships and other options are available. For more information, see the Graduate School's financial aid page.

We will not know the number of assistantships available to next year's students until our admissions offers are sent out during the middle of the spring semester.

Visiting the department

You are welcome to visit the department to find out more about our programs. Department informational sessions are currently not held on campus, but you may schedule an online meeting or email the department. We are located in room 146 of the Walter Schroeder Health and Education Complex, 560 N. 16th Street. Download a campus map .Please contact Coreen via e-mail or 414-288-5730 to let us know you are interested in visiting or would like someone to contact you. Contact the Graduate School to schedule a campus visit/tour.

Quick Links

• Resources for Current Students
• Resources for Admitted Students
• Our Commitment to Diversity
• Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology
• Ph.D. Program Outcome and Disclosure
• Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
• Online Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
• Master of Arts in School Counseling
• Master's Degrees Program and Student Outcomes
• Faculty Expertise
• Faculty and Staff Directory
• Research Centers and Clinics

PROBLEM WITH THIS WEBPAGE?

Report an accessibility problem

To report another problem, please contact [email protected] .

Marquette University Schroeder Health and Education Complex Milwaukee, WI 53233 Phone: (800) 222-6544

• Campus contacts
• Search marquette.edu

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

Privacy Policy Legal Disclaimer Non-Discrimination Policy Accessible Technology

© 2024 Marquette University

• Quick Links
• Campus Directory
• Events Calendar
• Human Resources
• Student Services
• Auraria Library
• Emergency Management & Campus Safety
• University Policies
• Public Health Resources
• News for Faculty and Staff

Schools & Colleges

• College of Architecture and Planning
• College of Arts & Media
• Business School

School of Education & Human Development

• College of Engineering, Design and Computing
• College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
• School of Public Affairs

Campus Affiliates

• CU Anschutz Medical Campus
• CU Colorado Springs

Bachelor of Arts in Education and Human Development, Education and Learning Sciences

Classroom Type: Online and on campus classes

The Education and Learning Sciences track in the Education and Human Development BA provides opportunities for students to explore education and learning in contexts outside of teaching in schools. It was created for individuals who wish to delve into the latest research and practices on learners' cognition, motivation, engagement, growth, and development in various formal and informal learning contexts.

Application​ deadlines

Rolling decision

Personalized Support for Every Student

This flexible program accepts students every term (fall, spring, summer) and features personalized support for every student. Our SEHD Student Success Center provides wrap-around support for every student as well as one-on-one coaching.

Transfer Friendly Program

The Education and Learning Sciences pathway is transfer-friendly! Students can customize their program to bring in as many as 45 electives in minors and concentrations.

Experiences in the field

Students gain experiences that prepare them to be responsive and innovative in whatever field aligns with their passion.

Program Details

Interest Categories: Cultural Diversity & Global Perspectives Education & Counseling Social & Behavioral Sciences

Campus: CU Denver Online

The Bachelor of Arts in Education and Human Development, Education and Learning Sciences program is designed to provide students with knowledge in current theories of learning, mind, brain, learning connections, theories of motivation, and designing a strong learning environment. Students also complete multiple experiences in diverse fields to support connections between practice and theory. Learning takes place in a top education school with collaborative teams of dedicated teachers and award-winning faculty. This 120-credit hour track is ideal for students who are interested in education in roles outside of teaching including outdoor education and informal learning environments, museum learning, international teaching, and non-profits to name a few.

Students in the program will:

• Understand major theories in the education and learning sciences and apply these theories in diverse contexts.
• Establish and facilitate a safe inclusive and respectful learning environment for diverse populations.
• Plan and deliver effective instruction and create an environment that facilitates learning pertinent to context.
• Demonstrate professionalism through ethical conduct, critical reflection, and professional growth.

This 120-credit hour track is ideal for students who are interested in education in roles outside of teaching in public schools including outdoor education and informal learning environments, instructional design, museum learning, international teaching, and non-profits to name a few.

Scholarship info

CU Denver offers generous scholarships and financial aid packages to support students throughout their degree.

Choose CU Denver’s School of Education & Human Development

Development attracts students passionate about careers in education, human development, mental health, and working in and supporting diverse communities across multiple fields. The program matches their passion with an education rooted in diversity, current theories of learning, mind, brain, learning connections, theories of motivation, and designing strong learning environments. That’s why graduates are prepared to make immediate and life-long impacts on people, communities, and the world.

Sample Courses

• LDFS 4110 - Human Learning 3 credits
• LDFS 4750 - Designing Environments for Learning and Development 3 credits
• LDFS 4320 - Mind, Brain, and Education 3 credits
• LDFS 4600 - Motivation in Context 3 credits

Recommended Completion Time: 2 to 4 years

Required Credits for Completion: 120

Admission Requirements

Our program seeks individuals who wish to teach as a career. We accept  applications from incoming first-year students, current students at CU Denver, students transferring from community colleges or four-year institutions, individuals who are working as paraprofessionals, assistant teachers or developmental intervention assistants.

This program has rolling admissions, applications close per semester as follows:

• Spring: Dec. 31
• Summer: May 31
• Fall: July 31

Application Support

Our friends at TEACH Colorado have free tools and resources to make applying to our program—and becoming a classroom teacher—easier! Create an account today and immediately access:

• An interactive application checklist to keep you on track.
• $100 fee reimbursement towards application and testing expenses.
• 1-on-1 expert advice for any question along the way.
• How-to guides for eligibility, applications, testing and finances.
• A chance to win a $1,000 scholarship toward tuition.

Sign up today!

For more information, please contact:

School of Education & Human Development Office of Recruitment and Outreach [email protected] 303.315.6300

Lawrence Street Center

1380 Lawrence Street

Denver, CO 80204

303-315-6300

• Student Life
• Technology Guide
• Student Employment
• International Student Services
• Advising & Degree Planning
• Bursar - Student Billing
• Financial Aid & Scholarships
• Faculty & Staff Resources
• Office of Grants & Contracts
• Staff Technology Guide
• Faculty Technology Guide
• Research Center
• Edge - Alumni Publication
• Career Services
• Alumni Association
• Support the School

• Faculty and Staff

University of Hawai‘i ® at Mānoa 2024-2025 General Catalog

College of education: school of teacher education.

• College of Education
• Undergraduate Programs
• Graduate Programs
• Other Programs, Research Units, Student Organizations, and Honors and Scholarships
• Curriculum Studies
• Educational Administration
• Educational Foundations
• Educational Psychology
• Kinesiology and Rehabilitation Science
• Learning Design and Technology
• Special Education
• School of Teacher Education

Everly Hall 223 (Elementary), 226 (Secondary), and 221 (MEdT) 1776 University Avenue Honolulu, HI 96822 Tel: (808) 956-4154 (Elementary)/(808) 956-4523 (Secondary)/ (808) 956-5513 (MEdT) Fax: (808) 956-7191 (Elementary & MEdT)/(808) 956-9808 (Secondary) Web: coe.hawaii.edu/elem/programs/eep/ , coe.hawaii.edu/secondary/ , coe.hawaii.edu/medt/programs/medt

J. Yoshioka, PhD (Director)—science education, teacher education L. Fulton, PhD (Associate Director)—elementary science education S. H. Furuta, PhD (Program Director)—teacher education, elementary education L. Muccio, PhD (Program Director)—early childhood education C. Au, PhD—early childhood education, literature, fine arts R. C. Balinbin Santos, PhD—social studies education S. Buelow, PhD—literacy and reading education E. B. Chapman de Sousa, PhD—multilingual learners K. K. Faria, MEd—Hawaiian language immersion, teacher education C. Frambaugh-Kritzer, PhD—literacy, reading and teacher education R. Fujii, PhD—social studies education S. A. George, PhD—STEM and place based learning S. A. Han, PhD—early childhood education J. Kent, MEd—STEM, social studied education M. K. Lenchenko, PhD—Indigenous education and curriculum development T. Lock, EdD—early childhood education A. Makaiau, PhD—social studies and philosophy for children L. Masa, EdM—literacy P. Massoth, MA—elementary education V. Matsumoto, PhD—teacher education, secondary education K. Mawyer, PhD—science education J. McKown, MEd—mathematics education C. Miller, PhD—English language arts and philosophy for children C. Monson, MFA—performing arts education K. A. H. N. Okamura, EdD—language, culture and practice S. Potes—mathematics education S. Robinson, PhD—science education A.K. Serna, PhD—health education, teacher education, Native Hawaiian well-being and advancement A. J. Sickel, PhD—STEM and science education J. Simpson Steele, PhD—performing arts M. Smith, PhD—multilingual learners, elementary teacher education S. Yagi, PhD—mathematics education W. Yu, MEd—place-based education

Emeritus Graduate Faculty

D. Grace, EdD—literacy education M. Pateman, HSD—health education J. Zilliox, EdD—mathematics education

Cooperating Faculty

from CRDG, EDCS, EDEP, KRS, LTEC, SPED

Degrees, Certificates, and Licensure Program Offered: BEd in elementary education (including minor), BEd in secondary education (including minor), Master of Education in Teaching (MEdT), Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Elementary Education (PBCEE); State Approved Teacher Education Programs (SATEPs) in elementary education, dual elementary and special education, dual elementary and Hawaiian language immersion education, dual elementary and early childhood education, dual elementary and multilingual learning, dual early childhood and early childhood special education, secondary education, dual secondary and special education

The Academic Program

The School of Teacher Education (STE) offers undergraduate degrees in elementary and secondary education (BEd), a post-baccalaureate certificate in teacher education (PBCTE), an advanced degree in teaching (MEdT), and state-approved teacher education programs (SATEPs) in elementary and secondary education.

Elementary and secondary BEd students may be able to enroll in programs that can lead to recommendation to the state for dual licensure, such as elementary or secondary and special education licensure, elementary and multilingual learning licensure, elementary and early childhood (PK-3) licensure, or early childhood and early childhood special education licensure. All STE programs focus on the educational needs of children and adolescents, teaching, learning, and curriculum. The students at UH Mānoa are ethnically diverse as are the students in Hawai‘i’s school system. Students in STE programs, therefore, learn and teach in a unique multicultural environment.

All students are required to own laptops for their courses. The heavy emphasis on the integration of technology into course work and clinical work reflects innovations in education. To learn more about this requirement, financial aid options for covering the cost, and whether the laptop the student may now own meets requirements for the program, please refer to coe.hawaii.edu/ .

Undergraduate Study (BEd)

Basic requirements.

The undergraduate major programs include a strong liberal arts foundation, professional education courses, academic subject preparation, content pedagogy preparation, and clinical experiences.

Classified status in the College of Education is necessary for registration in most teacher education courses. Most require State Approved Teacher Education Programs (SATEP) admissions as well. Program sheets listing the specific requirements for the elementary and secondary BEd programs and for the SATEPs are available in the College of Education’s Office of Student Academic Services (OSAS). Students must fulfill all degree program requirements in effect for the semester in which they are admitted into the college. Those pursuing licensure must meet all SATEP requirements in effect at the time they are admitted to the SATEP. Please be aware that SATEP requirements may be changed by the licensing agency, the Hawai‘i Teacher Standards Board (HTSB). Candidates pursuing licensure must meet all licensure requirements in place at the time of program completion.

For information on a Bachelor Degree Program Sheet, go to programsheets .

Major Requirements

Elementary program.

The elementary SATEP major focuses on the learner and the learning environment in elementary school (K-6). Requirements include completion of the General Education courses specified for education majors, elementary emphasis and methods courses in elementary education, and clinical experience for a minimum of 120 credit hours. Students are typically assigned to cohorts and enroll in a sequence of courses. The traditional day program requires full-time enrollment. The Elementary BEd also offers a statewide distance education program. The Dual Elementary/Exceptional Students/Education program adds a focus on special education settings. The Dual Elementary/Early Education program adds a focus on PK-3 settings. The Dual Early Childhood/Early Childhood Special Education program adds a focus on PK-3 special education settings. The Dual Elementary/Multilingual Learning program adds a focus on the education of multilingual learners. The Dual Elementary/Hawaiian Language Immersion program adds a focus on Hawaiian language immersion settings.

Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Elementary Education (PBCEE)

The PBCEE and PBCEE/MLL track programs are designed for students who possess a baccalaureate degree and wish to obtain eligibility for a license to teach grades K-6. The elementary track offers a cohesive, field-based experience that encourages students to integrate educational theory and practice in cooperating elementary schools. The programs consist of interrelated courses totaling 31 credits. The PBCEE and PBCEE/MLL track programs are offered in a hybrid format with face-to-face and online components. For more information, contact OSAS at [email protected] .

Admissions Requirements

All applicants to the PBCEE program will be evaluated competitively and considered for admission on the basis of an overall profile. Admission to the PBCEE track is considered admission to a SATEP. Spring admission only.

• Minimum cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 2.75 from all post-secondary institutions attended.
• Completion of SPED 304: Foundations of Inclusive Schooling with a passing grade of C or better. For Dual PBCEE/MLL applicants in addition to SPED 304, completion of STE 327 and SLS 302 with a passing grade of C or better
• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited and UH Mānoa recognized four-year institution of higher education.
• Minimum of 40 hours of current documented group leadership with elementary-aged youth (grade K-6) within the past five years.
• Demonstrated verbal and nonverbal competence through Personal Admissions Interview(s).

Admission requirements are subject to change. Contact OSAS at [email protected] .

Secondary Program

The secondary education program focuses on the learner and the learning environment in grades 6-12. Requirements include completion of the General Education courses specified for education majors, a major in a teaching field or academic content and content pedagogy courses equivalent to a major in a teaching field, foundations and methods courses in secondary education, and clinical experiences in 6-12 classrooms.

The College of Education offers secondary education majors in the following fields: English, ESL, fine arts (art, dance, music, theatre), world languages (Chinese, French, German, Hawaiian, Ilokano/Filipino, Japanese, Korean, Latin, Russian, Samoan, Spanish), mathematics, science (biology, chemistry, physics, earth science, general science, and physical science), social studies (with concentrations in American studies, anthropology, economics, geography, Hawaiian studies, history, political science, psychology, or sociology).

Secondary education courses are offered in a required sequence that includes both seminar and field-based course work. The majority of education course work for secondary majors is offered and completed in three semesters starting in the spring of the junior year. Two courses (EDEF 310 and EDEP 311) sit outside the required program sequence. These two courses can be taken anytime prior to the final semester (full-time student teaching). The majority of all content-specific course work should be completed in the fall of the junior year, prior to beginning education focused course work. If you are interested in earning a concurrent major (i.e., majoring in mathematics and secondary education) please plan a meeting with OSAS early in your academic year to explore a detailed program plan.

Music education majors complete a coordinated program offered in conjunction with the Department of Music to prepare teachers for grades K-12. Prospective music education majors should see the chair of the music education committee in the Department of Music during their first semester. For more information, contact OSAS at [email protected] .

Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Secondary Education (PBCSE)

The PBCSE track program is a post-baccalaureate certificate program for the preparation of school teachers (grades 6-12). It is designed for students who possess a baccalaureate degree and wish to obtain initial teacher licensure. Students admitted to the PBCSE track program will have completed an academic major or its equivalent appropriate to their proposed teaching subject. The secondary track offers a cohesive, field-based experience that encourages students to integrate educational theory and practice in cooperating secondary schools. The program consists of interrelated courses totaling 36 credits. The PBCSE track program is offered in a hybrid format with face-to-face and online components. For more information, contact OSAS at [email protected] .

All applicants to the PBCSE track program will be evaluated competitively and considered for admission on the basis of an overall profile. Admission to the PBCSE track program is considered admission to a SATEP. Spring admission only.

• Applicants must have a baccalaureate degree from an accredited and UH Mānoa recognized four-year institution of higher education. Additional undergraduate courses may be required. Thus, early advising is strongly recommended.
• Applicants must demonstrate knowledge in their teaching field. Content knowledge may be verified by one of the following options: Passing score on licensure test adopted by the Hawai‘i Teacher’s Standards Board (HTSB) in the content field; or National Board for Professional Teaching Standards certification in the content field; or Content major consisting of a minimum of thirty semester hours in the content field for a bachelor’s degree awarded by an accredited institution of higher education; or A minimum of thirty semester hours in the content field from an accredited institution of higher education, at least fifteen of which must be upper division level; or A master’s, specialist or doctoral degree in the license field awarded by an accredited institution of higher education.
• Applicants must meet admissions requirements designated by the UH Mānoa Admissions Office and meet the COE’s requirement of 2.75 cumulative and major GPA. Students pursuing a secondary major in mathematics, physical education, or science may be considered for admission with a minimum cumulative and/or major cumulative GPA of at least 2.50.
• Applicants must demonstrate oral and nonverbal communication competencies through the successful completion of an interview.
• Applicants must demonstrate attitudes toward education, learners, and themselves as prospective teachers that are compatible with the standards and curriculum of the program.
• Applicants must document current (within the past five years) group leadership experience, paid or volunteer, with groups of youth between grades 6-12. A minimum of 40 hours of experience is required.

Admission requirements are subject to change. Call the Office of Student Academic Services for updated information.

Graduate Study

Master of education in teaching.

The Master of Education in Teaching (MEdT) Program is designed for individuals who have previously earned a baccalaureate degree and who are seeking a field-based, graduate, teacher education program.

MEdT candidates are admitted in groups who work and learn together as a cohort. During the course of the program, MEdT candidates complete university course work and engage in research, teaching, and learning while fully immersed in K-12 school and community based field settings under the guidance of university faculty and school personnel. In seeking the simultaneous renewal of education, the MEdT Program has built educational partnerships with various groups outside of the university. These partners work with MEdT faculty to provide unique learning experiences and opportunities for MEdT candidates. While all cohorts offer the same set of core courses, the content within the courses may differ depending on the nature of the partnership each cohort coordinator has established

Initial Licensure MEdT

The Initial Licensure MEdT Program is a two-year initial licensure program for applicants seeking a teaching license at the elementary (K-6) or secondary (6-12) levels while engaging in a program of research and inquiry consistent with a graduate degree. Successful completion of the program results in both a recommendation to the Hawai‘i Teacher Standards Board for licensure and a master’s degree from the College of Education. Dual certification options are available to add Hawaiian Language Immersion (K-12) or Special Education (6-12).

To earn their degree, MEdT teacher candidates are required to complete 46 credits of MEdT and professional specialization courses as well as a Plan B paper or project. Each semester, the core course work involves one field course and one seminar. The combination of course work and structured time in partner schools give MEdT teacher candidates opportunities to integrate theory with field-based practice.

Teacher candidates in the MEdT program are assigned a field placement each semester by their cohort coordinators. Teacher candidates are encouraged to get involved with the school and community from the first day in their placements. Teacher candidates receive support from partner school mentors and staff and university faculty, and can expect the field work to become progressively more involved across the four semesters of the program. Teacher candidates’ performance in their field experience is assessed each semester by the candidate themselves, the school partners, and university faculty

The professional specialization courses are meant to help teacher candidates further develop their knowledge of teaching, expertise in their content area and their strengths as agents of change and teacher leaders. Teacher candidates entering the program are expected to have completed an undergraduate program of study that has provided depth and breadth of knowledge in mathematics, science, social studies, or English/language arts needed to succeed as a secondary or elementary classroom teacher. Additional course work may be required if program faculty deem the content knowledge requirements are not being met sufficiently.

The MEdT program is offered full-time in a cohorted hybrid (online and face-to-face) statewide option. Courses may be held during the weekday, or in the evening and on weekends.

Admission Requirements–Licensure MEdT

Admission requirements include: approval of Graduate Division at UH Mānoa; minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0; and submission of passing test scores or other options approved by the Hawai‘i Teacher Standards Board ( www.htsb.org ).  Specific exams or other options approved by the HTSB must be passed prior to the application deadline in order to meet license requirements and national accreditation requirements. The GRE is not required and cannot be used as a substitute. Applicants should visit the MEdT website for application instructions and current testing requirements at coe.hawaii.edu/medt/programs/medt /.

Initial Licensure MEdT BAM Programs: Hawaiian Studies (HWST)/MEdT and Hawaiian Language (HAW)/MEdT

The department offers two dual-enrollment initial licensure MEdT programs with the UH Mānoa Department of Hawaiian Studies and Hawaiian Language, leading to a Bachelor of Arts in Hawaiian Studies or Hawaiian Language and a Master’s degree in Education in Teaching (MEdT). During their senior year, BAM students will be enrolled in the two programs, taking nine credits that count for both the BA and MEd. Additionally, they will take two classes as undergraduate electives and the program will waive these credits. They will take 40 credit total as a graduate student.

Students are highly encouraged to maintain regular communication with their academic advisors throughout the BAM pathway.

Admission Requirements – Licensure MEdT HWST/HAW BAM programs

The same admission requirements mentioned in the previous section apply to Licensure MEdT HWST/HAW BAM programs.

Students should apply in their junior year for admission in their senior year. Interested students should contact their academic advisors. For Hawaiian Studies students, contact Lehua Nishimura ( [email protected] ,(808) 956-0642). For Hawaiian Language students, contact Jessica (Pōhai) Bell ( [email protected] , (808) 956-7637) before submitting their application to MEdT.

Professional Practice Non-Licensure MEdT

The Professional Practice Non-Licensure (PPNL) MEdT is a 30-credit, field-based, non-licensure track for educators who are looking for a practical, hands-on, field-focused, clinically supervised master’s degree program.

This program is designed for experienced professional educators who often host or directly work with pre-service teachers in their schools and who want to extend their influence beyond the walls of their schools and classrooms by putting theoretical foundations into practice in a field-based setting. This field-based, clinically supervised program is designed not only to improve the knowledge and skills that all great mentors have but to get participants to start thinking about and acting upon their school and community in a global “pay it forward” context.

The PPNL MEdT program will focus on helping participants create a culture within their school and community that focuses on areas including, but not limited to, school improvement, creating professional learning communities, building collaborative networks among all of the school’s stakeholders, and applying results from research to improve instruction and student learning outcomes.

The PPNL MEdT is designed to provide field-based learning opportunities where participants can leverage the MEdT program’s existing relationships to allow collaboration between all partners (schools, professional development schools, College of Education, university, and community). Participants will co-construct mutually beneficial P-20 school and community arrangements, including technology-based collaborations, for clinical preparation and share responsibility for continuous improvement of candidate preparation.

The PPNL MEdT program is offered in a cohorted, hybrid (online and face-to-face) format. Courses may be held during the weekday, in the evening or on weekends.

Admission requirements–Professional Practice Non-Licensure MEdT

Admission requirements include: three years of teaching experience; mentoring experience; approval of Graduate Division at UH Mānoa; and minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0; The GRE is not required. Applicants should visit the MEdT website for application instructions at coe.hawaii.edu/medt/programs/medt/ .

Requirements for State Approved Teacher Education Programs (SATEPs)

Requirements for the college’s state approved teacher education programs in elementary and secondary education comply with best practices and standards adopted by the national professional associations and the national accrediting body for teacher education, and with the state’s requirements for teacher licensure.

News & More is your official source for what's happening at the IHP.

• Features & Spotlights
• Awards & Accolades
• In The Media
• Campus Culture
• Communication Sciences & Disorders
• Diversity & Inclusion
• Education & Careers

Choosing the Right Path in Advanced Healthcare Education: Master’s or Doctorate?

If you already have a master’s degree in your healthcare profession, should you continue on for a terminal degree? Understanding the distinctions between a Doctor of Health Science (DHSc) degree, a Master's degree, and a PhD is crucial for making an informed decision. As a graduate school focused exclusively in the health professions, we have the expertise to help you decide what degree might be best for your career and life goals.

Understanding the DHSc Degree

A Doctor of Health Science (DHSc) degree is designed for healthcare practitioners and leaders who aim to enhance their knowledge, assume leadership roles, and drive innovation in the healthcare industry. You also may want to obtain a doctoral degree before your professional organization (e.g., PA) mandates an entry-level doctorate, to compete with peers or peer professions in similar roles, or to prepare for entry into academia. The DHSc degree focuses on the practical application of theoretical knowledge, preparing graduates to address real-world challenges in healthcare settings.

Masters or Doctorate: Key Differences

Master's Degree in Healthcare

A Master's degree in healthcare, such as a Master of Public Health (MPH) or a Master of Health Administration (MHA), is typically pursued by those looking to gain specialized knowledge and skills in specific areas of healthcare. These programs usually take two years to complete and are designed to provide a deep dive into particular fields.

• Shorter Duration : Typically completed in 1-2 years.
• Specialized Knowledge: Focuses on specific areas like public health, administration, or clinical practice.
• Immediate Applicability : Often provides skills that can be directly applied to current job roles.
• Limited Scope : May not cover the broad range of topics necessary for high-level leadership roles.
• Career Advancement : While valuable, may not open as many doors for advancement as a doctorate.
• Professional Requirements : Your professional healthcare organization may require a doctoral level degree to practice in your field.

Doctorate in Health Science (DHSc)

A DHSc degree, on the other hand, is designed to prepare healthcare professionals for advanced leadership roles, research, and teaching positions. This program is ideal for those who wish to combine clinical expertise with leadership and research capabilities. The program is not a research doctorate program and does not involve a dissertation.  

• Comprehensive Curriculum : Covers a wide range of topics, including leadership, research, and clinical practice.
• Career Advancement : Opens up higher-level positions in clinical practice, administration, academia, and research.
• Leadership Focus : Emphasizes skills necessary for managing healthcare organizations and leading multidisciplinary teams.
• Higher Cost: More expensive than a master's degree.

DHSc Degree or PhD: Which is Right for You?

PhD in Health Sciences

A PhD in Health Sciences is a research-intensive degree aimed at those who wish to pursue a career in academia or advanced research. This degree focuses on creating new knowledge and contributing to the academic field through original research.

• Research Focus : Ideal for those interested in conducting original research and contributing to academic knowledge.
• Academic Careers: Prepares graduates for tenure-track positions and advanced research roles.
• Funding Opportunities : Often includes opportunities for research grants and fellowships.
• Lengthy Commitment : Typically takes 4-7 years to complete and often require in-person training or time away from one’s professional career to complete
• Narrow Focus : May not provide the practical skills needed for leadership roles in clinical or administrative settings.
• Limited Immediate Applicability : The research focus might not translate directly to practical applications in the healthcare industry.

DHSc Degree

In contrast, the DHSc degree is tailored for healthcare professionals who wish to integrate clinical practice with leadership and research. It balances theoretical knowledge with practical application, making it a versatile choice for those looking to advance their careers in various healthcare settings.

• Balanced Curriculum : Combines leadership, clinical practice, and research.
• Practical Application : Designed to address real-world healthcare challenges.
• Versatility : Prepares graduates for roles in advanced clinical practice, administration, clinical leadership, and education.
• Less Research-Intensive: While it includes research and quality improvement components, it is not as focused on original research as a PhD.

Deciding between a Master's, a DHSc degree, and a PhD in healthcare depends on your career goals, interests, and the type of impact you wish to make. The DHSc degree stands out for its balanced approach, combining leadership, clinical practice, and research, making it a versatile and practical choice for advancing your career.

The question of "masters vs. doctorate" and "is a PhD/doctorate worth it" ultimately comes down to your professional aspirations. If you are looking to enhance your clinical expertise while gaining leadership and research skills, the DHSc degree offers unique advantages. And with MGH Institute of Health Professions offering a top-tier DHSc program , you can be assured of receiving a high-quality education  founded on principles of interprofessional collaboration and practice in the delivery of healthcare and health professions education.

Take the next step

• Clinical Affiliations

Wake reduces graduation requirements, in compliance with new state law

More On This

Wake schools says it can cover all bus routes this school year, these wake county schools offer free breakfast, lunch, man says he was shot at wednesday in downtown raleigh, police say no one is in custody, holly springs man runs across country to build 'walking with grace house' for people with special needs, duke names texas transfer maalik murphy starting qb, unc to play dayton at 2024 maui invitational, unc rb hampton, three other acc players earn ap preseason all-america honors.

WRAL Late News

WRAL WeatherCenter Forecast

Sky 5 flies over shots fired call in downtown Raleigh

Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump speaks in Asheboro, his first major outdoor event since July's assassination attempt

Daytime Pick 3 and Pick 4 Drawing

PhD Program

Accelerate progress.

Adapting to rapid change requires unwavering conviction. And that goes double for creating it. Make a global impact and leave the world a better place than you found it. A PhD can get you there.

The Duke Difference

World-class research.

Cultivate new possibilities in computer engineering, engineering physics and microelectronics.

Mentoring, from Day One

An early introduction to research with a team that’s dedicated to your success.

Interdisciplinary Environment

Cross-disciplinary approaches foster innovation. Experience our unique learning and research ecosystems.

Comprehensive Mentorship & Support

Comprehensive mentoring is a cornerstone of the Duke ECE PhD experience. Once admitted, we help you assemble your Advising Team. Your team will include your research adviser, your departmental adviser, the director of graduate studies, a five-member dissertation committee, and the department chair.

Additional High-Value Resources

• Conference and travel support
• Grant supported traineeship programs
• Graduate certificate programs in tissue engineering, nanoscience and photonics

Certificates & Training Programs

Certificate in photonics.

Offered through the Duke Fitzpatrick Institute of Photonics

Certificate in Nanoscience

Offered through the Duke Graduate School

AI for Understanding and Designing Materials

Traineeship for the Advancement of Surgical Technology

Doctor of Philosophy in Electrical and Computer Engineering

The information below is a summary of the formal degree requirements for the PhD in ECE.

Requirements Overview

• Complete approved courses for PhD degree
• Complete  Responsible Conduct of Research  (RCR) training
• Complete the Qualifying Examination (QE)
• Establish and meet with a Supervisory Committee
• Complete the Preliminary Examination
• Complete two Teaching Assistantship assignments
• Prepare and defend a dissertation [ dissertation guidelines ]
• Complete the  Final Examination

For students  matriculating with a bachelor’s degree , a minimum of 10 courses are required, as follows:

• Six graduate-level courses in ECE (500-level or higher)
• Two approved graduate-level technical electives (500-level or higher, technical in nature, and chosen to provide a coherent program of study)
• Two approved electives (chosen to provide a coherent program of study)

For students  matriculating with a master’s degree from another institution , a minimum of five (5) courses are required, as follows:

• Three graduate-level courses in ECE (500-level or higher)
• One approved graduate-level technical elective (500-level or higher, technical in nature, and chosen to provide a coherent program of study)
• One approved elective (chosen to provide a coherent program of study)

A program of study detailing the planned/completed coursework must be approved at the Qualifying Exam (bring to exam with advisor’s signature) and Preliminary Exam stages of the PhD.

Access the  ECE PhD Program of Study

Important Notes:

• Courses must be worth 3 (or more) graduate semester hours
• Courses must be graded (Credit/No Credit or audited courses may not count toward the Program of Study)
• ECE 899 Independent Study can be used to satisfy only the Approved Elective requirement
• Undergraduate Courses (numbered 499 or lower) require DGS and Graduate School permission for enrollment and may have special restrictions
• Overall Program of Study must indicate adequate breadth, including some courses distinctly outside student’s main curricular area and research topic
• Course selection must be formally approved by a student’s adviser and the DGS through the submission and approval of a Program of Study (Qualifying Exam committee approves the first draft version as part of the exam process)
• Student must maintain a 3.0 GPA in order to remain in good standing and to graduate

Qualifying Examination

The purpose of the Qualifying Exam is to assess the potential to succeed in the PhD program by having students demonstrate:

• Reading and deeply understanding three selected papers in the field
• Understanding the strengths and shortcomings of the three papers
• Understanding why the particular problem space defined by the three papers is important
• Generating sound research ideas based on the strengths and shortcomings of the three papers
• Writing and presenting information supporting the points above

Qualifying Exam Details

• Qualifying Exam Guidelines
• QE Student Procedural Guidelines (step-by-step how-to document)
• QE Details Approval/Submission Form

Supervisory Committee

The supervisory committee is formed in preparation for the preliminary examination and must consist of at least five members (including the student’s advisor), at least three of which must be graduate ECE faculty members.

In addition, as required by The Graduate School, at least one (1) member of the committee must be from either another department or a clearly separate field of study within the Duke ECE Department. Committees are proposed using the  Committee Approval Form .

Note:  While the Graduate School’s Committee Approval Form lists a minimum of four (4) committee members, the ECE Department requires five (5) committee members.

Teaching Assistantship

All PhD students must complete two semesters of a Teaching Assistantship (TA) prior to graduation. We provide training before you enter an undergraduate classroom for the first time.

The student is expected to complete this requirement sometime during his or her third through the eighth semester. Teaching Assistantships will be assigned by the DGS based on the background and interests of the student and the current department needs.

Teaching Assistantships are expected to require 10 hours per week on average and may involve such activities as organizing and leading discussion sections, grading homework and quizzes, assisting in the development of course materials, supervising laboratory sessions and so forth.

TA training information »

Preliminary Examination

The preliminary examination, which must be completed by the end of academic year three, consists of (1) a written dissertation research proposal and 2) an oral presentation and defense of this proposal to an approved five-member faculty committee.

The written dissertation research proposal should consist of a 10-page (maximum) report plus appendices providing additional supporting information as well as an anticipated timeline for completion of all PhD degree requirements.

The oral presentation, approximately 45 minutes with extra time allotted for questions posed by the committee throughout and after the presentation, should reflect the contents of the report.

• Preliminary Exam Description
• Preliminary Exam Student Procedural Guidelines
• Graduate School PhD Committee Approval Form
• Preliminary Exam Details Form
• Preliminary Exam Outcome Form
• Preliminary Exam Rubric

Final Examination

The student must follow the Graduate School’s guidelines for submitting the dissertation and scheduling the Final Examination, including submitting the departmental defense announcement to the ECE Graduate Office and uploading the dissertation at least two weeks prior to the defense.

• Final Exam Student Procedural Guidelines
• Graduate School Guide for Electronic Submission of Theses and Dissertations
• Graduate School PhD Committee Change Form
• Final Exam Details Form
• Departmental Defense Announcement

Note:  Details concerning important dates and deadlines, filing of intention to graduate, committee approval, and additional details may be found in the  Graduate Bulletin .

PhD Contacts

Angela Chanh, M.Ed.

Assistant Director of Graduate Studies

Michael E. Gehm

Director of Graduate Studies, Professor of ECE

Kevyn Light

Senior Program Coordinator

Graduate Program Coordinator