The Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Educational Studies is geared toward the rigorous preparation of educational researchers who have the knowledge and skills needed to design, conduct, and disseminate high-quality scholarship, and who have a strong foundation in one or more high-demand areas of specialization. The Ph.D. degree emphasizes the scholarly pursuit of the theoretical underpinning and methodological advancement of educational research. Courses provide critical training in the intellectual pursuit of advanced knowledge in educational, social, and behavioral sciences. A distinguishing feature of the program includes research apprenticeships with Graduate Faculty in the School of Education. Through faculty mentoring, students author and/or co-author publications and presentations at national and international conferences. Working for a Ph.D. degree prepares the graduate for academic and administrative positions in educational institutions and social service agencies. Graduates of the Ph.D. program typically become university faculty members, higher education administrators, and research scientists, or assume other leadership roles. Drawing upon multiple theoretical perspectives and research paradigms, the program represents the breadth of knowledge that leads to deeper understanding in the following areas of concentration:
- Curriculum Studies and Teacher Education
- Developmental and Learning Sciences
- Educational and Community-Based Action Research
- Educational Policy and Higher Education
- Instructional Design and Technology
- Literacy
- Quantitative and Mixed Methods Research Methodologies
- Second Language Studies
- Special Education
See the kinds of research our doctoral students are engaged in: Doctoral Student Research.