Maker Space Class

Quick Facts

  • Modality: In-person
  • Degree offered: Doctor of Philosophy, Ph.D.
  • Credits: 72
  • Length of Program: 4-5 years
  • Application Deadline: January 1 for Fall start

Program Overview

This PhD program in Education, with an emphasis on Science Education, is led by nationally and internationally recognized research faculty who have conducted numerous STEM and mathematics education projects funded by NSF, Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, and others.   

The Ph.D. program in Education is designed to offer students both the rigorous methodological preparation required to undertake educational inquiry at the highest levels and the flexibility for students to work with their Committee to pursue coursework and experiences that support the students’ individual research interests and professional paths.  

The School of Education and Division of Teaching, Learning, Leadership and Policy offer a Ph.D. in Education with an emphasis in science education. The Ph.D. prepares educational researchers who inquire into pressing problems in P-12 science teaching and learning. 

Faculty expertise includes ambitious science teaching, equity in science education, integrative approaches to elementary STEM education, pre-service science teacher education, and professional development and mentoring of in-service science teachers. Science Education faculty often collaborate in grant-funded research with colleagues in the SOE, across campus (e.g. engineering), and nationally. 

Is this for you?

The Ph.D. principally prepares students to pursue faculty positions in colleges and universities and positions as educational researchers in a variety of public institutions and private organizations, such as state educational agencies and science education/STEM research centers. Some graduates who have extensive classroom experience work in school, district and state curriculum leadership positions. 

Those who complete this program can be faculty members in education or science education in 4-year universities or can work for school districts, education companies or organizations.  

Curriculum

The Ph.D. program is designed to offer students both the rigorous methodological preparation required to undertake educational inquiry at the highest levels and the flexibility to pursue coursework and experiences that support the students’ individual research interests and professional paths. The Ph.D. requires a minimum of 72 credits.  

Students will create an Academic Plan (AP) with their major professor and Academic Plan Committee (APC) based on Graduate College and SOE policies and requirements. The specific coursework of the program will vary depending on the student interests and guidance from their major professor. Some required coursework is listed below. Transfer credits, substitutions, and customization of the AP are allowed when approved by a student’s APC.

  • RESEV 6010: Foundations of Educational Inquiry
  • RESEV 5520: Basic Educational Statistics
  • RESEV 5530: Intermediate Educational Statistics
  • RESEV 6030: Foundations of Qualitative Inquiry in Education
  • RESEV 6040: Advanced Qualitative Inquiry in Education 

  • EDUC 5820: History of Public Schooling in the United States
  • ELPS 6300: Education Policy and Analysis

One of the following:

  • EDUC 5330: Theories of Learning
  • EDUC 5360X: Sociocultural Learning Theory
  • EDUC 6120: Socio-psychological Foundations of Educational Technology

Affiliated Faculty

E.J. Bahng

Associate Professor

Department: School of Education

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Kristina Tank

Associate Professor

Department: School of Education

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Ben Van Dusen

Associate Professor

Department: School of Education

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Application Information

This program has the following application deadlines:  

  • January 1, for entry follow Fall semester; Doctoral applicants must have achieved master’s degree by application entry term  

Complete the online graduate application. Applications require:   

  • Statement of Purpose  
  • Resume/CV  
  • Scholarly writing example  
  • Three reference who will provide letters of support  
  • Official transcripts from all undergraduate and graduate institutions you have attended  

For more information, visit our Graduate Application Information and Frequently Asked Questions page.