Degrees

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

The Ph.D. Degree Program in Curriculum Studies is comprised of coursework and other experiences in four major areas:

• Curriculum Studies and C&I Core
• Curriculum Studies Elective Focus Area
• Educational Research

The program is highly individualized to meet the needs of a diverse graduate student body. The Ph.D. degree student, along with his or her committee, must design a program that fits the student's unique intellectual and professional needs. 

I. Curriculum Studies and C&I Core (15 credits)
Required 9 credits:
EDCI 580 Foundations of Curriculum
EDCI 682 Contemporary Curriculum Theory
EDCI 585 Multicultural Education

An additional 3 credits Philosophy, History, or Socio-cultural Foundation:
taken outside of C&I, determined in conjunction with advisor
such as: EDFA Philosophy of American Education, EDFA 501 History of American Education, SOC 570 Sociology of Education, SOC 514 Racial and Cultural Minorities, PHIL 555 Critical Theory

An additional 3 credits in Curriculum Studies
EDCI 590 Individual Research Problems (curriculum focus)
EDCI 684 Seminar in Curriculum Studies (may be repeated for credit)
EDCI 591F Perspectives on School Curriculum
EDCI 581 Curriculum for Emerging Adolescents
 

II. Curriculum Studies Elective Focus Area (15 credits)
Students will choose a focus area within curriculum. A focus area is highly individualized and specific to each student's intellectual interests and career aspirations. The focus area will be arranged in consultation with the student's advisor. Suggestions include, but are not limited to:
A. Curriculum Practice Generalist
Courses in a range of subject areas. For example, "Curriculum Studies in Art Education" "Science in the Elementary School" or "Seminar in Social Studies Education."

B. Curriculum Theory Generalist
A full selection of courses focusing on curriculum studies and supporting areas.  Courses might include several 684 Seminar in Curriculum Studies courses, which vary in topic, as well as multidisciplinary courses which enrich theoretic perspectives on curriculum theories such as EDFA 501 History of American Education, EDFA 600 Seminar in Foundations of Education, PHIL 555 Critical Theory, WOST 680 Feminist Theory and Methodology, COMM 527 Introduction to Cultural Studies in Communication.

C. Curriculum Theory Specialist
Courses in a single focus area within curriculum theory. Supporting course areas may include courses in Anthropology, Curriculum and Instruction, Educational Studies, English, Economics, History, Philosophy, Political Science, Sociology and Women's Studies. Examples include:

• Critical Perspectives on Curriculum
• Narrative Inquiry in Curriculum
• Multiculturalism and Curriculum
• Contemporary Curriculum Theory
• Gender Studies and Curriculum
• Philosophy and Curriculum Theory

Students may also choose a focus topic which is of broad curricular concern or which applies curriculum studies perspectives to specific educational concerns.  Examples of recent student focus areas in curriculum include:

• Culture and Gender in Technology Education
• Cross Cultural and Multicultural Education in Non-School Settings
• Identity and School Experiences in African Americans
• Curriculum and School Reform
• Curriculum and Administration
• Integrated and Constructivist Curriculum
   

III. Educational Research Courses (15 hours)
All Ph.D. degree students in the Department of Curriculum and Instruction must demonstrate research competency by completing the following research methodology course requirements* before embarking on their thesis project.
 

• EDPS 533 Introduction to Research in Education
• EDCI 615 Qualitative Research I
• Introductory Statistics
• Advanced Elective (qualitative or quantitative methods)
• Research Seminar

*A list of specific courses and/or proficiency requirements may be obtained from the student's committee or from the Department of Curriculum and Instruction Graduate Office. Courses from Master's level study may be applied to fulfill degree requirements.
The Doctor of Philosophy degree is research-oriented and requires a dissertation. Programs require a minimum of 90 semester hours of graduate credit beyond the bachelor's degree. Course work must be completed within five years. Doctoral candidates complete oral and written preliminary examinations and independent research which culminates in a dissertation.
 

Summary of Requirements

Electives account for remaining hours up to 90 credits.