What will I study?
You will study a variety of topics in six major components: Area of Specialization (which includes pedagogical content knowledge, teaching and learning, and curriculum), Research, Internship, Cognate, Dissertation, and Electives. The program is flexible enough so that you can tailor the program of studies to your interests. For example, if you are interested in science education, you can take courses in this area for your cognate and electives. You can tailor your research and teaching internships to match your interests as well.
Students in the Ph.D. in Teaching and Learning program focus on a wide variety of areas such as early childhood, elementary, middle, secondary, higher education, science, mathematics, literacy, social studies, and so forth. Your classes may take place outside the College of Education as well as on campus, in order to best prepare you for your career.
What kinds of work will I be able to do?
As a graduate of the program, you will be prepared to teach and do research at the college level. You will also be able to work in leadership positions (e.g., schools, districts, State Department of Education) related to teaching and learning in your respective fields. Some graduates chose to do post-doctoral studies in their chosen areas of focus.
What kinds of research will I be able to do?
Depending on the areas of research you choose to focus on, you will be able to do quantitative, qualitative, or mixed-methodological studies. Most students choose to do applied research that focuses on studying issues and programs relating to educational settings or students.
Typical Coursework
Your coursework breaks down as follows:
- Teaching and Learning (18 hours)
- Research (18 hours)
- Internship (3 hours)
- Cognate (9 hours)
- Dissertation (12 hours)
For more information about curriculum or program requirements, please visit the academic bulletin.
What is the application process like ?
In addition to The Graduate School’s application requirements, you will need to submit a letter of intent. If you meet the program criteria you will also be interviewed by a committee of faculty members.
Applicants for this program should have at least two years of fulltime teaching experience. While multiple years of experience in PK-12 classrooms is ideal, teaching adults – including undergraduate and graduate students – will be considered by the admissions committee and may fulfill this requirement.