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Doctor of Philosophy in Education - Science Education
This program of study is designed to prepare graduates for college or university positions in science education or for positions within research organizations with specific areas of curricular expertise. The program includes coursework, a research apprenticeship, and practical experiences to prepare graduates to: (1) produce original research that contributes to the knowledge base in science education or to teacher education in general; 2) educate teachers in the area of science and evidence-based practice; and 3) provide effective leadership in the field of science education.
The primary purpose of the Ph.D. program is to prepare highly qualified scholar-researchers who will be able to take a variety of positions in higher education settings (both public and private). Graduates will be well prepared for employment as research scholars, policy analysts, and faculty members in higher education programs where the emphasis is on the production of scholarship, rather than application to practice.
Core Requirements
The Ph.D. program in science education requires a minimum of 72 credits including regular coursework, research mentorship credits, and credits related to the dissertation research study. Students must complete at least 54 credits of coursework which includes content courses and research methodology courses, and up to 3 credits of research apprenticeship per semester. Internship and dissertation credit does not count toward the 54. At least 36 course and apprenticeship credits must be completed after admission to the program. Students can apply up to 12 credits of dissertation work towards the total of 72.
Possible core courses
- EDIS 7075 Applying Learning Theories in STEM Education
- EDIS 7830 Trends and Issues in Teaching and Learning
- EDIS 8821 Proseminar for CISE First Year Doctoral Students
- EDIS 8855 Education and Diversity
- EDIS 8050 Research and Readings in Science Education I
- EDIS 8051 Research and Readings in Science Education II
Research Requirements
A minimum of 24 semester hours of core coursework is required. Required research courses include:
- EDIS 7852 Reading the Research
- EDLF 7300 Foundations of Educational Research
- EDLF 5330 Educational Statistics- Stat I
- EDLF 7404 Qualitative Analysis
- EDLF 7420 Experimental Design-Stat II
Other Requirements
Research mentorship
A minimum of 12 semester hours of research mentorship must be completed.
Preliminary Examination
Completed after the first year of full-time coursework.
Qualifying paper/Comprehensive Examination
Completed after the second year of full-time coursework.
Dissertation
A minimum of 12 credits hours must be completed.
Culminating Experience
PhD students in Science Education must successful design, implement and defend the dissertation project in accordance with the Curry Dissertation manual.
