Doctoral Programs

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Doctoral Programs

Adult, Workforce, and Continuing Professional Education, Ph.D. Program

The Adult, Workforce, and Continuing Professional Education program area is unique in its emphasis on serving the spectrum of both formal and informal adult learning organizations, and its inclusion of administrative, instructional and technology-related leadership within a practitioner preparation program. Based on a land-grant, Research Extensive University, the department reflects the tripartite commitment to quality instruction, research scholarship and service outreach.

Higher Education, Ph.D. Program

NC State’s Higher Education program provides exceptional opportunities for students interested in higher education administration to explore a core body of knowledge, gain real-world professional experience, and pursue advanced study. Program content is informed by relevant theory, scholarly research and best practice in the fields of higher education and student affairs. In addition, the program links theoretical foundations of higher education leadership and administration to practical application of skills.

Counseling and Counselor Education, Ph.D. Program

The doctoral CACREP-accredited program in Counseling and Counselor Education [Ph.D.] is designed to prepare dedicated, knowledgeable, skillful, ethically responsible, and socially and culturally aware professionals for the 21st century. We seek talented and engaged students, with diverse counseling and counseling-related professional experiences, who are committed to teaching, research, scholarship, technology, leadership, collaboration, advocacy, multiculturalism and equity in counseling and counselor education. Our graduates will become scholars, administrators and leaders who will design, implement and evaluate innovative counseling and educational projects or services focused on the empowerment of marginalized populations and the promotion of equity and fairness worldwide.

Literacy and English Language Arts Education, Ph.D. Program

The Literacy and English Language Arts Education doctorate is designed for individuals with interests in literacy, reading, new literacies and English education research, scholarship and teacher preparation. The program primarily prepares students for roles as teacher educators and researchers in higher education or in instructional leadership roles at school district and state levels or education-related private industry. Individuals seeking admission to this program should have a strong background in this concentration and a desire to conduct original research in these fields.

Learning, Design, and Technology, Ph.D. Program

Learning, Design, and Technology serves doctoral students interested in researching how learners acquire disciplinary or professional knowledge in varied settings (traditional classroom, online, informal, workplace) as mediated by: 1) intentional designs in technology-enhanced learning environments (e.g., game-based, virtual/augmented, mobile, social, online/open); 2) innovative curricula and instructional methods (e.g., teaching with primary sources and social media); and/or 3) innovative educational policy (e.g., common core standards, educational cloud computing).

Mathematics & Statistics Education, Ph.D. Program

Through the Mathematics and Statistics Education doctoral program, students extensively develop instructional expertise and extend their knowledge of learners, teaching, teacher education, professional development, technology, equity and policy – all while deepening their understanding of mathematical sciences. Before completing the program, students use, conduct and evaluate educational research at the highest level, and engage in professional leadership activities.

Educational Psychology, Ph.D. Program

The Educational Psychology Program Area of Study (PAS) allows students to examine and evaluate psychological principles in a variety of education settings across the lifespan. Specifically, we focus on psychological principles that encompass: (1) cognition/metacognition; (2) motivation and self-regulation; and (3) human development, identity and social processes.

Science Education, Ph.D. Program

Graduates from our program become state and nationally recognized leaders in science education. You will have the opportunity to work with nationally recognized experts in many facets of science education research and practice.

Elementary Learning Sciences, Ph.D. Program

The Elementary Learning Sciences Ph.D. program aims to produce the next generation of learning scientists. Students graduate with a commitment to improving opportunities to learn in the lives of elementary aged children by researching, designing and enhancing the learning environments in which they interact.

Social Studies Education, Ph.D. Program

The Social Studies Education Program Area of Study (PAS) continues a proud tradition at North Carolina State University of preparing social studies teacher educators and educational researchers who are ready to lead. Our candidates develop a deep understanding of foundational as well as contemporary social studies scholarship. Graduates are prepared to conduct educational research, support the preparation of preservice social studies teachers, provide professional development to experienced teachers, and contribute to the knowledge base of the field of the social studies.

Educational Evaluation and Policy Analysis, Ph.D. Program

The Educational Evaluation and Policy Analysis program area is multidisciplinary, deliberately drawing on a wide range of theoretical traditions and methodologies to address critical issues in education, such as school choice, high poverty schools, and access to higher education. Graduates who complete our program often take leadership and research positions in a wide range of private and public educational agencies or become college and university faculty.

Engineering and Technology Education, Ph.D. Program

Graduates of our program become rising leaders in engineering and technology education in K-12 formal and non-formal settings. Through scholarly pursuits in the field, learning and teaching, and public policy they take positions as scholars, supervisors, teacher educators, non-formal science/engineering educators, entrepreneurs, designers, and as faculty members in institutions of higher education.

Doctor of Education

Community College Leadership, Ed.D. Program

The NC State University Ed.D. in Community College Leadership meets in cohorts in Charlotte and Raleigh, and provides a unique opportunity for working professionals to complete a doctoral program. The structure of the program allows professionals to balance work responsibilities with academic commitments for a degree that can be completed in three years.

Educational Leadership, Ed.D. Program

Designed for school administrators, the Educational Leadership program seeks to improve the quality of K-12 schools by preparing the next generation of principals to be leaders dedicated to educational excellence and equity. Graduates are empowered with leadership strategies that improve student performance in environments that are dynamic, interactive and culturally diverse.

Technology Education, Ed.D. Program

Technology Education graduates are mentored to assume leadership roles that allow them to make significant differences in professions that encompass technology. Educational activities and investigations by faculty and students focus on reaching beyond limits and constraints to better understand the impact of a changing technology on people and society. For students looking to further their learnings from a master’s program, our Doctorate of Education program (EdD) is the next step in completing their education.