Graduates from Ph.D. in Learning and Teaching in STEM science education program area of study 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.
Program Description
Our Ph.D. in Learning and Teaching in STEM science education program area of study has four primary strands:
- Higher education faculty
- Informal education (leadership and instruction)
- Pre-college educators and curriculum supervisors (K-12)
- Education researchers/evaluators
Please note: If you are currently enrolled in a master’s degree program in our College of Education and are interested in pursuing a Ph.D., you must formally apply to the program through the Graduate School. Students who continue directly from our NC State Master’s program into the Ph.D. (without a break in enrollment) may transfer all 36 credit hours.
VIRTUAL STEM ED 2021 DOCTORAL SYMPOSIUM
Admission Requirements
- Masters degree in science, science education, or related field
- 3.0 GPA
- Strong writing and analytic skills
- Because of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and related health, economic, and social challenges, GRE test scores are waived for applicants applying for all graduate programs in the College of Education during the 2021-2022 admissions cycle. Read more about this decision
- Desire to conduct research
- Two years of experience in science education
- Official transcripts of all post-secondary education
- Ideally have already completed 24 hours of science, engineering or science-related coursework at the undergraduate level
- Three recommendations from people who know your academic record and potential for graduate study
- Personal essay (1-2 pages) describing your career experiences, future personal goals and how a degree in the desired discipline will affect your career goals. Applicants should indicate how their research interests can benefit from faculty’s research foci. Include a resume of experience: positions held, internships, volunteer efforts, publications, prior research and skill sets.
INformation Sessions
Virtual STEM Ed Graduate Open House
Register here
STEM Education Graduate Open House -Poe Hall Room 742
Virtual STEM Ed Graduate Open House
Register here
For more information about these events, or other questions, please contact Christy Buck, cjbuck@ncsu.edu.
Course of Study
All doctoral degrees in the College of Education require a minimum of 72 graduate credit hours beyond the bachelor’s degree. Most doctoral programs in the College of Education require a minimum of 60 graduate credit hours beyond an approved master’s degree.
This program can be accomplished either part-time or full-time. Full-time students can complete the program in 3-4 years. Science Education courses are in a two-year cycle, and a new cycle begins in the fall semester.