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Doctoral Program Areas of Study

Doctoral Program Areas of Study

Prepare to become a scholar leader who leverages a deep understanding of both content areas and research methodologies to address challenges in K-12 education.

When you pursue a Ph.D. in Teacher Education and Learning Sciences, you gain the experiences, knowledge and skillset you need to be a leader and researcher who transforms teaching and learning. You engage in research that allows you to address challenges in K-12 education and participate in cross-disciplinary inquiry that deals with real problems in teaching and learning in forward-looking ways. At the same time, you dig deep into your content area. This ensures you have the knowledge to pursue meaningful and impactful scholarship.

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.

CHOOSE FROM ONE OF SIX PROGRAM AREAS

Applications are due December 1. Completed applications for consideration for funding and assistantships are due December 1.

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Explore Our Six Program Areas of Study

Educational Equity

This program area of study prepares scholars to lead in providing improved educational access, opportunities, and success for all children.

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Educational Psychology

Examine and evaluate psychological principles in a variety of education settings across the lifespan. Specifically, you will focus on psychological principles that encompass: cognition/ metacognition; motivation and self-regulation; and human development, identity, and social processes.

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Elementary Education in Mathematics and Science

Become a learning scientist. We graduate students 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.

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Learning Design and Technology

We research 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; 2) innovative curricula and instructional methods; and/or 3) innovative educational policy.

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Literacy & English Language Arts Education

We’ve designed this program for individuals interested in literacy, reading, new literacies and English education research, scholarship, and teacher preparation. We primarily prepare students for roles as teacher educators and researchers in higher education or instructional leadership roles at school district and state levels or education-related private industry.

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Social Studies Education

We prepare social studies teacher educators and educational researchers ready to lead. Our graduates develop a deep understanding of foundational and contemporary social studies scholarship so they can 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 social studies.

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