Teaching and Learning, Policy and Leadership, Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)

The Ph.D. degree requires a planned sequence of 60 credits beyond a master's degree OR 70 credits beyond a bachelor's degree. In addition to major and elective courses, this includes 6 credits of integrative departmental core, a minimum of 12 credits in intermediate and advanced research methods, 30 credits within the student's specialization and 12 credits of dissertation research. After students have completed most of their course work, the equivalent of 12 hours of comprehensive examination is required prior to advancing to candidacy and approval of the doctoral dissertation committee. The comprehensive exam may take a variety of forms, such as take-home conceptual essays, literature reviews, or research papers. The Doctoral program integrates theory, research, and practice, and students are expected to demonstrate high standards of scholarship and the ability to engage in independent research. Your faculty advisor will help you develop a program of study that will help you fulfill your degree requirements, both coursework and examinations, that is consistent with Departmental and University guidelines. An oral examination in defense of the dissertation is required. It is strongly recommended that prospective doctoral applicants speak with program coordinators and faculty, and visit the Department and classes, to help determine if the Department's programs are appropriate to their academic interests and professional goals.

Students must complete a minimum of 60 credits beyond the master's degree. Coursework is outlined as follows:

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Must include one qualitative methods course and one quantitative methods course