Teacher Education: Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)

Program Description

The Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Education is a research intensive program which focuses on developing graduates who can assume academic positions in universities and research institutions as well as leadership positions within school districts or other educational institutions.

The Ph.D. in Education with emphasis in Elementary Education, Early Childhood Education, Special Education, or Secondary Education (with further specializations in Social Studies Education, Mathematics Education, English Language Arts Education, or Science Education) is a 69-hour program of study that prepares students for academic positions in universities and research institutions as well as leadership positions in districts. The program offers challenging coursework grounded in the field's most current evidence and the latest advancements in research methodologies. Students receive specialized coursework in their identified area of emphasis in practices, research, and related issues. Additional core competencies are designed to provide opportunities for students to research, write, and teach at the college level.

Admissions Requirements

Applicants to the Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Education must meet the following requirements:

• A Master’s degree in credits with a 3.5 GPA minimum from a regionally or nationally accredited college or university
• Full or Part-time employment in the field of education
• A completed online Graduate School application which includes:
• Official transcripts
• GRE scores (less than five years old with verbal, quantitative, and writing component sub-scores)
• 2 years teaching or relevant experience (letter from employer on letterhead)
• Hold or be eligible to hold a valid teaching license in the content or related area
• A personal statement (not to exceed 750 words) including responses to the following:
• What are your goals for completing the degree?
• Describe a significant issue relevant to your current context of professional practice.
• Why is this issue important?
• Discuss the ways in which this problem aligns with your chosen area of specialization.
• Two letters of recommendation signed by the recommenders. Letters of recommendation should speak to the applicant's competency to conduct rigorous scholarly work as well as the applicant's impact on his or her professional practice.
• Interview with doctoral admissions committee.

Application deadline:

• The Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Education with emphasis in Elementary Education, Early Childhood Education, Special Education, or Secondary Education (with further specializations in Social Studies Education, Mathematics Education, English Language Arts Education, or Science Education) has a Priority Admission Deadline of March 1st and a final Deadline of June 1st (with no guarantee of openings in this cycle).

See the Graduate Handbook for information on completing the application process.

Career Opportunities

Graduates in the Ph.D. in Education program may assume positions as faculty at other universities, or serve as more knowledgeable teachers, curriculum coordinators or administrators.

Online/Regional Campus Options

The Ph.D. in Education is only offered at the Oxford campus.

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