Curricular and Instructional Studies

The program leading to the Doctor of Philosophy degree in the Department of Curricular and Instructional Studies is offered through the College of Education. Two degrees are offered, the Ph.D. in Elementary Education and the Ph.D. in Secondary Education.

The program is predicated on the belief that an effective instructor evolves from a well-planned program containing exposure in three basic areas:

1. Common core foundational studies
2. A specialization
3. Professional education in Curricular and Instructional Studies
4. Other contributing disciplines (cognate)

With this philosophy in mind, the program provides study in a common core of study, a selected discipline, professional education, and cognate fields.
 

Admission Requirements

Criteria for admission to the Curricular and Instructional Studies Ph.D. program are as follows: 1. Graduate and undergraduate degrees from accredited universities and in programs considered to offer adequate preparation for the Ph.D. in Curricular and Instructional Studies. 2. Acceptable grade point averages in a completed graduate degree (at least a 3.50 GPA on a scale of 4.0). 3. Demonstration of doctoral level writing ability as evidenced by a Miller Analogies Test score of 45 or higher, or a 550 on the verbal portion of the GRE, and a prescribed and evaluated written assignment. Scores must not be more than 5 years old. 4. Controlled writing sample assignment. This requirement will be administered before the March 1 admissions deadline. Consult the Department of Curricular and Instructional Studies Office for specific test date. 5. Submit a current vita, three letters of academic reference, and official transcripts.

Akron Advantage

A unique combination of initiatives, traits, competencies and past successes at The University of Akron give our students a competitive edge after graduation. There are many components to this "Akron Advantage", including Documented Excellence through the University