Secondary Education

The Doctor of Philosophy degrees offered by the Department of Curricular and Instructional Studies are designed to meet the needs and interests of persons in pre-K, elementary, middle, secondary, postsecondary, higher education, and other institutions or agencies that might have educational/learning programs. Two degrees are offered, the Ph.D. in Elementary Education and the Ph.D. in Secondary Education. A qualified student can, through consultation with an adviser and within the expertise and resources of the department, design a specialization to meet his/her career objectives.

Admission Requirements

• Hold a master's degree with a cumulative grade point average of 3.5
• MAT score of 399 or higher OR GRE score of 550 or higher on the verbal portion
• Three letters of recommendation
• Statement of purpose indicating career goals and research interest
• Controlled departmental writing sample (administered after application deadline; contact the Department of Curricular and Instructional Studies for specific test date)
• Agreement to Advise Form (contact the department)
• Current vita
• Have at least three years of teaching experience

Application Deadline

• March 1 for Fall enrollment
• October 1 for Spring enrollment

Assistantship/Scholarship Information

All assistantships (and any fellowships) are awarded through the academic department. Students interested in obtaining an assistantship must apply. New students may indicate on their online application for admission that they would like to be considered for an assistantship. Current students must contact the academic department for application information. Each department may have different requirements for assistantship applicants, so all students should contact the academic department to determine these particular requirements. Only those students fully admitted to a master’s or doctoral degree-seeking program are eligible for a graduate assistantship. Students admitted as non-degree seeking or to a certificate program may not hold an assistantship.

Financial Aid Information

Paying for college is a vital part of the education process. It is important to be informed of the many sources of aid available. Student loans are available to degree-seeking graduate students. Information on student loans can be found through the Office of Student Financial Aid. The Office of Student Financial Aid is located in Simmons Hall.

Tuition and Fees

Current tuition and fees schedules can be found through the Office of Student Accounts.