Ph.D. Program

Ph.D. in Curricular & Instructional Studies

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. 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.

Download the Information Sheet about the Ph.D.

Download the Doctoral Handbook that contains additional information on requirements and procedures

How to Apply to the Ph.D. Program

Admission to the Curricular and Instructional Studies Ph.D. program is limited to a select number of students each year due to resources and capacity.

Admission Criteria

• Must have graduate and undergraduate degrees from accredited universities and in programs considered to offer adequate preparation for the Ph.D. in Curricular and Instructional Studies (Ph.D., Elementary Education; Ph.D., Secondary Education).
• At least a 3.50 GPA on a scale of 4.0.
• Demonstration of doctoral level writing ability as evidenced by a Miller Analogies Test score of 399 or higher (or a 550 on the verbal portion of the GRE).  Scores more than five years old will not be accepted for evaluation of the doctoral application.
• Controlled departmental writing sample assignment. 
• A 20-minute interview with the Doctoral Committee of the department.
• Candidates must have at least three years of teaching experience.

Deadlines for application:

March 1 for Fall admission
October 1 for Spring/Summer admission