Teaching and Learning, Ph.D.

The curriculum in the Ph.D. in Teaching and Learning is grounded in bodies of research that encompass the complex relationship between teaching and learning and the various disciplines at diverse grade levels. The degree consists of a minimum of 60 hours beyond the masters degree.

Learning Outcomes

  1. Advanced program candidates demonstrate a high level of competence in understanding and responding to diversity of culture language and ethnicity.
  2. Advanced program candidates demonstrate in-depth knowledge and thoughtful application of the Code of Ethical Conduct and other guidelines relevant to their professional role.
  3. Advanced program candidates possess a high level of oral written and technological communication skills with specialization for the specific professional role(s) emphasized in the program. For doctoral programs candidates are prepared to publish and present at conferences.
  4. Advanced program candidates demonstrate in-depth critical knowledge of the theory and research relevant to the professional role(s) and focus area(s) emphasized in the program.
  5. Advanced program candidates demonstrate a high level of skill in identifying and using the human material and technological resources needed to perform their professional roles and to keep abreast of the field & changing knowledge base.
  6. Using systematic and professionally accepted approaches advanced program candidates demonstrate inquiry skills showing their ability to investigate questions relevant to their practice and professional goals.
  7. Advanced program candidates demonstrate the flexible varied skills needed to work collaboratively and effectively with other adults in professional roles.
  8. Advanced program candidates demonstrate competence in articulating and advocating for sound professional practices and public policies for the positive development and learning of all students.
  9. Advanced program candidates reflect on and use their abilities and opportunities to think strategically build consensus create change and influence better outcomes for student’s families and the profession.
  10. PhD candidates demonstrate in-depth knowledge related to learning in their area of specialized expertise.
  11. PhD candidates demonstrate in-depth knowledge and skills related to teaching in their area of specialized expertise.

Specialized Competencies

  • PhD candidates demonstrate in-depth knowledge related to learning in their area of specialized expertise.
  • PhD candidates demonstrate in-depth knowledge and skills related to teaching in their area of specialized expertise.

Admissions Requirements

In addition to The Graduate School’s application requirements, applicants must submit a letter of intent. Applicants who meet program criteria will be interviewed by a committee of faculty members.

Degree Requirements (60 Post-Masters Hours)

A minimum of 60 post-masters hours required.

The total number of hours required may vary depending on prior graduate coursework completed, but must be no less than 60 graduate hours. Based on the curriculum described below, a program of study will be developed with the student’s advisor and must be approved by the Graduate Director and the Dean of the Graduate School. Courses listed on the program of study must be completed no more than 10 years prior to graduation.

Program of Study

The student’s program advisory committee will evaluate previous course work and experiences and recommend appropriate courses to ensure that at the completion of the program the student can demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and dispositions typically developed in the following course work:

Teacher Education (18 Hours)

Course Title Credits
Select six hours in pedagogy courses at the 800-level within or across the content areas such as literacy, mathematics, science, language arts, the arts, and social studies6
Select six additional hours of advanced and doctoral (700 and 800 level) coursework involving instruction selected from below or other as approved by advisor:6
Teaching Reasoning and Inquiry Skills
Educating African-American Students
Equity Pedagogies in Teacher Education
Models of Instruction
Select six hours of advanced and doctoral (700 and 800-level) coursework in the area(s) of diversity and/or curriculum as approved by advisor6
Total Credit Hours18

Research (18 Hours)

Course Title Credits
EDRM 710Educational Statistics I3
EDFI 731Qualitative Inquiry3
EDTE 851Internship in Research in Teaching and Learning3
EDTE 870Seminar in Instruction and Teacher Education3
Select six hours of educational research as approved by advisor6
Total Credit Hours18

Internship (3 Hours)

Course Title Credits
EDTE 850Internship in Teaching3
Total Credit Hours3

Cognate (9 Hours)

  • A minimum of 9 hours as approved by advisor.

Dissertation (12 Hours)

Course Title Credits
EDTE 899Dissertation Preparation12
Total Credit Hours12

Foreign Language and/or Research Methods

Students must meet the Foreign Language and/or Research Methods as required by the Graduate School.