Curriculum and Instruction, PhD

The PhD with a major in curriculum and instruction is a research-intensive degree intended primarily for individuals who will have careers as scholars, researchers and teacher educators in higher education or will hold other research-oriented leadership positions. The overall objectives are for students (1) to gain an integrative perspective on education; (2) to have a firm grounding in educational theory, pedagogical practice and research methodology; (3) to engage in educational efforts focused on social justice and equity; (4) to develop research agendas to pursue in their own professional careers; and (5) to be prepared to be leaders in research and pedagogy.

This 60 credit hour doctoral program has three concentration areas: curriculum studies, early childhood studies, and language and literacy studies.

Admission requirements

All students accepted into this doctoral program must meet admission requirements established by the Toulouse Graduate School including application form, official transcripts and test scores. For applicants whose native language is not English, a score of at least 550 on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) is required. Applicants must provide the following to the department:

three letters of recommendation from individuals who can address the applicant’s ability to pursue doctoral-level studies and potential for contributing to a field of study related to the degree;
a detailed statement of purpose describing research interests and plans and purpose for pursuing the PhD in curriculum and instruction; and
a curriculum vitae demonstrating prior educational and professional experience.

Decisions about admission are based on a holistic review of the information from all these sources.

Residency requirement

The doctoral degree must be completed within the time frame, guidelines and residency requirements established by the Graduate School and /or the UNT College of Education.

Curriculum and instruction core courses, 12 hours

Required of all students.

Research courses, 15 hours

The required research courses (9 hours) provide a foundation in research approaches that are considered quantitative and those considered qualitative.

Two additional courses

Within the research area, the student experiences some flexibility and has some choice for the additional two courses (6 hours) that are most relevant to the research that he or she intends to do.

Concentration courses, 18 hours

In each concentration area there are four mandatory courses (12 hours) in that concentration plus two courses (6 hours) relevant to the student’s interests and goals that will be selected by the student and advisor.

Note

Additional course work may be required of students who do not have a master’s degree in the relevant concentration.

Elective, 6 hours

For the electives included in the course plan, students are encouraged to take courses that complement their program. Electives may come from other departments and colleges outside teacher education and administration.

Dissertation, 9 hours

After advancing to candidacy, students are required to take a total of 9 semester credit hours for the dissertation, EDUC 6950 .

Transfer courses

With consent of the advisor, relevant transfer courses can be included in the degree plan in accordance with the policy of the UNT Graduate School.