The goals of the doctoral program in curriculum and instruction are to prepare professional educators who are skilled and knowledgeable in analyzing and directing curriculum research and policy and in developing, implementing and evaluating curriculum products and instructional practices. The program offers a course of study with an interdisciplinary major in curriculum and instruction for grades K–12.

A research-oriented Doctor of Philosophy and a practitioner-oriented Doctor of Education are offered. Typically, the PhD program is recommended for students who intend to become a researcher in a public or private sector research and development center or a professor in a collegiate program of teacher education. The EdD program is recommended for students whose career ambitions include administrative and supervisory positions in school districts.

Admission Requirements

Admission to the doctoral program in curriculum and instruction takes into consideration several critical factors deemed important for success in graduate studies. No single factor determines an individual’s eligibility for admission.

Admission to the PhD program in curriculum and instruction is a two-step process. Each applicant first must apply to and meet the general admission requirements of the Toulouse School of Graduate Studies.

Then applications for students who meet initial admission standards are forwarded to the faculty in curriculum and instruction for review. Initial acceptance into the program is contingent upon the applicant’s meeting the following program admission standards in addition to the general requirements listed in the College of Education section.

1. A minimum grade point average of 3.4 on the master’s degree.
2. Submission of verbal and analytical writing scores on the GRE. Contact the academic program for additional information concerning admission requirements.
3. Three years of successful teaching experience or related acceptable experience. In the event the student does not meet this requirement, the faculty in curriculum and instruction may recommend the student participate in extensive practicum or internship experiences as part of the doctoral degree requirements. This practicum or internship will be in addition to that required as part of the regular degree program.
4. An application form, which may be obtained from the Department of Teacher Education and Administration. Applicants must submit the following to the curriculum and instruction faculty for review: a scholarly writing sample, a letter of intent to pursue doctoral studies in curriculum and instruction, a professional resume/vita and three letters of recommendation from persons who can testify to the applicant’s ability to do advanced work. In addition to the listed criteria, the faculty may consider the applicant’s related work experience, publications, presentations to professional organizations, leadership roles, teaching excellence, awards and other activities that provide evidence of potential success in a doctoral program.

Applicants must complete successfully the written admissions examination within their first term/semester of doctoral course work to receive unconditional admission.

Residency Requirement

To meet the residency requirement, PhD students are required to enroll in a minimum of 18 semester hours during two consecutive long semesters (fall-spring, spring-fall, spring-summer or summer-fall). Residency must be completed prior to attempting the written qualifying exam.