Oct 07, 2024  
2022-2023 Graduate Catalog 
    
2022-2023 Graduate Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Teaching and Learning, Ph.D


Return to: 4170 Department of Middle and Secondary Education  

The Ph.D. major in Teaching and Learning is designed to prepare scholars for research and leadership positions by developing a substantial knowledge base in one of the following areas of concentration: Language and Literacy Education, Mathematics Education, Music Education, Science Education, Social Studies Education, and Teaching and Teacher Education. In addition, the program prepares professional educators as scholarly inquirers who ask thoughtful questions, who can conduct sound inquiry, and who can recommend informed policy.

Degree Requirements


Core Area (18 Hours)


The Core Area consists of 15 semester hours of research coursework and 3 semester hours of Social Foundation of Education and Psychology of Learning coursework.

Research Core (15 Hours)


Required (12 Hours)

  • A two course sequence (6 hours) in research methodology (see below for specific tracks/courses)
  • Two courses (6 hours) in advanced research methods as identified by the Doctoral Advisory Committee
Historical/Philosophical Methodology

Social Foundations of Education and Psychology of Learning Core (3 Hours)


In addition to highly specialized research in specific areas, doctoral students in the College of Education and Human Development must possess a deep understanding of comprehensive, theoretical principles and broad ideological conceptualizations.

Through historical, philosophical, sociological, and anthropological inquiry, knowledge of social foundations fosters the types of speculative investigations essential for thorough understandings of those theoretical principles and ideological conceptualizations necessary to uphold the integrity of the Ph.D. degree.

The psychology of learning component is based on the following guiding principles: (1) Educational leaders make judgments that affect learning. (2) Doctoral students should have a substantial understanding of the psychology of learning.

Select One Course (3 Hours): 

Concentrations (27-36 Hours)


Students choose one of the six concentrations: 

Language and Literacy Concentration (30 Hours)


Required (12 Hours)

Select 18 Hours

The student and Doctoral Advisory Committee select additional coursework.

Mathematics Concentration (36 Hours)


The Ph.D. in Teaching and Learning with a concentration in Mathematics Education prepares professional mathematics educators to make scholarly contributions to both the theoretical and practical knowledge base of mathematics teaching and learning in a broad range of educational settings. Graduates of this program typically assume positions as college or university professors in schools or colleges of education or departments of mathematics. In these positions, their primary responsibilities are to conduct research on elementary, middle, secondary, or post-secondary mathematics teaching and learning, to teach content and pedagogy courses, and to direct theses and dissertations. Graduates are also qualified to assume positions as mathematics education leaders in school districts, research laboratories, or publishing companies.

During the degree program, students develop advanced professional proficiencies and scholarly knowledges through the successful completion of the (a) Program of Study, (b) Residency Plan, (c) Comprehensive Examination, (d) Research Prospectus, and (e) Dissertation. The degree program, in general, is framed by the principles to guide doctoral programs adopted by the Association of Mathematics Teacher Educators (AMTE) and the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM).

Required (9 Hours)

Cognate Area (18 Hours)

Music Education Concentration (33 Hours)


Required (9 Hours)

Choose Three Courses (9 Hours)

Cognate Area (15 Hours)

Science Education Concentration (36 Hours)


Required (18 Hours)

Cognate Area (18 Hours)

Social Studies Education Concentration (33 Hours)


Required (18 Hours)

Select 15 Hours

The student and Doctoral Advisory Committee select additional coursework (15 hours).

Teaching and Teacher Education Concentration (27 Hours)


This concentration prepares scholars for research, practice, and policy work in teaching and the preparation of teachers. Working alongside faculty who have close connections to practice in urban schools and to the development, implementation, and evaluation of teacher education programs, graduate students will be prepared to contribute to the quality of professional practice and policy at the K- 12 level, as well as in the education and development of practicing professionals.

Required (18 Hours)

Select 9 Hours

The student and Doctoral Advisory Committee select additional coursework (9 hours).
Recommended courses include:

Dissertation (15 Hours)


Program Total: Minimum of 60-69 Semester Hours


Language and Literacy Education concentration: minimum of 63 semester hours

Mathematics Education concentration: minimum of 69 semester hours

Music Education concentration: minimum of 66 semester hours

Science Education concentration: minimum of 69 semester hours

Social Studies Education concentration: minimum of 66 semester hours

Teaching and Teacher Education: minimum of 60 semester hours