(72 semester hours minimum)
The program leading to the doctor of philosophy degree in curriculum and instruction is designed to prepare students for positions of educational leadership and research in public schools, colleges and universities, and governmental agencies. The program requires the student to successfully complete a minimum of 72 hours of graduate work beyond the bachelor’s degree and to write and defend a doctoral dissertation as prescribed in the regulations of the School of Graduate Studies. The areas of specialization are secondary education, elementary education, early childhood education, English education, history education, industrial technology education, educational technology, mathematics education, language education, teaching and learning, and special education.
Admission Requirements
A student must satisfy all general regulations of the College of Education and the School of Graduate Studies as stated elsewhere in this Catalog. An additional admission criterion for the doctor of philosophy in curriculum and instruction requires the applicant to have a grade point average of 3.5 or above on all graduate work attempted.
It must not be assumed that meeting minimal standards guarantees admission to the program.
The admissions committee must have the following before an admission decision will be made:
- Completed application form.
- Letters of recommendation from at least five persons who know the prospective student in a personal, and/or academic, and/or professional capacity.
- One official transcript from each school at which any undergraduate or graduate work has been done.
- Scores on Graduate Record Examinations General Tests. In most cases the admissions committee may require the applicant to appear for a personal interview and to present evidence of his or her ability to write acceptable prose under controlled conditions.
In most cases the admissions committee may require the applicant to appear for a personal interview and to present evidence of his or her ability to write acceptable prose under controlled conditions.
Research Tool Proficiency
All doctoral students are expected to demonstrate proficiency in appropriate research tools. Consult with the program coordinator or department chairperson for additional information on this program’s research tool requirement.
Admission to Candidacy
Students may apply for admission to candidacy after any provisions or conditions that may have been attached to admission to the program have been removed. Additionally, all the standards of the School of Graduate Studies must be met. Refer to that section of this Catalog for details.
Retention
A student whose grade point average drops below 3.5 will be placed on probation, suspended from graduate study, or dismissed from the School of Graduate Studies. The dean of the School of Graduate Studies, in accordance with the regulations of the department and the School of Graduate Studies, will make decisions in such matters. A student who is suspended from graduate study or dismissed from the School of Graduate Studies may request a review of the case by the Graduate Student Appeals Committee of the Graduate Council.
Dissertation
An acceptable dissertation on a topic or problem relating to the student’s area of specialization is required for completion of degree requirements.
Time Limitation
Generally, the doctor of philosophy must be completed within a total of nine years after admission to the program and within six years after admission to candidacy for the degree.
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