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The Gladys W. and David H. Patton College of Education
Patton Hall
100 East Union St.
Athens, OH 45701-2979

Doctorate in Curriculum and Instruction

Program Code: PH6269 

The Ph.D. program in Curriculum and Instruction is built on a common foundation of learning theory, the social and cultural contexts of school education, curriculum and instruction theory, the moral and ethical dimensions of leadership, and quantitative and qualitative research methods. 

It is expected that all students completing a doctoral degree in Curriculum and Instruction will demonstrate knowledge and skills in a common core of competencies, plus an area of specialization, and successfully complete a dissertation. For each individual scholar, coursework serves as the basis for investigating a significant educational issue that advances the field of Curriculum and Instruction and prepares the student for future research. 

Every student in the Ph.D. program in Curriculum and Instruction has the opportunity to construct a highly individualized program based on each scholar’s career goals. Specializations are available based on the expertise of doctoral faculty. This program can be completed on a full- or part-time basis. For a full-time student, completing a degree in 4–5 years is typical.

Application Process

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Contact

Courtney Koestler OR Teacher Education Doctoral Programs
Doctoral Coordinator

Program Learning Outcomes

By the end of the program, doctoral candidates will:

  • Use their understanding of how PK–16 students and/or adults learn to develop, evaluate, and investigate rigorous and equitable curriculum, teaching, assessment, and technology.
  • Describe and evaluate research methodologies appropriate to the field of educational research.
  • Use equitable and inclusive teaching and assessment practices that are responsive to diverse learners and incorporate appropriate use of technology.
  • Discuss, evaluate, and synthesize the body of literature central to curriculum and instruction and the student’s area of specialization.
  • Develop skills in teaching K–12 students, teachers of K–12 students, or adult learners.
  • Analyzing, evaluating, and synthesizing research theories in curriculum and instruction, applying them in professional settings, and supporting others in applying them.
  • Conduct independent research in education that relies on quantitative and/or qualitative research design and methodology suitable for professional publications and presentations.
  • Develop awareness of current trends and issues in education that lead to advocacy for learners and teachers.
  • Be prepared to accept a university faculty position or other leadership roles in the field of curriculum or instruction

Curriculum

Students completing the program full time (12 hours per semester), typically complete the program in 4 years and are typically in residence at the Athens campus of Ohio University for at least 2 years. The Curriculum and Instruction doctoral program requires a minimum of 70 credit hours beyond the master's degree.

All students must complete:

  • Foundations Core courses – minimum 7 semester hours
  • Teaching & Learning Core courses – minimum 15 semester hours
  • Research Core courses – minimum 18 semester hours
  • Specialization Requirement – minimum 20 semester hours
    • 20 hours of courses at the 7000 level or above to be compatible with the student’s career goals and approved in advance by the student’s program committee. A cognate may include a limited number of selected, rigorous 5000-6000 level courses with committee approval only upon entry into the doctoral program.
    • Currently, specialization areas include early childhood education, mathematics education, middle childhood education, reading education, science education, social studies education, and special education. Other areas of specialization may be available based on the expertise of doctoral faculty.
  • Dissertation – minimum 10 semester hours
    • It is expected that all candidates completing a doctoral degree in the Department of Teacher Education will propose, conduct, and prepare a comprehensive written report of an individually designed research study addressing a significant educational issue that will advance the field of teacher education and will prepare the scholar for future research.

View the official graduate catalog page to more about courses and requirements.

View Full Curriculum

Funding Information

Affiliated Faculty