Doctorate in Science Education
Program Code: PH6856
The PhD program in Science Education is built on a common foundation of learning theory, the social and cultural contexts of education, curriculum and instruction theory, the moral and ethical dimensions of leadership, and quantitative and qualitative research methodologies. In addition to completing a dissertation, it is expected that all students completing a doctoral degree in Science Education will demonstrate knowledge and skills in a common core of competencies and an area of specialization. For each individual scholar, coursework serves as the basis for investigating a significant educational issue that will advance the field of science education and prepare them for future research. Every student in the PhD program in Science Education 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. The Ph.D. program in Science Education can be completed full- or part-time. For full-time students, program completion typically requires 4 years.
Contact
Danielle Dani
Program Coordinator
Patton Hall 309BB
dani@ohio.edu
740.593.4438
Frans Doppen
Graduate Doctoral Coordinator
Patton Hall 309EE
doppen@ohio.edu
740.593.0254
Program Overview
Learning Outcomes
- Demonstrate a strong foundation in a science subject field and the current trends and issues in science education.
- Use their understanding about how PK–16 students learn and engage in science to develop, evaluate, and investigate equitable and inclusive science education curriculum, teaching, assessment, and technology.
- Discuss, evaluate, and synthesize the theories and body of literature central to science education, professional preparation standards for science teachers, and K–12 science learning standards.
- Develop teaching skills for university-based science and science education courses or professional development.
- Conduct independent empirical research that uses research methodologies appropriate to the study of science education and is suitable for professional publication and presentations.
- Provide leadership and advocacy through science education research and science teacher education.
Required Courses
Minimum Total Credits: 68 semester credit hours including the dissertation
Students completing the program full-time (12 hours per semester), typically complete the program in 4 years, with at least 2 years of residence at the Athens campus.
Foundations Core: minimum 5 semester hours
- EDTE 8900 First-Year Doctoral Seminar (1 credit)
- A graduate level graduate level course (5000 level or above) focused on critical studies chosen in consultation with doctoral committee
Teaching & Learning Core: minimum 15 semester hours
- EDTE 7150 Theories of Curriculum Change (3 credits)
- EDTE 7160 Theories of Instructional Change (3 credits)
- EDTE 7920 Curriculum and Instruction Practicum (6 credits)
- EDTE 8000 Advanced Dynamics of Human Learning (3 credits)
Research Core: minimum 18 semester hours
- EDRE 7200 Educational Statistics (4 credits)
- EDRE 7330 Research Design in Education (4 credits)
- EDRE 7500 Introduction to Qualitative Methods in Education (4 credits)
- EDTE 8040 Writing for Professional Publication in Education (3 credits)
- One additional graduate-level research course chosen in consultation with student’s doctoral committee
Specialization: minimum 20 semester hours
20 hours of courses at 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.)
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 science education and will prepare the scholar for future research.
Funding Information
- Departmental funding opportunities
- Funding opportunities across the college
- Graduate College funding opportunities