Education, Interdepartmental Doctoral Program in Curriculum and Instruction

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Faculty: Faculty are listed with participating programs and departments (e.g., School of Teacher Education and Leadership and Agricultural Systems Technology and Education Department)

Degrees offered: Doctorate of Philosophy (PhD)

Graduate specialization: Curriculum and Instruction

Admission Requirements

For admission information, contact: Dean, School of Graduate Studies, Utah State University, 0900 Old Main Hill, Logan UT 84322-0900; telephone (435) 797-1189; FAX (435) 797-1192; or visit: http://www.usu.edu/graduateschool/

To be evaluated against established criteria, students must submit to the School of Graduate Studies at Utah State University an Application for Admission along with the following:

1. A copy of transcripts of both undergraduate and graduate credits from all colleges or universities attended. An average grade of B (3.0) or better is required during the last two years of undergraduate work and for all graduate work.
2. Three letters of recommendation (required). At least two of these letters should come from individuals who can evaluate the student’s academic abilities. All letters should address the student’s potential for successful graduate study.
3. Documentation of a master’s degree in education or a closely related field.
4. An official report of the Graduate Record Examination (GRE).
5. Statement of purpose essay (500 words).
6. Curriculum vitae.

Applicants to the Curriculum and Instruction doctoral degree program must have two years of teaching experience.

General Information About Doctorate in Curriculum and Instruction (C & I)

The Curriculum and Instructional doctoral degree is offered through the School of Teacher Education and Leadership (TEAL) in the Emma Eccles Jones College of Education and Human Services (CEHS). The C & I specialization prepares graduates for leadership, teaching, and research positions in curriculum and instruction.

Planned Program

To complete a doctorate degree, a minimum of 60 total credits is required for students with a master’s degree, and a minimum of 90 total credits is required for students without a master’s degree. A student must:

1. Complete a Curriculum and Instruction Program of Studies Core (10-12 semester credits) and a Research Methods Core (12 semester credits).
2. Complete a planned program of supporting electives or concentration, as approved by the student’s supervisory committee.
3. Pass a written comprehensive examination. This exam must be satisfactorily completed before the student advances to candidacy. Advancement to candidacy also requires an approved dissertation proposal.
4. Complete and satisfactorily defend a doctoral research study directed and judged by a supervisory committee of faculty.
5. Complete all final requirements, as specified by the Curriculum and Instruction specialization, the Emma Eccles Jones College of Education and Human Services, and the School of Graduate Studies. 

USU Doctoral Residency Requirement

The PhD prepares candidates for careers in university settings, school districts, or research institutes. It is designed for graduates who will have significant leadership, research and/or higher education teaching responsibilities.

All PhD students must:

• Present once at a state, regional, or national professional conference
• Publish or be actively engaged in the process of publishing in a peer-reviewed professional journal

PhD students participate with faculty to extend their immersion in academia in a number of ways:

• Research and creative endeavors: (e.g., participate in a research project; participate in a grant funded project; apply for graduate student funding; write/co-write a grant to fund a research project; publish an article in professional organization’s newsletter; publish a book review)
• Immersion in the culture of graduate education: (e.g., participate in scholarly discussion of writing groups; participate in graduate student organizations and events; serve on committees within the department, college, or university; complete coursework or immersion in literature beyond program requirements)

• Engagement in professional activities: (e.g., teach a college course; work as  a research or teaching assistant at the college level; conduct a guest lecture or workshop; attend local, regional, or national scholarly professional meetings; hold office in local, regional, or national scholarly professional meetings; organize informal seminars, consortia, or orientation programs; serve as a reviewer for a professional conference or journal)

Financial Assistance

Students should contact department heads for all inquiries regarding assistantships and tuition waivers. Applications for University assistantships, fellowships, and all financial aid are processed through department offices. For a listing of fellowships and scholarships, see the Graduate Financial Assistance   section of this catalog.

Career Opportunities

The doctoral specialization prepares education leaders for positions as college and university researchers and teachers in education and education-related fields. Recipients of the doctorate degree are also prepared to conduct and direct research and development activities in public or private educational agencies or in the corporate sector; teach in community colleges, four-year colleges, and universities; serve as supervisors and curriculum specialists in public or private educational institutions and settings; and serve in a variety of other careers.