Scholars from Across the Nation Visit Campus Before Starting Online Doctoral Journey

Alabama A&M University continues to expand its advanced degree offerings with the enrollment of 50 students into the second cohort of its Ph.D. program in Curriculum and Instruction (CUI). The College of Education, Humanities, and Behavioral Sciences hosted the new class for a two-day orientation last week, marking the program’s only in-person requirement before students begin their fully online coursework.

Dr. Lena Walton, program coordinator and associate professor of elementary education, emphasized the importance of the orientation experience.

“We bring them here to acclimate them to the resources that are available on campus and accessible remotely,” said Walton. “They learn how to use the library, organize their financial aid, meet their advisors, and form different work groups for student-to-student support.”

Launched in Fall 2024, the Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction is a 60 to 63-credit hour program that must be completed within eight years. Designed for working professionals, the program offers five specializations: educational administration, mathematics education, reading and literacy, science education, and early childhood/elementary education. Walton noted that the program is rooted in human security and social justice, encouraging research that addresses equity, innovation, and evolving needs in education.

“This particular program is ideal for professionals who want to broaden their impact,” Walton explained. “Graduates can move into curriculum development, higher education administration, or even teaching adult learners. Others may return to the classroom with new tools for transformative teaching.”

For Hovet Dixon, Jr., principal of Accel Preparatory Academy in Huntsville City Schools and a two-time AAMU alumnus, the program provides both flexibility and opportunity.

“For me, the level of convenience is key,” said Dixon, now in his 26th year in education. “I’m winding down my career path in K-12, and I’ve waited quite some time to make the transition to higher education. The position I have now is rewarding, but I’m ready to prepare for the next chapter.”

Kelly Washington, a Birmingham educator with more than two decades of experience, echoed the program’s transformative potential. Currently teaching fourth grade mathematics at Oxford Valley Elementary School, Washington enrolled with a desire to shape the future of education.

“I enrolled because I want to be able to change some things I see in education,” Washington said. “I’ve been in education for 21 years, and I need to improve myself to help students deal with new challenges ahead. I feel God has brought me full circle. When I was in high school, I received a scholarship to attend Alabama A&M, but I stayed close to home. Now, years later, I finally get to pursue my dream here.”

As Walton reflected, the Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction is more than just an academic pursuit – it is a call to leadership and innovation.

“We hope our students will look at research in areas that no longer serve some populations and develop new, innovative approaches,” she said. “Although we are different in many ways, this program prepares us to be successful together in shaping the future of education.”