Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction

The Doctor of Philosophy program in Curriculum and Instruction (CUI) provides high quality instruction and research opportunities in five specialty areas: reading and literacy, science education, mathematics education, elementary and early childhood education, and educational administration. The program addresses issues, trends, and solutions related to human security, learning and teaching, advocacy for children and families, and education locally, nationally, and internationally. The CUI program is intended to prepare leaders who will successfully work with diverse groups, individuals and communities.

About This Program

The Ph.D. CUI degree program is designed for self-directed working adults. It is a research-heavy program which allows students to tailor their own research path under the guidance of a mentor and advisor. The CUI program provides depth of theoretical knowledge coupled with depth of different genres of research to support students’ interest in relation to each of the program specialties. The rigor of the program combined with opportunities to collaborate with faculty and other stakeholders on research projects and scholarly work, prepare students for leadership roles in their chosen fields of study.

Career Fields

Candidates are prepared to become educational leaders, educational research scholars, community advocates, and overall experts and leaders in the specialty areas studied. As such, program graduates are expected to contribute to higher education institutions, educational research labs, policy centers, state departments, and school districts through meaningful research, public policy, and curriculum/instructional development. The program also prepares graduates to become administrators and leaders for community service/non-government organizations and government agencies that plan and provide informal educational services to adults, children and youth including YMCA, Boys and Girls clubs, parks and recreation among others.