Overview
The Doctor of Philosophy in Education, with a concentration in Curriculum and Instruction prepares scholarly leaders to identify and examine the problems and possibilities associated with curriculum and instruction in schools and other institutions within a multicultural democratic society. The program focuses on curricular issues as a field of inquiry and develops students' abilities to address the questions that influence curriculum theory, design, development, delivery, assessment, and evaluation.
Program graduates go on to become leaders in our nation's schools, colleges, universities, and related agencies such as business, government, and research institutions. Our curriculum is solidly grounded in interpreting and producing research and scholarship, with particular attention paid to the philosophical, theoretical, historical, socio-cultural, ethical and political constructs and issues that affect curriculum and instruction.
We welcome students with interests in all institutional settings serving students across their lifespan (early childhood through adulthood). As part of their study, students in curriculum and instruction may pursue an area of specialization in:
- childhood studies;
- curriculum studies;
- elementary education;
- history and social studies education;
- instructional technology;
- literacy, language, and culture;
- mathematics education;
- multicultural education;
- science education;
- STEM education; or
- secondary education.
The C&I concentration provides students with the flexibility to pursue individual interests in their course of study. Students receive support from widely-recognized educators and researchers as they develop as scholarly leaders in curriculum and instruction.
Student Spotlight
Enrolling in the Curriculum & Instruction Ph.D. program at ODU has proven to be a life-changing event. I have learned from and worked with incredible faculty and students across several departments. I am confident I have the knowledge and experience as a teacher, teacher educator, and researcher to make a lasting impression on the field of education.
- Kristen Gregory, PhD Program Graduate
Admission to the Ph.D. program in the Department of Teaching and Learning is competitive. Applicants should have a completed master's degree in an appropriate discipline from a regionally accredited university. Degrees that are equivalent to a master's degree such as L.L.B., J.D., and D.D.S., will be considered. Several criteria are considered including graduate and undergraduate GPAs, writing ability, a personal interview, and the match between student interests and faculty expertise. Meeting the minimum requirements established by the department does not ensure admission to the program. A minimum undergraduate GPA of 2.8 and a minimum graduate GPA of 3.25 are recommended.
Application requirements for the program include:
- A completed online application from the Office of Graduate Admissions;
- A completed master's degree in an appropriate discipline from a regionally accredited university;
- Three letters of reference from sources including employment supervisors and/or university faculty members capable of commenting on the applicant's potential for advanced graduate study;
- Statement of intent for study in the PhD program in Curriculum and Instruction (limit 1,000 words). In this statement, address the following questions:
- Describe your understanding of and your interest in the C&I program.
- How will the Curriculum and Instruction program help you achieve your long-term professional goals?
- Submission of a professional curriculum vitae. Three years of teaching experience are preferred;
- Official transcripts of all undergraduate and graduate courses and degrees completed;
- Academic writing sample - Choose and submit one of the following options:
- Previous academic writing sample (e.g. thesis, major paper, culminating project from previous graduate work), or
- Develop a brief (four double-spaced pages response to the following prompt using a minimum of three academic sources): Identify and analyze an issue related to education in your local context.
- Applicants whose native language is not English must submit a current score for the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) of at least 600 (written) or 250 (computer based).
Applications must be complete and submitted to the ODU Office of Graduate Admissions by October 15 for spring admissions, and March 1 for Summer and Fall admissions (dates subject to change).