Prospective Students

This degree program consists of work in five areas: (1) Curriculum Studies Foundations, (2) Research and Inquiry, (3) Curriculum and Pedagogy Courses (with certification/non-certification options), (4) Emphasis Area, and (5) Dissertation. The first two areas require a combined minimum of 39 semester hours of course work, the third area requires a minimum of 9 semester hours of course work, the fourth area requires a minimum of 12 semester hours, and the fifth area requires a minimum of 6 variable semester hours. The complete program requires a minimum of 60 semester hours of course work plus 6 hours of dissertation credit.

• Curriculum Studies Foundations

This is the nexus of the program. As such, it contains courses to be taken by all doctoral students. The Core intertwines the theoretical, ethical, and historical concepts underpinning curriculum work with advanced theories of design, development, and implementation.

• Research and Inquiry

This portion of the program is designed to create scholars who might apply their knowledge base to the solving of problems encountered in daily education work. Both components of the Research and Inquiry Core are understood to be essential in the preparation of doctoral students who will engage in meaningful, productive investigations into critical issues in curriculum. The Research component provides for advanced study into specific methodologies and their appropriate applications. The Inquiry component addresses theoretical questions of orientation of various research paradigms so that the doctoral student might make an informed decision as to the general approach (i.e., quantitative or qualitative) he/she will wish to pursue in order to effectively address a topic or problem in curriculum.

• Curriculum and Pedagogy Courses

This praxis-oriented segment of the program of study provides opportunities for students to apply curriculum theory in their professional work environments.  Curriculum and pedagogy courses satisfy the advanced pedagogy requirement for students seeking a certificate upgrade.

• Emphasis Areas

This program offers three interdisciplinary emphasis areas covering a broad terrain of scholarly inquiry and educational application.
1. Cultural Curriculum Studies
This emphasis area provides intensive exposure to critical aspects of the Curriculum Studies field. It also centers on the study of popular culture in its many manifestations and the implications of the ways in which the study of these educational sites impact the social construction of identity and the intersections of popular culture on pedagogy and curriculum theory.
2. Learning, Development, & Curriculum
This emphasis area meets the needs of many practicing professionals including curriculum directors, staff development personnel, instructional coordinators, high school department chairs, and lead teachers as well as others in teaching or administrative positions at the P-12 level or in higher education.
3. Multicultural and Social Justice Education
This emphasis area reflects the growing importance of multicultural and international studies at all levels of education. The emphasis area allows examination of the needs of culturally diverse groups, the relationship between culture and academic achievement, and the nature of international schooling.

To be eligible for graduation, you must maintain a cumulative grade average of 3.25. A student will be excluded from the program upon earning grades of “C” or below in two or more courses.