Doctorate in Educational Policy Studies

Program of Study in the Area of Specialization in Policy Studies

The Doctor of Philosophy in Education (Ph.D.) degree program in Educational Foundations is designed to develop educational leaders able to deal with those aspects and problems of society which need to be taken into account when analyzing and evaluating educational theories, policies, and practices, especially as those theories, policies, and practices concern the social role of educational institutions and agencies. Analyzing, formulating, and evaluating educational policies and practices often require the educator to utilize knowledge and methodologies drawn from philosophical, historical, comparative and international, and sociological and anthropological perspectives of education—the areas of emphases in the Educational Foundations Department.

COURSE REQUIREMENTS

• College Requirements
• Educational Foundations Department Core
• Area of Emphasis Within Educational Foundations

The focal point for the student in the Ph.D. program is the study of a problem in which educational theory, policy, and/or practice is analyzed and evaluated from a broad social viewpoint. This problem may be approached from the different perspectives of history of education, philosophy of education, social foundations of education, or comparative and international education. The student will choose one or a combination of these perspectives as his/her area of emphasis and, in consultation with an advisor, will select appropriate courses, seminars, and individual study projects. There is no set number of courses or credits required for this portion of the program and the selections depend upon the student’s goals, previous education and experience. In addition, the dissertation and preparation for the comprehensive examination are a part of the area of emphasis. The names of the advisor and preliminary curriculum are reported to Graduate Division on Progress Form I: Doctoral Preliminary Conference.

• Cognate Field

The cognate field is a cluster of studies taken in one or more outside departments. The purpose of this study is to provide the theory, methodology and generalizations helpful in the analysis and solution of educational problems central to the candidate's area of emphasis and dissertation. A minimum of 12 credits in the cognate field is required. Most of these credits should be 600 level or above, or credits considered acceptable for the master’s degree in that field or fields. In general, the person(s) on the dissertation committee from the cognate field will recommend courses needed to complete the candidate's competency in that field.

CANDIDATE REQUIREMENTS

• Qualifying Examination

CANDIDACY

• Doctoral Committee
• Comprehensive Examination
• Written Exam
• Oral Exam
• Internship/Field Project (EDUC 740)

DISSERTATION

• Dissertation Proposal Seminar