Ph.D. in Educational Studies - Cultural Foundations

UNC Greensboro’s Ph.D. in Educational Studies with a concentration in Cultural Foundations prepares scholar-researchers through a focus on theoretical and policy issues related to educational practice. By using interdisciplinary coursework, faculty-mentored research, and opportunities for scholarly publication and conference presentations, students develop the expertise to influence educational policy, advance critical scholarship, and lead transformative change in higher education, nonprofit organizations, and communities.

The Ph.D. in Cultural Foundations Program Distinctions

UNCG’s School of Education has been consistently rated as one of the “Top Graduate Schools of Education” by U.S. News & World Report.

A defining feature of the Ph.D. in Cultural Foundations is its integration of theory, social analysis, and praxis — the application of critical scholarship to real-world educational and community contexts. Students apply critical scholarship to educational and community contexts, driving meaningful social and educational change. The program emphasizes the relationship between culture and education and students critically analyze how educational institutions both reflect and influence broader social and cultural forces.

Your Experience as a Cultural Foundations Student

While the Ph.D. in Cultural Foundations program emphasizes meaningful in-person learning to support connection and community, the program also includes online and hybrid courses. Many students are able to meet program requirements while commuting to campus just once per week.

Doctoral students collaborate closely with faculty on research projects, conference presentations, publications, and service initiatives. These opportunities help students build strong scholarly portfolios while developing expertise in their chosen areas of inquiry.

Suggested foundational courses include:

• ELC 705: Foundations of Critical Theory
• ELC 706: History of Education in the United States
• ELC 707: Philosophies in Education
• ELC 708: Educational Sociology: Race, Class, and Gender Power Dynamics
• ELC 709: Introduction to Critical Pedagogy

Upon Graduating with a Ph.D. in Cultural Foundations

Graduates frequently pursue careers as university faculty members, higher education leaders, nonprofit directors, community educators, researchers, and policy advocates. Our graduates serve as prominent faculty members in cultural foundations programs at universities across the country.

additional application information for the Ph.D. in Cultural Foundations program

The UNC Greensboro School of Education’s and Graduate School’s formal admission requirements specify the following for the Ph.D. program:

• A master’s degree from an accredited institution.
• A GPA of 3.0 or higher in the master’s degree.

Admissions decisions are based on an applicant’s full set of application materials. The admissions committee evaluates each applicant holistically, considering the criteria listed above along with work experience, letters of reference, recommendations, and the personal statement. In some cases, the committee may offer provisional admission and grant full admission after the student successfully completes a specified number of program credits. Faculty members engage in a collaborative, rigorous review of applicants.

The department’s formal admission requirements for doctoral studies include the following:

• Three letters of recommendation from people who can speak to the applicant’s academic abilities;
• Writing sample;
• Transcripts from all universities the applicant has attended;
• A 2-3 page personal statement that describes why you wish to pursue this Ph.D. program, how it connects with your personal/professional goals, and what prerequisites prepare you for this program.
• The priority application deadline for the ELC Ph.D. program is January 15.  The final application deadline is March 15.
  • Please note that although the application system may indicate that your application has been submitted, this does not mean it is COMPLETE. All application materials must be completed in the application system before the materials will be released to the department for review.