PhD in Educational Studies - Teacher Education & Development

FULLY ONLINE PROGRAM AVAILABLE

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The Ph.D. program in Educational Studies with a concentration in Teacher Education and Development (TED) prepares students to become researchers, teacher educators, and educational leaders who promote inclusive excellence in education.

Our community-engaged doctoral program provides students with opportunities to link theory and practice as they explore, transform, and generate new knowledge for teaching and learning. Our nationally and internationally recognized faculty have extensive expertise in K-12 teacher education, including in literacy education, math education, science education, social studies education, Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) education, and the learning sciences. Students in the TED doctoral program work closely with faculty to individualize their experiences according to their professional goals and interests.

Join our dynamic community of researchers and practitioners dedicated to shaping the future of teaching and learning!

Program Distinctions

• Community-engaged institution with high research activity (Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education).
• Named one of the nation’s “Top Graduate Schools of Education” by the U.S. News & World Report.
• Nationally and internationally recognized faculty, many of whom serve on editorial boards for top journals, advisory boards for educational research projects, or lead professional and educational organizations and development
• Multi-million dollars in annual funding from organizations and agencies such as:
  • Institute for Education Services
  • National Science Foundation
  • The Spencer Foundation
  • U.S. Department of Education
• Interdisciplinary approach that purposefully bridges theory and practice using innovative research methodologies.
• Vibrant, collaborative community dedicated to creating lasting change in teaching and learning.

The Student Experience

Our faculty cultivates a tailored Ph.D. experience where students are encouraged to pursue individualized plans of study that include courses in general education, research methods, and content areas. Students collaborate with faculty and peers on research, teaching, or professional leadership.  in relevant, meaningful research and teaching with faculty and peers.

The program can be completed full-time or part-time. Full-time students are eligible to serve as graduate assistants while pursuing their degree. Courses are offered primarily online in the evenings, to accommodate working professionals.

The length of time to complete the program is typically 4-5 years but can vary based on individual goals and circumstances. Timeline of Program Milestones:

• Initial meeting with faculty advisor – After the first semester, the faculty advisor works with the student to develop a personalized Plan of Study
• Coursework – Complete 30 hours of coursework
• Mid-program review – After 30 completed semester hours, faculty review students’ progress and assess related program requirements.
• Comprehensive exams – After the completion of all core-, research-, and cognate- courses, students work with their advisor to appoint a committee of 3-4 faculty members who assign and evaluate exam questions on an individual basis.
• Dissertation proposal defense – After the completion of TED/SES 775, students’ committee members provide feedback on and determine students’ eligibility to begin dissertation study.
• Dissertation defense – After the completion of the dissertation proposal, students’ committee members provide feedback on and determine students’ eligibility to begin dissertation study.

To view program requirements, including the number of credit hours and required courses, please click the “View UNCG Catalog” button.

After Graduation

Graduates with a Ph.D. in Education with a concentration in TED from UNCG work in diverse, impactful professional positions such as:

• Curriculum and instructional materials developers
• Academic faculty in higher education institutions
• School, district, and statewide leadership positions
• Leadership and research positions in federal and state government, post-secondary institutions, research organizations, and governmental /non-governmental agencies
• Analysts and consultants with private companies, political advocacy groups, education or research think tanks, and professional associations   

Admission Requirements

Applicants are asked to provide the following information during the application process:

• Personal statement
• GRE scores or academic writing sample (not to exceed 20 pages, double-spaced)
• Transcripts for all degrees
• Resume or CV
• 3 letters of recommendation (include at least one letter from a current/former professor)
• Selected concentration area

In addition, an initial interview is required. Applicants will be contacted by a faculty member from the content area concentration indicated in the personal statement to schedule the interview and discuss possible funding opportunities. Applicants should familiarize themselves with faculties’ research topics prior to the interview and consider how their own interests align.