PhD in Educational Studies - Teacher Education & Development

FULLY ONLINE PROGRAM AVAILABLE

Learn More

UNC Greensboro’s Ph.D. in Educational Studies with a concentration in Teacher Education & Development (TED) program features a strong focus on preparing scholar-researchers, teacher educators, and educational leaders who connect research directly to educational practice and improvement. This 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.

The Ph.D. in Teacher Education & Development 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.

The Ph.D. in Teacher Education & Development program features faculty with expertise across numerous areas of teacher education, including:

• Literacy education
• Mathematics education
• Science education
• Social studies education
• TESOL education
• Learning sciences

Many faculty members serve on editorial boards, lead professional organizations, and direct major educational research initiatives.

UNCG is a community-engaged institution with high research activity (Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education).

The Experience as a TED Student

The Ph.D. program is a vibrant community of researchers and practitioners dedicated to improving teaching and learning. Students collaborate with faculty and peers on research, teaching, and leadership activities throughout their doctoral studies. Students in the TED doctoral program work closely with faculty to individualize their experiences according to their professional goals and interests.

UNCG’s TED program can be completed as either a full-time or part-time student. Those attending full-time are eligible to serve as graduate assistants while pursuing their degree. Courses are offered primarily online in the evenings, to accommodate working professionals.

The program is typically takes 4-5 years to complete, but can vary based on individual goals and circumstances.

Timeline of TED Program Milestones

Candidates will hold an initial meeting with faculty advisor. After the first semester, that 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 – Following 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 – Following the completion of the dissertation proposal, students’ committee members provide feedback on and determine students’ eligibility to begin dissertation study.

TED Program Admission Requirements

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

• A personal statement.
• GRE scores or academic writing sample (not to exceed 20 pages, double-spaced).
• Transcripts for all degrees.
• Their resume or CV.
• 3 letters of recommendation (include at least one letter from a current or 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 the research topics of faculty members prior to the interview and consider how their own interests align.

After Graduating With Your Ph.D. in Teacher Education & Development

Graduates from UNCG’s Ph.D. in Teacher Education & Development program hold impactful professional positions such as:

• Curriculum and instructional materials developers.
• University faculty and teacher educators.
• Educational researchers.
• 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.