PhD Degree Program in Curriculum and Instruction (C & I)
About this Degree Program
The Curriculum and Instruction (C & I) PhD program is a research-oriented degree program that combines rigorous preparation for teaching and research in specific content areas with particular attention devoted to curriculum and instruction, cognitive and social processes, and research methodology. Specialty areas include mathematics education, science education, literacy education, and teaching and teacher education. It is an ideal degree for those interested in the processes of instruction and learning within one of the previously mentioned content areas, and/or in the education and professional development of teachers. This degree is intended for those interested in preparing for careers in research and teaching in university settings, educational leadership and services to schools, or research and development in the private or non-profit sector
Specialties within the PhD in C & I:
- Literacy Studies
- Science and Mathematics education
- Teaching and Teacher education
Specialties are not further subdivided by elementary or secondary levels. Candidates are encouraged to combine their curriculum specialty with a background area perspective such as cognition or foundations and to pursue their specialties at both elementary and secondary levels.
Individual courses of study will vary considerably among and within curriculum specialties depending on each candidate's background and goals. Each candidate will construct a course of study (called a "degree plan") with his or her major advisor, with the approval of an advising committee, by the end of the first year of residence.
Each C & I PhD candidate will complete substantial course work in curriculum, his or her C & I specialty, foundations and/or cognition, research methodology, and methods of instruction. The amount of course work in each of these areas (beyond the minimum) will be determined by individual needs and interests. In the curriculum specialties of English/literacy education, mathematics education, and science education, candidates are expected to present strong subject matter backgrounds upon admission, including graduate work in their fields, or to make up such work by taking course work above the minimum requirement for course work.
It is very important that all C & I Ph.D. candidates consult the School of Education Graduate Handbook for requirements that apply to all doctoral candidates in the School of Education. Each candidate will work on research with faculty members and must produce a publishable paper before qualifying to take the comprehensive examination. Candidates are also expected to attend seminars and discussions on topics of interest in their fields at the University and to participate in the major national conferences in their fields.
We encourage any well-qualified student to apply, particularly women and minority students. Applications are judged on a combination of criteria, including the applicant’s statement of purpose, undergraduate and graduate record and grade point average, letters of recommendation, scores on the Graduate Record Examination, and prior experience.
Doctoral study in Education at the University requires a minimum of 56 semester hours of course work and 30 semester hours of dissertation credit.
Overview of Doctoral Study
EDUC 8210 – Perspectives on Classrooms Teaching and Learning (Fall)
EDUC 8250 – Qualitative Research Methods (Fall)
EDUC 8230 – Quantitative Research Methods (Fall)
EDUC 8220 – Introduction to Educational Research and Social Policy (Spring)
EDUC 8260 – Qualitative Research Methods II (Spring)
EDUC 8240 – Quantitative Research Methods II Education (Spring)
EDUC 6XXX – Specialty Seminars
Comprehensive Examination
A written comprehensive examination must be taken near the completion of course work for the Ph.D. degree. The examination will cover the content of all work in the program. Students transferring course work from other institutions to this program (up to twelve semester hours may be taken at other approved institutions) are responsible for the same knowledge as those whose work has been taken entirely at the University of Colorado, Boulder.
For more information, contact
Literacy Studies: Anne DiPardo, 303-492-8399, Anne.Dipardo@colorado.edu
Math Education: David Webb, 303-492-0306, dcwebb@colorado.edu
Science Education: Erin Furtak, 303-492-4242, Erin.Furtak@colorado.edu
Research on Teaching and Teacher Education: Daniel Liston, 303-492-8934, Dan.Liston@colorado.edu
Application Information for Graduates
General CU Graduate Information
Online Course Catalog
Current Course Offerings
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