Degree Requirements
Master of Arts
General requirements are those for the master’s degree on the Degree Requirements page, except that students may count no more than six semester hours of upper-division coursework toward the degree. The thesis option requires thirty hours of coursework; the report option requires thirty-three hours. Students who choose the language and literacy studies specialization, however, complete thirty-six hours of coursework for either option. For specific requirements and optional plans, consult the graduate adviser.
Master of Education
In addition to the general requirements for all master’s degrees, students must present evidence of appropriate teaching or related experience. The MEd generally requires thirty-six hours of coursework, without a thesis or a report. In some specializations, a thirty-three-semester-hour option is available. This option requires a report. For specific requirements and optional plans, consult the graduate adviser.
Doctor of Philosophy
Students seeking the degree of Doctor of Philosophy must show evidence of related academic and professional experience, including a master’s degree or the equivalent.
Program Requirements
Each student must complete at least eighteen semester hours of organized coursework in the Department of Curriculum and Instruction. The faculty in each specialization has established a minimum number of hours of coursework required for that program.
Core courses. All students must complete nine hours in courses that form the theoretical foundation for the study of curriculum and instruction. Courses must be taken in learning and teaching and teacher education, curriculum theory and development, and sociocultural foundations of education.
Research methodology. At least twelve hours in research methodology are required, consisting of three hours in each of the following: philosophical foundations of research, qualitative methods, quantitative methods, and an advanced course in either qualitative or quantitative research methods. Current knowledge of statistics is a prerequisite for the quantitative research methods course.
Directed research. Twelve hours in directed research are required. This requirement may be fulfilled with organized coursework that has a substantial research component and requires a research project, or through faculty-guided research studies.
Specialization courses. This coursework is defined by the faculty in the area of specialization.
Review and Examination Requirements
First review. When the student has completed approximately one year in residence, or about eighteen hours of coursework, the faculty will assess his or her progress and likelihood of finishing the program based on performance in coursework and progress in research.
Midprogram review. The area faculty conducts a midprogram review when the student has completed between twenty-seven and thirty-six semester hours of coursework, including some of the required hours of directed research. Requirements vary by program area, but all students are expected to submit evidence of research activity, either conducted or proposed, and usually developed as part of Curriculum and Instruction 396T. A favorable review results in the student’s continuation in the program. An unfavorable review may result in additional requirements or dismissal from the program.
Qualifying examination. To be admitted to candidacy for the degree, the student must pass a qualifying examination according to guidelines established by the faculty in the area of specialization.
Dissertation. The quality and significance of the dissertation must conform to the guidelines of the Graduate School. The PhD dissertation should make a significant contribution to knowledge and educational theory.
Doctor of Education
The Doctor of Education is a professional degree. The degree program differs from that leading to the Doctor of Philosophy in its predominant focus on the application of knowledge and in the nature of the dissertation. At least three years of related professional experience and a master’s degree or the equivalent are required for admission to this degree program.
Program Requirements
Each student must complete at least eighteen semester hours of organized coursework in the Department of Curriculum and Instruction. The faculty in each specialization has established a minimum number of hours of coursework required for that program.
Core courses. All students must complete twelve hours in courses that form the theoretical foundation for the study of curriculum and instruction. Courses must be taken in learning and teaching and teacher education, curriculum theory and development, and sociocultural foundations of education.
Research methodology. At least six hours in research methodology are required.
Field research/internship. At least six hours in field research are required, completed over at least two semesters. This research is most often conducted in a school setting and may be done during an internship. It need not be done as part of an organized course but must be directed by a faculty member.
Specialization courses. This coursework is defined by the faculty in the area of specialization.
Review and Examination Requirements
First review. When the student has completed approximately one year in residence, or about eighteen hours of coursework, the faculty will assess his or her progress and likelihood of finishing the program as shown by performance in coursework.
Midprogram review. After two semesters of field research or about two years in the program, the student submits for faculty review a written report based on the field research/internship. A favorable review results in the student’s continuation in the program. An unfavorable review may result in additional requirements or dismissal from the program.
Qualifying examination. To be admitted to candidacy for the degree, the student must pass a qualifying examination according to guidelines established by the faculty in the area of specialization.
Dissertation. The quality and significance of the dissertation must conform to the guidelines of the Graduate School. In general, the EdD dissertation should make a significant contribution to knowledge about educational practice.