Graduate handbook information is updated and maintained by each program. Graduate handbooks are available within each program's office and online at https://utexas.box.com/v/UTAustinGraduateHandbooks. Please contact the program with concerns or questions.

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 30 hours of coursework; the report option requires 33 hours. Students who choose the language and literacy studies specialization, however, complete 36 hours of coursework for either option. The program area faculty annually conduct a review of each student’s progress. For specific requirements and optional plans, consult the graduate advisor.

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 teacher certification specialization requires 42 hours of coursework, with other tracks generally requiring 36 hours of coursework, without a thesis or a report. In some specializations, a 33-semester-hour option is available. This option requires a report. The program area faculty annually conduct a review of each student’s progress. For specific requirements and optional plans, consult the graduate advisor.

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 18 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 teaching and teacher education, curriculum theory and development, and sociocultural foundations of education.

Research methodology. At least 12 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 18 hours of coursework, the faculty will assess the student's progress and likelihood of finishing the program based on performance in coursework and progress in research.

Midprogram review. The area faculty conducts a mid-program review when the student has completed between 27 and 36 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.

Annual review. In any year a student does not engage in a first or midprogram review, a qualifying examination, or dissertation, the student will engage in an annual review conducted by the program area faculty. 

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 18 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 12 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 18 hours of coursework, the faculty will assess the student's 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.

Annual review. In any year a student does not engage in a first or midprogram review, a qualifying examination, or dissertation, the student will engage in an annual review conducted by the program area faculty.