Ph.D.

Doctoral Program in SCIED

The doctoral degree in Curriculum and Instruction (SCIED emphasis) prepares students to be both teachers and researchers, and may be suitable for individuals who plan to be university professors, school district science specialists, curriculum authors, or science program evaluators.

Entrance Expectations:

• Science disciplinary training
• Teaching experience
• Strong academic credentials

Requirements for Ph.D. (no specific total number of credits is required)

1. Core
   One semester of C I 590 (the Curriculum & Instruction Colloquium) is required, and we recommend taking this in the first semester of doctoral studies. Students are also expected to enroll in SCIED 590 each time it is offered, until they complete their Comprehensive Examination.

2. Emphasis
   18 credits in Science Education.

3. Supporting Field
   15 credits outside the Department of Curriculum & Instruction; such as biology, chemistry, food science, educational psychology, or instructional systems.

4. Research Knowledge and Skills
   At least 6 credits in each of two areas (12 credits total), e.g., statistics, historiography, naturalistic inquiry, or specialized research methods.

5. Dissertation
   15 credits or equivalent

Ph.D. students must spend a minimum of two consecutive full-time semesters in residence at University Park. Teachers and school personnel sometimes use sabbaticals to partially fulfill the residency requirement. The Science Education program strongly recommends that applicants plan to spend at least 2-3 years in residence, and is committed to helping students find financial support to make this possible. The Graduate School allows up to eight years to complete a doctorate. For more information, please see the Ph.D. Program Manual. Also, please note that there are more flexible residency requirements for full-time Penn State employees who are enrolled in doctoral programs: Consult tthe Graduate School website.

Science Education graduate students can also take research courses in other College of Education programs (pdf).