Students in the PhD in Foundations of Education study the broad issues of educational systems and schools. Designed for students interested in research and leadership in foundational areas that support education, this program develops individuals as researchers and leaders in school, governmental, non-governmental/NGO, and nonprofit settings interested in improving education.

The PhD in Foundations of Education is a 61 semester hour program. Students take core educational courses along with courses selected with faculty based on the student's interests and goals. The program culminates with the completion of original research addressing a problem in foundations of education based on the student's area of concentration. Coursework can be completed on campus or through a combination of on-campus and online courses. 

There are six areas of concentration.

Foundations of Education: For students interested in focused study of methodological and theoretical interdisciplinary research involving interdisciplinary sociology, anthropology, philosophy and history of education, as well as democratic education, culturally relevant teaching, and social justice.

History of Education: For students interested in focused study of historical research and the origins and development of American education within the context of American social and intellectual history.

Philosophy of Education: For students interested in focused study of the development of educational theory in the context of the broader questions of philosophy and to develop the capacity to engage in effective discussion of theoretical problems pertaining to education, especially educational justice, peace, and democracy.

Educational Sociology: For students interested in focused study of how the intersections between school, society, and cultural define the limits, possibilities, and impact of education ands society.

Educational Psychology: For students interested in focused study of the psychological dimensions of education including teaching, learning, and human development.

Research and Measurement: For students interested in focused study of design, execution, and interpretation of applied research, both quantitative and qualitative, and a deep understanding of the theoretical foundations of research and measurement

Admission to the PhD in Foundations of Education

In addition to admission requirements of the College of Graduate Studies, admission to the doctoral program requires the following:

• A master’s degree from an accredited college or university

• A minimum GPA of 3.5 on a 4.0 scale for all previous graduate academic work

• For the concentration in research and measurement only, acceptable GRE scores with 152 in the verbal and 146 in the quantitative sections and a 4.0 writing score or above preferred

• Previous academic work necessary to successfully complete a doctoral program in the area of study

• Evidence of research and writing ability such as a master’s thesis, proctored writing sample, a written research report, one or more reprints of publications, a paper presented to a professional society, or similar evidence of competence in this respect

• A statement of purpose that describes why the applicant wishes to pursue the selected doctoral program and includes information on previous study, educational experience, professional accomplishments, immediate and future professional goals, a proposed time schedule for completing the degree, and any other information that the applicant believes is relevant for admission into the desired program

What to Submit with Your Application 

• Official transcripts from all institutions of higher education

• GRE scores if required (e.g. concentration in research and measurement)

• A sample of academic writing (e.g. report, thesis, project, or academic paper)

• Statement of purpose

• Three letters of recommendation 

• A current resume or curriculum vitae

For the concentrations in foundations of education, philosophy of education, educational sociology, history of education, or educational psychology: a professional interview may be required after the completion of the written application. 

Requirements for the PhD in Foundations of Education

For the Doctor of Philosophy in Foundations of Education degree, students must complete the following program requirements:

• A minimum of 61 semester hours of approved doctoral level (7000/8000 level) course work

• A minimum of 6 semester hours of foundations core, one course each in educational psychology and theory and social foundations

• A minimum of 12 semester hours of research tools; for the concentrations of foundations, history, philosophy, and sociology of education courses may be selected from any of the following approaches: (a) quantitative methods, (b) qualitative methods, and (c) interpretive methods

• An area of specialization in foundations of education with courses pre-approved by the faculty advisor and aligned with the area of concentration for the degree (see concentration options above)

• A minimum of 9 semester hours in second (minor) area of focus outside of the area of concentration

• A written comprehensive (major) examination and, if specified, a minor examination 

• An oral comprehensive examination after passing written examinations

• A minimum of 10 semester hours of dissertation research

• An oral presentation and defense of a dissertation research proposal

• An oral presentation and defense of the completed dissertation research in a public forum

• A written document of the completed dissertation research in approved style and format

All coursework and requirements of the doctoral degree must be taken within a seven-year period immediately preceding the date the degree is awarded.

Additional information and guidelines for the doctoral program are provided in the JHCOE Doctoral Student Handbook.

Plan of Study

A plan of study identifying the courses for the doctoral degree is required before 18 credit hours are completed, generally by the end of the first year of full time study. The doctoral plan of study must include the following within the 61 semester hour minimum:

• 6 credits of foundation core courses

• 12 credits of research tools courses

• 24 credits of specialization in the area of concentration

• 9 credits of minor area of study

• 10 credits of dissertation research

• Minor written examination if required

• Comprehensive written and oral examinations

Other Program Requirements

Coursework Phase

• A doctoral program committee is required before the completion of 18 credit hours. The doctoral program committee has a minimum of three members who are selected from the membership of the graduate faculty of the University. The doctoral program committee is responsible for assisting the student in the development of a plan of study and assuring competence by overseeing the comprehensive written examination and the comprehensive oral examination.

• A plan of study is required before the completion of 18 credit hours. The plan of study must be approved by the doctoral program committee, department chairperson, and associate dean of the college, and submitted to the College of Graduate Studies. Revisions to the plan of study must also be approved and updates submitted to the College of Graduate Studies, usually within the semester a revision occurs.

Dissertation Research Phase

• A doctoral dissertation committee is required immediately after the completion of the required coursework, comprehensive written examination, and comprehensive oral examination. The dissertation committee has a minimum of four graduate faculty members including one who is not in the discipline major. The dissertation committee is responsible for guiding dissertation research and approving the dissertation research proposal and the completed dissertation research, both the written dissertation and oral dissertation defense. Student must work closely with the committee throughout the dissertation process. 

• All research must be approved by the Institutional Research Board before beginning any phase of the research study. Student must complete IRB training as defined by the University's Human Research Protection Program.

• A public defense of the dissertation is required.

• The final written dissertation must be approved by the dissertation committee and formatted according the guidelines of the college and the College of Graduate Study. Electronic submission of the dissertation to OhioLINK ​is mandatory.

Guide for Developing a Plan of Study

Below is a guide for developing a Plan of Study for the PhD in Foundations of Education. Students should work with their faculty advisor to identify specific courses to fulfill program requirements.