Students in the PhD in Curriculum and Instruction study the interactions between learners, teachers, and subject matter. Designed for students interested in research about and leadership in teaching and learning environments, this program develops educators as researchers and advanced professionals in education.

The PhD in Curriculum and Instruction is a 60 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 curriculum and instruction 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 four areas of concentration.

Curriculum and Instruction: For students interested in focused study of teaching and learning environments in a particular area such as English language arts, reading, mathematics, science, or social studies or in broader issues of curriculum and instruction.

Educational Technology: For students interested in focused study of designing online or technology enhanced learning environments or in supporting others in using technology for learning. This concentration is completed online.

Early Childhood Education: For students interested in focused study of teaching and learning environments specifically designed for children ages birth to grade 3.

Special Education: For students interested in focused study of the nature and needs of learners with special needs including early intervention, preschool special needs, high incidence conditions (e.g. learning disability, intellectual disability, emotional disturbance), severe disabilities (e.g. physical, cognitive and social-emotional), transition, and behavior disorders. This concentration is completed online.

Admission to the PhD in Curriculum and Instruction

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

• 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

• A statement of purpose that describes why you wish to pursue this 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 you believe is relevant for admission into this doctoral degree program

• Three letters of recommendation regarding  your potential for doing doctoral level work. Letters should be recommendations from professionals who are knowledgeable about your ability to engage in graduate work in this doctoral degree program

What to Submit with Your Application 

• Official transcripts from all institutions of higher education

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

• Statement of purpose

• Three letters of recommendation 

Degree Requirements By Concentration

• Curriculum and Instruction
• Early Childhood
• Educational Technology
• Special Education

Curriculum and Instruction

For the Doctor of Philosophy in Curriculum and Instruction degree, students must complete the following program requirements:

• A minimum of 60 semester hours of approved doctoral level (7000/8000 level) course work

• Professional Seminar I and II (CI 8700, 8710) with a C or better in first 3 semesters or 18 credit hours (whichever comes later, not counting summer) before continuing with other courses 

• A minimum of 15 semester hours of research tools including courses in quantitative research, qualitative research, and independent research

• An area of specialization in curriculum and instruction with courses pre-approved by the faculty advisor and aligned with the area of concentration for the degree

• A written comprehensive (major) examination

• An oral comprehensive examination after passing the written examination

• A minimum of 15 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 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.

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.

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Early Childhood

For the Doctor of Philosophy in Curriculum and Instruction degree, students must complete the following program requirements:

• A minimum of 60 semester hours of approved doctoral level (7000/8000 level) course work

• Professional Seminar I and II (CI 8700, 8710) with a C or better in first 3 semesters or 18 credit hours (whichever comes later, not counting summer) before continuing with other courses 

• A minimum of 15 semester hours of research tools including courses in quantitative research, qualitative research, and independent research

• An area of specialization in curriculum and instruction with courses pre-approved by the faculty advisor and aligned with the area of concentration for the degree

• A written comprehensive (major) examination

• An oral comprehensive examination after passing the written examination

• A minimum of 15 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 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.

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.

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Educational Technology

For the Doctor of Philosophy in Curriculum and Instruction degree, students must complete the following program requirements:

• A minimum of 60 semester hours of approved doctoral level (7000/8000 level) course work

• Professional Seminar I and II (CI 8700, 8710) with a C or better in first 3 semesters or 18 credit hours (whichever comes later, not counting summer) before continuing with other courses 

• A minimum of 15 semester hours of research tools including courses in quantitative research, qualitative research, and independent research

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

• A written comprehensive (major) examination

• An oral comprehensive examination after passing the written examination

• A minimum of 15 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 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.

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.

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Special Education

For the Doctor of Philosophy in Curriculum and Instruction degree, students must complete the following program requirements:

• A minimum of 60 semester hours of approved doctoral level (7000/8000 level) course work

• Professional Seminar I and II (CI 8700, 8710) with a C or better in first 3 semesters or 18 credit hours (whichever comes later, not counting summer) before continuing with other courses 

• A minimum of 15 semester hours of research tools including courses in quantitative research, qualitative research, and independent research

• An area of specialization in curriculum and instruction with courses pre-approved by the faculty advisor and aligned with the area of concentration for the degree

• A written comprehensive (major) examination

• An oral comprehensive examination after passing the written examination

• A minimum of 15 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 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.

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.

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GUIDES FOR PLANNING BY CONCENTRATION

• Curriculum and Instruction
• Early Childhood
• Educational Technology
• Special Education

 Curriculum and Instruction

Below is a guide for developing a Plan of Study for the PhD in Curriculum and Instruction. Students should review their degree audit and work with their faculty advisor to identify specific courses to fulfill program requirements. 

Course List

Code	Title	Hours
Professional Seminars
Select the following:		6
CI 8700	Doctoral Pro-Seminar I: Introduction to Scholarship in Curriculum and Instruction
CI 8710	Doctoral Pro-Seminar II: Themes in theory and research in Curriculum and Instruction
Research Tools
Select ALL of the following sets:
Quantitative Research Course
Select the following:		3
RESM 7110	Quantitative Methods I
RESM 8120	Quantitative Methods II
Qualitative Research Course
Select the following:		3
RESM 7330	Qualitative Research I: Introduction And Basic Methods
Independent Research Course
Select the following:		3
CI 8930	Independent Research In Curriculum And Instruction
Research Tools Elective
Select TWO of the following:		6
RESM 8120	Quantitative Methods II
RESM 8130	Multivariate Statistics
RESM 8150	Structural Equation Modeling
RESM 8160	Nonparametric Statistics
RESM 8220	Measurement I
RESM 8230	Applied Measurement Research
RESM 8320	Research Design
RESM 8340	Qualitative Research II: Design And Analysis
RESM 8350	Methods Of Survey Research
RESM 8360	Program Evaluation
RESM 8380	Methods of Normative Theory Construction
RESM 8390
RESM 8550	Statistical Analysis by Computer
Area of Concentration
Select 24 credits as approved by faculty advisor		24
Dissertation Research
Select the following:		15
CI 8960	Dissertation In Curriculum And Instruction
Comprehensive Written and Oral Examinations
Total Hours		60

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 Early Childhood

Below is a guide for developing a Plan of Study for the PhD in Curriculum and Instruction. Students should review their degree audit and work with their faculty advisor to identify specific courses to fulfill program requirements. 

Course List

Code	Title	Hours
Professional Seminars
Select the following:		6
CI 8700	Doctoral Pro-Seminar I: Introduction to Scholarship in Curriculum and Instruction
CI 8710	Doctoral Pro-Seminar II: Themes in theory and research in Curriculum and Instruction
Research Tools
Select ALL of the following sets:
Quantitative Research Course
Select ONE of the following:		3
RESM 7110	Quantitative Methods I
RESM 8120	Quantitative Methods II
Qualitative Research Course
Select the following:		3
RESM 7330	Qualitative Research I: Introduction And Basic Methods
Independent Research Course
Select ONE of the following:		3
CI 8930	Independent Research In Curriculum And Instruction
CIEC 8930	Independent Research In Early Childhood Education
Research Tools Elective
Select TWO of the following:		6
RESM 8120	Quantitative Methods II
RESM 8130	Multivariate Statistics
RESM 8150	Structural Equation Modeling
RESM 8160	Nonparametric Statistics
RESM 8220	Measurement I
RESM 8230	Applied Measurement Research
RESM 8320	Research Design
RESM 8340	Qualitative Research II: Design And Analysis
RESM 8350	Methods Of Survey Research
RESM 8360	Program Evaluation
RESM 8380	Methods of Normative Theory Construction
RESM 8390
RESM 8550	Statistical Analysis by Computer
Area of Concentration
Select 24 credits as approved by faculty advisor		24
Dissertation Research
Select one of the following:		15
CI 8960	Dissertation In Curriculum And Instruction
CIEC 8960	Dissertation In Early Childhood Education
Comprehensive Written and Oral Examinations
Total Hours		60

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 Educational Technology

Below is a guide for developing a Plan of Study for the PhD in Curriculum and Instruction. Students should review their degree audit and work with their faculty advisor to identify specific courses to fulfill program requirements. 

Course List

Code	Title	Hours
Professional Seminars
Select the following:		6
CI 8700	Doctoral Pro-Seminar I: Introduction to Scholarship in Curriculum and Instruction
CI 8710	Doctoral Pro-Seminar II: Themes in theory and research in Curriculum and Instruction
Research Tools
Select ALL of the following sets:
Quantitative Research Course
Select ONE of the following:		3
RESM 7110	Quantitative Methods I
RESM 8120	Quantitative Methods II
Qualitative Research Course
Select the following:		3
RESM 7330	Qualitative Research I: Introduction And Basic Methods
Independent Research Course
Select ONE of the following:		3
CI 8930	Independent Research In Curriculum And Instruction
ETPT 8930
Research Tools Elective
Select TWO of the following:		6
RESM 8120	Quantitative Methods II
RESM 8130	Multivariate Statistics
RESM 8150	Structural Equation Modeling
RESM 8160	Nonparametric Statistics
RESM 8220	Measurement I
RESM 8230	Applied Measurement Research
RESM 8320	Research Design
RESM 8340	Qualitative Research II: Design And Analysis
RESM 8350	Methods Of Survey Research
RESM 8360	Program Evaluation
RESM 8380	Methods of Normative Theory Construction
RESM 8390
RESM 8550	Statistical Analysis by Computer
Area of Concentration
Select 24 credits of the following:		24
ETPT 7000	Introduction To Educational Technology
ETPT 7100	Instructional Systems Design Principles
ETPT 7210	Introduction To Multimedia And Web Design
ETPT 7550	Using The Internet In The Classroom
ETPT 8150	Designing Instruction For Diverse Learner Populations
ETPT 8230	Developing Web-Based Instructional Materials
ETPT 8300	Technology Management In K-16 Education
ETPT 8510	Teaching And Learning At A Distance
ETPT 8810	Research And Theory In Educational Technology And Performance Technology
Dissertation Research
Select one of the following:		15
CI 8960	Dissertation In Curriculum And Instruction
ETPT 8960	Dissertation In Educational Technology And Performance Technology
Comprehensive Written and Oral Examinations
Total Hours		60

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 Special Education

Below is a guide for developing a Plan of Study for the PhD in Curriculum and Instruction. Students should review their degree audit and work with their faculty advisor to identify specific courses to fulfill program requirements. 

Course List

Code	Title	Hours
Professional Seminars
Select the following:		6
CI 8700	Doctoral Pro-Seminar I: Introduction to Scholarship in Curriculum and Instruction
CI 8710	Doctoral Pro-Seminar II: Themes in theory and research in Curriculum and Instruction
Research Tools
Select ALL of the following sets:
Quantitative Research Course
Select ONE of the following:		3
RESM 7110	Quantitative Methods I
RESM 8120	Quantitative Methods II
Qualitative Research Course
Select the following:		3
RESM 7330	Qualitative Research I: Introduction And Basic Methods
Independent Research Course
Select ONE of the following:		3
CI 8930	Independent Research In Curriculum And Instruction
SPED 8900	Independent Research In Special Education
Research Tools Elective
Select TWO of the following:		6
RESM 8120	Quantitative Methods II
RESM 8130	Multivariate Statistics
RESM 8150	Structural Equation Modeling
RESM 8160	Nonparametric Statistics
RESM 8220	Measurement I
RESM 8230	Applied Measurement Research
RESM 8320	Research Design
RESM 8340	Qualitative Research II: Design And Analysis
RESM 8350	Methods Of Survey Research
RESM 8360	Program Evaluation
RESM 8380	Methods of Normative Theory Construction
RESM 8390
RESM 8550	Statistical Analysis by Computer
Area of Concentration
Select 24 credits as approved by faculty advisor		24
Dissertation Research
Select one of the following:		15
CI 8960	Dissertation In Curriculum And Instruction
SPED 8960	Doctoral Dissertation In Curriculum & Instruction
Comprehensive Written and Oral Examinations
Total Hours		60

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• PLO 1: Students will be able to analyze critically research, and theory in the field of curriculum studies.
• PLO 2: Students will be able to conduct qualitative and/or quantitative research to address critical research questions.
• PLO 3: Students will develop a conceptual and theoretical base in their area of specialization (ed tech, science ed., math ed., literacy ed., etc.)
• PLO 4: Students will develop skills necessary to construct and disseminate knowledge in their field.
• PLO 5: Students will complete a dissertation study successfully.