PhD Science Education Research Specialization
The Science Education Research specialization prepares students to conduct research about the learning and teaching of science within different scientific disciplines. Such research involves a deep understanding of the discipline-specific content knowledge as well as the discipline-specific methodologies through which this knowledge is developed.
The PhD specialization in Science Education Research supports the in depth study of students interested in research in science education. Such a comprehensive and systematic concentration designed around doctoral level courses supports the science education program's ability to offer more robust and rigorous courses of study at the doctoral level. The major thrust of the science education research specialization is to prepare students for 21st century classrooms, to be collaborative, to produce and enhance critical thinking skills, and to embrace and foster creativity.
Course Work
General Culture (3 credits)
- EDUC 800: Ways of Knowing (3 credit hours)
Research Methods (15 credits)
- EDRS 810: Problems and Methods in Education Research (3 credit hours)
- EDRS 811: Quantitative Methods in Educational Research (3 credit hours)
- EDRS 812: Qualitative Methods in Educational Research (3 credit hours)
- Choose two from below:
- EDRS 818: Critical Discourse Analysis in Education Research (3 credit hours)
- EDRS 820: Evaluation Methods for Educational Programs and Curricula (3 credit hours)
- EDRS 821: Advanced Applications of Quantitative Methods (3 credit hours)
- EDRS 822: Advanced Applications of Qualitative Methods (3 credit hours)
- EDRS 823: Advanced Research Methods in Single Subject/Case Design (3 credit hours)
- EDRS 824: Mixed Methods Research: Integrating Qualitative and Quantitative Approaches (3 credit hours)
- EDRS 825: Advanced Research Methods in Self-Study of Professional Practice (3 credit hours)
- EDRS 826: Qualitative Case Study Methods (3 credit hours)
- EDRS 827: Introduction to Measurement and Survey Development (3 credit hours)
- EDRS 828: Item Response Theory (3 credit hours)
- EDRS 830: Hierarchical Linear Modeling (3 credit hours)
- EDRS 831: Structural Equation Modeling (3 credit hours)
- EDRS 832: Document Analysis and Archival Research (3 credit hours)
- EDRS 833: Participatory Action Research (3 credit hours)
- EDRS 897: Special Topics in Research Methods (3 credit hours)
In addition to the doctoral program core requirements shown above, students must complete the following curriculum to earn the specialization:
Specialization Required Courses, Electives, and Secondary Specialization (36 credits)
- EDCI 810: Foundations of Science Education Research (3 credit hours)
- EDCI 811: Current Trends in Science Education Research (3 credit hours)
- EDCI 813: Focused Science Education Research (3 credit hours)
- EDUC 860: STEM Education Research and Policy (3 credit hours)
- EDUC 994: Advanced Internship in Education (3 credit hours)
- Cognition/Psychology Elective (3 credit hours)
- Electives & Secondary Specialization (15 credit hours)
Dissertation (12 credits)
- EDUC 998: Doctoral Dissertation Proposal (3 credits)
- EDUC 999: Doctoral Dissertation Research (9 credits)
Portfolio
Students complete an educational portfolio as part of the requirement of the PhD in Education and Human Development program. The portfolio is an organized, selective collection of documents designed to facilitate a student's academic and professional development and to provide a basis for evaluation degree progress. The portfolio represents the scope and depth of a student's goals, plans, and accomplishments in coursework, independent study, research, internships, and other advanced learning activities. The portfolio thus provides both a vehicle for self-reflection and a comprehensive record of a doctoral student's experiences and ongoing progress toward academic and professional goals.
Contact the PhD in Education and Human Development Program for additional information.