PhD Science Education Research Specialization

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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 credits)

Research Methods (15 credits)

EDRS 810: Problems and Methods in Education Research (3 credits)
EDRS 811: Quantitative Methods in Educational Research (3 credits)
EDRS 812: Qualitative Methods in Educational Research (3 credits)

Choose two from below:

EDRS 818: Critical Discourse Analysis in Education Research (3 credits)
EDRS 820: Evaluation Methods for Educational Programs and Curricula (3 credits)
EDRS 821: Advanced Applications of Quantitative Methods (3 credits)
EDRS 822: Advanced Applications of Qualitative Methods (3 credits)
EDRS 823: Advanced Research Methods in Single Subject/Case Design (3 credits)
EDRS 824: Mixed Methods Research: Integrating Qualitative and Quantitative Approaches (3 credits)
EDRS 825: Advanced Research Methods in Self-Study of Professional Practice (3 credits)
EDRS 826: Qualitative Case Study Methods (3 credits)
EDRS 827: Introduction to Measurement and Survey Development (3 credits)
EDRS 828: Item Response Theory (3 credits)
EDRS 830: Hierarchical Linear Modeling (3 credits)
EDRS 831: Structural Equation Modeling (3 credits)
EDRS 832: Document Analysis and Archival Research (3 credits)
EDRS 833: Participatory Action Research (3 credits)
EDRS 836: Narrative Inquiry (3 credits)
EDRS 850: Grounded Theory (3 credits)
EDRS 897: Special Topics in Research Methods (3 credits)

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 credits)

EDCI 811: Current Trends in Science Education Research (3 credits)

EDCI 813: Focused Science Education Research (3 credits)

EDUC 860: STEM Education Research and Policy (3 credits)

EDUC 994: Advanced Internship in Education (3 credits)
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.

Total: 66 credits

All doctoral students are required to complete courses in educational research (15 credits) and four required program courses (12 credits) in foundational and contemporary science education research, STEM education research and policy, and critical issues in science education research. The science education research program features coursework and applied internships that enable students to learn:

Theory and research in learning about science in formal and non-formal settings
Foundational knowledge about science teaching and learning at all levels
Research methodologies to address a variety of science education topics
Specialized knowledge in science education related to your area of interest

Elective courses draw upon and expand your selected research focus. Courses are developed around a wide range of research interests, including:

Achievement Gap
Learning Theories for Science Education
Critical Pedagogy and Theory
Design of Learning Environments
Affect and Emotion in Science Education
Diversity
Motivation and Interest in Science
Scientific Literacy
Curriculum Studies
Science and STEM Education Policy
STEM Pipeline Issues

Choosing Science Education Research as your primary or secondary specialization gives you access to program faculty who work closely with you to define your research interests and tailor coursework accordingly. Your advisor guides your doctoral experience by supplementing coursework with professional experiences, including:

Attending and/or Presenting at Professional Conferences
Graduate Research Assistantships or Internships
Independent Study
Professional Learning in Online Teaching
Teaching and/or Co-Teaching
Writing, Editing, and/or Reviewing for Scholarly Journals
Building a Professional Portfolio (see College Portfolio Guidelines)

A PhD in Education specializing in Science Education Research prepares you for careers in research and teaching at a college or university, leading roles in public policy, or consulting for professional organizations. Program graduates hold professional positions such as:

Academic faculty at postsecondary institutions
Consultants with private companies, education and research think tanks, and NGOs
Curriculum leaders in major K-12 school districts
Research analysts at the National Science Foundation
Assessment and evaluation specialists at national research institutes
Senior researchers at the American Institutes for Research

This program has been identified by George Mason University as one that may lead to a career requiring professional licensure/certification. Federal regulations require Mason to disclose information as to whether this program meets/does not meet the educational requirements for licensure/certification in your state, or whether such a determination has not been made. Please consult our Licensure Disclosure Tool for the disclosure statement specific to your desired state/program combination.

George Mason University will verify completion of the requirements of a Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) state-approved preparation program at the graduate or undergraduate level. Such verification does not guarantee the issuance of a Virginia Collegiate Professional, Postgraduate Professional, or Pupil Personnel license from the Commonwealth of Virginia. It is solely the student's responsibility to comply with all requirements for licensure by the Commonwealth. Under Virginia law, a social security number is required for licensure.