Contact Curriculum & Instruction
C & I Quicklinks
- PhD Degree Info
- Program Overview
- Program Guide for Students and Faculty
- Admissions
- Forms
- Policies, Procedures, and Checklist
- Scholars Groups and Research Groups, 2020-2021
Programs of study
For a complete listing of all programs of study, please visit the Graduate College Programs of Study page.
Graduate quick links
Curriculum and Instruction Program Overview
This dissertation-based degree is designed for those who seek advanced preparation in curriculum and instruction with the goal of participating professionally in a variety of venues, including public and private schools, community colleges, government, and other agencies.
This degree is designed to prepare you for a variety of possible paths. Our graduates work in areas such as:
- higher education
- research
- K-12 systems
- non-profit organizations and governmental agencies
Candidates pursue advanced studies in these foci:
- Early Childhood Education
- Special Education
- Teaching and Teacher Education
- Educational Technology
- Higher Education
- Bilingual/Multicultural (Diversity) Education
- Other
Program Guide for Students and Faculty
Download the Program Guide for Students and Faculty which includes the following:
- program overview
- program requirements
- admissions process
- deadlines
Programs of Study
Each programs of study includes a complete set of courses and other work that must be successfully completed before qualifying for a degree in Curriculum & Instruction.
Please visit the Graduate College Programs of Study page for more information.
Program Requirements Accordion Closed
This 60-hour program includes four phases:
- phase 1 – coursework according to your program of study
- phase 2 – qualifying research project and comprehensive exams
- phase 3 – proposal and prospectus
- phase 4 – research and dissertation
See the academic catalog listing for full details on this degree, including a course listing.
Residency requirement
Completing the residency requirements is one of the most rewarding and meaningful aspects of students’ doctoral studies. Within the residency are embedded experiences that deepen understandings, expand horizons, and lead to transformations from doctoral students to members of the community of scholars. These activities are designed and expectations set to help the doctoral student develop a sense of and be mentored into the scholarly community. The overarching expectation is that students, through meaningful engagement in residency activities, build collegial and collaborative relationships among peers and faculty members. Through active participation at varying levels, residency requirements are designed to provide students with opportunities to:
• hone research skills,
• refine leadership capabilities,
• network and form relationships with peers and faculty. and
• prepare to become active members of the community of educational scholars.
The C&I Program residency is organized into general requirements, expectations for semesters 1-3, and requisites for semesters beyond coursework. The additional options for students in semester 4 and beyond are designed to deepen experiences and augment, rather than replace, the avenues of participation expected earlier in the program. Within four years following acceptance into the C&I Doctoral Program, and prior to applying for candidacy, students must fulfill their residency requirements. Faculty advisors certify students’ successful completion of their residency.
Courses Accordion Closed
Our courses focus on four areas:
- Curriculum and Instruction Core Courses: Review the paradigms, theories, and dimensions of praxis from multiple perspectives.
- Research Coursework: Build your research skills in quantitative and qualitative methods.
- Field of Study/Discipline-Specific Coursework: You will choose these courses in collaboration with your adviser, based on your specific interests and research area. You can take courses from almost any graduate program at the university.
- Dissertation