PhD in Education
PhD Concentration in Science Education Research
Concentration in Science Education Research
The PhD concentration 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 concentration 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) (1st semester)
Research Methods (15 credits)
- EDRS 810: Problems and Methods in Education Research (3 credit hours) (2nd semester)
- 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 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 (3 credit hours)
- EDRS 826: Qualitative Case Study Methods (3 credit hours)
- EDRS 827: Development and Validation of Assessment Scales (3 credit hours)
- EDRS 828: Modern Measurement in Education and Human Development (3 credit hours)
- EDRS 831: Structural Equation Modeling (3 credit hours)
In addition to the doctoral program core requirements shown above, students must complete the following curriculum to earn the concentration:
Concentration Required Courses (18 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)
- EDRS 827: Development and Validation of Assessment Scales (3 credit hours)
- EDUC 994: Advanced Internship in Education (3 credit hours)
- *Cognition/Psychology Elective
*Students must complete 12 credits of graduate level science courses coursework. Students must also select a specialization to complete the program. The chair and committee must agree on both the 12 credits of graduate level science and the specialization courses.
Specialization (18 credits)
- 12 credits in area of student interest
- Cognition/psychology (6 credits)
- 12 credits in area of student interest
- Cognition/psychology (3 credits)
- Advanced science teaching methods (3 credits)
- 12 credits in area of student interest
- Cognition/psychology (3 credits)
- Advanced science teaching methods (3 credits)
Specialization 1: Science Teacher Education (STE)
The STE specialization of the science education research concentration provides the knowledge and skills to craft effective research on science education in K-12 settings and teacher preparation programs. Graduates of this pillar are prepared to assume positions at research focused universities and/or government agencies.
Specialization 2: Non-Formal Science Education (NFS)
The STE specialization of the science education research concentration provides the knowledge and skills to craft effective research on science education in non-formal settings such as museums, science centers, zoos and aquariums. Graduates of this pillar are prepared to assume positions at research focused universities and at the aforementioned non-formal settings.
Specialization 3: University Science Education (USE)
The STE specialization of the science education research concentration provides the knowledge and skills to craft effective research on science education in science content departments at the university level. Graduates of this pillar are prepared to assume positions at research focused universities and/or government agencies where a thrust on pedagogical research in the sciences.
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 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 Ph.D. Program for additional information.
TOTAL: 75 credits