Science Education Leadership

The Science Education Leadership Program offers a unique PhD in Education for educators interested in Science Education Leadership K-12. The PhD prepares individuals for Leadership positions in science education. Such positions might include roles as school or central office leaders, curriculum and instructional materials developers, state or national agency leaders, college or university faculty or researchers, or professional organizations leaders.

The Science Education Leadership (SEL) PhD focuses on research in science teaching and learning, curriculum, staff development, and leadership and policy issues in science education. Internship experiences in Science Education Leadership include working with practicing education leaders and policy makers in national organizations such as the National Science Foundation.

This doctoral specialization is designed to include persons employed in professional positions; thus, the course work is part-time, evening, and weekend study and generally requires up to four years to complete. In the 21-credit specializations, most course work is offered as yearlong, seminar-style courses (meeting once a month) or independent study experiences. All students develop a secondary concentration in consultation with the adviser and the approval of the student's program committee. Following course work, the dissertation is usually completed in one to two years, part time or full time at the option of the student.