Program Overview
The Ph.D. program in Curriculum and Instruction at the University of Wisconsin-Madison prepares students for leadership roles in education through research, curriculum development, and teaching. With a focus on research and expertise in specific areas, the program emphasizes the development of strong research skills, a deep understanding of curriculum and instruction, and a broad knowledge of related fields. Graduates are well-equipped for careers in research, curriculum development, teacher education, higher education teaching, and educational administration.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
Program Overview:
The Department of Curriculum and Instruction at the University of Wisconsin-Madison offers a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) program in Curriculum and Instruction. The program's goals are to:
- Develop students' research abilities in the field of curriculum and instruction, equipping them with a distinctive theoretical and critical perspective.
- Equip students with expertise in one of the department's focus areas.
- Enhance students' competence in curriculum evaluation and development.
- Foster a deeper understanding of the teaching-learning process.
- Broaden students' knowledge in related academic fields.
- Cultivate a comprehensive professional background in areas related to curriculum and instruction, such as anthropology, history, philosophy, sociology of education, administration, counseling, educational psychology, and supervision.
Program Objectives:
The Ph.D. program in Curriculum and Instruction prepares students for diverse leadership roles in education, including research, curriculum analysis and development, teacher education, other higher education teaching positions, and leadership positions in educational agencies. These leadership roles are not mutually exclusive, but the emphasis on each may vary depending on the student's interests and focus area.
Program Structure:
The Ph.D. program is research-oriented, providing students with the skills and knowledge necessary for intellectual leadership in education. The program emphasizes the development of research capabilities, expertise in a specific area of study, and a broad understanding of curriculum and instruction. Students are expected to complete coursework, conduct original research, and defend their dissertation in order to earn the Ph.D. degree.
Outline:
Focus Areas of Study:
Students in the Ph.D. program choose a primary area of study and an initial faculty advisor in that area. The areas of study are as follows:
- Bilingual education
- Curriculum studies & global studies
- Early childhood studies
- English as a second language
- Literacy studies
- Mathematics education
- Multicultural education
- Music education
- Science education
- Social studies education
- Teacher education
- World language education
- Design, informal, and creative education (DICE)
Coursework:
The Ph.D. program requires a minimum of 36 credits of graduate-level coursework, including:
- Required courses:
- 51 credits minimum are needed to graduate.
- At least 36 of these must be taken after the student enters the Ph.D. program.
- Within those 36 credits:
- For students without a UW–Madison Curriculum & Instruction M.S., a minimum of 18 must be new Curriculum & Instruction credits.
- For students with a UW–Madison Curriculum & Instruction Research M.S., a minimum of 12 must be new Curriculum & Instruction credits.
- CURRIC 990, CURRIC 999, and classes from the Qualitative Research Methodology in Education minor cannot be counted towards this requirement.
- A minor (9-12 credits).
- Option A—External—9-12 credits.
- Option B—Distributed—12 credits.
- CURRIC 712 Introduction to Curriculum and Instruction: Research and Resources. Students who have a UW–Madison Curriculum & Instruction M.S. are exempt from this requirement.
- 3 research method classes (from 2 different traditions as determined by the advisor).
Dissertation:
The dissertation is a major component of the Ph.D. program, demonstrating the student's ability to conduct original research and contribute to the field of curriculum and instruction. The dissertation must be approved by the student's dissertation committee.
Assessment:
Assessment Methods:
Students' progress in the Ph.D. program is assessed through a variety of methods, including:
- Coursework grades
- Research papers
- Presentations
- Teaching evaluations
- Dissertation proposal
- Dissertation defense
Assessment Criteria:
The assessment criteria for the Ph.D. program are based on the program's learning objectives. Students are expected to demonstrate:
- Strong research skills
- Expertise in their chosen area of study
- Competence in curriculum evaluation and development
- A deep understanding of the teaching-learning process
- A broad knowledge of related academic fields
- Effective communication and teaching skills
Teaching:
Teaching Methods:
The Ph.D. program in Curriculum and Instruction utilizes a variety of teaching methods, including:
- Lectures
- Seminars
- Workshops
- Independent study
- Research projects
- Dissertation supervision
Faculty:
The faculty in the Department of Curriculum and Instruction are experts in their respective fields. They are committed to providing students with the highest quality of instruction and mentorship.
Unique Approaches:
The Ph.D. program in Curriculum and Instruction offers a number of unique approaches, including:
- A strong emphasis on research
- A wide range of focus areas from which to choose
- Opportunities for collaborative research
- A supportive and collegial learning environment
Careers:
Career Paths:
Graduates of the Ph.D. program in Curriculum and Instruction are prepared for a variety of careers in education, including:
- Research
- Curriculum development
- Teacher education
- Higher education teaching
- Educational administration
- Educational policy
Career Opportunities:
Graduates of the Ph.D. program in Curriculum and Instruction have found employment in a variety of settings, including:
- Universities
- Colleges
- Schools
- Educational agencies
- Non-profit organizations
- Government agencies
Career Outcomes:
Graduates of the Ph.D. program in Curriculum and Instruction have gone on to successful careers in a variety of fields. They have made significant contributions to the field of education through their research, teaching, and leadership.
