Program Overview
The PhD program in Science Education at Ohio University provides a comprehensive foundation in science education, research methodologies, and leadership skills. Students develop expertise in curriculum development, instruction, and assessment, while specializing in an area of interest. The program prepares graduates for careers in academia, government, non-profit organizations, and K-12 education, empowering them to advance the field of science education through research and leadership.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
The PhD program in Science Education at Ohio University provides a strong foundation in science education, including learning theory, social and cultural contexts of education, curriculum and instruction theory, moral and ethical dimensions of leadership, and quantitative and qualitative research methodologies. Students will complete a dissertation and demonstrate knowledge and skills in a common core of competencies and an area of specialization. The program can be completed full-time or part-time, with full-time students typically completing the program in four years.
Objectives:
- To develop scholars with a strong foundation in science education and the ability to advance the field through research.
- To prepare scholars for future research and leadership roles in science education.
- To provide scholars with the skills to develop, evaluate, and investigate equitable and inclusive science education curriculum, teaching, assessment, and technology.
- To equip scholars with the ability to conduct independent empirical research and disseminate their findings through professional publication and presentations.
Outline:
The PhD program in Science Education consists of four core areas: Foundations, Teaching & Learning, Research, and Specialization.
Foundations Core:
(5 credit hours)
- EDTE 8900 First-Year Doctoral Seminar (1 credit)
- A graduate-level course (5000 level or above) focused on critical studies chosen in consultation with the doctoral committee
Teaching & Learning Core:
(15 credit hours)
- EDTE 7150 Theories of Curriculum Change (3 credits)
- EDTE 7160 Theories of Instructional Change (3 credits)
- EDTE 7920 Curriculum and Instruction Practicum (6 credits)
- EDTE 8000 Advanced Dynamics of Human Learning (3 credits)
Research Core:
(18 credit hours)
- EDRE 7200 Educational Statistics (4 credits)
- EDRE 7330 Research Design in Education (4 credits)
- EDRE 7500 Introduction to Qualitative Methods in Education (4 credits)
- EDTE 8040 Writing for Professional Publication in Education (3 credits)
- One additional graduate-level research course chosen in consultation with the student's doctoral committee
Specialization:
(20 credit hours)
- 20 hours of courses at the 7000 level or above, compatible with the student's career goals and approved by the student's program committee.
Dissertation:
(10 credit hours)
- Students will propose, conduct, and prepare a comprehensive written report of an individually designed research study addressing a significant educational issue in science education.
Assessment:
Students in the PhD program in Science Education are assessed through a variety of methods, including:
- Coursework: Students must maintain a 3.0 GPA in all coursework.
- Practicum: Students must complete a practicum in science education, which will be evaluated by a faculty member.
- Dissertation: Students must successfully defend their dissertation before a committee of faculty members.
Teaching:
The PhD program in Science Education is taught by a team of experienced faculty members who are actively engaged in research and scholarship. The program utilizes a variety of teaching methods, including lectures, discussions, seminars, and workshops.
Careers:
Graduates of the PhD program in Science Education are prepared for careers in a variety of settings, including:
- Academia: Graduates can pursue careers as professors, researchers, or administrators in higher education institutions.
- Government: Graduates can work in government agencies that focus on science education policy and programs.
