Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction

Program Overview

Mercer University's Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction equips educators with advanced knowledge and skills in curriculum design, research, and leadership. The blended program combines online and on-campus instruction, allowing students to complete the program in 3.5 years. Graduates are prepared for leadership roles in education, including curriculum development, research, and administration.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

Mercer University's Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Curriculum and Instruction prepares current educators to become scholars, researchers, and leaders in curriculum and instruction at the local, state, and national levels. The program provides a deeper understanding of the foundations of planning and implementing curriculum, and how to employ data and critical analysis of research to design and evaluate instruction.

Objectives:

• Develop advanced knowledge and skills in curriculum and instruction.
• Enhance critical thinking, research, and analytical abilities.
• Prepare for leadership roles in curriculum design, development, and implementation.
• Foster a commitment to social justice and equity in education.
• Cultivate a passion for lifelong learning and scholarship.

Structure:

The Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction is a blended program, combining online and on-campus instruction.

• Course Schedule: Courses are typically offered in 8 and 16-week sessions.
• Completion Time: The program can be completed in 3.5 years across 11 semesters in summer, fall, and spring.

Course Outline:

• Core Courses:
• Curriculum Theory
• Learner-Centred Pedagogy
• Student Cognition and Motivation
• Contextualizing Curriculum
• Curriculum Design and Evaluation
• Research Courses:
• Quantitative Research Methods
• Qualitative Research Methods
• Advanced Research Design
• Dissertation Seminars
• Electives:
• Students can choose electives from a variety of topics, such as:
• Multicultural Education
• Urban Education
• Technology in Education
• Special Education

Assessment:

Assessment methods include:

• Coursework: Students are evaluated through assignments, quizzes, exams, and projects.
• Research Papers: Students write research papers in both quantitative and qualitative research methods.
• Dissertation: The culmination of the program is a dissertation that demonstrates the student's ability to conduct independent research and make a significant contribution to the field.

Teaching:

The program is taught by experienced faculty with diverse teaching backgrounds and research interests. Faculty are actively involved in publishing and research, and they bring their expertise to the classroom.

• Teaching Methods: A variety of teaching methods are used, including:
• Lectures
• Discussions
• Simulations
• Case studies
• Research projects

Careers:

Graduates of the Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction are prepared for leadership positions in a variety of settings, including:

• Curriculum design and development
• Educational research
• Teacher education
• Administration
• Policymaking