Program Overview
The Ph.D. Option in Chemistry Education at UNH combines coursework in chemistry, psychology, and education with original research in chemistry education. Students develop strong writing and oral communication skills and are prepared for careers in academia, industry, government, and non-profit organizations. The program emphasizes the interface of science and education, including discipline-based education research, educational program assessment, and STEM curricular design.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
The Ph.D. Option in Chemistry Education is designed for students who plan a career at the interface of Science and Education (e.g., discipline-based education research, educational program assessment, STEM curricular design, chemistry teaching, etc.). The rigorous program involves coursework in Chemistry, Psychology, and Education and original research in Chemistry Education, leading to the submission of a dissertation. Students with a research-based MS (or equivalent) will be admitted directly to the program. Students with a BS (or equivalent) will first obtain an MS degree, carrying out original laboratory-based research with a faculty mentor, and submitting a thesis. The program has a focus on developing strong writing and oral communication skills. Financial support is typically available through a teaching assistantship.
Outline:
Required department courses:
- CHEM 800: Introduction to Chemistry Teaching and Research Practices
- CHEM 801: Modern Tools for Researchers in the Chemical Sciences
- CHEM 802: Critical Thinking for Chemists
- CHEM 803: Creative Thinking for Chemists
Chemistry Courses:
- CHEM 995: Colloquium (CHEM 995F Colloquium: Chemistry Education)
- CHEM 997: Seminar
- CHEM 999: Doctoral Research
Chemistry CORE courses in a sub-discipline recommended by research advisor or MS degree:
- Quantitative Statistics:
- PSYC 705: Tests and Measurement
- PSYC 805: Research Methodology and Statistics I
- PSYC 806: Research Methodology and Statistics II
- PSYC 907: Research Methods and Statistics III
- EDUC 978: Applied Regression Analysis in Educational Research
- EDUC 979: Applied Multilevel Modeling
- EDUC 981: Quantitative Inquiry: Methods and Techniques of Educational Research
- MATH 835: Statistical Methods for Research
- MATH 836: Advanced Statistical Modeling
- MATH 839: Applied Regression Analysis
- Qualitative Methods:
- EDUC 904: Qualitative Inquiry in Research
- EDUC 982: Qualitative Fieldwork & Data Analysis
- SOC 904: Sociological Methods IV: Qualitative and Historical Research Methods
- Cognition:
- PSYC 783: Cognitive Development
- PSYC 710: Visual Perception
- PSYC 712: Psychology of Language
- PSYC 716: Cognitive Neuroscience
- PSYC 731: Brain and Behavior
- PSYC 914: Advanced Seminar in Cognition
Assessment:
- Ph.D. Option in Chemistry Education
- Demonstration of a broad understanding of undergraduate chemistry by passing a series of basic examinations or satisfactory performance in approved courses.
- Demonstration of chemistry laboratory research proficiency by completing a thesis-based M.S. (or equivalent) either at UNH or another university.
- Satisfactory performance in a series of courses in science education, cognition, and qualitative/quantitative research methods.
- Attendance at Department seminars.
- Attendance at Graduate Research Update (GRU) sessions and presentation once annually from year 2 onward.
- Satisfactory presentation of a Thesis Research Proposal (TRP) in the second year of residence.
- Preparation and oral defense of an Original Research Proposal (ORP) in the third year of residence.
- Successful completion of the Original Research Proposal (ORP) enables the student to advance to candidacy.
- One oral presentation at a regional or technical conference, and one oral or poster presentation at the UNH Graduate Research Symposium.
- Preparation, public presentation, and oral defense of a written dissertation.
- GPA of 3.0 or higher required to graduate.
Teaching:
- Students select a research advisor during the first semester in the program after interviewing at least three faculty members.
- During each semester thereafter, students conduct independent research under the supervision of the Faculty Research Advisor.
- In the second year of residence and before the Thesis Research Proposal, a dissertation committee is selected.
- This committee evaluates the student's Thesis Research Proposal and the Original Research Proposal.
- Once the Original Research Proposal has been passed and the student advances to candidacy, a fifth committee member is selected and added to the Dissertation Committee to evaluate the Dissertation Defense.
Careers:
- The Ph.D. Option in Chemistry Education prepares students for careers in academia, industry, government, and non-profit organizations. Graduates of this program will be qualified to teach chemistry at the college and university level, develop educational materials and curricula, and conduct research in chemistry education.
