Doctorate of Philosophy in Instructional Leadership and Academic Curriculum in Early Childhood Education

Program Overview

The University of Oklahoma's Ph.D. in Instructional Leadership and Academic Curriculum in Early Childhood Education prepares faculty researchers and leaders specializing in the care and education of young children and their families. The program emphasizes research, leadership, advocacy, and infant/toddler studies, offering flexibility and individualized focus through its interdisciplinary nature. Graduates pursue careers in academia, research institutions, nonprofit organizations, government agencies, and other fields where they can impact the lives of young children and families.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

The Ph.D. in Instructional Leadership and Academic Curriculum in Early Childhood Education from the University of Oklahoma, offered exclusively at the Tulsa campus, is designed to develop faculty researchers and leaders specializing in the care and education of young children (birth to age eight) and their families in various settings. The program emphasizes research, leadership, advocacy, and infant/toddler studies. Despite offering content-specific graduate programs, the ILAC department encourages flexibility and individualized focus through its interdisciplinary nature.

Outline:

The doctoral program requires coursework, followed by a dissertation. Full-time students may complete the coursework in three years. The course curriculum includes:

• Core Courses (24 hours minimum):
• - Proseminar in Instructional Leadership and Academic Curriculum
• - Theoretical Issues in Instructional Leadership and Academic Curriculum
• - Curriculum Theory
• - Understanding Different Cultures
• - Research Methodologies
• Concentration (36 hours minimum):
• - Courses tailored to specific specializations within Instructional Leadership and Academic Curriculum
• - Coursework focuses on specialization areas and related educational fields
• - Requirements and hour distribution vary based on the program area
• Electives (12 hours maximum):
• - Allow for coursework that expands areas like research methodology or incorporates previously taken graduate courses

Careers:

Graduates of the program embark on career paths that leverage their expertise in research, leadership, and advocacy to positively impact the lives of young children and families. Potential career opportunities include:

• University Professor/Researcher
• Research Institution Leadership
• Nonprofit Organization Leadership
• Government Agencies
• Curriculum Development Specialist
• Consultancy
• Advocacy Organizations
• Professional Development
• Publishing and Writing
• International Development