School of Education

Departmental E-mail: curric@indiana.edu
Department URL: education.indiana.edu/about/departments/curriculum
Departmental Phone Number: (812) 856-8100

Graduate Studies Office E-Mail: educate@indiana.edu
School of Education URL: education.indiana.edu/
Degrees and Programs: education.indiana.edu/graduate/programs/index.html

(Please note that when conferring University Graduate School degrees, minors, certificates, and sub-plans, The University Graduate School’s staff use those requirements contained only in The University Graduate School Bulletin.)

Curriculum

Curriculum
Faculty

Degree Offered

The Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degree is offered through the University Graduate School. In addition, the School of Education offers the Master of Science (M.S.) in Education, the Specialist in Education (Ed.S.), and the Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) degrees. For details, see the School of Education Graduate Bulletin.

Doctor of Philosophy Degree

Fields of Study

Counseling Psychology; Curriculum and Instruction; Educational Psychology; Higher Education; History, Philosophy and Policy Studies in Education; Inquiry Methodology; Instructional Systems Technology; Learning and Developmental Science; Language Education; Literacy, Culture, and Language Education; School Psychology; and Special Education.

Plan of Studies

The Ph.D. degree with a major in education is pursued under the direction of a committee appointed by the University Graduate School and the School of Education. As with other Graduate School doctoral programs, a minimum of 90 credit hours of course work is required. This includes a major (selected from the fields of study listed previously), a minor, a series of research courses, and a dissertation. Written and oral qualifying examinations are taken following course work; a final oral defense of the dissertation completes the program. Up to 30 credit hours of graduate course work may be transferred from other universities, with the approval of the advisory committee and the Graduate Studies Office.

Admission

Admission recommendations are made by program area and School of Education admission committees and are based on graduate and undergraduate grades (especially in academic courses), scores on the General Test of the Graduate Record Examination (GRE), and letters of recommendation. The TOEFL examination is required for all international applicants. Online applications may be accessed through the School of Education Office of Graduate Studies Web site at the above URL.

Students earning a Ph.D. degree in education must fulfill all requirements of the University Graduate School (as found in this bulletin) and of the School of Education (as found in the School of Education Graduate Bulletin).
Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction-Specialization in Art Education

Degree Requirements

Major Requirements (36 cr.)

These courses must be approved on the Plan of Studies by the student’s doctoral advisory committee, Department Chair, and the Associate Dean for Graduate Studies. The courses in the major should include:

Specialization (30 cr.)
Early Inquiry Experience and Inquiry Linkage Requirements (6 cr.)

Inquiry Requirements (9-15 cr.)

The Inquiry Core includes a survey course in research methodologies, and beginning courses in statistics, measurement, program evaluation, or in ethnographic, qualitative, quantitative, and historical research methods. Inquiry Core courses are to lay a rudimentary methodological foundation for applied inquiry courses in the major, and for dissertation research.

Minor Requirements (12 cr.)

The minor must have integrity in its own right and must complement the major. The minor field must demonstrate wholeness within itself and contribute to the student's overall doctoral program. Minors are normally formulated within a single program area. However, an interdisciplinary or individualized minor is also possible. Interdisciplinary or individualized minors require a written description of the minor's underlying theme along with a rationale for each course's contribution to that theme through the Minor Justification form. This form should be submitted and approved by the Graduate Studies Office prior to enrolling in the minor courses.

Elective Requirements (6-18 cr.)

A minimum of 6 elective credits must be taken outside the major and the minor. An additional elective may be selected from within the major, the minor, inquiry, or any broad field of study.

Dissertation Requirements (15 cr.)

J795 Dissertation Proposal Preparation (3 cr.)
J799 Dissertation-Curriculum/Instruction (12 cr.)

Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction-Specialization in Curriculum Studies

This program examines relationships between curriculum and society, particularly around topics of diversity, social equality, and civic participation. Graduates are prepared to make original contributions to academic knowledge and enhance the world of practice, through experiences in critically analyzing curriculum and society, conducting original research, and preparing future teachers, both in the United States and internationally.

Degree Requirements

Major Requirements (36 cr.)

These courses must be approved on the Plan of Studies by the student’s doctoral advisory committee, Department Chair, and the Associate Dean for Graduate Studies. The courses in the major should include:

Specialization (24 cr.)
Department Seminar (6 cr.)
Early Inquiry Experience and Inquiry Linkage Requirements (6 cr.)

Inquiry Requirements (9 cr.)

The Inquiry Core includes a survey course in research methodologies, and beginning courses in statistics, measurement, program evaluation, or in ethnographic, qualitative, quantitative, and historical research methods. Inquiry Core courses are to lay a rudimentary methodological foundation for applied inquiry courses in the major, and for dissertation research.

Minor Requirements (12 cr.)

The minor must have integrity in its own right and must complement the major. The minor field must demonstrate wholeness within itself and contribute to the student's overall doctoral program. Minors are normally formulated within a single program area. However, an interdisciplinary or individualized minor is also possible. Interdisciplinary or individualized minors require a written description of the minor's underlying theme along with a rationale for each course's contribution to that theme through the Minor Justification form. This form should be submitted and approved by the Graduate Studies Office prior to enrolling in the minor courses.

Elective Requirements (6-18 cr.)

A minimum of 6 elective credits must be taken outside the major and the minor. An additional elective may be selected from within the major, the minor, inquiry, or any broad field of study.

Dissertation Requirements (15 cr.)

J795 Dissertation Proposal Preparation (3 cr.)
J799 Dissertation-Curriculum/Instruction (12 cr.) 

Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction-Specialization in Elementary Education

This program examines the nature of teaching, learning, and curriculum at the elementary level, including the history, philosophy, and research base for teaching school subjects, both in the United States and internationally. Students gain experience working with pre-service teachers as preparation for a career in teacher education.

Degree Requirements

Major Requirements (36 cr.)

These courses must be approved on the Plan of Studies by the student’s doctoral advisory committee, Department Chair, and the Associate Dean for Graduate Studies. The courses in the major should include:

Specialization (24 cr.)
Department Seminar (6 cr.)
Early Inquiry Experience and Inquiry Linkage Requirements (6 cr.)

Inquiry Requirements (9 cr.)

The Inquiry Core includes a survey course in research methodologies, and beginning courses in statistics, measurement, program evaluation, or in ethnographic, qualitative, quantitative, and historical research methods. Inquiry Core courses are to lay a rudimentary methodological foundation for applied inquiry courses in the major, and for dissertation research.

Minor Requirements (12 cr.)

The minor must have integrity in its own right and must complement the major. The minor field must demonstrate wholeness within itself and contribute to the student's overall doctoral program. Minors are normally formulated within a single program area. However, an interdisciplinary or individualized minor is also possible. Interdisciplinary or individualized minors require a written description of the minor's underlying theme along with a rationale for each course's contribution to that theme through the Minor Justification form. This form should be submitted and approved by the Graduate Studies Office prior to enrolling in the minor courses.

Elective Requirements (6-18 cr.)

A minimum of 6 elective credits must be taken outside the major and the minor. An additional elective may be selected from within the major, the minor, inquiry, or any broad field of study.

Dissertation Requirements (15 cr.)

J795 Dissertation Proposal Preparation (3 cr.)
J799 Dissertation-Curriculum/Instruction (12 cr.)

Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction-Specialization in Mathematics Education

Conduct original research on mathematics-related topics, such as how to assess student performance in mathematics, experiential studies of how professionals use math compared to the techniques they were taught in middle and high school, or how technology can be used to enhance mathematics learning. Program focuses on K-12 mathematics teaching and learning.

Degree Requirements

Major Requirements (36 cr.)

These courses must be approved on the Plan of Studies by the student’s doctoral advisory committee, Department Chair, and the Associate Dean for Graduate Studies. The courses in the major should include:

Specialization (18 cr.)
Department Seminar (12 cr.)
Early Inquiry Experience and Inquiry Linkage Requirements (6 cr.)

Inquiry Requirements (9 cr.)

The Inquiry Core includes a survey course in research methodologies, and beginning courses in statistics, measurement, program evaluation, or in ethnographic, qualitative, quantitative, and historical research methods. Inquiry Core courses are to lay a rudimentary methodological foundation for applied inquiry courses in the major, and for dissertation research.

Minor Requirements (12 cr.)

The minor must have integrity in its own right and must complement the major. The minor field must demonstrate wholeness within itself and contribute to the student's overall doctoral program. Minors are normally formulated within a single program area. However, an interdisciplinary or individualized minor is also possible. Interdisciplinary or individualized minors require a written description of the minor's underlying theme along with a rationale for each course's contribution to that theme through the Minor Justification form. This form should be submitted and approved by the Graduate Studies Office prior to enrolling in the minor courses.

Elective Requirements (6-18 cr.)

A minimum of 6 elective credits must be taken outside the major and the minor. An additional elective may be selected from within the major, the minor, inquiry, or any broad field of study.

Dissertation Requirements (15 cr.)

J795 Dissertation Proposal Preparation (3 cr.)
J799 Dissertation-Curriculum/Instruction (12 cr.)

Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction-Specialization in Science Education

The science education Ph.D. program provides breadth and depth of knowledge regarding the current status of science education in the U.S. and globally. Students select their own areas of foci and the advisor that best matches their emphasis to support their work. Students receive a minor in a science discipline, further strengthening their degree both from a science education and science perspective. The qualifying exam is comprised of a written portfolio that enables the student to demonstrate breadth of knowledge of the field and depth of knowledge in the chosen area of emphasis. The dissertation topic is selected with the advisor who will support the student in writing the dissertation proposal and final dissertation. Students in the Ph.D. science education program are encouraged to obtain a variety of teaching and research experience while in the program.

Degree Requirements

Major Requirements (36 cr.)

These courses must be approved on the Plan of Studies by the student’s doctoral advisory committee, Department Chair, and the Associate Dean for Graduate Studies. The courses in the major should include:

Specialization (27 cr.)
Proseminars (3 cr.)
Early Inquiry Experience and Inquiry Linkage Requirements (6 cr.)

Inquiry Requirements (15 cr.)

The Inquiry Core includes a survey course in research methodologies, and beginning courses in statistics, measurement, program evaluation, or in ethnographic, qualitative, quantitative, and historical research methods. Inquiry Core courses are to lay a rudimentary methodological foundation for applied inquiry courses in the major, and for dissertation research.

Minor Requirements (12 cr.)

The minor must have integrity in its own right and must complement the major. The minor field must demonstrate wholeness within itself and contribute to the student's overall doctoral program. Minors are normally formulated within a single program area. However, an interdisciplinary or individualized minor is also possible. Interdisciplinary or individualized minors require a written description of the minor's underlying theme along with a rationale for each course's contribution to that theme through the Minor Justification form. This form should be submitted and approved by the Graduate Studies Office prior to enrolling in the minor courses.

The minor for science education needs to be outside the School of Education and taken in a science content area.

Elective Requirements (12 cr.)

Selected in consultation with advisory committee. Elective courses are chosen to fill out the major and to contribute to the integrity of the student’s program. These courses are taken in the student’s area of interest, within or outside the department, in order to fulfill the total program requirement of 90 credit hours.

Dissertation Requirements (15 cr.)

J795 Dissertation Proposal Preparation (3 cr.)
J799 Dissertation-Curriculum/Instruction (12 cr.)

Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction-Specialization in Social Studies Education

This program focuses on the teaching and learning of history, civic education, and other social studies subjects, both in the United States and internationally, including the social and political contexts of social studies education. Students gain experience working with pre-service teachers, conducting empirical research, and analyzing curriculum.

Degree Requirements

Major Requirements (36 cr.)

These courses must be approved on the Plan of Studies by the student’s doctoral advisory committee, Department Chair, and the Associate Dean for Graduate Studies. The courses in the major should include:

Specialization (24 cr.)
Department Seminar (6 cr.)
Early Inquiry Experience and Inquiry Linkage Requirements (6 cr.)

Inquiry Requirements (9 cr.)

The Inquiry Core includes a survey course in research methodologies, and beginning courses in statistics, measurement, program evaluation, or in ethnographic, qualitative, quantitative, and historical research methods. Inquiry Core courses are to lay a rudimentary methodological foundation for applied inquiry courses in the major, and for dissertation research.

Minor Requirements (12 cr.)

The minor must have integrity in its own right and must complement the major. The minor field must demonstrate wholeness within itself and contribute to the student's overall doctoral program. Minors are normally formulated within a single program area. However, an interdisciplinary or individualized minor is also possible. Interdisciplinary or individualized minors require a written description of the minor's underlying theme along with a rationale for each course's contribution to that theme through the Minor Justification form. This form should be submitted and approved by the Graduate Studies Office prior to enrolling in the minor courses.

Elective Requirements (6-18 cr.)

A minimum of 6 elective credits must be taken outside the major and the minor. An additional elective may be selected from within the major, the minor, inquiry, or any broad field of study.

Dissertation Requirements (15 cr.)

J795 Dissertation Proposal Preparation (3 cr.)
J799 Dissertation-Curriculum/Instruction (12 cr.)

Ph.D. in Special Education

The Special Education Program at Indiana University is based upon an inquiry-driven approach to education. Students are encouraged to explore diverse theoretical positions regarding approaches to special education practices, research, and theory development. In this sense, getting a doctorate in this program should be thought of as an ongoing process of discovery, a process that is mentored by a faculty advisor who shares in the development of each student's intellectual growth through ongoing discussions. Graduates of this program secure positions as university faculty members and leaders in the field of special education.

Degree Requirements

Major Requirements (36 cr.)

These courses must be approved on the Plan of Studies by the student’s doctoral advisory committee, Department Chair, and the Associate Dean for Graduate Studies. The courses in the major should include:

Special Education Core (24 cr.)
Fundamental Theoretical Constructs (12 cr.)

Inquiry Core Requirements (15 cr.)

The Inquiry Core includes a survey course in research methodologies, and beginning courses in statistics, measurement, program evaluation, or in ethnographic, qualitative, quantitative, and historical research methods. Inquiry Core courses are to lay a rudimentary methodological foundation for applied inquiry courses in the major, and for dissertation research.

Minor Requirements (12 cr.)

The minor must have integrity in its own right and must complement the major. The minor field must demonstrate wholeness within itself and contribute to the student's overall doctoral program. Minors are normally formulated within a single program area. However, an interdisciplinary or individualized minor is also possible. Interdisciplinary or individualized minors require a written description of the minor's underlying theme along with a rationale for each course's contribution to that theme through the Minor Justification form. This form should be submitted and approved by the Graduate Studies Office prior to enrolling in the minor courses. Major area courses may not be used in the minor.

Elective Requirements (9-12 cr.)

Selected in consultation with advisory committee. Elective courses are chosen to fill out the major and to contribute to the integrity of the student’s program. These courses are taken in the student’s area of interest, within or outside the department, in order to fulfill the total program requirement of 90 credit hours.

Dissertation Requirements (15 cr.)

K795 Dissertation Proposal Preparation (3 cr.)
K799 Doctoral Thesis in Special Education (12 cr.)

Ph.D. Minor in Art Education

Minor Requirements (12 cr.)

Required Courses (12 cr.)

Each student works with their minor advisor from the program to select from the following courses that best contributes to the educational goals of the student.  Some of the following courses are repeatable for credit in more than one instance.

Z525 Philosophic and Historical Foundations of Art Education (3 cr.)
Z700 Practicum in Art Education (1-6 cr.)
Z750 Topical Doctoral Seminar in Art Education: Variable Title (3 cr.)
Z760 Art Education Research Seminar: Variable Title (1-3 cr.)

The doctoral minor in Art Education does not require a minor qualifying exam.

Ph.D. Minor in Curriculum and Instruction

Ph.D. students may minor in Curriculum and Instruction by completing at least 12 credit hours of coursework in the program. Each minor student works with a faculty advisor from the program to help in the selection of a set of courses that best contributes to the educational goals of the student.

The doctoral minor in Curriculum and Instruction does not require a minor qualifying exam.

Ph.D. Minor in Curriculum Studies

This minor requires 12 credits in Curriculum Studies, at least 9 of which must be taken at Indiana University

Minor Requirements (12 cr.)

Required Courses (6-9 cr.)

J500 Instruction in the Context of Curriculum (3 cr.)

Select at least one course of the following:

J630 Curriculum Theory and Practice (3 cr.)
J664 Contemporary Curriculum Discourses (3 cr.)

Additional Required Courses (3-6 cr.)

The remaining course(s) selected in consultation with your minor advisor.

The doctoral minor in Curriculum Studies does not require a minor qualifying exam. 

Ph.D. Minor in Early Childhood Education

Minor Requirements (12 cr.)

Required Courses (9 cr.)

E506 Curriculum in Early Childhood Education (2-6 cr.)
E508 Seminar in Early Childhood (1-3 cr.)
E525 Advanced Curriculum in Early Childhood Education (3 cr.)

Additional Required Courses (3 cr.)

The remaining course selected in consultation with your minor advisor.

The doctoral minor in Early Childhood Education does not require a minor qualifying exam. 

Ph.D. Minor in Mathematics Education

The Mathematics Education Minor is designed to help doctoral students learn about research on the learning and teaching of mathematics, and research on the preparation of mathematics teachers.  The minor will be personalized, designed by the student and their minor advisor.

Minor Requirements (12 cr.)

Required Courses (9 cr.)

N716 Topical Seminar in Mathematics Education (2-4 cr.)
Students are typically required to take this course a minimum of two times.

Select three-credits of the following:

N590 Independent Study or Research in Mathematics Education (1-3 cr.)
N610 Internship in Mathematics Education (1- 3 cr.)

Additional Required Courses (3 cr.)

Select the remaining hours, in consultation with your minor advisor, from the following:

N517 Advanced Study in the Teaching of Secondary School Mathematics (3 cr.)
N543 Advanced Study in the Teaching of Mathematics in the Elementary Schools (3 cr.)
N590 Independent Study or Research in Mathematics Education (1-3 cr.)
N610 Internship in Mathematics Education (1- 3 cr.)
N716 Topical Seminar in Mathematics Education (2-4 cr.)
Other course approved by the minor advisor.

The doctoral minor in Mathematics Education does not require a minor qualifying exam. 

Ph.D. Minor in Science Education

Minor Requirements (12 cr.)

Required Courses (12 cr.)

Q612 Topical Seminar in Science Education (3 cr., taken four times for a total of 12 cr.)
Courses selected in consultation with your minor advisor.

The doctoral minor in Science Education does not require a minor qualifying exam. 

Ph.D. Minor in Social Studies Education

Minor Requirements (12 cr.)

This minor requires 12 credits, which will be chosen in consultation with the minor advisor.  These courses may include courses in Social Studies Education (EDUC-M), Curriculum Studies (EDUC-J), or other areas that develop students’ understanding and expertise in Social Studies curriculum and instruction.

The doctoral minor in Social Studies does not require a minor qualifying exam. 

Ph.D. Minor in Special Education

The Ph.D. Minor in Special Education requires the completion of a minimum of 12 credit hours in Special Education at the doctoral level. Students seek an advisory committee minor advisor from the Special Education faculty and work with him or her to devise a selection of courses based on interest and need.  In addition to approval by the minor advisor, the selection must be approved by the School of Education Associate Dean of Graduate Studies.

The doctoral minor in Special Education does not require a minor qualifying exam.

Ph.D. Minor in Teacher Education

The Teacher Education Minor (minimum 12 credit hours) is designed to help students explore four broad areas of scholarship:1) the theories, ideologies, and philosophies of teacher education; 2) the different approaches that have been used to develop teacher education programs and components of programs; 3) the experience (from students' and/or teacher educators' perspectives) of being involved in teacher education; 4) the societal factors (e.g., issues of race, class, gender) that have an impact on teacher education. Each area is examined both historically and in the present.

Minor Requirements (12 cr.)

Required Courses (9 cr.)

J700 Teaching in Teacher Education
J710 Paradigms and Programs in Teacher Education
J720 Teacher Education as Occupational Socialization

Additional Required Courses (3 cr.)

One relevant course involving teacher education from other departments or programs may be counted at the discretion of the minor advisor, although no more than one such course may be counted toward the 12 credit minimum.

The doctoral minor in Teacher Education does not require a minor qualifying exam.