Graduate program offered by the UNT College of Education

About

The Curriculum and Instruction doctoral program at the University of North Texas is a research-intensive program that enables you to:

  • Gain an integrative perspective on education
  • Receive a firm grounding in educational theory, pedagogical practice and research methodology
  • Engage in educational efforts focused on social justice and equity
  • Develop research agendas to pursue your professional career
  • Prepare to be a leader in research and pedagogy

The Doctor of Philosophy degree in Curriculum and Instruction prepares graduates for careers as scholars, researchers or teacher educators in higher education or to hold research-oriented leadership positions.

Concentrations are available in Curriculum Studies, Early Childhood Studies or Language and Literacy Studies.

Our faculty members have a wide range of interests in their specialization areas. Their research interests span from curriculum integration to technology to language and literacy issues, all across a diverse range of grade levels and populations.

Outstanding student support

UNT provides a wide variety of services exclusively to graduate students. The Graduate Student Writing Support office can help you with writing, and the Center for Interdisciplinary Research offers assistance with statistical research.

The Toulouse Graduate School offers several professional development workshops, including a Dissertation Boot Camp. Many of the workshops are available online for your convenience.

Concentration Areas

Curriculum Studies focuses on the dynamic, historical and cultural aspects of the educational experience. Special attention goes to the connections between theory and practice, the role of politics and policies relevant to school curricula, contrasting approaches to curriculum evaluation and reconceptualization, and critical analysis of curricular paradigms. The program emphasizes understanding curriculum, learning and teaching in various facets.

Early Childhood Studies develops critical educational leaders, researchers, and facilitators of social change for children, their families and their teachers and caregivers. Research and scholarship are created to increase equity, social justice and life or education opportunities for those who are younger. Graduates prepare for diverse teaching, research and administrative responsibilities.

Language and Literacy Studies focuses on theories, practices and policies associated with language and literacy in preparing scholars, researchers and educational leaders. The program improves educational practice through generating new knowledge and service to education institutions, governmental agencies and practitioners at all levels of education. Committed to theory-driven research that informs effective practice, faculty members acknowledge the complex role of language and culture in literacy as they mentor literacy leaders.

Courses

Curriculum and instruction core courses, 12 hours

Required of all students.

Research courses, 15 hours

The required research courses (9 hours) provide a foundation in research approaches that are considered quantitative and those considered qualitative.

 

or

Two additional courses

Within the research area, the student experiences some flexibility and has some choice for the additional two courses (6 hours) that are most relevant to the research that he or she intends to do.

Concentration courses, 18 hours

In each concentration area there are four mandatory courses (12 hours) in that concentration plus two courses (6 hours) relevant to the student’s interests and goals that will be selected by the student and advisor.

Curriculum studies

Early childhood studies

Language and literacy studies

Note

Additional course work may be required of students who do not have a master’s degree in the relevant concentration.

Elective, 6 hours

For the electives included in the course plan, students are encouraged to take courses that complement their program. Electives may come from other departments and colleges outside teacher education and administration.

Dissertation, 9 hours

 After advancing to candidacy, students are required to take a total of 9 semester credit hours for the dissertation, EDUC 6950.

Transfer courses

With consent of the advisor, relevant transfer courses can be included in the degree plan in accordance with the policy of the UNT Graduate School.