Pursuing a Ph.D. in Education: Curriculum and Instruction Programs

A Ph.D. in Education with a focus on Curriculum and Instruction is a research-focused degree that propels careers and elevates education to the highest level. These programs are designed for individuals seeking advanced knowledge and skills in curriculum theory, instructional processes, and educational research. This article will explore the requirements, curriculum, and key aspects of Ph.D. programs in Curriculum and Instruction.

Program Focus and Objectives

Graduate programs within the Department of Curriculum and Instruction focus on the curricular and instructional processes central to all educational endeavors. These programs prepare students for academic and professional roles in various settings, including K-12 education, post-secondary education, research institutions, educational service agencies, and public service and policy organizations.

SLU students choose a research focus that is informed by their work as practitioners and that addresses problems of practice in education. With an emphasis on issues of social justice and educational equity, the program prepares students to produce original research and advocate for educational change. This doctoral program emphasizes the tools of research and the interplay of theory and practice in educational contexts.

Curriculum Overview

The Ph.D. in Education with a focus on Curriculum and Instruction covers learning and education theory and philosophy, advanced research theory, and curriculum theory and principles. Through in-depth study and research, students perceive methods of integrating new technologies, interpreting and applying data, and they discover the impact of ethical and cultural considerations.

The degree typically requires a minimum of 72 hours of coursework beyond a bachelor’s degree. A minimum of 15 credit hours must be at the 8000-level or above, exclusive of research, problems, and independent study experiences. Programs of study are individually planned with a faculty committee.

Read also: Career Growth with Certificates

Core Content Areas

The curriculum typically includes courses covering the following key areas:

Curriculum Theory: Exploring foundational and contemporary theories of curriculum development and design.
Learning and Instruction: Examining effective teaching methodologies and learning processes in diverse educational contexts.
Assessment: Understanding principles of assessment for educational settings.
Educational Research: Developing expertise in research methodologies, both quantitative and qualitative.
Socio-Cultural History of American Education: Understanding the historical and social contexts shaping education in the United States.

Sample Course List

Here's an example of courses you might encounter in such a program:

Proseminar on Ed Research
Curriculum Theory
Socio-Cultural History of American Education
Special Study for Written Comprehensive Exams
Developing and Implementing a Culturally Responsive Curriculum through Instruction and Assessment
Teaching and Learning in Educational Contexts
Principles of Assessment for Education Settings
Curriculum Design and Implementation Fidelity
District Level Professional Development and Teacher Evaluation
Community Collaboration in Education
General Research Methods for Education
Intro to Inferential Stats: Ed
Qualitative Research in Education
Advanced Qual Research for Ed
Theoretical and Conceptual Frameworks in Education Research
Graduate Independent Study in Education Research (repeatable for credit)
Dissertation Research

Dissertation Research

A significant component of the Ph.D. program is the dissertation research. This involves conducting an original research project in an area of interest, mentored by faculty experts. Prior to graduation, students successfully complete a dissertation research project in an area of interest.

Program Tracks and Emphasis Areas

Many Ph.D. programs in Curriculum and Instruction offer specialized tracks or emphasis areas, allowing students to focus their studies on a particular area of interest. For example, the PhD in Learning, Teaching and Curriculum is offered with emphasis in Art Education, Early Childhood Education, Lanugage and Literacies For Social Transformation, Mathematics Education, Science Education and Social Studies Education. Students must choose an emphasis area.

Some programs offer formal tracks in areas such as:

Arts in Education
Culture and Teaching
Elementary Education
Learning Technologies
Literacy Education
Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Education
Multilingual Education
Social Studies Education

Admission Requirements

Admission to a Ph.D. program in Curriculum and Instruction is competitive and typically requires the following:

Master's Degree: A master's degree from a regionally accredited institution is generally required.
Transcripts: Official transcripts from all previously attended institutions.
Letters of Recommendation: Three letters of recommendation from individuals who can attest to the applicant's academic abilities and potential.
GRE Scores: GRE or other applicable graduate entry exam scores
Résumé: A current résumé highlighting relevant educational and professional experiences.
Professional Goal Statement: A statement outlining the applicant's professional goals and how the Ph.D. program will help them achieve those goals.

Requirements for International Students

In addition to the general admission requirements, international students may need to provide:

Demonstration of English Language Proficiency: Typically through TOEFL scores. This test must not be more than two years old and a minimum score of 500 is required.
Proof of Financial Support: Documentation demonstrating sufficient funds to cover the duration of study. This includes: A letter of financial support from the person(s) or sponsoring agency funding the time at Saint Louis University. A letter from the sponsor's bank verifying that the funds are available and will be so for the duration of study at the University.
Academic Records: Academic records, in English translation, for postsecondary studies outside the United States. These must include the courses taken and/or lectures attended, practical laboratory work, the maximum and minimum grades attainable, the grades earned or the results of all end-of-term examinations, and any honors or degrees received. WES and ECE transcripts are accepted.

Application Deadlines

Application deadlines vary by institution. Domestic students should apply for the fall semester by June 15, for the spring semester by Nov. 1, and for the summer semester by April 1. International students should apply by May 1 for the fall semester, Oct.1 for the spring semester, and Feb. Additional charges may apply.

For fullest consideration, apply by December 15th for Fall Semester entry. While admissions are rolling, the priority deadline for Fall admission is November 1 of the previous year (e.g. November 1st, 2025 is the priority deadline for Fall 2026 applicants). For full consideration in funding opportunities, applications must be submitted and complete prior to the deadline.

Non-Course Requirements

In addition to coursework and dissertation research, students must fulfill certain non-course requirements:

Comprehensive Written Examination: A written examination to assess the student's knowledge of core concepts and theories. Students must pass a comprehensive written examination upon completion of all required and elective courses.
Oral Examination/Proposal Defense: An oral examination to defend the dissertation proposal. Students must pass an oral examination/proposal defense.
Dissertation Defense: A public presentation and defense of the completed dissertation. Students must pass a public presentation and defense of their dissertation.

Financial Aid and Scholarships

Cost is a major consideration when deciding whether to continue your education, which is why we offer a limited number of part-time research and program assistantships for Curriculum and Instruction Ph.D. students. Qualified students with relevant educational and professional backgrounds may also have opportunities to work as graduate instructors or as university supervisors for field placements in UMKC's teacher preparation programs. For priority consideration for graduate assistantships, apply by Jan. 15.

Career Prospects

Graduates with a Ph.D. in Education with a focus on Curriculum and Instruction are prepared for leadership positions in various sectors. Our graduates have gone on to work for New Mexico State University, University of Central Missouri, Kansas City, Mo. and Kan.

These positions may include:

University Faculty
Researchers
Curriculum Developers
Educational Consultants
Policy Makers
Administrators

Faculty Mentorship

The selection committee recommends admission of a particular student only if there is a faculty member who is qualified to direct the dissertation and agrees to serve as chair of the student's doctoral committee. This ensures that every student is provided with the necessary academic guidance and mentorship throughout their program. Therefore, it is important to carefully consider potential faculty members and their research interests when applying to the program.

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