Description
The Ph.D. in Education is a research-oriented degree appropriate for those who seek positions in the professoriate or in school districts, businesses, industry, educational agencies, and other educational settings who need a strong research base in their careers.
It is the intent of this program to be interdisciplinary, allowing flexibility for students who will work in research clusters and learning communities with faculty on education-related research. Programs of study can be designed for those who seek faculty positions in a research university or research-oriented education positions in business and industry.
The doctoral program offers these tracks: Communication Sciences and Disorders, Counselor Education, Elementary Education, Exceptional Education, Higher Education, Hospitality Education, Instructional Technology, Mathematics Education, Science Education, and Social Science Education.
Degrees Offered
- Doctor of Philosophy in Education
- Communication Sciences and Disorders Track
- Counselor Education Track
- Elementary Education Track
- Exceptional Education Track
- Higher Education Track
- Hospitality Education Track
- Instructional Technology Track
- Mathematics Education Track
- Science Education Track
- Social Science Education Track
Admission
For information on general UCF graduate admissions requirements that apply to all prospective students, please visit the Admissions and Registration section of the Graduate Catalog. Applicants must apply online. Please be sure to submit all requested material by the established deadline(s).
In addition to the general admission requirements, applicants must provide:
- Evidence of a master’s degree with an emphasis related to one of the tracks in the Ph.D. program and including master’s level competency in educational research and statistics. For the Communication Sciences and Disorders Track, evidence of a master's degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders (Speech-language Pathology) including master's level competency in educational research and statistics.
- GPA of 3.0 and a competitive GRE score. For the Hospitality Education Track, a GMAT score of 475 may be accepted in lieu of a GRE score.
- Three letters of recommendation
- Goal statement
- Resume
- Transcripts from all previously attended institutions
- For applicants from countries where English is not the official language, or for an applicant whose bachelor’s degree is not from an accredited U.S. institution, an official score of at least 220 (computer-based test; or equivalent score on the paper-based test) on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) is required.
Application Due Dates
All application materials must be submitted by the appropriate deadline listed below.
All students applying for fellowships must apply by the Fall Priority deadline date.
U.S. Applicants
| Program(s) | Fall Priority | Fall | Spring | Summer |
| Doctor of Philosophy in Education | Dec 20 | Feb 15 | ||
| Communication Sciences and Disorders Track | Dec 20 | Feb 15 | ||
| Counselor Education Track | Dec 20 | Feb 15 | ||
| Elementary Education Track | Dec 20 | Feb 15 | ||
| Exceptional Education Track | Dec 20 | Feb 15 | ||
| Higher Education Track | Dec 20 | Feb 15 | ||
| Hospitality Education Track | Dec 20 | Feb 15 | ||
| Instructional Technology Track | Dec 20 | Feb 15 | ||
| Mathematics Education Track | Dec 20 | Feb 15 | ||
| Science Education Track | Dec 20 | Feb 15 | ||
| Social Science Education Track | Dec 20 | Feb 15 |
International Applicants
| Program(s) | Fall Priority | Fall | Spring | Summer |
| Doctor of Philosophy in Education | Dec 20 | Jan 15 | ||
| Communication Sciences and Disorders Track | Dec 20 | Jan 15 | ||
| Counselor Education Track | Dec 20 | Jan 15 | ||
| Elementary Education Track | Dec 20 | Jan 15 | ||
| Exceptional Education Track | Dec 20 | Jan 15 | ||
| Higher Education Track | Dec 20 | Jan 15 | ||
| Hospitality Education Track | Dec 20 | Jan 15 | ||
| Instructional Technology Track | Dec 20 | Jan 15 | ||
| Mathematics Education Track | Dec 20 | Jan 15 | ||
| Science Education Track | Dec 20 | Jan 15 | ||
| Social Science Education Track | Dec 20 | Jan 15 |
International Transfer Applicants
| Program(s) | Fall Priority | Fall | Spring | Summer |
| Doctor of Philosophy in Education | Dec 20 | Feb 15 | ||
| Communication Sciences and Disorders Track | Dec 20 | Feb 15 | ||
| Counselor Education Track | Dec 20 | Feb 15 | ||
| Elementary Education Track | Dec 20 | Feb 15 | ||
| Exceptional Education Track | Dec 20 | Feb 15 | ||
| Higher Education Track | Dec 20 | Feb 15 | ||
| Hospitality Education Track | Dec 20 | Feb 15 | ||
| Instructional Technology Track | Dec 20 | Feb 15 | ||
| Mathematics Education Track | Dec 20 | Feb 15 | ||
| Science Education Track | Dec 20 | Feb 15 | ||
| Social Science Education Track | Dec 20 | Feb 15 |
Doctor of Philosophy in Education
Total Hours Required for Ph.D.—Minimum of 99 credit hours beyond the master’s degree; for the Hospitality Education Track, minimum of 69 credit hours; for the Communication Sciences and Disorders Track, minimum of 103 credit hours
Core Courses—24 Credit Hours
- IDS 7501 Issues and Research in Education (3 credit hours)
- IDS 7500 Seminar in Educational Research (variable credit and repeatable, 6 credit hours)
- EDF 7475 Qualitative Research in Education (3 credit hours)
- EDF 7403 Quantitative Foundations of Educational Research (3 credit hours)
- EDF 7463 Analysis of Survey, Record and Other Qualitative Data (3 credit hours)
- IDS 7502 Case Studies in Research Design (3 credit hours)
- IDS 7938 Research Cluster Seminar (3 credit hours) or approved research methods elective
Communication Sciences and Disorders Track—51 Credit Hours Minimum (Specialization in School Speech-Language Pathology)
This track is designed specifically for those who wish to pursue careers as speech-language pathologists at the university level or as supervisors or directors of school programs in speech-language pathology. The Communication Sciences and Disorders Track focuses on developing the qualifications to conduct evidence-based research and administer new programs and projects that serve students with disabilities. The program permits students to concentrate their doctoral study in School Speech-Language Pathology with a content focus on language disorders and literacy.
- SPA 6843 Severe Reading and Writing Disabilities (3 credit hours)
- SPA 7490 Advanced Studies in Language Disorders (3 credit hours)
- SPA 7491 Advanced Studies in Language Development (3 credit hours)
- SPA 7493 Advanced Studies in School Speech-Language Pathology (3 credit hours)
- SPA 7494 Doctoral Seminar I: Spoken and Written Language Disorders (3 credit hours)
- SPA 7495 Doctoral Seminar II: Spoken and Written Language Disorders (3 credit hours)
- EDF XXXX Classroom Learning Theory (3 credit hours)
- RED 6116 Trends in Reading (3 credit hours)
- RED 6845 Advanced Evaluation (3 credit hours)
- RED 6846 Reading Practicum (6 credit hours)
- Advanced course work in Reading (9 credit hours)
- Advanced course work in Exception Children (3 credit hours)
- Additional Electives (6 credit hours)
Counselor Education Track— 51 Credit Hours Minimum
This track is designed specifically for those who wish to pursue careers as counselor educators at the university level or as supervisors in schools or agencies. The program was developed following the standards of the Council for the Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs. In addition to advanced curricular experiences in counseling, courses are designed to examine the fundamental issues and theory of teaching adults in higher education, research, supervision, consultation and to provide supervised experiences in each area. The College of Education Community Counseling Clinic serves as a hub for teaching and research in the program, providing services to over one thousand individuals a year through child, adult, couples, and family counseling. The clinic includes facilities for group counseling and play therapy.
- MHS 7406 Advanced Theories in Counseling (3 credit hours)
- MHS 7901 Advanced Practicum in Counselor Education (3 credit hours)
- MHS 6510 Advanced Group Counseling (3 credit hours)
- MHS 7700 Professional Issues in Counselor Education (3 credit hours)
- MHS 7311 Technology Issues in Counselor Education (3 credit hours)
- MHS 7611 Supervision in Counselor Education (3 credit hours)
- MHS 7808 Practicum in Counseling Supervision (3 credit hours)
- MHS 7840 Internship in Counselor Education (repeatable) (6 credit hours)
- MHS 7340 Advanced Career Development (3 credit hours)
- MHS 6221 Individual Psychoeducational Testing II (3 credit hours)
- MHS 7730 Research Seminar in Counselor Education (3 credit hours)
Elementary Education Track—51 Credit Hours Minimum
This track is designed to provide further education for those aspiring to work in the area of education at the post-secondary level (four-year college and/or research university). The program permits students to concentrate their doctoral study in either a field of emphasis (i.e., science, mathematics, literacy, social studies) or to create an interdisciplinary focus, such as mathematics-science or reading-social studies. This program of study is most appropriate for educators who can create, analyze, and synthesize educational studies and for educators seeking employment in settings requiring a strong research base. In contrast to the Ed.D., the Ph.D. program relies on doctoral students who progress through their program of study in cohorts and who are full members of the learning community of the College of Education. The program includes a strong philosophical base, research seminars requiring one-on-one work with faculty members, cluster seminars requiring work with several faculty in interdisciplinary research projects, and long-term mentoring via supervised internships.
- Philosophical Foundations for Studies in Education (3 credit hours)
- Writing for Professional Publication in Education (3 credit hours)
- Elementary Education Internship (variable credit) (3-6 credit hours)
- Area/s of emphases: four additional courses in one or more areas including Science Education, Literacy Education, Technology Education, or Arts Education with one course from outside the college in a related field of study (12 credit hours)
Exceptional Education Track—51 Credit Hours Minimum
This track is designed to prepare highly competent doctoral-level professionals to assume leadership positions in teaching, research and service in the area of special education. A challenging program of study, the Exceptional Education Track focuses on developing the qualifications to conduct research, implement best practices based on research, and evaluate new programs and projects that serve students with disabilities.
- EEX 7936 Current Issues/ Trends in Special Education (3 credit hours)
- EEX 7527 Professional Writing/ Grant Writing in Special Education (3 credit hours)
- EEX 7766 Technology Research/ Training in Special Education (3 credit hours)
- EEX 7867 Personnel Preparation: Special Education (3 credit hours)
- EEX 7865 Internship in College Instruction in Special Education (3 credit hours)
- EEX 7866 Internship in Practicum Supervision in Special Education (3 credit hours)
- EEX 7320 Program Evaluation and Planning in Special Education (3 credit hours)
Higher Education Track— 21 Credit Hours Minimum
This track is designed specifically for those who wish to pursue careers as scholars and leaders in postsecondary education and in college and university settings. The Higher Education Track has been designed to broaden the analytical research, administrative and supervisory skills, political and legal knowledge to enhance their higher education careers. In addition, this track is a research-oriented degree appropriate for those employed in teaching, research and administrative positions in postsecondary education, two- and four-year institutions of higher education and other educational settings who need a strong theory, research and practice base in their careers.
- EDH 7XXX Educational Leadership in Higher Education (3 credit hours)
- EDH 7XXX Politics, Governance and Finance Higher Education (3 credit hours)
- EDH 7XXX Educational Personnel and Contract Negotiation (3 credit hours)
- EDA 7326 Law in Higher Education (3 credit hours)
- EDH 6065 History and Philosophy of Higher Education (3 credit hours)
- EDA 6540 Organization and Administration of Higher Education (3 credit hours)
- EDH 6946 Higher Education Internship (3 credit hours)
Concentrations
If students desire a concentration in either Student Personnel or Community College, they may take 12 hours of additional course work beyond the minimum 72 hours required for the track, as shown below, for a total of 84 credit hours for the track and the concentration.
Student Personnel Concentration:- EDH 7XXX Supervision and Consultation Process in Student Affairs (3 credit hours)
- EDH 7XXX Assessment Practices in Student Affairs (3 credit hours)
- EDH 7XXX Advance Seminar in Student Personnel (3 credit hours)
- EDH 6047 College Community and the Student (3 credit hours)
- EDH 6053 The Community College in America (3 credit hours)
- EDH 6204 Community College Organization, Administration and Supervision (3 credit hours)
- EDH 6215 Community College Curriculum (3 credit hours)
- EDH 7XXX Seminar in Community Colleges (3 credit hours)
Hospitality Education Track— 21 Credit Hours Minimum
The Hospitality Education Track prepares candidates for teaching and research in the field of hospitality systems in professions such as a tenure-earning university professor and hospitality field consultants. The focus is upon the application of appropriate strategies relative to the conduct of hospitality enterprises.
- Previous master’s degree in related area (up to 30 credit hours). Examples of acceptable master’s degrees include hospitality, tourism, recreation, leisure, food science and nutrition, and business.
- Cognate or elective; approved by adviser (9 credit hours)
- HFT 7258 Strategies and Tactics: Lodging (3 credit hours)
- HFT 7546 Strategies and Tactics: Guest Service Management (3 credit hours)
- HFT 7715 Strategies and Tactics: Travel and Tourism (3 credit hours)
- HFT 7876 Strategies and Tactics: Foodservice (3 credit hours)
Instructional Technology Track—51 Credit Hours Minimum
This track prepares students for teaching and research in the field of instructional systems in professions such as university professor or corporate researcher. The focus is upon the application of appropriate instructional technologies to the adult learner. For more information about the Instructional Technology program, visit the program website at http://insttech.education.ucf.edu.
- Previous master’s degree in related area (up to 30 credit hours)
- Cognate or elective; approved by adviser (9 credit hours)
- IDS 6504 Adult Learning (3 credit hours)
- IDS 6503 International Trends in Instructional Systems (3 credit hours)
- EME 7634 Advanced Instructional Systems Design (3 credit hours)
- EME 7942 Doctoral Internship in Educational Technology (3 credit hours)
Mathematics Education Track—51 Credit Hours Minimum
This track is designed to prepare mathematics educators for careers in teaching and research. The program will help students open doors to careers in preparing teachers of mathematics, teaching postsecondary mathematics, and conducting research in mathematics education. Doctoral students in this track engage in undergraduate teaching, participate in research activities with faculty, experience internships, and interact with the nationally acclaimed Lockheed Martin/UCF Academy for Mathematics and Science. Throughout these activities, students are mentored by successful and experienced university mathematics education faculty.
- MAE 7640 History of Mathematics Education (3 credit hours)
- MAE 7795 Seminar on Research in Mathematics Education (6 credit hours)
- MAE 6946 Mathematics Education Internship (6 credit hours)
- MAE 6656 Using Technology in the Instruction of K-12 Mathematics (3 credit hours)
- MAE 6938 Seminar in Mathematics Education (3 credit hours)
- MAE 6899 Seminar in Teaching Mathematics (3 credit hours)
Science Education Track—51 Credit Hours Minimum
This track is designed to prepare science educators for successful careers in research and teaching. The program will assist students in providing options to careers in preparing teachers of science, teaching postsecondary science, and conducting research in science education. Doctoral students in this track engage in research activities with an interdisciplinary faculty, experience internships, and interact with the nationally acclaimed Lockheed Martin/UCF Academy for Mathematics and Science. Throughout theses activities, students are also mentored by experienced and successful university science education faculty.
- SCE 7746 Teaching Theory and Research in Science Education (3 credit hours)
- SCE 7XXX Design of Postsecondary Science Curriculum (3 credit hours)
- SCE 7XXX Assessment in Science Teaching and Learning (3 credit hours)
- SCE 7864 Science, Technology and Society (3 credit hours)
- SCE 7935 Special Seminar Professional Writing/Grant Writing in Science Education (3 credit hours)
- SCE 7146 Professional Issues in Science Education (3 credit hours)
- SCE 7942 Internship/Practicum in Science Education (K-12 or community college) (6 credit hours)
- Additional electives (3 credit hours)
- Cognate courses in science approved by adviser (24 credit hours)
Social Science Education Track—21 Credit Hours Minimum
This track is designed to prepare social science educators for successful careers in research and teaching. The program assists students in providing options to careers in preparing social science teachers, teaching postsecondary social science (history, political science, economics, etc.), and conducting research activities in a social science education. Doctoral students in the track engage in research activities with an interdisciplinary faculty, experience internships, and interact with various social science educators and social science experts. Throughout this program, students are mentored by experience and successful university social science education faculty. Based on the students previous graduate course work, students may be required to complete additional graduate social science education (SSE) courses and/or graduate content courses beyond the minimum requirements.
- SSE 7XXX History of Social Studies Education Seminar (3 credit hours)
- SSE 7XXX Research in Social Science Education Seminar (3 credit hours)
- SSE 7XXX Content and Program Analysis in Social Science Education (3 credit hours)
- SSE 6XXX Teaching with Film in the Social Studies (3 credit hours)
- SSE 6XXX Digital History in the K-12 Classroom (3 credit hours)
- Cognate Courses in the social sciences (3 credit hours, course must be approved by adviser)
Internship—3 Credit Hours Minimum
Specialization in all tracks must include 3 credit hours of internship (minimum)
- SSE 7XXX Internship in Social Science Education (3 credit hours, course may be repeated)
Internship—3 Credit Hours Minimum
Specialization in all tracks must include a professional internship. In the Communication Sciences and Disorders Track, however, students must complete a two-part internship: one in university teaching (2 credit hours) the other in clinical supervision for (2 credit hours) for children, adolescents and adults with disorders in language and literacy. The Hospitality Education Track does not require a professional internship.
Dissertation—24 Credit Hours Minimum
Doctoral students must present a prospectus for the dissertation to the doctoral adviser, prepare a proposal and present it to the dissertation committee, and defend the final research submission with the dissertation committee.
Candidacy
To enter candidacy for the Ph.D., students must have an overall 3.0 grade point average on all graduate work included in the planned program and pass all required examinations.
Candidacy Examinations
- Examinations must be completed prior to admission to candidacy.
- Examinations will be scheduled by the student and major adviser. The associate dean for graduate studies and research must be notified of the date and location of the exam 30 days in advance.
- Research in the Specialization—8-hour written examination
- Specialization—3-hour oral examination
Financial Support
Graduate students may receive financial assistance through fellowships, assistantships, tuition support, or loans. For more information, see Financing Grad School, which describes the types of financial assistance available at UCF and provides general guidance in planning your graduate finances. The Financial Information section of the Graduate Catalog is another key resource.
Key points about financial support:
- If you are interested in financial assistance, you are strongly encouraged to apply for admission early. A complete application for admission, including all supporting documents, must be received by the priority date listed for your program under "Admissions."
- You must be admitted to a graduate program before the university can consider awarding financial assistance to you.
- If you want to be considered for loans and other need-based financial assistance, review the UCF Student Financial Assistance website at http://finaid.ucf.edu and complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) form, which is available online at http://www.fafsa.ed.gov. Apply early and allow up to six weeks for the FAFSA form to be processed.
- UCF Graduate Studies awards university graduate fellowships, with most decisions based on nominations from the colleges and programs. To be eligible for a fellowship, students must be accepted as a graduate student in a degree program and be enrolled full-time. University graduate fellowships are awarded based on academic merit and are therefore not affected by FAFSA determination of need.
- Please note that select fellowships do require students to fill out a fellowship application (either a university fellowship application, an external fellowship application, or a college or school fellowship application). For university fellowship applications, see Financing Grad School.
- For information on assistantships (including teaching, research, and general graduate assistantships) or tuition support, contact the graduate program director of your major.
Contact Info
Doctor of Philosophy in Education
Mike Robinson, Ph.D., Professor
Phone Number: 407-823-3819
erobinso@mail.ucf.edu
Communication Sciences and Disorders Track
Jane Lieberman, PhD, Professor
Phone Number: 407-823-4798
jlieberm@mail.ucf.edu
Counselor Education Track
Mike Robinson, Ph.D., Professor
Phone Number: 407-823-3819
erobinso@mail.ucf.edu
Elementary Education Track
Sherron Roberts, Ed.D., Assistant Professor
Phone Number: 407-823-2016
skrobert@mail.ucf.edu
Exceptional Education Track
Lisa Dieker, Ph.D., Associate Professor
Phone Number: 407-823-3885
ldieker@mail.ucf.edu
Higher Education Track
Rosa Cintron-Delgado, Ph.D., Associate Professor
Phone Number: 407-823-1248
rcintron@mail.ucf.edu
Hospitality Education Track
Paul Rompf, Ph.D., Associate Professor
Phone Number: 407-903-8027
prompf@mail.ucf.edu
Instructional Technology Track
Atsusi Hirumi, Ph.D., Associate Professor
Phone Number: 407-823-4835
hirumi@mail.ucf.edu
Mathematics Education Track
Mike Hynes, Ph.D., Professor
Phone Number: 407-823-2005
hynes@mail.ucf.edu
Science Education Track
Bobby Jeanpierre, Ph.D., Associate Professor
Phone Number: 407-823-4930
bjeanpie@mail.ucf.edu
Social Science Education Track
William Russell, Assistant Professor
Phone Number: 407-823-4345
russell@mail.ucf.edu