Ph.D. Program Details

Coursework:

The academic coursework is designed to develop the knowledge base necessary for effective research and scholarship development.

Residency Requirement:

Students must complete six credit hours of graduate level coursework over two consecutive semesters. During this period the student is to be involved in full-time academic pursuits. This residency requirement must be fulfilled before comprehensive examinations can take place.

Comprehensive Exams

Upon completion of all coursework, the student is eligible for the comprehensive examination. The comprehensive examination consists of both a written and oral part and test the student's knowledge of the areas of the coursework; ability to reason, evaluate and draw supportable conclusions; and knowledge of current issues and trends within the field.

Dissertation

After successfully passing the comprehensive exams, the student must present a dissertation showing the planning, conduct, and results of original research and scholarly creativity. The purpose of the dissertation is to encourage and ensure the development of broad intellectual capabilities as well as to demonstrate an intensive focus on a problem or research area.

Program Curriculum

The program’s curriculum reflects the needs and aspirations of each student, and prepares researchers, teachers and educational leaders for a variety of positions. Students will specify an area of interest in which classes and research work will be completed and in which he/she expects to become a scholar. This area of focus requires at least 36 graduate credit hours completed at the University of Kansas, exclusive of dissertation credit hours and research skill requirements. The doctoral student, with the assistance of a faculty advisor, will construct a doctoral program plan of coursework and research opportunities.

Course Requirements

Please note, this is a potential plan of study. Please consult with your faculty advisor before enrolling.

Additional Requirements

Curriculum & instruction courses: 24 credit hours
Content elective courses: 12 credit hours
Total (minimum) for program: 72 credit hours

Graduate Admission

Applicants must have a master's degree or equivalent with at least a 3.5 grade point average on a 4.0 scale. International applicants are strongly encouraged to complete the application process well in advance of the application deadlines in order to ensure adequate time for processing of visa-related paperwork. Meeting minimum admission standards does not guarantee admission to the program. Applicants are strongly advised to contact one (or more) of the faculty members in the department prior to applying for the doctoral program.

Application deadlines

Mar. 3, 2025

Fall semester application deadline

Application Checklist

Ph.D. in Curriculum & Instruction

Applicants are required to submit the following materials and meet the following requirements before the application deadline:

Admission & Curriculum Resources

The online application is designed to give you the ability to submit all supporting documents in one form. We invite you to explore our graduate degree information, review our student resources, and learn more on our knowledgeable faculty and the vibrant community of Lawrence, Kansas.

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