Doctor of Philosophy in Science Education

Science Education – PH6856

Department of Teacher Education
Patton Hall, Suite 309
Ohio University
Athens, OH 45701
740.593.4400
TEgraduate.doctorate@ohio.edu

Delivery Mode: Athens Campus

Term of Entry: Fall only

Terms of Entry Requiring Program Permission: None

Program Overview

The Ph.D. program in Science Education is built on a common foundation of learning theory, the social and cultural contexts of education, curriculum and instruction theory, the moral and ethical dimensions of leadership, and quantitative and qualitative research methodologies. In addition to completing a dissertation, it is expected that all students completing a doctoral degree in Science Education will demonstrate knowledge and skills in a common core of competencies and an area of specialization. For each individual scholar, coursework serves as the basis for investigating a significant educational issue that will advance the field of science education and prepare them for future research. Every student in the PhD program in Science Education has the opportunity to construct a highly individualized program based on each scholar’s career goals. Specializations are available based on the expertise of doctoral faculty. The Ph.D. program in Science Education can be completed full- or part-time. For full-time students, program completion typically requires 4 years.

Program Learning Outcomes

By the end of the program, doctoral candidates will:

• Demonstrate a strong foundation in a science subject field and the current trends and issues in science education.
• Use their understanding about how PK–16 students learn and engage in science to develop, evaluate, and investigate equitable and inclusive science education curriculum, teaching, assessment, and technology.
• Discuss, evaluate, and synthesize the theories and body of literature central to science education, professional preparation for science teachers, and K–12 science learning. 
• Develop teaching skills for university-based science and science education courses or professional development.
• Conduct independent empirical research that uses research methodologies appropriate to the study of science education and is suitable for professional publication and presentations.
• Provide leadership and advocacy through science education research and science teacher education.

Opportunities for Graduates

A key strength of the program is its ability to provide individualized programs of study for scholars with a wide variety of interests who seek to serve as leaders in various facets of education. The Center for Clinical Practice, Coalition of Rural and Appalachian Schools, Institute for Democracy in Education, the Child Development Center, the OHIO Center for Equity in Mathematics and Science (OCEMS), and the Stevens Literacy Center provide opportunities to participate and gain experience in research, professional development, outreach activities, and teacher education.

Further Information

Link to Program: https://www.ohio.edu/education/teacher-ed/doctorate/science

Admission Requirements

Applications for a Ph.D. program in the Department of Teacher Education are required to include:

1. Current curriculum vitae or résumé that is at least two pages and not to exceed four pages.
2. Unofficial undergraduate and graduate transcripts. Applicants should submit unofficial transcripts from all institutions attended as part of the online application. If you have attended Ohio University, the Graduate College will add those transcripts in the system for you. Please note that a master’s degree from a regionally accredited institution or equivalent is required.
3. Graduate Record Exam (GRE) scores. Official test scores must be reported directly to Ohio University using the institution code 1593. Scores over seven years old will not be accepted for admission.
4. Three letters of recommendation. Recommendation letters should come from both college professors or advisors and employers or professional colleagues.
5. Goal statement. The goal statement should explain why you are interested in pursuing a doctoral degree in your chosen program at Ohio University and how it will serve your future career goals. In doing so applicants will likely reference educational experiences, professional work experiences, and leadership experiences. Applicants might also identify an educational problem or concern that drives them to pursue a doctoral degree. Because the PhD is a research degree, applicants can identify a potential topic (or topics) as research interests, but a fully developed research agenda is not required. The statement is not to exceed two double-spaced typewritten pages. Please contact the Graduate Program Coordinator if you have questions about the goal statement.
6. Academic writing sample. Submit a piece of academic writing that demonstrates both technical writing skills and the ability to make logical claims and support them with evidence and references. The writing sample could be a published paper, a paper submitted for a course, a master’s project thesis, or a new paper can be composed. The Graduate Program Coordinator can offer assistance in choosing an appropriate sample and, if an appropriate sample is not available, can provide a writing prompt to which you may respond.
7. International Applicants. Non-native speakers of English must submit official results of one of two standardized tests: Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS). This is required even if the applicant has previously attended a U.S. institution or has (or will have) a master’s degree from an accredited U.S. institution. Certification of completion of another institution’s English Language Program will not be accepted. Official TOEFL or IELTS scores must be reported directly from the testing agency to Ohio University. Photocopies and/or faxes of English proficiency scores are not accepted. Ohio University can no longer issue an I-20 to a student with the provision to test upon arrival. Please take note of the Graduate College English proficiency requirements. The department of Teacher Education will not accept scores more than five years old.

• Unconditional Admission WITHOUT Funding Eligibility
  • TOEFL iBT – 70 Composite, Writing 17, all other Section Scores of 15
  • IELTS – 6.0 Composite, all Bands 6.0
• Unconditional Admission WITH Eligibility for Funding
  • TOEFL iBT – 80 Composite, all Section Scores = 17
  • IELTS – 6.5 Composite, all Bands 6.5

All applications will be reviewed holistically; however, prospective Ph.D. students are generally expected to have:

• Master’s degree from a regionally accredited institution or equivalent.
• Master’s grade point average of at least 3.4 (4.0 point scale)
• Score of at least 300 (verbal and quantitative combined) on the Graduate Record Exam (GRE).
• Experience and prior education relevant to the science education specialization area. This might include a graduate or undergraduate degree in a science or science education related field as well as PK–12 or post-secondary science or science related teaching experience, advanced content preparation, inservice professional development or professional development leadership experience, curriculum/standards development and design, etc.

International Students

This program permits full-time enrollment in residence at Ohio University, and an I-20 may be issued based on admission to this program.

Graduation Requirements

The Science Education doctoral program requires a minimum of 68 semester hours beyond the master’s degree.