Curriculum and Instruction, Ph.D.

Saint Louis University's doctoral program in curriculum and instruction is designed for individuals who work in educational settings, including schools, nonprofits and community organizations, and who wish to deepen their knowledge of teaching and learning.

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 trains students to produce original research and advocate for educational change.  

Students who live in Cyprus and are in the Cyprus cohort should follow the Cyprus Track roadmap.

Curriculum Overview

This doctoral program emphasizes the tools of research and the interplay of theory and practice in education. The degree requires the completion of 30-36 credits of course work, 12 credits of dissertation research, a comprehensive written examination, an oral examination/proposal defense, and a public presentation and defense of the dissertation.

Careers

Possible career paths for graduates with advanced degrees in curriculum and instruction include faculty positions in colleges and universities, positions in research institutes and organizations, curriculum coordinator, teacher educator, educational outreach coordinator, nonprofit specialist, special educator and adult educator.

Admission Requirements

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• Master degree from a regionally accredit institution.
• Transcript(s)
• Three letters of recommendation
• GRE or other applicable graduate entry exam scores
• Résumé
• Professional goal statement

Requirements for International Students

Along with the general admission requirements above, the following must be provided by prospective international students:

• Demonstration of English Language Proficiency.
• Proof of financial support that must include:
  • 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, 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.

Please note that application deadlines for this program differ for international students.

Review Process

A committee reviews each application holistically.

Application Deadlines

Domestic students should apply for the fall semester by June 15 and for the spring semester by Nov. 1. International students should apply by May 1 for the fall semester and by Oct. 1 for the spring semester.

Scholarships and Financial Aid

For priority consideration for graduate assistantships, apply by Jan. 15. 

For more information, visit the student financial services office online at https://www.slu.edu/financial-aid  

1. Graduates will be able to explain learning and curriculum theories.
2. Graduates will be able to research questions in the field of curriculum and instruction.
3. Graduates will be able to analyze social justice issues in education.
4. Graduates will be able to explain how learning and curriculum theories are used to develop education programs.
5. Graduates will be able to use oral and written communication.

Introductory Research Courses

Students must complete master’s level graduate research coursework as prerequisites for advanced research courses. Students are required to successfully complete the following three research courses. Up to six credits may be waived based on students’ prior coursework.  

Advanced Research Courses

Students choose six credits of research electives from either the qualitative or quantitative focus (see lists below).

Non-Course Requirements

• Students must pass a comprehensive written examination.
• Students must pass an oral examination/proposal defense.
• Students must pass a public presentation and defense of their dissertation.

Continuation Standards

Students must maintain a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.00 in all graduate/professional courses.

Roadmaps are recommended semester-by-semester plans of study for programs and assume full-time enrollment unless otherwise noted.  

Courses and milestones designated as critical (marked with !) must be completed in the semester listed to ensure a timely graduation. Transfer credit may change the roadmap.

This roadmap should not be used in the place of regular academic advising appointments. All students are encouraged to meet with their advisor/mentor each semester. Requirements, course availability and sequencing are subject to change.

Standard Track

Cyprus Track

Program Notes

Students must complete master’s level graduate research coursework as prerequisites for advanced research courses. Students are required to successfully complete the following three research courses: EDR 5000 General Research Methods for Education (3 cr) EDR 5100 Intro to Inferential Stats: Ed (3 cr) and EDR 5400 Qualitative Research in Education (3 cr). Up to six credits may be waived based on students’ prior coursework. 

Twenty-four hours of research coursework is required (including 12 hours of dissertation research).

• All students take the remaining master’s level prerequisite course – EDR 5000, EDR 5100, or EDR 5400 (3 hours)/
• All students take EDR 6970 Research Topics in Education (3 cr).
• Students then choose six hours of research electives from either the qualitative or quantitative focus (see lists below).

Research Electives: Qualitative Research Focus

Research Electives: Quantitative Research Focus

Content Electives

Apply for Admission

For additional admission questions, please contact:
Saint Louis University School of Education
314-977-3292
slued@slu.edu