Curriculum Studies
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
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Purdue’s graduate program in curriculum studies explores the cultural, political, and economic dimensions of education, with emphases on social justice, multiculturalism, and international concerns.
We focus on the theories and practices of teaching and learning: both traditional questions concerning curriculum design and evaluation and newer questions that have emerged in the field, including how curriculum is culturally, politically, and economically situated; contemporary analyses of curriculum and instruction discourses; and multicultural, global and international dimensions of teaching and learning.
This residential program has rolling admission. Applications must be fully complete and submitted (including all required materials) and all application fees paid prior to the deadline in order for applications to be considered and reviewed. For a list of all required materials for this program application, please see the “Admissions” tab.
Application Deadlines
April 15* is the deadline for Fall applications.
November 15 is the deadline for Spring applications.
March 15 is the deadline for Summer applications.
*Those applicants interested in being considered for any available PhD funding should submit completed applications by December 1 for the following Fall semester.
Program at a Glance
- Major/Department: Curriculum and Instruction
- Research Area: Curriculum Studies
- Degree Objective: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
- Program Delivery: Residential
- Does this program lead to licensure? *No, this is a non-licensure program
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Courses
Curriculum Studies and C&I Core
17 credit hours
Required 11 credits:
- EDCI 58000 Foundations of Curriculum
- EDCI 58500 Multicultural Education
- EDCI 62800 Doctoral Seminar I
- EDCI 63800 Doctoral Seminar II
- EDCI 68200 Contemporary Curriculum Theory
An additional 3 credits of Humanities or Social Sciences taken outside of C&I, determined in conjunction with advisor.
An additional 3 credits in Curriculum:
- EDCI 59000 Individual Research Problems (curriculum focus)
- EDCI 68400 Seminar in Curriculum Studies (may be repeated for credit)
Curriculum Studies Elective Focus Area
15 credit hours
Educational Research Courses
The candidate must complete the following research methodology courses before embarking on their thesis project.
- EDPS 53300 Introduction to Research in Education
- EDCI 61500 Qualitative Research I
- Introductory Statistics
- Advanced Elective (qualitative or quantitative methods)
- EDPS 63000 Research Seminar OR approved Curriculum Studies substitute
Admissions
In addition to a submitted application (and any applicable application fees paid), the following materials are required for admission consideration, and all completed materials must be submitted by the application deadline in order for an application to be considered complete and forwarded on to faculty and the Purdue Graduate School for review.
A completed master’s degree is required prior to admission.
Application Requirements
Here are the materials required for this application
- Transcripts (from all universities attended)
- Minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
- 3 Recommendations
- Resume/CV
- Academic Statement of Purpose
- Personal History Statement
- International Applicants must meet English Proficiency Requirements set by the Purdue Graduate School
We encourage prospective students to submit an application early, even if not all required materials are uploaded. Applications are not forwarded on for faculty review until all required materials are uploaded.
How to Apply
When submitting your application for this program, please select the following options:
- Campus and Program Tab:
- Select a Campus: Purdue West Lafayette (PWL)
- Select your proposed graduate major: Curriculum and Instruction
- First Choice Program Details Tab:
- Please select an Area of Interest: Curriculum Studies
- Please select a Degree Objective: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
- Primary Course Delivery: Residential
This program does not lead to licensure in the state of Indiana or elsewhere. Contact the College of Education Office of Teacher Education and Licensure (OTEL) at licensure@purdue.edu before continuing with program application if you have questions regarding licensure or contact your state Department of Education about how this program may translate to licensure in your state of residence.
Faculty
