Graduate Programs

ACADEMICS

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Science Education

The Ph.D. Program in Science Education at Purdue University is designed primarily for students who want to specialize in science teacher education and science education research. The program also serves students aiming to teach science in small liberal arts colleges or seeking supervisory posts in national, state, or local systems.

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” section below.

July 1 is the deadline for Fall applications.

November 15 is the deadline for Spring applications.

March 15 is the deadline for Summer applications.

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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.

Admissions

View Admissions Information

Application Instructions for the Science Education PhD program from the Office of Graduate Studies:

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.

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 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.

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: Please select your particular concentration of interest from the following list:
  - Earth/Space Science Education
  - Biology Education
  - Chemistry Education
  - Geoenvironmental Education
  - Physics Education
  - If you are unsure about your concentration of interest, please select Science Education.
- Please select a Degree Objective: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
- Primary Course Delivery: Residential

Program Requirements

View Requirements

This program is comprised of coursework and other experiences in four major areas:

Science Education Studies
Science Content
Curriculum and Instruction Foundations Departmental Core
Educational Research Design

Science Education Requirements

EDCI 51700, Survey of Science Education (3cr.)
EDCI 51800, The Nature of Science in Science Teaching (3cr.)
EDCI 51000, Research Colloquium in Science Education (1 cr.)
EDCI 69500, Internship in Science Education (3cr.)
Science Education: Select two courses from: EDCI 56700, EDCI 60500, EDCI 61800, EDCI 61900, EDCI 62200

Science Education Elective Requirement

Select two courses from:
- EDCI 50600
- EDCI 51600
- EDCI 53900
- EDCI 55800
- EDCI 56700
- EDCI 59100
- EDCI 60500
- EDCI 61800
- EDCI 61900
- EDCI 62000
- CHM 61000