University Catalog 2026-2027

EXPLORE PROGRAMSAPPLY

Teacher Education and Learning Sciences

The PhD in Teacher Education and Learning Sciences prepares scholar leaders who deeply understand both their content areas and research methodologies. Our graduates are ready to engage in research that addresses current challenges in K-12 education and participate in cross-disciplinary inquiry that deals with real problems in teaching and learning in forward-looking ways. 

The program is primarily designed to prepare students for roles as researchers and educators in higher education and industry, or for instructional leadership at school district and state levels. Our students work in one of six concentrations: Educational Equity; Educational Psychology; Elementary Education in Math and Science; Learning, Design, & Technology; Literacy & English Language Arts; and Social Studies Education.

Doctoral Degree Requirements

The course of study includes 60 hours: 6 hours of department core courses, 6 hours College of Education core courses, 15 hours of methods courses, concentration core courses, and electives. Course requirements vary by concentration. Students may transfer up to 18 hours of master's credit in consultation with their advisors.

Student Financial Support

Students are funded through a variety of opportunities, some of which cover tuition and fees. Stipend and length of appointment varies based on funding source. Eligible students may receive coverage of their tuition and health insurance through the Graduate Student Support Plan (GSSP). All applicants are automatically considered for funding opportunities that require department nomination. 

  • Research Assistantships: Research assistantships are awarded to students working with a faculty member on an externally-funded research grant. Individual faculty select students for these awards.
  • Teaching Assistantships: Teaching assistantships are rewarded to students with applicable experience to teach undergraduate courses or supervise teacher interns. Students are selected based on department needs.
  • College Fellowships: Offices in the College of Education regularly offer assistantships for research and teaching positions. These are announced each spring.
  • University Fellowships: The Graduate School offers several fellowships for new students, including the University Graduate Fellowship and the Provost’s Fellowship. The Director of Graduate Programs nominates applicants for these awards.
  • External Fellowships: Applicants are encouraged to apply for fellowships from the National Science Foundation and other national programs.

More Information

Teacher Education and Learning Sciences Program Website

 
 

Admission Requirements

Admission requirements are specific to each concentration. Requirements may include a personal statement, a resume or curriculum vitae, letters of recommendation, a writing sample, and GRE scores that are less than five years old. Please see each concentration website for more information.

Applicant Information

  • Delivery Method: On-Campus
  • Entrance Exam: Each concentration sets GRE requirements. 
  • Interview Required: Yes

Our department does not offer application fee waivers.

Waivers of English proficiency requirements are available to students who have completed a degree at an university where English is the language of instruction, who have spent a significant amount of time in the United States or an English-speaking country, or who are able to demonstrate proficiency in an interview. Before inquiring about a waiver, please submit all other application materials.

Application Deadlines

  • Fall: December 1
  • Summer 1 or 2: December 1

Degrees

Professors

  • Sarah Carrier, Department Head
  • Maria Coady, Goodnight Distinguished Professor of Education
  • Cathy Crossland, Director, Diagnostic Teaching Clinic
  • Dennis Davis, Director of MEd/MS Programs
  • Jessica Hunt
  • Devin Kearnes, Goodnight Distinguished Professor in Early Literacy
  • Meghan Manfra
  • Patricia Marshall
  • Florence Martin
  • James Minogue, Director of Undergraduate Programs
  • John Nietfeld
  • Kevin Oliver
  • Margareta Thomson
  • Temple Walkowiak
  • Angela Wiseman

Associate Professors

  • Christy Byrd, Director of PhD Programs
  • DeLeon Gray
  • Jill Grifenhagen
  • Paula McAvoy
  • Julia McKeown
  • Jamie Pearson
  • Jackie Relyea
  • Carl Young

Associate Teaching Professors

  • Drinda Benge
  • Micha Jeffries, Director of MAT
  • Joanna Koch

Assistant Professors

  • Ela Castellanos-Reyes
  • Joey Huang
  • Michael Andre Jarry-Shore
  • Samantha Marshall
  • Amato Nocera

Assistant Teaching Professors

  • Vandna Bindra
  • Jill Jones
  • Jordan Lukins
  • Jared Stewart-Ginsburg

Lecturers

  • Betsy Knight
  • Kari Kuebel, Senior Lecturer

University-School Partnership Coordinator

  • Keith Walkowiak

University-School Partnership Supervisors

  • April Bartley
  • Marcia Davis

TELS Core (6 hours)

ECI 735 Seminar on Teaching and Teaching Education (3 hours)

ECI 736 Seminar on Learning Sciences (3 hours)

College Scholar Leader Courses (6 hours) 

ED 755: Scholar Leader: Diversity and Equity in Schools and Communities (3 hours) 

ED 756: Scholar Leader: Systemic Change in Education and Society (3 hours) 

Research Methods (15 hours) 

ED 710: Applied Quantitative Methods in Education (3 hours) 

ED 730: Introduction to Qualitative Research in Education (3 hours)  

Elective advanced research methods courses (9 hours)

Concentration Core and Elective Courses

Varies by concentration

Dissertation (9 hours)

ECI 895 Doctoral Dissertation Research