Elementary education MA / PhD
To ensure the success of all of our C&I MA and PhD current students, enhance the student experience for future graduate students, and based upon changing federal education guidelines and available funding, the Department of Curriculum & Instruction is pausing admissions on this program for one calendar year. No students will be admitted to start this program in the Fall 2027-Spring 2028 academic year. Admissions processes will resume in Fall 2027 to admit students for Fall 2028. All updated admissions information will be available by September 2027.
The pause of admissions only applies to the MA and/or PhD program on this page. This does not affect the admissions and enrollment procedures for other programs such as the Curriculum & Instruction's MEd programs or certificates. Those programs will continue to admit and enroll students without pause.
The MA/PhD track in elementary education will allow you to contribute to the advancement of knowledge necessary to address the dynamic challenges of contemporary education at the elementary level. We train leaders in educational research and encourage students to dive deep into their own area of research.
This program emphasizes:
- A focus on interdisciplinary approaches to curriculum development
- The use of inquiry as a key pedagogical approach
- The importance of a strong understanding of diversity and its social and educational implications
- Child development and learning theories as the foundation for research and teaching in elementary settings
Quote from Younkyung Hong
I was drawn to this program when I learned that the faculty and graduate students in the program are not only doing academic work, but also engaging with the public to improve education.
Coursework
Curriculum
As a full-time graduate student, you will have opportunities to:
- Supervise student teachers
- Teach courses in elementary teacher education
- Conduct research
- Engage with faculty and student colleagues in research/discussion groups related to the study of elementary education as a contextual space
- Present at conferences for researchers and practitioners
Your PhD coursework will center on your research interests. The program consists of 48 course credits and 24 doctoral thesis credits for a total of 72 credits
To view the core curriculum and electives visit the course catalog and view Requirements > Program Sub-Plan Requirements > Elementary Education.
Research opportunities
Students can engage in research that ties into their area of interest. Faculty work closely with each cohort to achieve research and educational goals. Learn more about the student research experience in the Department of Curriculum and Instruction.
Masters of arts students
Students can choose either a thesis (Plan A) or final paper (Plan B) to complete their degree. See the requirements for both curriculum plans.
To view the core requirements for elementary education in the course catalog, find Requirements > Program Sub-Plan Requirements > Elementary Education.
Doctoral curriculum
Your PhD coursework will center on your research interests. The program consists of 48 course credits and 24 doctoral thesis credits for a total of 72 credits.
To see the curriculum requirements in detail, visit the course catalog under sub-plans for elementary education.
Career outlook
Graduates of the program have assumed positions as university faculty, instructional leaders in the public schools, curriculum development specialists, and assessment specialists.
Graduates have found employment in the following positions:
- Associate professor, Wright State
- Professor, University of Minnesota
- Associate professor, Western Carolina University
Request information
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