Curriculum and Instruction - Ph.D.

Become a leader in Curriculum and Instruction with Kent State's Ph.D. program. Conduct original research and develop expertise in curriculum theory to shape the future of education.

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Program Information for Curriculum and Instruction - Ph.D.

Program Description

Program Description

Full Description

The Ph.D. degree in Curriculum and Instruction prepares scholars for successful careers in college and university settings and produces curriculum leaders for schools and other educational institutions. The program is relevant for qualified students interested in issues related to educational research with a curriculum and instruction focus. Upon completion of the program, students will have gained insight into what it means to transition from doctoral student to disciplined scholar.

The major comprises the following concentrations:

  • Adapted/Physical Education
  • Curriculum and Teaching Studies
  • Educational Technology
  • Early Childhood Education
  • Literacy
  • Mathematics Education
  • Science Education
  • Social Studies Education

Admissions for Curriculum and Instruction - Ph.D.

Admissions

For more information about graduate admissions, visit the graduate admission website. For more information on international admissions, visit the international admission website.

Admission Requirements

  • Master's degree from an accredited college or university
  • Minimum 2.750 graduate GPA on a 4.000-point scale (minimum 3.500 graduate GPA is recommended) starting with spring 2026 admission term, minimum 3.000 graduate GPA will be required
  • Official transcript(s)
  • Résumé or curriculum vitae
  • Application essay
  • Two letters of recommendation
  • Interview
  • English language proficiency - all international students must provide proof of English language proficiency (unless they meet specific exceptions to waive) by earning one of the following:1
    • Minimum 79 TOEFL iBT score
    • Minimum 6.5 IELTS score
    • Minimum 58 PTE score
    • Minimum 110 DET score
1

International applicants who do not meet the above test scores may be considered for conditional admission.

Application Deadlines

  • Fall Semester
    • Application Deadline: July 15
  • Spring Semester
    • Application Deadline: November 15
  • Summer Term
    • Application Deadline: April 15 (domestic students only)

All application materials (including applicable fee, transcripts, recommendation letters, etc.) submitted after these deadlines will be considered on a space-available basis.

Learning Outcomes

Learning Outcomes

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates of the program will be able to:

  1. Practice research-based leadership.
  2. Function as responsible, informed researchers in a specific curriculum and instruction area of study and professional practice.
  3. Establish a disciplined life of inquiry.
  4. Conduct research informed by multicultural education literature.

Coursework

On This Page

Program Requirements

Major Requirements

Major Requirements
CI 87000THEORY AND RESEARCH IN TEACHING 3
CI 87001THEORY AND RESEARCH IN CURRICULUM 3
CI 87002FORMS OF INQUIRY IN CURRICULUM AND INSTRUCTION 3
RMS 75510STATISTICS I FOR EDUCATIONAL SERVICES 3
RMS 85515QUANTITATIVE RESEARCH DESIGN AND ANALYSIS 3
RMS 85516QUALITATIVE RESEARCH DESIGN 3
RMS 85517ADVANCED QUANTITATIVE RESEARCH IN EDUCATIONAL SERVICES 13
or RMS 85518 ADVANCED QUALITATIVE RESEARCH IN EDUCATIONAL SERVICES
Doctoral Elective (70000 or 80000 level) Approved by Prospectus Committee3
Culminating Requirement
CI 80001PROSEMINAR IN CURRICULUM AND INSTRUCTION I 3
CI 80090RESIDENCY II 3
CI 80199DISSERTATION I 230
Concentrations
Choose from the following:12
Adapted/Physical Education
Curriculum and Teaching Studies
Educational Technology
Early Childhood Education
Literacy
Mathematics Education
Science Education
Social Studies Education
Minimum Total Credit Hours:72
1

Students may complete another specialized research methods course with approval.

2

Upon admission to candidacy, each doctoral candidate must register for CI 80199. It is expected that a doctoral candidate will continuously register for Dissertation I for a total of 30 credit hours, and thereafter CI 80299, each semester until all requirements for the degree have been met.

Adapted/Physical Education Concentration Requirements

Concentration Requirements
Concentration Electives, choose from the following:12
CI 75592
PRACTICUM IN ADAPTED PHYSICAL EDUCATION
CI 77096
INDIVIDUAL INVESTIGATION IN CURRICULUM AND INSTRUCTION
CI 85025
CONTEMPORARY ISSUES IN SPORT PEDAGOGY - AN INTERNATIONAL PERSPECTIVE
CI 85037
ADAPTED PHYSICAL EDUCATION
CI 85044
PEDAGOGICAL ANALYSIS OF PHYSICAL EDUCATION AND SPORT
CI 85055
CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT IN SPORT PEDAGOGY
Other doctoral-level course, with advisor approval
Minimum Total Credit Hours:12

Curriculum and Teaching Studies Concentration Requirements

Concentration Requirements
Concentration Electives, choose from the following:12
CI 71130
MULTICULTURAL EDUCATION: STRATEGIES
CI 77002
CURRICULUM LEADERSHIP
CI 77003
TEACHER EDUCATION
CI 77005
INTERCULTURAL DIMENSIONS OF TEACHING AND LEARNING
CI 77010
CURRICULUM EVALUATION
Minimum Total Credit Hours:12

Educational Technology Concentration Requirements

Concentration Requirements
ETEC 77420RESEARCH ISSUES IN EDUCATIONAL TECHNOLOGY 3
ETEC 77491SEMINAR: EDUCATIONAL TECHNOLOGY 3
ETEC 87450LEARNING WITH EDUCATIONAL TECHNOLOGIES 3
Educational Technology (ETEC) Doctoral-Level Elective (70000 or 80000 level)3
Minimum Total Credit Hours:12

Early Childhood Education Concentration Requirements

Concentration Requirements
Concentration Electives, choose from the following:12
ECED 70152
APPLICATION OF SELECTED THEORETICAL PRINCIPLES TO THE DEVELOPMENT OF YOUNG CHILDREN
ECED 70158
RECONCEPTUALIZING EARLY CHILDHOOD CURRICULUM
ECED 70163
CONTEMPORARY ISSUES AND TRENDS IN EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION
ECED 70170
WRITING FOR PUBLICATION AND DISSEMINATION IN EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION
ECED 80298
RESEARCH IN EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION
Minimum Total Credit Hours:12

Literacy Concentration Requirements

Concentration Requirements
CI 87340RESEARCH IN READING 3
CI 87342SEMINAR IN READING AND LANGUAGE 3
CI 87343RESEARCH IN TEACHING OF WRITING 3
CI 87398RESEARCH IN READING AND LANGUAGE ARTS 3
Minimum Total Credit Hours:12

Mathematics Education Concentration Requirements

Concentration Requirements
CI 77225RESEARCH IN MATHEMATICS EDUCATION 3
CI 87791DOCTORAL SEMINAR IN MATHEMATICS EDUCATION 3
Concentration Electives, choose from the following:6
CI 77095
SPECIAL TOPICS IN CURRICULUM AND INSTRUCTION
CI 77224
TEACHING MATHEMATICS WITH TECHNOLOGY
CI 77226
IMPROVING MATHEMATICS INSTRUCTION IN MIDDLE CHILDHOOD
Minimum Total Credit Hours:12

Science Education Concentration Requirements

Concentration Requirements
CI 71133ISSUES AND TRENDS IN ELEMENTARY SCIENCE 3
CI 71134RESEARCH TRENDS IN SCIENCE EDUCATION 3
CI 71140CULTURE AND MULTICULTURALISM IN SCIENCE EDUCATION 3
CI 71141NATURE OF SCIENCE IN SCIENCE EDUCATION 3
Minimum Total Credit Hours:12

Social Studies Education Concentration Requirements

Concentration Requirements
Concentration Electives, choose from the following:12
CI 71124
EDUCATING THE GOOD CITIZEN
CI 71125
ISSUES AND TRENDS IN SOCIAL STUDIES EDUCATION
CI 71126
RESEARCH IN SOCIAL STUDIES TEACHING AND LEARNING
CI 71127
TECHNOLOGY AND SOCIAL STUDIES
CI 77095
SPECIAL TOPICS IN CURRICULUM AND INSTRUCTION
Minimum Total Credit Hours:12

Graduation Requirements
Minimum Major GPA Minimum Overall GPA
- 3.000
  • Students may be required to take an introductory course on fundamentals of curriculum and other additional coursework, as well as research activities that support their scholarly interests in the context of doctoral socialization.

Comprehensive Examination Requirements

The course phase of study culminates with a written and oral comprehensive examination that is created and evaluated by each doctoral student’s prospectus committee. Students choose one of the following options for the written component:

  • Eight-hour in-class written examination
  • Take-home written examination
  • Written examination and portfolio (this option must be selected when submitting the plan of study)

Once doctoral students have passed the comprehensive examination, they organize a dissertation committee, which supervises their dissertation research project.

Program Delivery

Program Delivery

  • Delivery:
    • In person
  • Location:
    • Kent Campus

Examples of Possible Careers and Salaries for Curriculum and Instruction - Ph.D.

Education teachers, postsecondary

4.8%

about as fast as the average

77,300

number of jobs

$65,440

potential earnings

Instructional coordinators

5.9%

faster than the average

192,900

number of jobs

$66,970

potential earnings

Additional Careers
  • University Professor

* Source of occupation titles and labor data comes from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics' Occupational Outlook Handbook. Data comprises projected percent change in employment over the next 10 years; nation-wide employment numbers; and the yearly median wage at which half of the workers in the occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less.

Notice: Career Information Source
* Source of occupation titles and labor data comes from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics' Occupational Outlook Handbook. Data comprises projected percent change in employment over the next 10 years; nation-wide employment numbers; and the yearly median wage at which half of the workers in the occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less.

Curriculum and Instruction - Ed.S.

The Educational Specialist degree in Curriculum and Instruction provides a wide range of graduate study opportunities in progressive, research-based curriculum and teaching practices. The program provides educators with advanced professional development beyond the master's degree for those who wish to become university educators or to hold leadership positions in areas of curriculum, supervision and teacher education.

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Program Information for Curriculum and Instruction - Ed.S.

Learning Outcomes

Learning Outcomes

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates of the program will be able to:

  1. Educate in multicultural settings.
  2. Function as professional leaders for curriculum reform and renewal.
  3. Demonstrate the disposition and skills for continuing professional development.

Admissions for Curriculum and Instruction - Ed.S.

Admissions

For more information about graduate admissions, visit the graduate admission website. For more information on international admissions, visit the international admission website.

Admission Requirements

  • Master's degree from an accredited college or university
  • Minimum 2.750 graduate GPA on a 4.000-point scale (minimum 3.250 graduate GPA is recommended) starting with spring 2026 admission term, minimum 3.000 graduate GPA will be required
  • Official transcript(s)
  • Résumé or curriculum vitae
  • Application essay
  • Two letters of recommendation
  • English language proficiency - all international students must provide proof of English language proficiency (unless they meet specific exceptions to waive) by earning one of the following:1
    • Minimum 79 TOEFL iBT score
    • Minimum 6.5 IELTS score
    • Minimum 58 PTE score
    • Minimum 110 DET score
1

International applicants who do not meet the above test scores may be considered for conditional admission.

Application Deadlines

  • Fall Semester
    • Application Deadline: July 15
  • Spring Semester
    • Application Deadline: November 15
  • Summer Term
    • Application Deadline: April 15 (domestic students only)

All application materials (including applicable fee, transcripts, recommendation letters, etc.) submitted after these deadlines will be considered on a space-available basis.

Coursework

On This Page

Program Requirements

Major Requirements

Major Requirements
CI 77001FUNDAMENTALS OF CURRICULUM 13
Research Elective3
Foundation Elective3
Additional Courses 221
Minimum Total Credit Hours:30
1

Students who completed CI 67001 as part of their master's degree do not need to retake the course (as CI 77001). However, the students will still need to meet the minimum 30 credit hours for the Ed.S. degree.

2

It is recommended that Ed.S. students complete an internship as part of their course work, in consultation with their advisor(s). If CI 77001 is included in the student's prospectus, a minimum of seven additional courses must be taken. If CI 77001 is not included in this prospectus, a minimum of eight additional courses must be taken.

Graduation Requirements
Minimum Major GPA Minimum Overall GPA
- 3.000
Program Delivery

Program Delivery

  • Delivery:
    • In person
  • Location:
    • Kent Campus

Examples of Possible Careers and Salaries for Curriculum and Instruction - Ed.S.

Education teachers, postsecondary

4.8%

about as fast as the average

77,300

number of jobs

$65,440

potential earnings

Instructional coordinators

5.9%

faster than the average

192,900

number of jobs

$66,970

potential earnings

Notice: Career Information Source
* Source of occupation titles and labor data comes from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics' Occupational Outlook Handbook. Data comprises projected percent change in employment over the next 10 years; nation-wide employment numbers; and the yearly median wage at which half of the workers in the occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less.

Curriculum and Instruction - M.Ed.

The Curriculum and Instruction M.Ed. program curriculum focused on the latest research and best practices in education, you'll gain the knowledge and experience you need to create effective learning experiences for your students. Whether you're a seasoned educator or just starting out, our program will provide you with the tools you need to succeed in today's ever-changing educational landscape.

Contact Us

  • Scott Courtney (Curriculum and Teaching Studies and Mathematics Education) | scourtn5@kent.edu | 330-672-2580
    Kristine Pytash (English/Language Arts Education) | kpytash@kent.edu | 330-672-0641
    Danielle Gruhler, Ph.D. (Middle Childhood Education) | dgruhler@kent.edu | 330-672-6517
    Lisa Borgerding, Ph.D. (Science Education) | ldonnell@kent.edu | 330-672-0614
    Lisa Testa, Ph.D. (Secondary Education) | etesta@kent.edu | 330-672-0647
    Todd Hawley, Ph.D. (Social Studies Education) | thawley1@kent.edu | 330-672-0670

Apply Now
Request Information
Schedule a Visit
Find All Majors

Program Information for Curriculum and Instruction - M.Ed.

Program Description

Program Description

Full Description

The Master of Education degree in Curriculum and Instruction provides a wide range of graduate study opportunities in progressive, research-based curriculum and teaching practices. The program prepares educators for continuing professional development, education in a multicultural society and leadership for curriculum reform and renewal.

The Curriculum and Instruction major comprises the following concentrations:

  • Curriculum and Teaching Studies
  • English/Language Arts Education
  • Mathematics Education
  • Middle Childhood Education
  • Science Education
  • Secondary Education
  • Social Studies Education

The concentrations do not lead to teacher education licensure or endorsement.

Admissions for Curriculum and Instruction - M.Ed.

Admissions

For more information about graduate admissions, visit the graduate admission website. For more information on international admissions, visit the international admission website.

Admission Requirements

  • Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university
  • Minimum 2.750 undergraduate GPA on a 4.000-point scale
  • Official transcript(s)
  • Goal Statement
  • Two letters of recommendation
  • English language proficiency - all international students must provide proof of English language proficiency (unless they meet specific exceptions to waive) by earning one of the following:1
    • Minimum 79 TOEFL iBT score
    • Minimum 6.5 IELTS score
    • Minimum 58 PTE score
    • Minimum 110 DET score

The Secondary Education concentration does not allow direct admission; students may enter only with a change of major initiated by their faculty advisor. This concentration is for students who have completed the coursework for the M.A.T. degree in Secondary Education but who have not completed the teacher licensure requirements.

1

International applicants who do not meet the above test scores may be considered for conditional admission.

Application Deadlines

  • Fall Semester
    • Rolling admissions
  • Spring Semester
    • Rolling admissions
  • Summer Term
    • Rolling admissions

Learning Outcomes

Learning Outcomes

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates of the program will be able to:

  1. Educate in multicultural settings.
  2. Function as professional leaders for curriculum reform and renewal.
  3. Demonstrate the disposition and skills for continuing professional development.

Coursework

On This Page

Program Requirements

Major Requirements

Major Requirements
CI 67001FUNDAMENTALS OF CURRICULUM 3
CI 67002CURRICULUM LEADERSHIP 3
RMS 65511RESEARCH IN EDUCATIONAL SERVICES 3
Concentrations
Choose from the following:21-22
Curriculum and Teaching Studies
English/Language Arts Education
Mathematics Education
Middle Childhood Education
Science Education
Secondary Education
Social Studies Education
Minimum Total Credit Hours:30-31

Curriculum and Teaching Studies Concentration Requirements

Concentration Requirements
Concentration Electives, choose from the following:9
CI 61130
MULTICULTURAL EDUCATION: STRATEGIES
CI 67003
TEACHER EDUCATION
CI 67004
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT IN TEACHING
CI 67010
CURRICULUM EVALUATION
Curriculum and Instruction Electives, choose from list above or with advisor approval12
Minimum Total Credit Hours:21

English/Language Arts Education Concentration Requirements

Concentration Requirements
Concentration Electives, choose from the following:9
CI 67310
THEORY AND PRACTICE IN THE TEACHING OF READING
CI 67312
TEACHING WRITING AS A PROCESS
CI 67314
SURVEY OF YOUNG ADULT LITERATURE
CI 67339
WRITING ASSESSMENT AND RESPONSE
CI 67517
NEW LITERACIES IN PRACTICE
Curriculum and Instruction Electives, choose from list above or with advisor approval12
Minimum Total Credit Hours:21

Mathematics Education Concentration Requirements

Concentration Requirements
ADED 52267IMPROVING MATHEMATICS INSTRUCTION FOR ADOLESCENT AND ADULT EDUCATION 3
or CI 67224 TEACHING MATHEMATICS WITH TECHNOLOGY
or CI 67226 IMPROVING MATHEMATICS INSTRUCTION IN MIDDLE CHILDHOOD
CI 67225RESEARCH IN MATHEMATICS EDUCATION 3
CI 67791SEMINAR IN MATHEMATICS EDUCATION 3
Curriculum and Instruction Electives, choose from the following:12
ADED 52267
IMPROVING MATHEMATICS INSTRUCTION FOR ADOLESCENT AND ADULT EDUCATION
CI 67224
TEACHING MATHEMATICS WITH TECHNOLOGY
CI 67226
IMPROVING MATHEMATICS INSTRUCTION IN MIDDLE CHILDHOOD
Other Curriculum and Instruction courses with advisor approval
Minimum Total Credit Hours:21

Middle Childhood Education Concentration Requirements

Concentration Requirements
CI 61130MULTICULTURAL EDUCATION: STRATEGIES 3
or CI 67003 TEACHER EDUCATION
or CI 67004 PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT IN TEACHING
or CI 67010 CURRICULUM EVALUATION
CI 67107CURRICULUM AND ORGANIZATION IN THE MIDDLE GRADES 3
CI 67108TEACHING AND LEARNING IN THE MIDDLE GRADES 3
HDF 64027EARLY ADOLESCENCE 3
Curriculum and Instruction Electives, choose from the following:9
CI 61130
MULTICULTURAL EDUCATION: STRATEGIES
CI 67003
TEACHER EDUCATION
CI 67004
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT IN TEACHING
CI 67010
CURRICULUM EVALUATION
Other Curriculum and Instruction courses with advisor approval
Minimum Total Credit Hours:21

Science Education Concentration Requirements

Concentration Requierements
CI 61133ISSUES AND TRENDS IN ELEMENTARY SCIENCE 3
CI 61134RESEARCH TRENDS IN SCIENCE EDUCATION 3
CI 61140CULTURE AND MULTICULTURALISM IN SCIENCE EDUCATION 3
or CI 61141 NATURE OF SCIENCE IN SCIENCE EDUCATION
or CI 67240 INTRODUCTION TO ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION
Curriculum and Instruction Electives, choose from the following:12
CI 61140
CULTURE AND MULTICULTURALISM IN SCIENCE EDUCATION
CI 61141
NATURE OF SCIENCE IN SCIENCE EDUCATION
CI 67240
INTRODUCTION TO ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION
Other Curriculum and Instruction courses with advisor approval
Minimum Total Credit Hours:21

Social Studies Education Concentration Requirements

Concentration Requirements
CI 61125ISSUES AND TRENDS IN SOCIAL STUDIES EDUCATION 3
CI 61126RESEARCH IN SOCIAL STUDIES TEACHING AND LEARNING 3
CI 61127TECHNOLOGY AND SOCIAL STUDIES 3
Curriculum and Instruction Electives (with advisor approval)12
Minimum Total Credit Hours:21

Secondary Education Concentration Requirements

Concentration Requirements
ADED 62145PRINCIPLES OF SECONDARY TEACHING 3
ADED 62191SEMINAR IN SECONDARY EDUCATION 1-2
ADED 67147TEACHING ADOLESCENTS IN THE SECONDARY SCHOOL CULTURE 3
CULT 65530FOUNDATIONS OF EDUCATION AND HUMAN SERVICES 3
EPSY 68901PSYCHOLOGICAL FOUNDATIONS OF EDUCATION 3
SPED 53062CURRICULUM METHODS MILD/MODERATE INTERVENTION 3
Subject Area Requirements6
Minimum Total Credit Hours:22

Graduation Requirements
Minimum Major GPA Minimum Overall GPA
- 3.000
  • No more than one-half of a graduate student’s coursework may be taken in 50000-level courses.
  • Grades below C are not counted toward completion of requirements for the degree.
Program Delivery

Program Delivery

  • Delivery:
    • Fully online (Curriculum and Teaching Studies, Mathematics Education concentrations)
    • Mostly online (Curriculum and Teaching Studies, English/Language Arts Education, Mathematics Education, Middle Childhood Education, Science Education and Social Studies concentrations)
    • In person (Secondary Education concentration)
  • Location:
    • Kent Campus

Examples of Possible Careers and Salaries for Curriculum and Instruction - M.Ed.

Education teachers, postsecondary

4.8%

about as fast as the average

77,300

number of jobs

$65,440

potential earnings

Instructional coordinators

5.9%

faster than the average

192,900

number of jobs

$66,970

potential earnings

Notice: Career Information Source
* Source of occupation titles and labor data comes from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics' Occupational Outlook Handbook. Data comprises projected percent change in employment over the next 10 years; nation-wide employment numbers; and the yearly median wage at which half of the workers in the occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less.
Does Recent Extreme Weather Suggest a Change in the Wind?

extreme weather

Whether it’s the 110-plus-degree days being reported out West, severe flooding events in Kentucky and Pennsylvania, or the 100-degree water temperatures being measured off the coast of Florida, it’s hard not to wonder if these extreme weather events are just a fluke of nature, part of a cyclical weather pattern or a harbinger of something more concerning. If anyone could make a well-educated guess on the matter, it would be Cameron Lee, Ph.D., assistant professor of geography at Kent State University, who specializes in climate and weather change. “It’s unequivocal that the climate is wa...

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