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Teaching, Learning and Curriculum Studies - Ph.D.

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

Contact Us

  • Francisco Torres (Curriculum and Instruction) | ftorres2@kent.edu | 330-672-0634
  • Jiahui Wang (Educational Technology concentration) | jwang79@kent.edu |
    330-672-0664

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Program Information for Teaching, Learning and Curriculum Studies - Ph.D.

Program Description

Full Description

The Ph.D. degree in Teaching, Learning and Curriculum Studies prepares scholars and educational leaders to advance research, theory and practice in diverse learning environments. The program is designed for individuals interested in exploring critical issues related to teaching, learning and curriculum design across educational contexts.

Through rigorous coursework, collaborative inquiry, and mentored research experiences, students develop the knowledge and skills necessary to contribute meaningfully to academic scholarship and educational innovation. Graduates of the program are well prepared for careers in higher education, research, curriculum development and leadership within schools and educational organizations.

Students may choose to focus broadly in their studies or specialize in one of the program’s focus areas: STEM education; teacher education; curriculum and instruction; or language, literacy and society. Within these areas, students can pursue specific interests, such as social studies within teacher education. Focus area courses are intentionally designed to be flexible and responsive to individual student goals and interests.

The program is offered in two formats: mostly online and fully online. The mostly online format allows students to engage online while also providing opportunities for in-person meetings at multiple points throughout the semester. The fully online format will include some mandatory synchronous online meetings (set times and days) in courses and other graduation requirements (e.g., oral comprehensive exam, dissertation proposal defense).

Admissions for Teaching, Learning and Curriculum Studies - Ph.D.

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 3.000 graduate GPA on a 4.000-point scale (minimum 3.500 graduate GPA is recommended)
  • 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

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

Learning Outcomes

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates of this program will be able to:

  1. Demonstrate deep understanding and critical analysis of key theories, debates and research in teaching, learning and curriculum studies, including historical, social and contemporary contexts.
  2. Design, conduct and communicate research using appropriate methodology (qualitative, quantitative or mixed methods) that contribute knowledge or insights to the field.
  3. Empirically study factors related to curriculum, instruction and/or learning through application of educational principles (e.g., equity and inclusion; collaboration and interaction; critical thinking and lifelong learning; growth and development).
  4. Lead and communicate scholarly, innovative and professional ideas through writing, speaking and/or advocacy across academic, practitioner and community audiences.

Coursework

On This Page

Program Requirements

Major Requirements

Major Requirements
RMS 85515QUANTITATIVE RESEARCH DESIGN AND ANALYSIS 3
RMS 85516QUALITATIVE RESEARCH DESIGN 3
RMS 85517ADVANCED QUANTITATIVE RESEARCH 3
or RMS 85518 ADVANCED QUALITATIVE RESEARCH
TLCS 80001PROSEMINAR I: INTRODUCTION TO DOCTORAL STUDIES IN EDUCATION 3
TLCS 80002PROSEMINAR II: THEORY AND RESEARCH IN EDUCATIONAL PRACTICE 3
TLCS 80003TEACHING AND LEARNING I: THEORY, RESEARCH AND EDUCATIONAL PRACTICE 3
TLCS 80004TEACHING AND LEARNING II: THEORY, RESEARCH AND EDUCATIONAL PRACTICE 3
TLCS 80005CURRICULUM THEORIES: RESEARCH, DESIGN AND EDUCATIONAL PRACTICE 3
TLCS 80006EMERGING ISSUES AND TRENDS IN EDUCATIONAL RESEARCH 3
TLCS 80007SEMINAR IN EDUCATIONAL RESEARCH 3
Research, Measurement and Statistics (RMS) Graduate Course (50000 level or higher)3
Focus Area or Major Electives, choose from the following 19
STEM Education
TLCS 80191
VARIABLE CONTENT SEMINAR IN STEM EDUCATION
Language, Literacy and Society
TLCS 80391
VARIABLE CONTENT SEMINAR IN LANGUAGE, LITERACY AND SOCIETY
Teacher Education
TLCS 80291
VARIABLE CONTENT SEMINAR IN TEACHER EDUCATION
Curriculum and Instruction
TLCS 80491
VARIABLE CONTENT SEMINAR IN CURRICULUM AND INSTRUCTION
Electives
TLCS 80169
UNDERSTANDING EMERGENT BILINGUAL AND IMMIGRANT STUDENTS AND THEIR FAMILIES
TLCS 80171
TEACHING EMERGENT BILINGUAL AND IMMIGRANT STUDENTS
TLCS 81130
MULTICULTURAL EDUCATION
TLCS 87002
CURRICULUM LEADERSHIP
TLCS 87003
FORMS OF INQUIRY IN CURRICULUM AND INSTRUCTION
TLCS 87004
PROFESSIONAL LEARNING IN EDUCATION
TLCS 87005
INTERCULTURAL DIMENSIONS OF TEACHING AND LEARNING
TLCS 87010
CURRICULUM EVALUATION
TLCS 87352
INSTRUCTIONAL COACHING
Culminating Requirement
TLCS 80199DISSERTATION I 230
Minimum Total Credit Hours:72
1

Students are recommended to courses in consultation with their faculty advisor. Focus area courses may be taken up to three times. With approval from their advisor and the program coordinator, students may choose courses outside of the program to fulfill these requirements.

2

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

Graduation Requirements
Minimum Major GPA Minimum Overall GPA
- 3.000
  • Students may be required to take 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.

Roadmap

Roadmap

This roadmap is a recommended semester-by-semester plan of study for this program. Students will work with their advisor to develop a sequence based on their academic goals and history. Courses designated as critical (!) must be completed in the semester listed to ensure a timely graduation.

Plan of Study Grid
First Year
FallCredits
RMS 85516 QUALITATIVE RESEARCH DESIGN 3
TLCS 80001 PROSEMINAR I: INTRODUCTION TO DOCTORAL STUDIES IN EDUCATION 3
TLCS 80003 TEACHING AND LEARNING I: THEORY, RESEARCH AND EDUCATIONAL PRACTICE 3
 Credit Hours9
Spring
RMS 85515 QUANTITATIVE RESEARCH DESIGN AND ANALYSIS 3
TLCS 80004 TEACHING AND LEARNING II: THEORY, RESEARCH AND EDUCATIONAL PRACTICE 3
Focus Area or Major Elective 3
 Credit Hours9
Second Year
Fall
TLCS 80002 PROSEMINAR II: THEORY AND RESEARCH IN EDUCATIONAL PRACTICE 3
TLCS 80005 CURRICULUM THEORIES: RESEARCH, DESIGN AND EDUCATIONAL PRACTICE 3
Research, Measurement and Statistics (RMS) Graduate Course 3
 Credit Hours9
Spring
RMS 85517
or RMS 85518
 ADVANCED QUANTITATIVE RESEARCH
or ADVANCED QUALITATIVE RESEARCH
3
TLCS 80006 EMERGING ISSUES AND TRENDS IN EDUCATIONAL RESEARCH 3
Focus Area or Major Elective 3
 Credit Hours9
Third Year
Fall
TLCS 80007 SEMINAR IN EDUCATIONAL RESEARCH 3
Focus Area or Major Elective 3
 Credit Hours6
Spring
TLCS 80199 DISSERTATION I 15
 Credit Hours15
Fourth Year
Fall
TLCS 80199 DISSERTATION I 15
 Credit Hours15
 Minimum Total Credit Hours:72

Program Delivery

  • Delivery:
    • Fully online
    • Mostly online
  • Location:
    • Kent Campus

Examples of Possible Jobs and Salaries for Teaching, Learning and Curriculum Studies - Ph.D.

Education teachers, postsecondary

2.1%

slower than the average

74,900

number of jobs

$72,090

potential earnings

Instructional coordinators

1.3%

slower than the average

232,600

number of jobs

$74,720

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.

Teaching, Learning and Curriculum Studies - Ed.S.

The Educational Specialist degree in Teaching, Learning and Curriculum Studies 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.

Contact Us

Apply Now
Request Information
Schedule a Visit
Find All Majors

Program Information for Teaching, Learning and Curriculum Studies - Ed.S.

Learning Outcomes

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates of this program will be able to:

  1. Demonstrate deep understanding and critical analysis of key theories, debates and research in teaching, learning and curriculum studies, including historical, social and contemporary contexts.
  2. Design, conduct and communicate research using appropriate methodology (qualitative, quantitative or mixed methods) that contribute knowledge or insights to the field.
  3. Lead and communicate innovative and professional ideas through writing, speaking and/or advocacy across practitioner and community audiences.

Admissions for Teaching, Learning and Curriculum Studies - Ed.S.

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 3.000 graduate GPA on a 4.000-point scale (minimum 3.250 graduate GPA is recommended)
  • 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

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

Coursework

On This Page

Program Requirements

Major Requirements

Major Requirements
TLCS 60003TEACHING AND LEARNING I: THEORY, RESEARCH AND EDUCATIONAL PRACTICE 3
Research Requirement3
Foundation Requirement3
Program Electives, choose from the following:21
Research, Measurement and Statistics (RMS) Graduate (50000 level or higher) Courses
Teaching, Learning and Curriculum Studies (TLCS) Graduate (50000 level or higher) Courses
Minimum Total Credit Hours:30

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

  • Delivery:
    • Fully online
    • Mostly online
  • Location:
    • Kent Campus

Examples of Possible Jobs and Salaries for Teaching, Learning and Curriculum Studies - Ed.S.

Education teachers, postsecondary

2.1%

slower than the average

74,900

number of jobs

$72,090

potential earnings

Instructional coordinators

1.3%

slower than the average

232,600

number of jobs

$74,720

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.

Teaching, Learning and Curriculum Studies - M.Ed.

The Teaching, Learning and Curriculum Studies 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

Apply Now
Request Information
Schedule a Visit
Find All Majors

Program Information for Teaching, Learning and Curriculum Studies - M.Ed.

Program Description

Full Description

The Master of Education degree in Teaching, Learning and Curriculum Studies prepares scholars and educational leaders to advance research, theory and practice in diverse learning environments. The program is designed for individuals interested in exploring critical issues related to teaching, learning and curriculum design across educational contexts.

Through rigorous coursework, collaborative inquiry and mentored research experiences, students develop the knowledge and skills necessary to contribute meaningfully to academic scholarship and educational innovation. Graduates of the program are well prepared for careers in higher education, research, curriculum development and leadership within schools and educational organizations.

Students may choose to focus broadly in their studies or specialize in one of the program’s focus areas: STEM education; teacher education; curriculum and instruction; or language, literacy and society. Within these areas, students can pursue specific interests, such as social studies within teacher education. Focus area courses are intentionally designed to be flexible and responsive to individual student goals and interests.

The program is offered in two formats: mostly online and fully online. The mostly online format allows students to engage online while also providing opportunities for in-person meetings at multiple points throughout the semester. The fully online format will include some mandatory synchronous online meetings (set times and days) in courses and other graduation requirements.

Admissions for Teaching, Learning and Curriculum Studies - M.Ed.

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
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

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

Learning Outcomes

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates of this program will be able to:

  1. Apply concepts of major theories, research and issues in teaching, learning and curriculum to enhance classroom and organizational practice.
  2. Interpret, evaluate and apply educational research to inform decision-making and improve curriculum, instruction and assessment in diverse-learning environments.
  3. Design and implement equitable and inclusive teaching and assessment practices that meet the needs of diverse learners and communities.
  4. Effectively communicate educational ideas and solutions through oral, written and visual formats that demonstrate leadership and collaboration in advancing effective teaching and learning practices.

Coursework

On This Page

Program Requirements

Major Requirements

Major Requirements
TLCS 60003TEACHING AND LEARNING I: THEORY, RESEARCH AND EDUCATIONAL PRACTICE 3
TLCS 60004TEACHING AND LEARNING II: THEORY, RESEARCH AND EDUCATIONAL PRACTICE 3
TLCS 60005CURRICULUM THEORIES: RESEARCH, DESIGN AND EDUCATIONAL PRACTICE 3
TLCS 67004PROFESSIONAL LEARNING IN EDUCATION 3
TLCS 67010CURRICULUM EVALUATION 3
TLCS 67351PERSPECTIVES ON EDUCATIONAL RESEARCH 3
TLCS 67352INSTRUCTIONAL COACHING 3
Focus Area or Major Electives, choose from the following: 16
STEM Education
TLCS 60191
VARIABLE CONTENT SEMINAR IN STEM EDUCATION
Teacher Education
TLCS 60291
VARIABLE CONTENT SEMINAR IN TEACHER EDUCATION
Language, Literacy and Society
TLCS 60391
VARIABLE CONTENT SEMINAR IN LANGUAGE, LITERACY AND SOCIETY
Curriculum and Instruction
TLCS 60491
VARIABLE CONTENT SEMINAR IN CURRICULUM AND INSTRUCTION
Additional Electives
TLCS 60169
UNDERSTANDING EMERGENT BILINGUAL AND IMMIGRANT STUDENTS AND THEIR FAMILIES
TLCS 60171
TEACHING EMERGENT BILINGUAL AND IMMIGRANT STUDENTS
TLCS 61130
MULTICULTURAL EDUCATION
TLCS 67002
CURRICULUM LEADERSHIP
TLCS 67005
INTERCULTURAL DIMENSIONS OF TEACHING AND LEARNING
TLCS 67353
TEACHING LITERATURE, GRADES K-12
Other graduate-level courses, with advisor approval
Culminating Requirement
TLCS 67399TEACHER AS EDUCATIONAL RESEARCHER 3
Minimum Total Credit Hours:30
1

Students are recommended to consult with their academic faculty advisor when selecting their elective courses.

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.
Roadmap

Roadmap

This roadmap is a recommended semester-by-semester plan of study for this program. Students will work with their advisor to develop a sequence based on their academic goals and history. Courses designated as critical (!) must be completed in the semester listed to ensure a timely graduation.

Plan of Study Grid
First Year
FallCredits
TLCS 60003 TEACHING AND LEARNING I: THEORY, RESEARCH AND EDUCATIONAL PRACTICE 3
TLCS 67352 INSTRUCTIONAL COACHING 3
 Credit Hours6
Spring
TLCS 60004 TEACHING AND LEARNING II: THEORY, RESEARCH AND EDUCATIONAL PRACTICE 3
TLCS 67010 CURRICULUM EVALUATION 3
 Credit Hours6
Second Year
Fall
TLCS 60005 CURRICULUM THEORIES: RESEARCH, DESIGN AND EDUCATIONAL PRACTICE 3
TLCS 67004 PROFESSIONAL LEARNING IN EDUCATION 3
 Credit Hours6
Spring
TLCS 67351 PERSPECTIVES ON EDUCATIONAL RESEARCH 3
Focus Area or Major Elective 3
 Credit Hours6
Third Year
Spring
TLCS 67399 TEACHER AS EDUCATIONAL RESEARCHER 3
Focus Area or Major Elective 3
 Credit Hours6
 Minimum Total Credit Hours:30

Program Delivery

  • Delivery:
    • Fully online
    • Mostly online
  • Location:
    • Kent Campus

Examples of Possible Jobs and Salaries for Teaching, Learning and Curriculum Studies - M.Ed.

Education teachers, postsecondary

2.1%

slower than the average

74,900

number of jobs

$72,090

potential earnings

Instructional coordinators

1.3%

slower than the average

232,600

number of jobs

$74,720

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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