The Interdisciplinary Ph.D. in Education Sciences (major code: EDSC) program is designed for individuals seeking careers in educational research. Graduates of the program are prepared to meet the growing national need for educators who are well trained in methodological issues in education research. This Ph.D. program prepares individuals who will have careers in research universities, educational research labs and corporations, and research groups within education agencies.
All EDSC students will be encouraged to apply for 20-hour per week research assistantships on grant supported projects in the College of Education and other units at the University of Kentucky. In addition to coursework, students will be expected to attend local, state, or national professional conferences during the first and second years of their programs. All students will be expected to present their research at professional conferences by their third year in the program. EDSC doctoral students are expected to submit manuscripts to professional journals and accomplish refereed publications during their doctoral study. Presentations and publications may be scholarly works with a single author or groups of co-authors.
Curriculum
EDSC is a rigorous doctoral program that requires year-round, full-time study. Students are encouraged to apply for admission for the Fall semester. Students seeking Spring admission should contact the program DGS to determine if the strand they are interested in allows for Spring admissions. Students will be required to complete a set of core courses in research methods and education policy; in addition, students will then be able to follow a particular “strand” of courses in an area of specialization. All students will be involved in educational research projects throughout their time in the program.
EDSC doctoral students will be required to designate at the time of application the strand that they would like to complete. These include advanced concentrations in the following:
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Educational Leadership Studies
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Educational Policy Studies: Educational Evaluation and Policy
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Educational Policy Studies: Philosophical and Cultural Inquiry
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Health education
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Physical education
https://education.uky.edu/research/phd/
CURRICULUM AND INSTRUCTION
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The Ph.D. in Interdisciplinary Education Sciences - Curriculum & Instruction strand prepares individuals for careers in educational research. Graduates of the Curriculum & Instruction strand of the Education Sciences program pursue a variety of career opportunities, including becoming university faculty in Curriculum & Instruction departments; assuming advanced leadership positions in schools, districts, and state governments; or working for curriculum development companies or in private consulting, among others.
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Within the Curriculum & Instruction strand, students may specialize in an educational content area within Curriculum & Instruction, such as Instructional Systems Design, Literacy education, or Social Studies education, or they may study Curriculum & Instruction more broadly.
Admission Requirements
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Applicants are evaluated holistically, with attention paid to prior educational achievement and professional experience. Interviews are frequently requested. All materials may be submitted through The Graduate School’s online application process. Applicants must submit the following materials to be considered for admission:
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GRE scores
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Transcripts from all prior institutions of higher education
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Personal statement
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CV or resume
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Writing sample from prior academic work
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3 letters of recommendation
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Applicants are encouraged, but not required, to submit a departmental application for teaching or research assistantships along with their application for program admission.
Degree Requirements
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Students must take a minimum of 36 credit hours of coursework prior to the qualifying examination and the dissertation. This coursework is divided into the following categories:
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A minimum of 12 credits of research methodology coursework.
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A program core of 12 credits, including a proseminar, coursework in curriculum theory, and coursework in multicultural issues in education
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A specialization core of 12 credits in Instructional Systems Design, Literacy Education, Social Studies Education, or Curriculum & Instruction.
EDUCATIONAL LEADERSHIP STUDIES
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The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) Educational Leadership strand is a cohort-based program with online courses, qualifying examinations, and dissertation defense.
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The degree consists of 42 minimum course credit hours and a minimum of 4 credits of dissertation residency (does not need to be completed in Kentucky).
Admission Requirements
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Transcripts from previous post-secondary institutions.
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Professional Resume
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Personal Statement
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Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Statement
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3 Recommendations, with at least one academic who has earned a doctoral degree and serves in an academic institution and one professional to speak to your creativity, ability to navigate systems.
Degree Requirements
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14 courses (5 leadership; 5 research; 4 electives) of pre-dissertation coursework typically earned over 7 semesters including summer.
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Qualifying examination after completion of 42 credit hours of coursework
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Student must remain enrolled in EDL 767 Dissertation Residency Credit from the semester they sit for their Qualifying Examination through semester they defend their dissertation.
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Final dissertation defense.
EDUCATIONAL POLICY STUDIES: EDUCATIONAL EVALUATION AND POLICY
Admission Requirements
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Official transcripts for all previous coursework completed at any institution of higher education,
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A masters degree or equivalent level of coursework
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A 500-word statement of purpose describing the student’s intellectual and professional goals for completing the program. Applicants are advised to clearly indicate the areas of coursework and research they wish to pursue.
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Four letters of reference with at least two from referees familiar with the students’ academic work
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Resume or Curriculum Vitae
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Writing sample demonstrating academic writing (e.g. chapter of master’s thesis, course paper, scholarly essay)
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Application Deadlines vary by department, consult the EDSC webpage for details.
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GRE is not required for Specialization in Evaluation and Education Policy or Philosophical and Cultural Inquiry
Degree Requirements
Students are required to complete 12 hours of core research classes
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One three-hour course in quantitative research methods.
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One three-hour course in qualitative research methods.
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One additional and complementary three-hour course in either quantitative or qualitative methods to form a “core” of six hours in quantitative or qualitative methods.
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One three-hour course in advanced studies in research methods. The advanced course may be in any area, including internships and academic writing, and will typically include “Advanced” in the course title. This course is to be selected by the advisory committee to meet the specific research training needs of the student.
The EDSC-Educational Evaluation & Policy Specialization includes the above 12 hours of core research and
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One additional three-hour course in advanced research methods
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One three-hour course in policy research
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One three-hour course in contextual studies
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Nine hours of electives chosen in conjunction with the students Advisory Committee.
A student’s program of study may vary from this structure with approval from their program committee.
https://education.uky.edu/epe/
EDUCATIONAL POLICY STUDIES: PHILOSOPHICAL AND CULTURAL INQUIRY
Admission Requirements
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UK Graduate School Application
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Official transcripts for all previous coursework completed at any institution of higher education,
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A masters degree or equivalent level of coursework
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A 500-word statement of purpose describing the student’s intellectual and professional goals for completing the program. Applicants are advised to clearly indicate the areas of coursework and research they wish to pursue.
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Four letters of reference with at least two from referees familiar with the students’ academic work
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Resume or Curriculum Vitae
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Writing sample demonstrating academic writing (e.g. chapter of master’s thesis, course paper, scholarly essay)
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Application Deadlines vary by department, consult the EDSC webpage for details.
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GRE is not required for Specialization in Evaluation and Education Policy or Philosophical and Cultural Inquiry
Degree Requirements
Students are required to complete 12 hours of core research classes
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One three-hour course in quantitative research methods.
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One three-hour course in qualitative research methods.
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One additional and complementary three-hour course in either quantitative or qualitative methods to form a “core” of six hours in quantitative or qualitative methods.
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One three-hour course in advanced studies in research methods. The advanced course may be in any area, including internships and academic writing, and will typically include “Advanced” in the course title. This course is to be selected by the advisory committee to meet the specific research training needs of the student.
The EDSC-Philosophical and Cultural Inquiry Specialization includes the above 12 hours of core research and
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EPE 601 PROSEMINAR
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One three-hour course in philosophical studies
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One three-hour course in cultural studies
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One three-hour course in historical studies
A student’s program of study may vary from this structure with approval from their program committee.
https://education.uky.edu/epe/
HEALTH EDUCATION
Customize a health education doctorate (Ph.D.) to follow your passion for a career in higher education. Our program will prepare you for research-focused faculty positions or careers that involve conducting research on behalf of community health agencies and organizations, corporations, or health-related governmental agencies. You will explore both individual and population health, focusing on evidence-based strategies, application of health behavior theory, and research inquiry across a variety of health topics and target populations.
In the health education Ph.D. program at the University of Kentucky, you will:
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develop an understanding of the full spectrum of health education, as well as an in-depth knowledge of one specific area or discipline, such as college health promotion, youth health promotion, substance use prevention, community-based research/interventions, health inequities, and health policy
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participate in guided research projects designed to prepare you for conducting your own research
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conduct independent research aligned with your career goals as you develop scientific expertise
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gain teaching experience at the university level, preparing master’s students for careers in health education
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write and publish research in high-quality journals
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collaborate with faculty on research and service projects
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have opportunities for multidisciplinary work within health education, health promotion, communication, social sciences, and/or other public health disciplines and topics.
With small class sizes in our health education graduate program, you will receive individual attention. We have a thriving graduate program in the Department of Kinesiology and Health Promotion and place the highest value on ethics, professionalism, and interdisciplinary work.
The PhD program utilizes a mentor-based admission process. Therefore, students are strongly encouraged to identify a faculty member with whom they wish to work prior to applying to the program.
https://www.uky.edu/academics/doctoral/education-sciences-health-education-graduate
Admission Requirements
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A master’s degree or 30 semester hours of approved graduate course work with a 3.0 GPA.
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GRE: Not required
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CV
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Personal Statement: Statement of your professional aspirations and explain how you believe graduate study at the University of Kentucky will enhance your ability to achieve those professional goals. In your statement, provide information about your background, research skills and experiences, personal and professional achievements, and educational, work or life experiences that influenced you and your life goals.
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Writing Sample: Students who have not written a Master’s level thesis will be required to submit an example of their research writing. A literature review or project from a completed class are acceptable examples for submission for application. Special circumstances will be considered at the discretion of the applicant’s designated potential advisor.
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Four letters of recommendation: At least two must be from a person with direct knowledge of applicant’s academic capabilities (e.g., instructor, research supervisor, advisor, etc.).
Degree Requirements
Our PhD. degree with specialization in Health Education requires students to complete a minimum of 42 hours of course work. The doctoral degree requires students to complete a core of 9-12 hours of health promotion courses, 12 hours of research/statistics/design courses plus supporting electives for a total of at least 42 hours. Students, with the approval of their advisory committee, select elective course work that will enhance their health education and health promotion knowledge and skills as well as their research skills. Additional information, including possible pre-requisites and electives, can be found on the departmental website: https://education.uky.edu/khp/grad/
The general structure of the coursework needed to complete the Ph.D. in Education Sciences with advanced concentration in Health Education course requirements is as follows:
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Pre-requisite courses (based on review of transcripts)
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Health Promotion Core Courses (9 hours)
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Research Methods/Stats Courses (12 hours minimum)
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Cognate Area (9 hours minimum)
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Independent Study/Research (6 hours minimum)
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Electives (6 hours minimum)
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Dissertation Hours (4 hours minimum)
PHYSICAL EDUCATION SPECIALIZATION
Searching for a physical education graduate school to best fit your interests? Customize our physical education doctorate program (Ph.D.) to follow your passions. You will gain an understanding of the full spectrum of physical education, along with in-depth knowledge of one specific area or disciplines such as comprehensive school physical activity programs, behavior management in activity settings, and motivating individuals to be active. Both online and face-to-face options available.
In the physical education doctorate program (Ph.D.) at the University of Kentucky, you will:
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conduct independent research as you develop scientific expertise
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gain teaching experience at the university level, preparing bachelor’s and master’s students for careers in physical education and health teaching
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write and publish research in high-quality journals
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collaborate with faculty on research and service projects
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network with physical education teacher educators from across the country and around the world
You will develop extensive subject-matter expertise and discover potential research topics in courses covering physical education, physical activity promotion, epidemiology, sociology, behavioral science, and public health.
Admission Requirements
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CV
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Personal Statement: Statement of your professional aspirations and explain how you believe graduate study at the University of Kentucky will enhance your ability to achieve those professional goals. In your statement, provide information about your background, research skills and experiences, personal and professional achievements, and educational, work or life experiences that influenced you and your life goals.
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Writing Sample: Students who have not written a Master’s level thesis will be required to submit an example of their research writing. A literature review or project from a completed class are acceptable examples for submission for application. Special circumstances will be considered at the discretion of the applicant’s designated potential advisor.
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Four letters of recommendation: At least two must be from a person with direct knowledge of applicant’s academic capabilities (e.g., instructor, research supervisor, advisor, etc.).
With small class sizes in our physical education graduate programs, you will receive individual attention. We have a thriving graduate program in the Department of Kinesiology and Health Promotion and place the highest value on ethics, professionalism, and interdisciplinary work.
Degree Requirements
The PhD program has a required core of classes and sample of electives. The student may have an emphasis in specific areas of education. Additional information, including possible pre-requisites and electives, can be found on the departmental website: https://education.uky.edu/khp/grad/
Required Research Methods and Statistics Core (12 hours)
Includes a minimum of 3 hours of qualitative and 3 hours of quantitative analysis.
A total of nine hours must be chosen from either quantitative or qualitative courses. Three additional hours of advanced study are to be selected by the advisory committee to meet the specific research and statistical training needs of the student.
Advanced Strand (18 hours)
Other related courses including research courses (6+ hours)
Dissertation (2+ hours)
QUANTITATIVE AND PSYCHOMETRIC METHODS
The primary objective of the QPM program is to promote the development of advanced quantitative and psychometric knowledge and skills that allow program graduates to function as competent independent researchers or scientists who can innovatively and effectively carry out research design and data analysis for all kinds of empirical purposes.
Admission Requirements
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GRE General (no minimum standard)
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TOEFL (for international students, UK minimum standard)
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Personal statement
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Three (3) reference letters
Degree Requirements
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36 credit hours of coursework
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Common Research Methods and Statistics Core (12 hours)
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Interdisciplinary Core (6 hours)
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Quantitative and Psychometric Methods (QPM) Core (18 hours)
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Internship (optional)
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Qualifying Exam (after completion of coursework)
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Dissertation Proposal Defense
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Final Dissertation Oral Defense
https://education.uky.edu/edp/qpm/
STEM EDUCATION
The Education Sciences Interdisciplinary Ph.D. with an emphasis in STEM Education is an intensive program designed to prepare future researchers, teacher educators, and researcher-practitioners to meet the national call for more individuals with heightened scholarly expertise in STEM Education. The Education Sciences Interdisciplinary Ph.D. program requires study throughout the year. Full-time study is strongly encouraged; however, part-time study is a possible alternative, particularly for professional educators.
Admission Requirements
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GRE scores (preferably from within the past 10 years - if you are a KY teacher applying for rank change, GRE must be within the last 5 years)
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TOEFL or IELTS (for international students whose native language is not English)
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GPA requirement: 2.75 undergraduate; 3.0 Graduate work
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Official transcripts: official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attended
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A short statement about your career goals and interests
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Writing sample (e.g., paper written for coursework requirement, grant application, publication)
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Three letters of recommendation (the online system will email your references to submit their letters)
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Interview with STEM Ed faculty specializing in your area of interest (Interview will be scheduled upon completion of application materials)
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Onsite writing sample prior to interview
Degree Requirements
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Total credit hours - 45 credit hours plus qualifying exam and dissertation residency
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12 hours education research methods
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15 hours STEM Education core
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9 hours STEM Education methods
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9 hours electives
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Electives can be graduate level coursework in any discipline, but it is recommended that they are at the 600 level or above. (optional)
https://education.uky.edu/stem/graduate/phd/