The EdD in Science Education emphasizes broad and deep familiarity with the research literature in science education and closely related theoretical and practical fields, and the development of skills necessary to make original and important contributions to research. Many EdD students are part-time, but because they vary greatly in academic and experiential backgrounds, and have a variety of career goals, the required coursework is flexible and each program is personalized. Most students entering the doctoral program hold a graduate degree in science education or a science field, although this is not necessary for admission. All required courses are offered in the evening during the academic year or during the summer. Full-time students may also take courses outside of the field of science education at more traditional meeting times. Students will participate in courses specifically for doctoral students that are focused on educational research methodology and centered on the psycho
Research will be conducted into pressing issues surrounding the field of education. With the exception of required courses and research / teaching experiences, coursework is flexible and personalized. Students and their faculty committee will co-design a program, taking into consideration previous graduate-level coursework, career goals, and special interests. Coursework in science education will focus on inquiry of eco-justice issues, history and theory of science education, science curriculum theory and practice, teaching and learning in mathematics and science and science teacher education (theory and practice).
Social foundations of education courses will study international science education, multicultural education research. Research methodology coursework will investigate and observe educational measurement and qualitative and/or quantitative methodology Students will participate in science education and teaching internships and seminars. Successful completion of the EdD program will include a comprehensive examination, prospectus, and dissertation.
Daniel K. Capps, Ph.D. Science Education Program Coordinator dacapps@uga.edu Katrina Neidlinger EMSE Graduate Program Administrator katrinaa@uga.edu https://coe.uga.edu/academics/degrees/edd-science-education/
A minimum of 30 hours
Admission to this program in science education normally requires a minimum of three years of teaching experience. A previous graduate degree in science education or in a scientific field is common but not required. A GRE score IS NOT required for this program.
Apply to the UGA Graduate School and include the following: 3 Letters of recommendation, CV, Statement of Purpose that emphasizes career goals, objectives, and research plans, at the end of the statement of purpose include the names of up to 3 potential faculty who share your interests and could serve as your major advisor, Unofficial transcript (3.0 minimum GPA). International students will need to submit transcripts and a copy of degree certificates Writing Sample. If applicant does not have sample, the applicant can request a writing prompt for a sample of their writing capabilities.
International students: For students whose primary language is not English, proof of English proficiency is required. Students need to submit official university documents according to the UGA Graduate School requirements. Students will also have to show certificate of finances upon acceptance to the program. Applicants are also strongly encouraged to communicate with members of the faculty who share their areas of research interest.
Evidence of in-depth knowledge of the core science teaching field (Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and Earth/Space Sciences) most relevant to the student’s interest and experience is required. It is expected that graduate-level courses in one or more science content fields will be part of the program of study unless the student holds a master’s degree in a science field.
Choose 6 course(s) from the following:
| EDUC(ESCI) 8210 | Multicultural Education Research | 3 |
| ESCI 8200 | Science Supervision, Mentoring, and Induction | 3 |
| ESCI 9020 | History and Theory of Science Education | 3 |
| ESCI 9080 | Science Curriculum Theory and Practice | 3 |
| ESCI 9630 | Critique of Educational Literature in Science Education | 3 |
| ESCI 9650 | Learning and Knowing in Science | 3 |
| ESCI 9660 | Assessment Research in Science Education | 3 |
| ESCI 9730 | Science Teacher Education - Theory and Practice | 3 |
| ESCI 9740 | Science Studies and Science Education | 3 |
Graduate-only courses in Science Education intended primarily for masters and specialist degree students, but judged appropriate for some doctoral students (especially those with no previous degrees in education, may include: ESCI 6200, ESCI 6220, ESCI 6230, ESCI 6420, ESCI 7040, and ESCI 7080).
Choose a minimum of 2 course(s) from the following:
| EDUC(ESCI) 8210 | Multicultural Education Research | 3 |
| ESCI 8100 | International Science Education | 3 |
| ESCI 9740 | Science Studies and Science Education | 3 |
Besides the graduate courses offered in these areas, select courses History, Philosophy, Anthropology, Psychology, Women’s studies, African American Studies, and potentially other areas may be highly relevant to the interests of some students and may be approved by their committees for inclusion on students’ program of study.
Choose a minimum of 2 course(s) from the following:
EPSY graduate-level courses
Choose 1 course(s) from the following:
| ERSH 4600/6600 | Applied Educational Assessment | 3 |
| ERSH 7250 | Educational Program and Project Evaluation | 3 |
| ERSH 7600 | Construction of Educational Measuring Instruments | 3 |
| ERSH 7610 | Questionnaire-Based Research in Education | 3 |
Choose 1 course(s) from the following:
| ERSH 4300/6300 | Applied Statistical Methods in Education | 3 |
| QUAL 8400 | Qualitative Research Traditions | 3 |
Other methodology course
Choose 1 group(s) from the following:
| ERSH 4300/6300 | Applied Statistical Methods in Education | 3 |
| AND ERSH 8310 | Applied Analysis of Variance Methods in Education | 3 |
| AND ERSH 8320 | Applied Correlation and Regression Methods in Education | 3 |
| QUAL 8400 | Qualitative Research Traditions | 3 |
| AND QUAL 8410 | Designing Qualitative Research | 3 |
| AND QUAL 8420 | Analyzing Qualitative Data | 3 |
Other three-course series in one methodology
| ESCI 8990 * | Research Seminar in Science Education | 1-6 |
| ESCI 9000 (min. 7 hours) | Doctoral Research | 1-9 |
| ESCI 9300 (3 hours) | Doctoral Dissertation | 3-15 |
| ESCI 9600 ^ | Educational Research in Science Education | 1-9 |
| ESCI 9700 | Internship in Science Education | 1-9 |
*Four 1-hour seminars. ^Two 3-hour internships.
| GRSC 7001 | GradFIRST: First-year Research and Scholarship Training Seminar | 1 |
If selected for a teaching assistantship, students must also enroll in:
| GRSC 7770 | Graduate Teaching Seminar | 1-3 |
Normally all coursework in the Science Content area will be taken at the graduate level, although undergraduate courses may sometimes be deemed appropriate by a student’s committee
Doctoral students who have had no previous exposure to educational research and its methods in a previous graduate degree program may be advised to take ESCI 6990, Introduction to Research in Science Education, or ERSH 6200, Methods of Research in Education, before beginning either of the standard three-course methodology sequences. Alternatively, another Research Methods sequence highly recommended by some of the faculty is EDHI 8910/L, 8920/L and 8930. Committees may choose to allow substitution of this sequence when deemed appropriate.
Select additional courses, as needed, in consultation with an advisor to meet the minimum number of required credit hours for this program.
Students are encouraged to present their research at conferences, professional meetings, and symposia. Students also are encouraged to write grant proposals to help fund their research and to develop grant-writing skills. Students are expected to publish their research findings in peer-reviewed journals.
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