Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Teacher Education
Use research to improve teacher performance and student learning.
About this Program
The Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Teacher Education is a research-intensive program that prepares graduates to assume academic positions in universities and research institutions as well as leadership positions within school districts, such as curriculum coordinators or administrators.
The Ph.D. in Teacher Education has four separate emphasis areas students can choose from:
- Early Childhood Education
- Elementary Education
- Special Education
- Secondary Education (with specializations in Social Studies, Mathematics, English Language Arts, or Science)
Students will learn to conduct research that aids practitioners while also learning how to disseminate discoveries in publications, at conferences, and in the college classroom.
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Program Information
Program Type
Doctorate Program
Area of Study
Education
School
Duration
4 years
Degree
Ph.D. in Education
Program Location
Emphases
Elementary Education;
Early Childhood Education;
Special Education;
Secondary Education (with specializations)
Required Credit Hours
69
Explore Everything the Ph.D. in Teacher Education has to Offer
- A Master’s degree in credits with a 3.5 GPA minimum from a regionally or nationally accredited college or university
- Full or Part-time employment in the field of education
- A completed online Graduate School application which includes:
- Official transcripts
- GRE scores (less than five years old with verbal, quantitative, and writing component sub-scores)
- 2 years teaching or relevant experience (letter from employer on letterhead)
- Hold or be eligible to hold a valid teaching license in the content or related area
- A personal statement (not to exceed 750 words) including responses to the following:
- What are your goals for completing the degree?
- Describe a significant issue relevant to your current context of professional practice.
- Why is this issue important?
- Discuss the ways in which this problem aligns with your chosen area of specialization.
- Two letters of recommendation signed by the recommenders. Letters of recommendation should speak to the applicant's competency to conduct rigorous scholarly work as well as the applicant's impact on his or her professional practice.
- Interview with doctoral admissions committee.
To properly complete the application process for fall admission, students must submit all application materials before the following deadlines:
- Priority application deadline: March 1
- Final application deadline: June 1 (with no guarantee of openings in this cycle)
Find Courses in Teacher Education
We're here for you!
If you have any questions about the Ph.D. in Teacher Education, don't hesitate to reach out!
Joel C Amidon
Professor of Teacher Education
How much can you make with a Ph.D. in Teacher Education?
Median salary for a University Professor in 2022.
Average salary of a University Researcher in 2024.
Next Steps
Explore Affordability
We have a variety of scholarships and financial aid options to help make college more affordable for you and your family.
Apply to the University of Mississippi
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