Doctor of Philosophy in Science Education
Science Education Degrees
Masters of Arts | Doctor of Philosophy | Ph.D. Graduates 1969 to Present
Concurrent-Enrollment
WMU offers a special program for those wishing to become college teachers of science or researchers regarding the learning of science. Learn more.
Doctor of Philosophy in Science Education
Advisor: William W. Cobern
For appointment, contact: Heather White, 269-387-5398
The Doctor of Philosophy in Science Education is for those with a science or science education background who wish to pursue careers as college or university science teachers, science education researchers, science teacher educators, curriculum specialists, high school science department chairs or professionals in government agencies or school districts.
Admission Requirements
Complete the WMU online application. In addition to the general admission requirements of The Graduate College, applicants must have a master's degree in a science or science education unless applying for the concurrent-enrollment program.
Note: the GRE is required for Ph.D. application.
Applicants not meeting these requirements may be admitted provisionally.
Applicants should also write at least two pages (total) on the following questions:
- Why do you want to enter a graduate program at this stage?
- Why do you want to do research in science education?
Application Deadline
Interested students may apply at any time of the year. However, to be considered for an assistantship, applications must be received by February 15.
Program Content
The program has three tracks, viz. 1. College science teaching, 2. College science teaching with discipline research focus, and 3. Curriculum and instruction (K-12). The tracks share a common core, along with some specialization.
These program tracks are not mutually exclusive but are offered as guidelines for the best preparation with regard to career options. WMU also offers a unique concurrent-enrollment program where students are jointly admitted to an MA program in science (biology, chemistry, earth science, geography, or physics) and the PhD program in science education.
All tracks seek to provide:
- a rich understanding of the history of science education in the United States and current national reform efforts.
- a familiarity with the history and philosophy of science that can inform science teaching and learning.
- a critical understanding of pertinent issues in cognitive psychology and cognitive science.
- a critical understanding of the major research traditions in science education.
- a graduate level understanding of at least one science discipline that will inform subsequent research and teaching in that area.
- critical understanding of the role of technology in facilitating science teaching and learning.
- a background in the diverse approaches to educational research.
Program Requirements
(72 credit hours--about 48 credit hours beyond the Masters degree)
| Science Cognate 24 credits |
From master's degree |
| Doctoral Core 21 credits |
One** of the following:
|
| Research Tools 12 credits |
Printable Version of Research Tools: Word or PDF format |
| Optional Study Credits 3-6 credits |
SCI 6200 3-6 credits are recommended in preparation for the doctoral qualifying exams |
| Dissertation 15 credits |
SCI 7300 |
| TOTAL | 72-78 Credits |
*For a College Teaching Focus, SCI 6180 is typically taken twice in consecutive fall semesters.
**SCI 6260 is required for the Science Teacher Education focus and also may be taken for the Science Education Research focus instead of taking SCI 6180 for a second time.
Printable Version of Requirements: Word or PDF format
Doctoral Associateships - Application Deadline - Anytime
For the past several years, all qualified full-time students in the Mallinson Institute for Science Education have received adequate funding through doctoral associateships offered each year by the Institute and the Graduate College. (Most students are part-time and support themselves by other means.)
A limited number of these associateships are competed for each year. They typically include a stipend, remission of the out-of-state portion of tuition, and, in some cases, remission of all tuition. (They do include health insurance.) Typical duty is teaching a section of one of the introductory science courses for prospective teachers. The courses are in the disciplines of life, physical science, and earth science. It is anticipated these courses will provide opportunities for research as well as invaluable teaching experience.
Note: Assistantship (different than a doctoral associateship) deadline is February 15. Information about student loans and other federal, state, and University need-based financial aid programs may be obtained from the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships.