The Ph.D. in Teaching, Learning, and Culture will prepare professionals to conduct research that can inform the national debate about aims in education, standards, and equity, especially for the U.S./Mexico border region and the State of Texas.

The program seeks to develop knowledge in important need areas with particular relevance for urban education, the southwest border region, Texas, and beyond. Graduates will be knowledgeable about implications of shifting demographics and cross-cultural teaching and learning. Graduates will also be prepared to:

• Conduct research using appropriate methodologies to study curriculum and instruction;
• Design innovative instructional strategies to promote the cognitive and social development of all learners;
• Expand on the existing pedagogical knowledge base about learners from linguistically and culturally
  diverse backgrounds;
• Utilize effective and innovative educational research and evaluation designs and processes;
• Provide significant contributions to the research literature on educational reform.

The program of studies for the Ph.D. includes prescribed courses for the core, research, and the professional focus area components. The electives allow doctoral students to concentrate their additional coursework in an area related to their planned dissertation research. A unique feature of the program is the Doctoral Seminar in Education Research. This seminar provides an opportunity for students to meet with faculty and other professionals for the purpose of sharing professional interests, networking, and brainstorming in their designated research areas. Students must have completed a master’s degree before entering the program and have a minimum of three years teaching experience or equivalent.

Upon admission to the program, students will be assigned a team of two advisors to help guide them through their qualifying exam. Upon completion of the qualifying exam, students will select a research committee and a chair. The chair will serve as the primary advisor through the completion of the dissertation.

Enrollment in the program is by cohorts in order to allow students to develop a learning community and to allow the department to better meet their course scheduling needs. The first cohort of students was accepted into the program in the fall 2008 semester and began their first courses in the spring 2009 semester.



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