The Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) in Curriculum and Instruction with a focus on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) is a program for educational leaders who wish to advance their careers. The doctoral degree will address the needs of professionals in the K-14 education sector who seek to improve their practice, positively impact their institutions, and advance their professional careers. The program will also address the needs of professionals employed in the informal education sector such as those who work at zoos, museums, educational outreach and community centers as well as other educational-related STEM industries.
Prior to admission to the Ed.D. program, the student is expected to have the following:
- A completed UHCL admissions application.
- Official transcripts from each accredited institution attended sent to the Office of Admissions.
- A combined score of 297 on the Verbal and Quantitative portions of the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) and a minimum score of 4.0 on the Analytical Writing portion of the GRE. The GRE must have been taken within the last five years. Applicants do have the option of providing a writing sample, where the writing activity is proctored at UHCL, in lieu of the GRE, that can be accepted and considered in the application process for the Doctoral Program in Curriculum and Instruction with a STEM emphasis.
- Evidence of work and leadership experience in STEM education.
- A letter of intent, not to exceed 1000 words, explaining the reason for pursuing doctoral-level work in STEM education. The letter should include a brief discussion of career goals, research interests as they relate to STEM education, and how this program will help meet career goals and pursue research interests. The letter should also discuss scholarly and professional accomplishments and prior work experiences that relate to the applicant’s interest in, and aptitude for, the doctorate program.
- Three references from persons who can address the student’s performance in graduate studies and potential for educational leadership. If possible, at least one of the reference forms should be from a professor involved in the applicant’s master’s program.
- If applicable, provide a letter from an employer confirming support of the applicant’s pursuit of the Ed.D. and willingness to allow fieldwork within the organization. The Admission Requirements section of the UHCL Doctoral Web site has a form letter for the employer to sign.
Other information may be required; contact COE’s Office of Academic Advising for details.
If an applicant does not meet one or more of the admission requirements but can provide letters testifying to his/her strong leadership qualities, provisional admission may be granted.
Once a student is admitted, any course in which the student makes a grade of C- or below cannot be counted toward the doctoral program. Doctoral students may count one course on their program with a grade of either C+ or C. All other grades must be B- or greater. An overall grade point average (GPA) of 3.000 must be maintained.
The time frame for completion of the doctoral program is seven years from the start of the program. At the end of the seventh year, a doctoral candidate is allowed to petition the Associate Dean for a one-year extension if the candidate’s dissertation proposal has been approved. The candidate can petition the COE associate dean for a second and final one-year extension to complete the dissertation.
Check prerequisites before enrolling in any courses.
