As a terminal degree for the study of education, the purpose of the Doctor of Philosophy in APS degree is to prepare creative and innovative professionals to take leadership in inquiry about critical problems and questions in education. As scholar/practitioner/citizens, Doctor of Philosophy graduates conduct original research and extend the boundaries of study in education, creating methods for educational practice and inquiry that promote praxis and critical agency.
The Doctor of Philosophy degree provides varied opportunities for graduate students to build their knowledge and expertise to take on various roles of leadership in their chosen fields or specializations, such as faculty members in higher education, researchers in policy settings, leaders of educational agencies, and officials of educational and cultural ministries. Coursework in units outside the School of Education is required so that doctoral candidates develop expertise in academic disciplines to inform their development. Internships are available as opportunities for integrating theory and practice.
Each student works with a faculty committee to develop an individualized plan of studies that incorporates coursework both inside and outside the school of education, experiential opportunities, and supervised research experiences, with the expectation that doctoral candidates will present original research and submit original work for publication prior to graduation. The degree culminates in an original research project in the form of a dissertation, guided by the student's faculty committee. The dissertation indicates the doctoral candidate's preparedness to take leadership in inquiry about critical problems and questions in education.