Doctorate in Early Childhood Education

The focus of the doctoral program is on the study of early childhood education and its practice, including aspects of child development, pedagogy, curriculum, policy analysis, history and philosophy, and basic and applied research. The primary outcome for the doctoral candidate is to become a leader for the field who influences the practice of early childhood education through the generation of knowledge; the education of early childhood professionals; the conduct of research on young children's development and learning; the development implementation, and evaluation of curriculum; administration of early childhood programs and services at the local, state, and national levels; and the analysis and generation of public policy related to early childhood education.

Accreditation The required concentration curriculum is based on the NASDTEC (National Association of State Directors of Teacher Education and Certification) standards and professional accreditation recommendations of the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE), Southern Accreditation Colleges and Schools (SACS), the National Association for Education Of Young Children (NAEYC), and Association For Childhood Education International (ACEI). Students complete the following course of study in consultation with their faculty advisors.

Admission Requirements Applicants to the Urban Interdisciplinary Education Curriculum Program must meet the following criteria:
 1. Admitted to or eligible for admission to the Division of Graduate Studies.
 2. A Master's degree from an accredited University.
 3. A completed program application.
 4. A cumulative GPA of 3.0 or above (on a 4.0 scale) on the last earned degree.
5. Provide transcripts for all post secondary work attempted prior to submitting a program application.
6. Acceptable evidence of a student's writing ability as determined by a writing sample completed under the supervision of a designated member(s) of the Screening Committee
7. Letters of recommendations from three persons knowledgeable of the applicant's professional and academic ability, job experiences and/orleadership potential such as previous professors, principal; supervisors, or superintendent.

8. An official copy of the Graduate Record Examination Score or Miller Analogies Test taken within the last 5 years.

9. A portfolio documenting compensating strengths such as teaching, publication, professional presentations, educational awards and community service.

10. A successful interview with the Program Screening Committee.

11. A vita (resume) to include Education, Work Experience, Honors, and Affiliations with Organizations.

Core Courses* Semester
Course Title Hours
EDCI 703 Seminar I: Urban Studies in Early Childhood Education 3
EDCI 712 Models of Curriculum Development in Early Childhood Education 3
EDCI 713 Instructional Theories and
Design in Early Childhood Education 3
EDCI 716 Learning Theories and Styles in Early Childhood Education 3 Hours 12

Research and Major Requirements*
EDAD 710 Advanced Statistical Concepts & Computer Analysis 3
EDFL 732 Advanced Research and Non-Parametric Statistical Methods 3
EDFL 797 Research Design 3
EDCI 714 Organization and Administration ofEarly Childhood Education Programs 3
EDCI 715 Seminar II: Urban Studies in Early Childhood Education 3
EDCI 717 Psychology of Young Children in Urban Environments 3
EDCI 718 Seminar III: Urban Studies in Early Childhood Education 3
EDCI 720 Research Applications in (Science, Mathematics, or Special Education) for Early
Childhood Education 3
EDCI 788 Teaching Education Programs and Technology 3
EDCI 798 Internship/Field Studies Doctoral 5
Hours 32