2023-2024 Graduate Academic Catalog

PhD in Educational Studies: Human Development and Learning Specialization 45 credits

This low residency program provides advanced study in the social, psychological, and biological conditions that affect the development of human beings throughout the lifespan. It addresses theories of cognitive and emotional development, with particular emphasis given to adult development and mental health, culture and conflict, the relationship between learning and development, organizational development, and research methodologies. In two separate benchmark papers, students address their socio-cultural perspective and create an extensive review of the literature in a qualifying paper. The program culminates in the writing and subsequent defense of a dissertation that represents an original contribution to the field of educational studies and human development and learning.

Students meet as a cohort in three nine-day summer residencies and attend online classes over the duration of the program. Program faculty are committed to promoting a scholarly and collegial community that informs and sustains both the academic work and professional responsibilities of cohort members.

  • Program prerequisite: Master's degree or Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study
  • Students must take EAGSR 9151 in fall, spring, and summer semesters of each year they are taking courses and each semester thereafter until they have completed their dissertation defense.

For the university's transfer credit policy for this and other programs, see the Transfer of Credits page.

Program of Study

Year I (18 credits):

EAGSR 7118Nature of Inquiry: Below the Surface of Research

3

EAGSR 8110Change is a Process

3

GINTC 6110Values Differences and Moral Judgments in Contemporary Contexts

3

EAGSR 8206Developmental Science

3

EAGSR 8205Theories and Research in Human Development

3

EAGSR 7004Adult Learning and Development

3

EAGSR 9151Doctoral Study

N/A

Year II (18 credits):

EAGSR 7200Writing in Doctoral Studies

3

EAGSR 7101Quantitative Research Methods I: Statistics for Research

3

EAGSR 8204Adult Development and Mental Health

3

EAGSR 7103Qualitative Research Methods I

3

EAGSR 8201Advanced Adult Learning and Development

3

EAGSR 7104Qualitative Research Methods II

3

EAGSR 9151Doctoral Study

N/A

After successfully completing a qualifying paper, a student is advanced to Year III.

Year III (9 credits):

EAGSR 7502Doctoral Seminar Part 1

3

EAGSR 8503Research Design

3

EAGSR 8112Ph.D. Dissertation Seminar

3

EAGSR 9151Doctoral Study

N/A