The University of Oklahoma offers the Ph.D. in Instructional Leadership and Academic Curriculum in Early Childhood Education with a concentration in Early Childhood Education in its entirety on the Tulsa campus. If enrolled full- time, coursework can be completed in three years. Coursework is followed by the writing of a doctoral dissertation. Time for completion of the dissertation varies from candidate to candidate.
The Ph.D. program is designed to prepare faculty researchers and leaders serving young children (birth through age eight) and their families, in multiple settings. The program will have a strong focus in research, leadership, and advocacy, as well as infant/toddler studies. While many of our graduate degree programs in the ILAC department have a content specific focus, the ILAC graduate degree programs are interdisciplinary in nature allowing for flexibility and an individualized focus.
In this program area students work closely with their faculty advisor to determine the appropriate coursework and experiences needed to reach both their program and career goals.
Students in the Instructional Leadership and Academic Curriculum in Early Childhood Education doctoral program will take courses in: Theoretical Issues in the Curriculum and Instruction, Teaching and Learning, Cultural Diversity, Research Methodology, and the Specialization Area in which they are admitted.
The Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) program in Instructional Leadership and Academic Curriculum in Early Childhood Education is directed toward the development of scholarly expertise in a field of study and is intended to serve individuals who have promise of making contributions to their areas of expertise.
The concentration focuses on specializations within the field of Instructional Leadership and Academic Curriculum. Studies undertaken shape the thematic issues in the students' programs. Courses for all concentrations focus on (1) the specialization areas and (2) related educational areas, including academic disciplines.
Requirements and distribution of hours are specified by each program area (see program advisor). For all concentrations, courses are selected based on program criteria and students' professional interests and goals. Programs of study must be approved by the advisor and members of the doctoral committee.
Electives allow the student and advisor some flexibility in including coursework that either (1) extends the number of hours in areas such as research methodology, but does not include dissertation hours, or (2) includes previously taken graduate course hours that do not fit existing categories. Courses will be selected based on the students' professional interests and goals and approved by the advisor and doctoral committee.
Typical career paths allow individuals to blend their passion for research, leadership, and advocacy to positively impact the lives of young children and their families across diverse settings. These can include:
Your Doctorate of Philosophy in Instructional Leadership and Academic Curriculum from OU-Tulsa can open doors to opportunities that set you apart and on a journey of a lifetime.
