Science Education, Ph.D.

The doctor of philosophy program is designed to provide increased competence in science, science education and research. Recipients gain the appropriate knowledge and skills for positions in college and university science education programs; teaching, administration and supervisory posts in state and local school systems; positions teaching science in community colleges, liberal arts colleges and introductory science courses in universities; and as research directors in science education.

The focus of the Ph.D. is typically theoretical, and dissertation research is oriented for the student going into a university graduate teaching and research setting.

Admission Requirements

An applicant to the doctoral program in science education must have a master’s degree in a field of science, technology, aeronautics or science education, with a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.2 on a 4.0 scale. Although not required, at least three years’ teaching experience is also highly recommended. An applicant with a major technical area in aeronautics must also have FAA certification and enough practical experience to qualify as a professional in the aviation field.

General admission requirements and the process for applying are presented in the Academic Overview  section.

Degree Requirements

A minimum of 42 credit hours beyond the master’s degree is required to earn the doctoral degree. These credit hours include the following core courses that must be taken at Florida Tech (exceptions may be considered only through a written petition to be reviewed by the department’s graduate faculty). 

Before graduating, the student must present a dissertation seminar that is open to anyone. In addition and also before graduating, the student must prepare a manuscript based on work undetaken for the dissertation and submit it for publication to a peer-reviewed journal.

General degree requirements are presented in the Academic Overview  section.