Doctor of Philosophy in Educational Studies - Developmental and Learning Sciences

University of Cincinnati

The Developmental and Learning Sciences area of concentration focuses on an interdisciplinary approach to understanding development and learning that includes theory and research from the fields of developmental psychology, cognitive science, neuroscience, and education. Students may choose courses in life span human development, cognitive development, and early childhood education. The courses in this area of study provide graduates with a broad-based foundation for understanding human development specific to phases of the human life span and a deeper appreciation of the diversity and similarity of human behaviors. Course work in the Developmental and Learning Sciences offers an overall theoretical and practical examination of age-related and individual differences that emerge in factors affecting physical, behavioral, social-emotional, cross-cultural, biological, cognitive, and personality development and learning. The influences of family, community, and social environments are also examined.The Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Educational Studies is geared toward the rigorous preparation of educational researchers who have the knowledge and skills needed to design, conduct, and disseminate high-quality scholarship, and who have a strong foundation in one or more high-demand areas of specialization. The Ph.D. degree emphasizes the scholarly pursuit of the theoretical underpinning and methodological advancement of educational research. Courses provide critical training in the intellectual pursuit of advanced knowledge in educational, social, and behavioral sciences. A distinguishing feature of the program includes research apprenticeships with Graduate Faculty in the School of Education. Through faculty mentoring, students author and/or co-author publications and presentations at national and international conferences. Working for a Ph.D. degree prepares the graduate for academic and administrative positions in educational institutions and social service agencies. Graduates of the Ph.D. program typically become university faculty members, higher education administrators, and research scientists, or assume other leadership roles.