Overview
The Education Sciences Interdisciplinary Ph.D. with an emphasis in STEM Education is an intensive program designed to prepare future researchers, teacher educators, and researcher-practitioners to meet the national call for more individuals with heightened scholarly expertise in STEM Education. The Education Sciences Interdisciplinary Ph.D. program requires study throughout the year. Full-time study is strongly encouraged; however, part-time study is a possible alternative, particularly for professional educators.
Why You Should Enroll
The Education Sciences Interdisciplinary Ph.D. with an emphasis in STEM Education is an intensive program designed to prepare future researchers, teacher educators, and researcher-practitioners to meet the national call for more individuals with heightened scholarly expertise in STEM Education.
Program Details
Delivery Method:
Credit Hours:
Time to Completion:
Tuition Cost: Refer to Full-time per Credit Hour Rates for Undergraduate Students on the UK Tuition and Mandatory Fees page.
Coursework Requirements
The program includes 45 credit hours of coursework culminating in a dissertation study designed by the candidate. Coursework encompasses four main core components:
- Education Sciences Interdisciplinary Ph.D. core focusing on research methodologies (12 hours)
- STEM Education required courses addressing pedagogy and research in STEM Education (15 hours)
- STEM Education Methodology (9 hours)
- Electives (9 hours)
The program is not a fully online program and students must be able to commute to UK’s campus in Lexington, KY at least once a week for courses. However, there are some courses available fully online and others that are hybrid (half online and half on campus) to assist with those students within lengthy driving distances.
The time needed to complete the program varies based on students’ education and professional experiences, interests, and career goals.
View a complete list of coursework in the program.
Information for Students Beginning Coursework in the Program
Information for Students Who Have Completed at Least 18 hours of Coursework in the Program
Information for Students Who Are Preparing for the Qualifying Exam
Information for Students Completing Their Dissertation
How to Apply
Required Materials:
- GRE scores (optional, not required)
- TOEFL or IELTS (for international students whose native language is not English)
- GPA requirement: 2.75 undergraduate; 3.0 Graduate work
- Official transcripts: official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attended must be submitted to the Graduate School (send to The Graduate School, Attn: Admissions Office, 201 Gillis Building, Lexington, KY 40506-0033) – unofficial transcripts can be submitted to initiate application process, but all admissions are contingent upon receipt of official transcripts
- A short statement about your career goals and interests
- Writing sample (e.g., paper written for coursework requirement, grant application, publication)
- Three letters of recommendation (the online system will email your references to submit their letters)
- Interview with STEM Ed faculty specializing in your area of interest (Interview will be scheduled upon completion of application materials)
- Onsite writing sample prior to interview
- $65.00 admissions fee paid in full (international students: $75.00)
Gather the required materials and submit an application to the Graduate School.
Applications are accepted throughout the academic year. In order to guarantee accept/deny decision and time to enroll, domestic applications must be submitted AT LEAST one month prior to the beginning of the semester in which you wish to enroll. International applications must be submitted by April 15 (to start during the fall) and by September 15 (to start during the spring).
The onsite writing sample and interview can be conducted virtually in cases where applicants are not living within driving distance of UK.
Funding Opportunities
Graduate Assistantship opportunities are available for our students. We begin reviewing applications for teaching assistantships in April for funding to begin in the fall semester. However, applications are accepted throughout the year. Availability and renewal depends upon classroom teaching and research needs, and priority is given to students enrolled in our degree programs.
Full-time assistantships involve about 20 hours of job duties and include a stipend, full tuition waiver, and student health insurance. Please note that assistantships are not guaranteed to be available for all students needing this opportunity as positions are limited. In order to be considered for a funded assistantship, students must have already applied to the program.
Questions?
Feel free to contact us with any questions you might have regarding this program. We can’t wait to hear from you!
Jennifer Wilhelm
Professor and Director of Graduate Studies
(859) 257-1643