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Early Childhood Education (PhD)

Early Childhood Education (PhD)

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Academic programs / Graduate degrees / Early Childhood Education (PhD)

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Program description
Degree awarded: PHD  Curriculum and Instruction (Early Childhood Education)

Early childhood education focuses on the learning experiences in and out of school of young children birth through age eight. Our program prepares graduates for positions in a range of settings, including research universities, teacher preparation programs, government and policy organizations and ECE program administration.

The faculty in this program have a wide range of backgrounds and research interests, including policy, play, cultural dimensions of child development, international/comparative perspectives, sociological and cultural constructions of early childhood, immigration and indigenous education.

The Ph.D. concentration in early childhood education is located within the interdisciplinary Ph.D. in curriculum and instruction.

At a glance
  • STEM-OPT extension eligible: No

Degree requirements

84 credit hours, a written comprehensive exam, an oral comprehensive exam, a prospectus and a dissertation

Early Childhood Education Concentration: Thirty credit hours from a range of foundational and emerging courses in the field. Several new courses have been developed recently, emphasizing a range of theoretical and methodological approaches to childhood studies and emphasizing social policy and advocacy. A professional development seminar is also offered each semester, which provides practical experiences related to higher education in early childhood education.

Curriculum and Instruction Core Requirements: Six credit hours of interdisciplinary research seminar in curriculum and instruction, and curriculum theory and practice.

Inquiry and Analysis: Fifteen credit hours, including courses that provide overviews of quantitative and qualitative research methods and in-depth study of particular research philosophies and methods (dependent on student goals and committee advice).

Internships: Six credit hours, concentrating on college teaching, research and public policy/advocacy.

Cognate Study: Twelve credit hours that provide an interdisciplinary element to the program. With the advice and approval of the program chair and the student's committee, the student chooses a cognate area of study suitable to individual goals.

Independent Research and Dissertation: A minimum of three credit hours of research and 12 credit hours of dissertation leading to completion of an approved dissertation are required.

Admission requirements

General university admission requirements:

All students are required to meet general university admission requirements.
U.S. applicants | International applicants | English proficiency

The following are required:

  1. All applicants must submit the Graduate College online application.
  2. GRE scores.
  3. Curriculum vitae (resume).
  4. Letter of intent/statement of purpose.
  5. Online application to the Graduate College.
  6. Statement of research interests.
  7. Three letters of recommendation from individuals who can speak to the applicant's potential for success in a graduate program.
  8. Transcripts
  9. A writing sample (approximately 10 pages long).

Additional materials may be required to gain admission into certain programs or cohorts.

Admission to the program is contingent upon the commitment from an approved mentor in the concentration to advise the applicant.

Note: This program is enrolled at maximum capacity and is not accepting new applications.

Tuition information
When it comes to paying for higher education, everyone’s situation is different. Students can learn about ASU tuition and financial aid options to find out which will work best for them.
Contact information
What are accelerated programs?
Accelerated programs allow students the opportunity to expedite the completion of their degree.

3 year programs

These programs allow students to fast-track their studies after admission and earn a bachelor's degree in three years or fewer while participating in the same high-quality educational experience of a 4-year option. Students should talk to their academic advisor to get started.

Accelerated master's

These programs allow students to accelerate their studies to earn a bachelor's plus a master's degree in as few as five years (for some programs).

Each program has requirements students must meet to be eligible for consideration. Acceptance to the graduate program requires a separate application. Students typically receive approval to pursue the accelerated master’s during the junior year of their bachelor's degree program. Interested students can learn about eligibility requirements and how to apply.
What are concurrent programs?
Concurrent degrees allow students to pursue their own personal or professional interests, earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. To add a concurrent degree to your existing degree, work with your academic advisor.
What are joint programs?
Joint programs, or jointly conferred degrees, are offered by more than one college and provide opportunities for students to take advantage of the academic strengths of two academic units. Upon graduation, students are awarded one degree and one diploma conferred by two colleges.

What constitutes a new program?
ASU adds new programs to Degree Search frequently. Come back often and look for the “New Programs” option.
What are online programs?
ASU Online offers programs in an entirely online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. See https://asuonline.asu.edu/ for more information.
What is WRGP (Western Regional Graduate Program)?
The Western Regional Graduate Program (WRGP) provides a reduced tuition rate to non-resident graduate students who qualify. Visit the WRGP/WICHE webpage for more information: https://graduate.asu.edu/wiche.

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