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Engineering Education Systems and Design, PhD

Engineering Education Systems and Design, PhD

Academic programs / Graduate degrees / Engineering Education Systems and Design, PhD

Curriculum Design, Design Education, Educational Ecosystem, Educational Innovations, Engineering Assesment, Engineering Education, Engineering Education Policy, approved for STEM-OPT extension

Program description
Degree awarded: PHD  Engineering Education Systems and Design

The PhD program in engineering education systems and design prepares all students to conduct engineering education research related to their scholarly interests using a systems and design approach.

Students who enroll in the program have a passion for developing skills as engineering education researchers and commitment to contributing to the engineering education community. Learning is driven by engagement with faculty and peers through coursework, research and programmatic events. Those who complete the program are ready to take on a variety of roles across a range of educational settings (e.g., pre-college and higher education, science centers, government agencies, museums, policy setting institutions and industry).

Students may enter the program with a bachelor's or master's degree in an engineering or a related discipline. Areas of research may include workforce adaptability, culturally responsive education, education policy, accessibility, broadening participation in engineering, engineering classroom practices, studies of marginalized groups, student persistence, graduate education, online education and empathy.

STEM-OPT for international students on F-1 visas

This program may be eligible for an Optional Practical Training extension for up to 36 months. This OPT work authorization term may help international students gain skills and experience in the U.S. Those interested in an OPT extension should review ASU degrees that qualify for the STEM-OPT extension at ASU's International Students and Scholars Center website.

The OPT extension only applies to students on an F-1 visa and does not apply to students completing the degree through ASU Online.

At a glance
Degree requirements

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

Required Core (21 credit hours)
EGR 535 Innovation and Design of Engineering Academic Settings (IDEAS) (3)
EGR 565 Qualitative Methods for Engineering Education Research (3)
EGR 572 Quantitative Methods for Engineering Education Research (3)
EGR 574 Engineering Education Systems in Context (3)
EGR 576 From Then Until Now: Examining Inequities in STEM (3)
EGR 671 Applications of Qualitative Methods for Engineering Education Research (3)
EGR 673 Applications of Quantitative Methods for Engineering Education Research (3)

Electives and Research (48 credit hours)
electives (36)
research (12)

Other Requirement (3 credit hours)
EGR 594 Topic: EESD Seminar (3)

Culminating Experience (12 credit hours)
EGR 799 Dissertation (12)

Additional Curriculum Information
Students may be allowed to apply up to 30 credit hours from a previously awarded master's degree to their doctoral program as approved by the academic unit and the Graduate College. If students do not have a master's degree, the remaining 30 credit hours must consist of at least 18 graduate-level credit hours in a particular engineering discipline and at most nine credit hours in support of the student's dissertation research area.

Students are allowed up to six credit hours of 400-level coursework on the student plan of study with appropriate faculty advisor and program chair approval.

Admission requirements

Applicants must fulfill the requirements of both the Graduate College and the Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering.

Applicants are eligible to apply to the program if they have earned a bachelor's or master's degree in engineering or a closely related field from a regionally accredited institution.

Applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.25 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in their first bachelor's degree program or in the last 60 hours of their first bachelor's degree program; or a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in nine semester hours of graduate coursework from a U.S. institution; or a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in an applicable conferred master's degree program from a regionally accredited college or university.

All applicants must submit:

  1. graduate admission application and application fee
  2. official transcripts
  3. statement of purpose
  4. CV or resume
  5. writing sample
  6. two letters of recommendation
  7. proof of English proficiency

Additional Application Information
An applicant whose native language is not English must provide proof of English proficiency regardless of their current residency. Applicants should see the graduate admission services website.

Global Launch at ASU offers an online alternative to standardized testing for international students who are seeking admission to ASU but need proof of English proficiency.

Unofficial transcripts may be submitted at time of application. If admitted, applicants must then submit official transcripts to ASU Graduate Admission Services.

If the applicant does not meet the minimum GPA requirements, the application may still be considered. In certain cases, demonstrated aptitude through professional experience or additional postbaccalaureate education is considered.

Applicants can opt to note faculty members (see current endorsed list of faculty on the Polytechnic campus website) they've spoken to or are interested in working with if they were to matriculate at ASU.

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.
Application deadlines
SessionModalityDeadlineType
Session A/CIn Person 12/15Priority
SessionModalityDeadlineType
Session A/CIn Person 09/15Priority
Program learning outcomes

Program learning outcomes identify what a student will learn or be able to do upon completion of their program. This program has the following program outcomes:

  • Synthesize the engineering education ecosystem by examining its past and exploring its future.
  • Conduct engineering education research using quantitative methods
  • Conduct engineering education research using qualitative methods.
  • Address the need for social justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion within engineering education
Career opportunities

Graduates are equipped for competitive positions in top-tier research institutions as exemplary scholars and teachers or for work as leaders in engineering education in a variety of settings, including:

  • education startups
  • government agencies
  • industry
  • policy-setting institutions
  • science centers and museums
  • think tanks
  • universities
Contact information

Engineering Programs | SUTON 240
polygrad@asu.edu
480-727-1874

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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