Is this program for me?

• Are you interested in teaching math, statistics, computer science, or life science at a community college? If so, the Science and Social Sciences Specialization with the Mathematics and Statistics/Computer Science/Life Science Option may be the right choice for you!
  
  
• Are you looking for a social science degree to complement your academic training in your discipline? Then consider the Science and Social Sciences Specialization with the Social Sciences Option.

Science and Social Sciences Specialization

The Science and Social Sciences Specialization is for education professionals who want to teach at the high school, community college, or university level, or who want to become a program specialist in their academic area at the district or state level.

Professional Core

The 21 semester hours in the professional core required for an Ed.D. in Curriculum and Instruction will provide you a thorough grounding in the psychological and philosophical foundations of education. You will also examine critical issues in education, explore the interaction of practice and theory, and learn how to plan and evaluate educational research.

Mathematics and Statistics/ Computer Science/Life Science Option

This option (24 semester hours) targets individuals who want to become subject-matter supervisors, program specialists, or instructors in any of the specified content areas. Your academic advisor will help you plan a program suited to your career goal. For instance, supervisors will need a broader-based program as well as courses in supervision. College teachers will need more in-depth subject matter as well as courses in instructional design.

Mathematics and Statistics/Computer Science/Life Science Option Program Objectives

• Have a broad understanding of a variety and scope of subject matter in one of the three specialization areas listed above.
• Conduct applied research and interpret the research of others in the teaching of the chosen discipline.
• Have advanced knowledge of theory and current research in the chosen discipline.
• Critically analyze professional literature in the educational arena of the chosen discipline.

Social Sciences Option

The Social Sciences Option (24 semester hours) targets individuals who want to specialize in specific academic discipline areas of social sciences to complement their academic training in the area of education. This option is designated for teachers in elementary and secondary education, junior and community college teachers, and practitioners in the field of social sciences who wish to upgrade their expertise both in the content areas of their social science expertise and their educational delivery.

Social Sciences Option Program Objectives

• Have a broad understanding of a variety and scope of subject matter in the social sciences.
• Interpret the research in the teaching of social sciences.
• Have advanced knowledge of theory, current research, and critical issues in social science education.
• Critically analyze professional literature in the areas of social science fields.
• Identify and evaluate special topics relevant to social science fields.
• Have understanding and skills necessary to undertake applied education research in various social science disciplines.
• Possess the competence and delivery skills necessary to be educational leaders in social science curricula.

Dissertation

The final step in achieving your doctorate in Curriculum and Instruction with a Science and Social Sciences Specialization involves planning, conducting, and documenting a research study focused on an issue related to your specialization. The dissertation process is a major effort involving 18 semester hours, during which time you will work independently under the guidance of your dissertation committee.

How do I get started?

1. Review the information regarding the Ed.D. program and the Science and Social Sciences Specialization in the UWF catalog.
2. Contact Dr. Joyce Nichols, Associate Chair of the Department of Research & Advanced Studies, to make an appointment to talk to an advisor.
3. Submit an application to Graduate Admissions.
4. Submit an application to the Ed.D. Program Office.