Degree Requirements

The intent of the Ed.D. program in science education is to develop professionals who will provide leadership in the area of science education. These professionals will serve at the interface of research science and the public culture in bringing developments in contemporary science to the broad spectrum of the public.

Foundations of Education: (9 credits, with minimum of 3 in each area) The 9 credits will be outside the student's area of specialization.

• Learning in a Content Area
• Policy and Leadership
• Social and Philosophical Foundations
• Psychological Foundations

Science Education: (30 credits of work in the basic research area of the candidate with some work in closely associated areas are required. Additional credits in science education can be taken within or outside of the GSE. Advisor's approval is required for elective courses)

Area of Specialization:

• 15:256:550 Science and Culture:
• 15:256:552 Teaching Physical and Life Sciences
• 15:256:555 Research Internship in Science
• 15:256:650 Seminar in Science Education I
• 15:256:651 Seminar in Science Education II
• 15:256:655 Independent Study leading to a Qualifying Paper

An additional 12 credits taken in science education or in relevant areas within or outside the GSE. Elective courses require advisor's approval.

Research Methodology: (Containing courses in 2 of the following areas-9 credits) The existing approved research courses will be used as well as new courses designed in the future.

• Quantitative Foundations
• Qualitative Foundations
• Program Evaluation

Dissertation: (24 credits) 250:701 Dissertation Study in Learning & Teaching (Note: No more than 12 credit hours dissertation may be taken before the successful completion of the Qualifying Examination.) The traditional five-chapter dissertation will be developed by the candidate under advisement of the dissertation committee. The research is to be directed at current developments in science education directed at bridging the gap between science and the public culture. The research represents an original, meaningful contribution to the field. The dissertation will require students to do a research project aimed at informing educational practice. The investigation must be informed by current research and theory, but may be directed to policy makers in a specific context rather than to the larger field. The dissertation study will be reported in an article-length format (no more than 100 pages). The Dissertation Committee consists of at least three members approved by the program and department chair. The chairperson of the Dissertation Committee must be a member of the Graduate School of Education, and at least one Committee member must be a member of the student's program. At least two committee members must be Rutgers faculty members; at least one must be from outside the student's department.

Total Credits: 72

Please note:

• Students must maintain a cumulative GPA of at least 3.25 in the doctoral coursework and dissertation research courses.
• Students may petition the faculty to transfer up to 18 graduate credit hours of coursework taken elsewhere to partially meet these requirements. Transfer of credits is not guaranteed, and it must be demonstrated that the course meets the specific goals of the program. Transfer courses used to fulfill core program requirements should have content equivalent to these courses. The faculty will review each petition and decide if the coursework taken elsewhere meets the standards of courses sponsored by the Ed.D. program.
• Degree programs will be approved by both student's program advisor and by the chair of the department.

Time Limits: Students have seven years from the time of admission to complete coursework and qualifying examinations, and they will have a total of 10 years to complete all requirements.