Ph.D. in Education Program: Learning, Cognition, Instruction, and Development Concentration

Students enrolled in the Ph.D. in Education program and LCID concentration can expect to exit with the ability to think critically about a wide range of the central theories on learning, conduct high-quality original research, communicate and share research effectively, and teach at the university level. Through completion of courses required for their specialization, students will develop a thorough understanding and expertise in one particular domain. They should exit the program with a broad knowledge of the literature in the field and an appreciation of the range of research methods that have been used to advance it. Completion of the program will require the student to complete a dissertation, including a proposal that describes research questions and the methods used to study them. Then the student carries out the investigation to explore those questions and later presents their findings.

For more information about the courses in this program, please visit the course catalog and online schedule of classes.

• 72 Graduate Course Credits
  •       6 Credits – Proseminar Courses
  •     12 Credits – Methodology Requirement Courses
  •       6 Credits – Cognate Courses
  •       6 Credits – Pre-Thesis Research Courses     
  •      18 Credits – Concentration/Specialization Courses
  •     24 Credits – Dissertation Research

*Program requirements for the Statistics and Measurement concentration may vary.

• Qualifying Exam
  • After completing all 48 credits of coursework, students may take the qualifying exam. The qualifying exam is intended for students to demonstrate that they have attained some degree of expertise in the area that suggests they will be able to successfully complete a dissertation project in the area. The exam has both a written and oral component. It is recommended that the qualifying exam be completed by the end of the  student’s third year in the program (with some exception for part-time students).

• Dissertation 
  • Each candidate for the doctorate pursues, under faculty direction, an original investigation of a problem or problems in a field of concentration and presents the results of the investigation in a dissertation. This doctoral work is completed in 24 research credits. Candidates are expected to complete a proposal that reviews the relevant literature, poses research questions and the methods used to study them. Then the candidate carries out the investigation to explore those questions.

The Ph.D. in Education requires students to complete 48 credits of graduate-level coursework and 24 credits of dissertation research. Students will take pre-thesis courses designed to enhance their ability to conduct scholarly research and can expect to receive support from their faculty advisor and other Ph.D. in Education faculty as appropriate. As part of the Learning, Cognition, Instruction, and Development concentration, students must also earn six of the 18 required specialty course credits through completion of classes outside the faculty advisor’s specialty. 

Graduates of the Ph.D. in Education program are expected to influence educational practice in the United States and abroad through original research efforts, thereby contributing to the advancement of knowledge in education, discovering exemplary educational practices, and contributing to local and national educational policy. GSE graduates most commonly go on to conduct research in higher education, policy organizations, governmental, and nongovernmental organizations concerned with education. 

• A personal statement that describes why you are interested in studying education at Rutgers. We are especially interested in knowing what your research interests are and with which faculty members you would like to work.
• Academic Writing sample
• 3 Letters of Recommendation
• Official Undergraduate Transcripts
• Official Graduate Transcripts (if applicable)
• Curriculum Vitae/Resume (optional)

For more information on this program’s admissions requirements, visit the Office of the Graduate and Professional Admissions website.

1. Collect the materials required for admission
2. Submit your application online at http://gradstudy.rutgers.edu/
3. Submit supporting materials online or by mail to the Graduate Admissions Office:

Office of Graduate and Professional Admissions
Rutgers. The State University of New Jersey
56 Bevier Rd, ASB Annex I
Piscataway, NJ 08854, U.S.A.

Download the complete guide on how to apply for the Ph.D. in Education Program with Concentration in Learning, Cognition, Instruction, and Development at the Rutgers University Graduate School of Education.

Tuition: 

For tuition and fees information please visit the tuition landing page.

Financial Aid:

While students are encouraged to apply for federal student aid using the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), there are a number of other merit- and need-based support options, including loans and college work-study programs within and external to Rutgers. For more information, please visit the Office of Financial Aid website.

Scholarships, Fellowships & Assistantships:

Generous GSE alumni, friends, and community members have established and continue to donate to more than one dozen fellowships and scholarships to help deserving students reach their goals. These awards are granted on the basis of academic achievement and or financial need. While these awards are competitive, interested students are encouraged to apply for consideration and submit the required materials. Students must also submit a FAFSA application to be eligible.  

To review all current awards and learn more about the donors that established them, please click here.

Download the Syllabus