Ph.D. in Teaching and Learning

https://tal.edu.miami.edu/graduate/doctoral/tal-phd/index.html

Overview

The Ph.D. Program in the Department of Teaching and Learning prepares individuals to serve as educational leaders, researchers, designers and teacher educators who work in a variety of contexts, including colleges and universities, public school systems, and nonprofit organizations. The program focuses on developing doctoral students’ understanding of (a) the cultural contexts and policy settings that impact learning; (b) the theoretical foundations and practice of rigorous empirical research; (c) and how to design, implement and test transformative learning environments that promote deep learning. Areas of active research among TAL faculty and students include instructional interventions, innovative use of technology, artificial intelligence, multilingualism, teacher preparation, family engagement, disability and special education, early childhood education, and science, technology, engineering and mathematics learning.  A focus on diversity and equity runs through foundational courses, area seminars, research practica, and opportunities for community engagement.

Incoming students are assigned a Supervisory Committee, consisting of three TAL faculty members plus a faculty member from another Department, to advise them in developing their Program of Study. With the approval of their Supervisory Committee, doctoral students may apply up to 30 credits from an earned Master’s degree towards the 60 required credits of coursework for the PhD. Students must also complete 12 dissertation credits.

Application Requirements

Admission to all graduate-degree concentrations in the School of Education and Human Development is based on the recommendation of the faculty. Admissions decisions are based on faculty review of the following general requirements that apply to all Graduate Programs in the School as well as specific documents listed under each concentration.

Applicants must:

• Step 1: Review the Profiles of TAL Faculty

  Visit the web pages of TAL faculty to assess areas of shared interest and to determine individual faculty members’ availability to take on new students.

  Step 2: Sign Up for a Graduate School Application Account

  Visit the Graduate School Application website to create your account. Please note that your application is not complete, and we cannot begin reviewing it until all required forms are submitted. The $85 non-refundable application fee can be paid online when you submit your Graduate School Application.

  Step 3: Send Official Transcripts

  Request one official transcript from each post-secondary institution (college or university) that you have attended. Transcripts should be for both undergraduate and graduate studies. All degrees must be from regional accredited institutions.

  Applicants should request transcripts to be sent directly from the institution to us electronically via sehdgradadmissions@miami.edu  or to our physical address if electronic transfer is not an option:

  Academic Affairs I Graduate Studies
  1507 Levante Ave.
  Suite 311
  Coral Gables, FL 33146

  Step 4: Letters of Recommendation

  In the References section of your Graduate School Application, you may add your recommenders’ names and email addresses. When you submit your application, your recommenders will receive a recommendation form via email to which they can respond. They can also add a letter on their institution’s letterhead. It is critical that recommenders address the applicant’s qualifications to pursue a rigorous, research-oriented doctoral degree.

  Step 5: Send Official GRE Scores

  Request your GRE general, and TOEFL (if applicable) scores from ETS (University of Miami Institution Code # 5815). **Transcripts and test scores are not considered as official if provided by or received via the applicant.

  Step 6: Complete the Applicant Statement

  Students should attach a statement of their academic and professional goals. The statement has a maximum length of 2 pages double-spaced.

  Step 7: Send CV or Resume

  Students should attach a current curriculum vitae (CV) or resume to the application.

  Step 8: For International Students Only

  All international applications must provide additional information and meet additional requirements as required by the UM Graduate School and the Office of International Student and Scholar Services. For an appropriate link to these requirements, please visit the Graduate School website, https://www.grad.miami.edu/graduate-education/international-credentials-and-applicants/index.html

Admission Decision

Once an applicant has been admitted to graduate study, that individual should meet with the faculty advisor who was appointed to serve in that capacity and whose name appears in the admissions letter. This advisor will help the student enroll in courses that are appropriate to the program; to develop and to refine a Program of Study that must be on file in the Office of Graduate Studies by the end of the first academic year of enrollment.

Honor Code/Handbook of Policies and Procedures

The School of Education and Human Development follows the Graduate School’s Honor Code. All students are required to review the Graduate Student Honor Code and the School of Education and Human Development’s Handbook of Policies and Procedures for Graduate Students and submit the signed Acknowledgement of Receipt located on page 3 by the end of their first semester of enrollment.

Curriculum Requirements

Note:  At least 30 credits of coursework must be at the 700 level.

Sample Plan of Study

Students Entering with a Master's Degree*

*Assuming 9 credit hours can be applied to the doctoral coursework

This is a sample Plan of Study, based on a student whose Supervisory Committee approved the application of 9 credits from their Master’s program. Your actual course sequence may vary depending on your previous academic experience as well as current course offerings. Students should meet with their Supervisory Committee each semester to determine appropriate course selection.

Sample Plan of Study

Students Entering with Only a Bachelor's Degree

This is a sample Plan of Study, your actual course sequence may vary depending on your previous academic experience as well as current course offerings. Students should meet with their Supervisory Committee each semester to determine appropriate course selection.

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Mission

The mission of the School of Education and Human Development is to produce knowledge and prepare the next generation of leaders, researchers, and agents of change and well-being in education and the community. 

Goals

The goal of the doctoral program in Teaching and Learning (TAL) is to provide professional preparation for careers in research and teacher education in the following areas: language, literacy, and learning in multilingual settings; science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education; and special education.

All students are expected to develop and demonstrate a high level of competency in a selected research area, in their knowledge of research methods, and in their knowledge of diversity as it applies to their area of research and practice. We expect that our graduates will go on to work as faculty in Institutions of Higher Education or as educational leaders in school systems, educational foundations, research organizations, and other settings. 

Student Learning Outcomes

• Students will demonstrate knowledge of the literature on diversity in education, with particular attention to racial, ethnic, linguistic, and cultural diversity.
• Students will demonstrate in-depth knowledge of an area of specialization.
• Students will demonstrate their knowledge of research methods appropriate to their area of specialization.