Educational Foundations & Leadership : Graduate Programs

Ph.D. Program in Foundations of Education
Department of Foundations of Education

Approved by the Graduate Council, Fall 2005

Program Philosophy:  An Inquiry-Based Model

The Ph.D. Program is devoted to the study of the Foundations of Education, defined as the:

1. Exploration of the philosophical, historical, sociological, and psychological phenomena and principles that shape educational ideas, practices, and problems;
2. Development of quantitative and qualitative research methodologies, applied statistics, measurement, and program evaluation; and
3. Application of the understanding of these phenomena and principles and methods of inquiry in educational and other human service activities.
   

The study of Foundations of Education is based upon various academic disciplines, including:  history, philosophy, developmental and cognitive psychology, research and measurement, and sociology.

The Program is concerned with the essential importance of foundational understanding for teachers and other professionals. We endorse reflective practice and affirm that an understanding of social-cultural and psychological phenomena and knowledge of methods of research and assessment inform reflection. This knowledge enhances the interpretive, evaluative, and decision-making capacities of educators and other professionals.

The Program is grounded in the philosophy of the College of Education.  At the doctoral level of study this orientation is implemented in terms of an inquiry-based model of graduate education. The program is organized in terms of a thematic, research question-based approach.  The driving force of doctoral study in this model is a set of research questions determined by the student in consultation with the doctoral advisor and committee.  These research questions are explored in the Foundations Professional Seminar, supervised research experiences, and in dialogue with the advisor and doctoral committee as well as other program faculty.  The student’s plan of study, comprehensive exam, and dissertation are structured in terms of the student’s research questions and interests.  This approach places the student at the center of their own learning in the context of an intellectual environment comprised of inquiry, discovery, and discourse.  In this model the research interests of the student in concert with faculty expertise drive doctoral study.

The Masters & Ph.D. program in Foundations of Education at The University of Toledo offers concentrations in

• Educational Psychology
  

• Educational Research & Measurement

• Educational Theory & Social Foundations
  

• Philosophy of Education
  

• Educational Sociology
  

• History of Education

Program graduates are prepared to be professors, researchers, statisticians, and educators in school settings, or to work in clinical and administrative positions in the service sector (including education, health, human services, and community-based organizations). Graduate students have opportunities for gaining teaching experience at the undergraduate level and for interacting with faculty on both grant-supported and college-based research.

More About the Program

Applicants to the Ph.D. program may have either a Bachelor's or a Master's degree in any relevant field. Many Ph.D. students begin the Foundations Program as Master's students and upon completion, continue their work in the same concentration, or stay within the program but transfer to a different concentration (e.g., a student with a Master's in Educational Psychology might then do a Ph.D. in Research and Measurement with a Theory and Social Foundations minor). Although applicants are evaluated using a multi-factored approach, applicants must usually have a minimum GPA of 2.7 on a 4-point scale for their Bachelor's and 3.0 on a 4-point scale for their Master's, as well as a GRE combined quantitative and verbal score of 1040. Other factors taken into consideration are life and professional experiences that suggest the applicant has good potential to contribute to the field, as well as the applicant's statement of purpose and letters of recommendation.

The Ph.D. Program in Foundations of Education serves the needs of Ohio in a number of ways. Faculty and students do research in a variety of fields aimed at enhancing the lives of children and families. Faculty prepare individuals who will serve all children and their families. Faculty regularly consult with schools throughout northwest Ohio and the state regarding school reform, cultural diversity, interventions, and effective classroom practices, and with other institutions such as hospitals and community service organizations regarding effective interaction with clients and program evaluation. Approximately half of the program's graduates stay in the state after graduation and continue to contribute to the education of professionals who will be working with children in a variety of fields (education, nursing, early intervention, counseling, social work, etc.).

Graduate students regularly participate in group and individual presentations at national conferences, and many publish work individually or in collaboration with faculty members while graduate students at The University of Toledo.

This Ph.D. program, along with all other College degree programs, is reviewed regularly as part of the University's Program Review process.