The Interdisciplinary Ph.D. in Education Sciences is designed for individuals seeking careers in educational research. This program prepares graduates for careers in research universities, educational research labs and corporations, and research groups within education agencies. Graduates of the program are well-trained in methodological issues in education research.

Delivery Method: In-person

Credit Hours: Minimum of 42 hours

Students will be required to complete a set of core courses in research methods, and students will then follow a particular strand of courses in an area of specialization. All students will be involved in educational research projects throughout their time in the program. 

Interdisciplinary Ph.D. in Education Sciences students must designate at the time of application the strand they want to complete. These include advanced concentrations in the areas of: 

• Curriculum and Instruction 
• Educational Leadership Studies 
• Educational Policy Studies: Educational Evaluation and Policy 
• Educational Policy Studies: Philosophical and Cultural Inquiry 
• Health Education 
• Physical Education 
• Quantitative and Psychometric Methods 
• STEM Education 

Interdisciplinary Ph.D. in Education Sciences students will be encouraged to apply for 20-hour per week research assistantships on grant-supported projects in the College of Education and other units at the University of Kentucky.  

In addition to coursework, students will be expected to attend local, state, or national professional conferences during the first and second years of their programs. All students will be expected to present their research at professional conferences by their third year in the program. Interdisciplinary Ph.D. in Education Sciences doctoral students are expected to submit manuscripts to professional journals and accomplish refereed publications during their doctoral study. Presentations and publications may be scholarly works with a single author or groups of co-authors. 

The Interdisciplinary Ph.D. in Education Sciences is a rigorous doctoral program that does not require year-round, full-time study. Students may enroll in any semester. 

Application tips:

Qualified applicants will have earned baccalaureate and master’s degrees from fully accredited institutions. Applicants must meet admission requirements set by the University of Kentucky Graduate School. 

Please be aware of the following information regarding proper format for the supporting materials that must be included with your application via the Graduate School website: 

Resume or Vita 

• Include your educational background, work experiences, professional certifications, professional memberships, publications, and references. 

Statement of Purpose 

• Previous teaching and/or life experiences that have influenced your decision to pursue a degree in Educational Science, 
• Research interests (i.e., specific problems or general areas in which you hope to work), 
• Specific career goals, and 
• Rationale for why the Educational Science program at the University of Kentucky is a “good fit” for your goals. 

Writing Sample  

• Sole authored article, manuscript, class paper, or master’s degree thesis demonstrating APA style command (title page, headers, references).

Learn more about: 

• Application requirements 
• Degree requirements 

Visit the University of Kentucky catalog for more program details