The Doctor of Philosophy degree is designed for professional educators who wish to enhance their competence in Social Science Education, conduct and interpret research in the field, and prepare for leadership roles in secondary education or faculty positions in higher education. Graduates from this program should be imaginative, reflective professionals who can provide leadership to the field of Social Science Education. The Ph.D. program requires at least 88 semester hours of course work beyond the bachelor's degree (30 hours of Social Sciences, 18 hours of Social Science Education, 18 hours of research course work, 12 hours of related education courses, and at least 10 hours of dissertation credits).  The candidate's doctoral committee will determine which courses from a master's degree program may be included in the doctoral plan of study.

Our program philosophy and conceptual framework are built upon a vision of civic competence articulated by the National Council for the Social Studies: "The primary purpose of social studies is to help young people develop the ability to make informed and reasoned decisions for the public good as citizens of a culturally diverse, democratic society in an interdependent world."