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Program Description

The doctoral program in foundations of education at the University of South Carolina offers both breadth and depth in the study of social, philosophical, and historical issues in education. Faculty combine teaching and scholarship with involvement in the local community as well as work at the state and national levels. In addition to course work in foundations in education, doctoral students are offered the opportunity of an expansive social sciences and humanities education based on an individual program of study they can craft with their advisor and doctoral committee.

Admission

To be considered for admission all of The Graduate School’s application requirements, a letter of intent that expresses the applicant’s professional goals and specific interest in foundations of education, a curriculum vitae listing prior experiences and scholarly activities, and a writing sample (such as a class paper or a published article) must be on file in The Graduate School, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC 29208, by October 1 (spring) or February 15 (summer or fall).

Program of Study

Doctoral students must complete residency requirements, a program of study, a qualifying examination and written and oral comprehensive exam, and must complete and defend a dissertation. In addition to the required minimum 30 hours in foundations, course work also includes 9 hours outside of the foundations program area in the College of Education, 9 to 12 hours of electives, and 12 hours of dissertation credit. All students enroll in courses in the history, sociology, and philosophy of education. These courses lead to doctoral seminars in the subdisciplines as well as other courses in educational biography, multicultural education, and qualitative research. Full-time students require approximately two to three years to complete course work. Part-time students will take somewhat longer to complete the degree.