Florida International University

What you'll study

This doctoral programme combines advanced coursework, research methods training and an extended original dissertation focused on teacher education and professional development. Students study theory and evidence about how teachers learn, curriculum and instruction across specific levels and methods (for example elementary, secondary, special education, STEM, literacy or bilingual/ESOL), and the design, implementation and evaluation of professional learning for practising teachers.

• Core courses — foundations of teacher education, research paradigms in education, theories of teacher learning and teacher leadership.
• Methods and statistics — quantitative and qualitative methods at the doctoral level, mixed methods, programme evaluation and advanced educational measurement.
• Specialised seminars — courses focused on specific levels and methods such as elementary mathematics pedagogy, secondary content area pedagogy, special education practice, literacy instruction, bilingual/ESOL pedagogy, or STEM teacher preparation.
• Professional development design — evidence-based models for professional learning, coaching, mentoring, professional learning communities and scalable PD interventions.
• Policy and systems — coursework on education policy, accreditation, teacher labour markets and the organisation of professional learning in districts and schools.
• Research practicum and dissertation — supervised research practica in school or district settings, culminating in an original dissertation that contributes to knowledge about teacher education or professional development.

Students typically take advanced seminars, participate in departmental research groups, complete qualifying examinations or portfolio requirements, and propose and defend a dissertation. Pathways through the programme can be tailored to candidates’ prior preparation and research interests in particular grades, subject areas or populations.

Entry requirements

Applicants are expected to hold a relevant master’s degree (for example in education, curriculum and instruction, educational leadership, or a closely related field) from an accredited institution. Competitive applicants typically demonstrate evidence of strong academic preparation, research potential and professional experience in teaching or educational leadership.

• Academic transcripts — master’s degree transcripts and official records from prior degrees.
• Research preparation — prior research experience or coursework in research methods is strongly recommended; submission of a research statement outlining doctoral interests and potential dissertation topics is common.
• Professional experience — substantial experience in K–12 or higher education, instructional coaching, curriculum development or related roles that inform the candidate’s research agenda.
• Supporting documents — curriculum vitae, letters of recommendation (typically academic and professional), and a writing sample such as a research paper or project report.
• Other considerations — some applicants may be invited for an interview; international applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency in line with university policies. Standardised test requirements (for example GRE) are determined by the college and may be optional depending on the applicant’s background.

Career prospects

Graduates of this PhD are prepared for research, leadership and policy roles that require advanced expertise in teacher preparation and professional learning. Typical career destinations include:

• University faculty positions in teacher education, curriculum and instruction, or educational leadership.
• District-level leadership roles such as director of professional development, curriculum director, or instructional coaching coordinator.
• Research positions in education research centres, policy institutes and non-profit organisations focused on teacher effectiveness and school improvement.
• Designer or director roles for large-scale professional development initiatives, curriculum adoption projects, and educational technology companies focused on teacher learning.
• Consultancy roles advising school systems, state agencies or international organisations on teacher preparation, induction and ongoing professional learning policy and practice.

Why study at Florida International University

Florida International University’s College of Education and Human Development offers doctoral candidates access to a diverse, urban laboratory for research in teacher education and professional development. The university’s location in Miami provides opportunities to study multilingual and multicultural education, bilingual/ESOL practice, and urban school partnerships across a range of grade levels and communities.

• Strong local partnerships — collaborative relationships with Miami-Dade County Public Schools and other regional districts provide practicum and field research opportunities in authentic school contexts.
• Research community — doctoral students engage with faculty research groups, centres and interdisciplinary initiatives addressing teacher learning, STEM education, literacy and equity-focused practice.
• Mentorship and funding — structured mentoring by faculty, opportunities for research or teaching assistantships, and support for conference participation and dissertation research.
• Practical relevance — emphasis on applied research that informs policy and practice, preparing graduates to lead improvements in teacher preparation programs and professional learning systems.