Teaching and Learning - Ph.D.

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The PhD in Teaching and Learning is a research-intensive doctoral program designed for individuals seeking to improve the lives of children, adults, and families through educational scholarship, innovation, and equity-driven practice. The program supports the development of scholars prepared to address complex challenges in diverse learning environments and to contribute to the evolution of educational systems, policies, and practices.

Faculty in the Department have ongoing research programs in areas that include:

instructional design and assessment in science, technology and mathematics (STEM) education
science teacher education
literacy for adolescents with and at-risk for reading disabilities
cultural contexts that influence learning across home, school, and community settings
model-building and story-telling with large, complex data and data visualization technologies
public school finance and policy
the application of automated sensing technologies in the study of children’s development in inclusive preschool classrooms

Graduates of the program are equipped for a wide range of impactful careers, including:

Faculty and research positions in higher education
Roles in educational policy and think tanks
Curriculum and program development
Development/leadership of teacher preparation programs/initiatives
Consulting and innovation in learning design
Evaluation and assessment organizations
Leadership in institutions such as museums and libraries
Emerging roles in education technology
Interdisciplinary collaborations

The program emphasizes:

Mentorship from nationally and internationally recognized faculty
Advanced training in theory and research methods
Participatory seminars and collaborative research
Community-engaged projects focused on equity and social transformation
Research publication and dissemination

A core commitment to equity guides the curriculum, encouraging critical engagement with issues of race, class, language, gender, disability, and other dimensions of identity. Graduates are prepared to produce scholarship that challenges systemic inequities and informs inclusive, future-ready educational practice.

What We Do

We are a department of educators and researchers who prepare the next generation of educational leaders, researchers, instructional designers, and teacher educators. Our Ph.D. program has a strong focus on diversity, equity, and interdisciplinarity, offering students the opportunity to pursue research in areas such as instructional interventions, including specialized instruction for students with disabilities; innovative use of technology; bi/multilingualism; multiliteracy; teacher preparation; family engagement, learning in community settings; and science, technology and mathematics (STEM) teaching and learning. Our faculty express their commitment to improving educational achievement and equity through research, professional development, and collaborations with community partners.

Foundational Coursework

All TAL doctoral students take a set of foundational courses including Introduction to the Science of Learning, Introduction to Research, Teaching and Teacher Education, and Issues and Trends in Multicultural Education. In addition, students take at least 15 credits of coursework in research methods, selected from a range of options covering quantitative, qualitative, and mixed methods approach to design and data analysis.

Frequently Asked Questions

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Does this program prepare students for a career in research?

The Ph.D. program is designed to prepare candidates to do research in a variety of educational contexts, including PreK-12 schools and informal learning environments. Program graduates have also taken positions that are focused on pre-service teacher preparation, teacher professional development, or curriculum development, to name a few areas.
When is the application due?

The deadline to submit applications for fall admissions is March 1st. However, review of applications will begin in January. Applicants are therefore advised to submit their applications as early as possible.
What are the GPA and GRE scores required to be accepted?

The Department does not have a minimum score for admission. Instead, an applicant’s GRE scores (This requirement cannot be waived) are considered as one indicator of academic competence. Faculty also consider the applicant’s background, stated goals, and letters of recommendation.
I’m an international student. Do I need to submit TOEFL scores?

If you are an international student who completed a graduate program in an English-speaking country (e.g. United States, Canada, Australia), you do not need to submit TOEFL scores. If you are new to a graduate program in the U.S., then you need to submit TOEFL scores. The minimum TOEFL score is …
How many credit hours are required to earn a Ph.D.?

The program requires 60 credit hours of study beyond the undergraduate degree, plus 12 dissertation credits.
Do I need to have earned a Master’s degree prior to entering the program?

A Master’s degree is not required for admission.
How many graduate level semester hours can I transfer from my Master’s degree?

With approval of the student’s Supervisory Committee, a student may apply a maximum of 30 graduate-level credits to their Program of Study.
What is a Program of Study and when should it be submitted?

The Program of Study for the Ph.D. degree in the Department of Teaching and Learning is individualized based on the student’s career goals, previous academic and professional background, and faculty recommendations. Students are required to file a Program of Study and a Course Sequence Plan prior to the end of the second semester of study.
Do I have to be a full-time student?

Yes. The program is designed as a full-time program
How do I choose which courses to take?

Courses are selected in consultation with the student’s Supervisory Committee.
Can I take courses in other program areas as part of my doctoral degree?

Yes, course selection is jointly decided by the student and the student’s Supervisory Committee.
How long does it usually take to complete the program?

Most students who enter the program with a Master’s degree in education complete the program within 4 years.
What are admission decisions based on?
We base our admissions decisions on an applicant’s total application folio. We suggest the following to maximize your chances of admission:
- Your letters of recommendation should speak directly to your potential as a student in an academically demanding doctoral program who will be expected to assume increasing responsibility for independent learning. -Your statement of purpose should address how your career aspirations match our goals for program graduates.
- If you have any extraordinary accomplishments that we should know about, submit them with your application materials.
- Familiarize yourself with our faculty members’ research. Feel free to contact individual faculty members to explore areas of mutual interest.
Where can I find information about financial aid?

This information can be found here.

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Program Contacts

Admission Inquiries

Dr. Batya Elbaum

Program Director, TAL Ph.D. Program
Professor, Department of Teaching and Learning

Phone: 305-284-4218
Email: elbaum@miami.edu

Application Process Questions

Graduate Studies Office

For inquiries regarding graduate admissions and program information

Phone: 305-284-2167
Email: sehdgradadmissions@miami.edu

Teaching and Learning - Ph.D.

Frequently Asked Questions

Let's Get Started With Your Application

Program Contacts

Admission Inquiries

Dr. Batya Elbaum

Application Process Questions

Graduate Studies Office

Department of Teaching and Learning

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