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.
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.
In addition to developing a shared foundation for understanding and investigating educational phenomena, our doctoral students select one of three areas of specialization: Language, Literacy, and Learning in Multilingual Settings (LLLMS); Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Education; and Special Education (SPED). Students take four courses in their area of specialization and may also take courses in other areas.
Applicants who have a Master’s degree in education or a related field may apply up to 30 credits from their graduate degree towards the 60 required credits of coursework. Students must also enroll in 12 dissertation credits. Our program is designed as a full-time, face-to-face program. Students typically complete their Ph.D. in 4 years, though some students may be able to complete all requirements in 3. Qualified students are awarded a tuition waiver for the full duration of their program. In addition, we seek to offer Graduate Student Assistantships to as many admitted students as possible. These Assistantships offer students a 9-month stipend which involves 20 hours per week of research experience, community engagement work, pre-service teacher supervision, and/or teaching. Further information on coursework, program milestones, and supports is available in the TAL Ph.D. Doctoral Student Handbook, available on request from the TAL Ph.D. Program Director. Information on specific courses and a sample Program of Study is available in the University of Miami Course Bulletin.
The following are required for consideration for admission to the Ph.D. Program in Teaching and Learning: Additional factors affecting admission decisions include available space in the program and faculty advising commitments. Applicants are encouraged to contact faculty in their prospective area of specialization to discuss the match between the applicant’s interests and the faculty members’ areas of research. Previous experience in teaching and learning is highly desirable.
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.
The deadline to submit applications for fall admissions is June 30. However, review of applications will begin in January. Applicants are therefore advised to submit their applications as early as possible.
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.
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 …
A Master’s degree is not required for admission.
With approval of the student’s Supervisory Committee, a student may apply a maximum of 30 graduate-level credits to their Program of Study.
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.
Courses are selected in consultation with the student’s Supervisory Committee.
Yes, course selection is jointly decided by the student and the student’s Supervisory Committee.
Most students who enter the program with a Master’s degree in education complete the program within 4 years.
We base our admissions decisions on an applicant’s total application folio. We suggest the following to maximize your chances of admission:
Ji Shen Graduate Studies Office Specialization in Special Education Specialization in Language and Literacy Learning in Multilingual Settings (LLLMS) Specialization in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM)Program Director
Director, TAL Ph.D. Program
Professor, Department of Teaching and Learning
Merrick Building, 324-B
j.shen@miami.eduApplication Process Questions
305-284-2167
soegradadmissions@miami.eduAdmission Inquiries
Batya Elbaum
305-284-4218
elbaum@miami.edu
Matthew Deroo
305-284-7343
deroomat@miami.edu
Ji Shen
305-284-4970
j.shen@miami.edu