Doctoral Certificate

Doctoral Certificate in Education, Society and Policy

The Doctoral Certificate in Education, Society and Policy is offered by the Committee on Education (COE), an interdisciplinary academic unit working closely with researchers and practitioners drawn from departments across the University who aim to understand and find solutions to the urgent problems facing education in the United States and beyond. 

The doctoral certificate is designed to prepare students to become independent scholars who can effectively design rigorous academic research in education, collect and analyze relevant data, and communicate results clearly to a range of audiences. Doing so will enable the University to continue preparing the next generation of scholars to produce knowledge on how to improve education, broadly defined, particularly for its most disadvantaged students. Each student pursuing the Doctoral Certificate in Education, Society, and Policy will earn a PhD in their individual field of study while participating in a common program of courses, workshops, and structured mentoring, if desired.

 

The certificate is open to all students who are currently enrolled in a PhD program at the University and is designed to be completed in conjunction with their individual degree of study.

Students conducting educational research in a related discipline, those looking for a community of scholars focused on education-related topics, or students who would like to better hone their ability to communicate and present their research, are encouraged to submit the interest form.

Eligible students may complete the doctoral certificate at any stage of their coursework. Students in the 2nd year or beyond of a PhD program are typically most prepared to pursue the certificate. 

Current Committee on Education (COE) Fellows who would like to receive the doctoral certificate must complete the interest form.

Students in the program are required to: 

  • Successfully complete four courses from an approved list of courses related to education, one of which must be EDSO XXXXX, Interdisciplinary Topics in Education, Society, and Policy. This course focuses on advancing students’ independent research related to education via interdisciplinary reading, discussion, and reflection and will be offered minimally once every other year, depending on enrollment demand.

All courses may be double counted towards the certificate and your home program degree requirements. Students may take one of the four required courses pass/fail. Courses outside of those listed on the approved list may be considered via petition.  

  • Regularly attend the COE “Workshop on Education” series for at least six academic quarters. The workshop series brings together students, faculty, and other interested colleagues to discuss cutting edge research on education being conducted locally and around the nation. Students must register for this zero-unit course (EDSO 60013) and will receive a pass/fail grade based on attendance.
  • Present their own research at the Workshop on Education at least once during their course of studies. Workshop presentations allow students to discuss findings, present works in progress, receive written and verbal feedback and share implications for future study and/or analysis. 
  • Successfully complete a dissertation addressing questions or problems related to education. 
  • Complete an annual progress report while pursuing the certificate and a verification form once all program requirements have been met. The Committee on Education will verify that you have satisfied the requirements for the certificate and will notify your Dean of Students, who will then ask the Registrar to include the certificate on your official transcript.
  • Optional:  Students may be matched with a member of the COE faculty who is not in their home department to receive mentoring in support of their academic and professional goals.

Students considering the Doctoral Certificate in Education, Society and Policy are strongly encouraged to consult their faculty advisor to discuss how the program fits into their more general course of study and research plans. Lisa Rosen, Director of Instructional Programs for the Committee on Education, is available to answer questions related to the doctoral certificate program requirements, course selection and more. 

Students wishing to pursue the certificate should notify COE administration by completing an interest form. Interest forms for the program will be accepted on a rolling basis.

Doctoral Certificate in Education, Society and Policy Interest Form