Doctor of Philosophy in Science Education

The Ph.D. Program in Science Education at Stony Brook offers a rigorous program of graduate study emphasizing core knowledge from the traditional field of Science Education as well as the emerging fields of Discipline-Based Educational Research (DBER) and the Learning Sciences. This program will provide graduate education for those who wish to work as: i) university or college science educators, directing science teacher education programs, working closely with schools and school systems on local, state and national science projects, ii) university research or policy specialists, with the bulk of their time spent on guiding research on various aspects of science instruction, iii) directors and supervisors in K-12 school systems, covering the design and implementation of science programs at local, county and state levels, and, iv) classroom teachers with improved knowledge of science education theory and practice. A carefully sequenced series of science education core courses and research experiences, coupled with exposure to science education events at state and national levels, will provide the backbone of the program. Students will be introduced to current science education research areas such as science learning, science teaching (physics, chemistry, biology, earth science, environmental science), curriculum and assessment (nature and history of science, scientific literacy, reform), science teacher education (professional development, teacher knowledge) and societal issues (gender, culture and diversity). As part of the coursework students will be required to complete research projects, write and submit articles for publication, make presentations at science education conferences and learn to use computer and library research resources.

A bachelor's degree in a science subject
A master's degree in either a scientific field or in education
Official transcripts of all colleges and universities attended
Graduate GPA of at least 3.0
3 letters of recommendation
Interview and writing sample
Statement of intent
Completed application form
Acceptance by the Graduate School
An applicant must have a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.00 on a 4.00 point scale.
IELTS: Overall score of 6.5, with no subsection recommended to be below 6
TOEFL: 90 for admission to a doctoral program and to be eligible for consideration for TA/GA support