Doctor of Philosophy in Teaching and Learning

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.
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.

The following factors are considered when selecting doctoral students for admission:

At a minimum, completion of a bachelor's degree with an outstanding record from an accredited institution.
Acceptable and recent (within 5 years) Graduate Record Exam (GRE) scores. The target minimum is a score of 1100 combined on verbal and quantitative (or 302 on new GRE scoring system) and at least a 4.0 on writing.
International applicants whose native language is not English must take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) and the Graduate Record Examination. TOEFL scores are valid for two years after test date.
Professional experience relevant to degree program.
Undergraduate grade point average of at least 3.0 (4.0 scale).
Graduate grade point average of at least 3.5 (4.0 scale).
Three letters of recommendation. At least two of the three letters of recommendation should include specific evaluation of the candidate's potential to engage in scholarly research required for this program.
The written statement of intent (in the UM online application) should describe how the candidate's specific interests and obtaining a Ph.D. in this area of study fits into his/her career goals.
Available student space in the program and someone willing to advise the student. Applicants are encouraged to contact faculty in the Special Education area to inquire about the match between the applicant's interests and the faculty's areas of scholarly research.

Paper Based TOEFL (PBT): 550, Internet Based TOEFL (IBT): 80, IELTS (Academic): 6.5.