Doctor of Education in Science Education
Admission Information
Displaying requirements for the Spring 2025, Summer 2025, and Fall 2025 terms.
Doctor of Education
- Points/Credits: 75
- Entry Terms: Fall
- Enrollment Formats: Full-Time Campus-Based, Part-Time Campus-Based
Application Deadlines
| Entry Term Available | Priority Deadlines | Final Deadlines | Extended Deadlines |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Summer | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Fall | December 1, 2024 | December 1, 2024 | N/A |
Select programs remain open beyond our standard application deadlines, such as those with an extended deadline or those that are rolling (open until June or July). If your program is rolling or has an extended deadline indicated above, applications are reviewed as they are received and on a space-available basis. We recommend you complete your application as soon as possible as these programs can close earlier if full capacity has been met.
Application Requirements
| Requirement | |
|---|---|
| Online Degree Application, including Statement of Purpose and Resume | |
| Transcripts and/or Course-by-Course Evaluations for all Undergraduate/Graduate Coursework Completed | |
| Results from an accepted English Proficiency Exam (if applicable) | |
| $75 Application Fee | |
| Two (2) Letters of Recommendation | |
| Supplemental application required (included in online application) |
For admission-related inquiries, please contact MSTadmission@tc.columbia.edu.
Requirements from the TC Catalog (AY 2024-2025)
Displaying catalog information for the Fall 2024, Spring 2025 and Summer 2025 terms.
The Program offers curriculum leading to the degree of Doctor of Education (Ed.D.). This program is intended to prepare students for leadership in science education. Most students entering this program are classroom teachers. This program is designed to prepare professional science educators who are (1) educated both broadly and deeply in science subject matter, (2) competent in methods of scholarly analysis, and (3) have a deep understanding of education and science education. Students should also consult the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Education bulletin, available from the Office of Doctoral Studies (ODS), for College-wide Ed.D. requirements.
In total, a minimum of 90 course points are required: A minimum of 15 points in breadth of science content courses, 15 points in core science education courses, 12 points in professional education courses, 9 points in research methodology courses, 3-6 points in technology courses, and 6 dissertation study points. This leaves a remaining 27-30 points of optional studies to be determined in consultation with the advisor. These additional points may be used to create a minor in an area of interest.
The student, in consultation with an advisor, plans a program of study consistent with the student’s prior education and oriented toward professional goals. This program plan is approved by the advisor and then submitted to the Office of Doctoral Studies. In planning a program of study, the student would be wise to pay particular attention to the time when the certification exam is taken.
The certification examination is ordinarily taken no later than the term in which the student completes 65-75 percent of coursework. A special certification examination is designed for each candidate. The certification exam generally takes place in the student’s third year of full-time study. Please refer to the Office of Doctoral Studies bulletin and the departmental advisor for details.
Dissertation Guidelines
The Ed.D. dissertation is a scholarly endeavor contributing new knowledge to the field and should be planned early in the doctoral program when sufficient advanced courses have been completed to permit the candidate to enroll in relevant research techniques courses and pertinent advanced study to enable efficient and high-quality preparation of the thesis. Dissertations in science education can be (1) empirical or theoretical studies in learning, (2) design and formative evaluation of science curricula, or (3) analytical studies in policy theory in science education. The candidate is recommended to seek an advisor within the Department who can best guide the design and completion of the type of thesis chosen.