PhD in Learning, Teaching and Curriculum with Emphasis in Early Childhood Education
The faculty and students in early childhood education work closely together. Faculty and students share ideas and learn from one another. Your faculty advisor has the strongest interest in your professional/ personal growth, but each early childhood faculty member will be a valued part of your community.
Goals of the PhD Program
These goals are achieved through a combination of course-work, internships and authentic experiences with research, development, and teacher education.
- Understand the depth and breath of the field of early childhood education in terms of research, curriculum, policy, teacher development and student learning;
- Develop, carry out, and report independent research in some area of early childhood education;
- Become outstanding teachers/advisors of college students;
- Understand the role of service in the university setting and learn how memberships in organizations can lead to a service agenda.
Degree Requirements
To receive a PhD degree, you must complete a minimum of 72 hours of coursework beyond a bachelor’s degree. This includes at least 18 hours of early childhood education core course and a minimum of 12 hours of research methodology.
Admissions
Applicants are required to meet two sets of minimum qualifications for admission: the requirements of the PhD in Learning, Teaching and Curriculum and the minimum requirements of the Graduate School. Because requirements vary, you must refer to a degree program's graduate admission page to learn about specific admission criteria, application deadlines, eligibility and application process. Your application materials will be reviewed by both the Graduate School and the degree program to which you’ve applied before official admission to the University of Missouri.
The LTC graduate program cannot assure admission to all applicants who meet minimum standards specified for the degree program. Resource constraints do not permit the admission of all qualified applicants.
A committee of faculty reviews the credentials of each applicant. It is the responsibility of this committee to exercise professional judgment related to the criteria that applicants must meet in order to be considered for admission to the program.