STEM Education PhD

Overview

The Center for STEM Education offers programs leading to the Doctor of Philosophy in STEM Education. Graduates of the program are prepared as STEM Education candidates for university tenure track professor positions, teaching positions in colleges and community or junior colleges, earning credit hours in a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) content field along with STEM education credits and research experience. Students are immersed in STEM education research methods, measuring and investigating teaching and learning of STEM in an array of formal and informal learning environments. They develop and exhibit a deep understanding of theory and research on teaching, learning, and human development. Students learn to integrate and analyze sound pedagogical practices with an eye to sociological challenges and perspectives in various teaching settings, curricular supports, and tools. Students in the program work closely with faculty on a variety of research and outreach projects. Graduates conduct an original research project for their dissertation.     

Admission Requirements

Regular admission to the doctoral program in STEM education requires a previous degree in STEM-content area, education, or related field with a minimum GPA of 3.0 for all previous postsecondary coursework with at least a 2.75 grade point average on the last 60 hours. Prospective students should submit the following materials:

• A resume or curriculum vitae
• All transcripts from prior degree programs and institutions
• A statement of purpose that expresses their academic, professional, and research goals
• Three letters of recommendation from people who are qualified to assess the applicant’s readiness for rigorous graduate study

The Center for STEM Education honors a rolling admission deadline. Applicants must complete the online application through the Graduate School and supply all necessary documentation. Graduate applicants must complete the review process before the semester begins or be admitted the following term. Please review the academic calendar for term start dates. 

Initial admission to the program may be conditional. Students are expected to possess proficiency at the undergraduate level in the chosen STEM content area for advanced study. Students who are not proficient may be required to take additional undergraduate courses to be prepared for graduate-level mathematics or science coursework. Regular status will be granted with the successful completion of 9 semester hours of Southern Miss graduate courses with a 3.5 GPA, a positive recommendation from the Center Director, and the removal of any deficiencies. 

These admission requirements are in addition to the general Academic Requirements and Procedures  set forth in this Bulletin.

Program Requirements and Academic Policies

The doctoral degree in STEM education requires a minimum of sixty-six (66) semester hours of graduate work beyond the master’s degree, including the hours for the dissertation and research tool requirements, and two examinations specified below.

1. Qualifying exam
2. Twenty-four (24) semester hours are earned in graduate content coursework, with a   suggested minimum of 15 hours in a STEM content field. Additional coursework options may include courses from relevant interdisciplinary programs. These courses should be planned in coordination with their advisor.
3. Twenty-four (24) semester hours are earned in STEM education
4. Research tools in both Quantitative and Qualitative methods (9 hours minimum)
5. Comprehensive examinations
6. Dissertation Proposal and Oral Defense
7. Dissertation Proposal and Oral Defense of Dissertation (9 hours of SME 898  required at minimum)

Exams and Graduate Committee: The Center requires a written qualifying examination. This examination is based on the completion of SME 701, SME 703, SME 700 or SME 720, and SME 725 or SME 791 and is designed to assess the student’s fitness to pursue doctoral work. The student’s program will be directed by a graduate committee consisting of four or five faculty members affiliated with the Center for STEM Education. The committee will approve the student’s program plan and dissertation prospectus and conduct the comprehensive examinations, which are administered at the completion of the student’s coursework. Upon approval of the dissertation proposal by the student’s committee, IRB Approval (if needed), and completion of dissertation requirements, the candidate will defend their dissertation in a final oral presentation. All of these doctoral program requirements should be completed in alignment with the USM Graduate School deadlines and requirements for degree completion.

Research and Scholarly Integrity Education: All faculty holding Regular or Associate graduate faculty status must complete CITI training modules required by the Graduate School and their respective schools. All graduate students must complete the CITI training modules required by the Graduate School and their schools the first semester they are enrolled in graduate school. The RSIE policy and training information are found on the Graduate School web page –www.usm.edu/graduate-school. Contact the Dean of the Graduate School if you have any questions regarding the policy of training information.

See General Degree Requirements  and General Academic Information  for other requirements and expectations.

Course Requirements (66 hours)