STEM Education Specialization
Conduct meaningful research in STEM Education
The STEM Education specialization track within the Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction program prepares students by building their epistemological foundations of current knowledge and skills in STEM education, so they may conduct robust research in STEM Education. Our graduates will be able to address community STEM education needs through asset-based intervention experiences.
Learning Model
Online, Face-to-Face
Credit Hours
93 credits
Students typically transfer 30 hours from a qualifying Master’s program.
Tuition Estimates
Average In or Out of State
$415-500 per credit hour
Tuition rates are based on your residency determination of Texas Resident, Non-Resident, or Foreign. Please consult the Admissions site for more information.
About This Program
The Doctorate of Education in Curriculum and Instruction with a specialization in STEM Education program is designed to immerse students in the scholarship of STEM education by exploring and critically evaluating foundational and current issues in STEM education, engaging in various methodological approaches, analyzing and interpreting research data and information, and applying creative competences to produce scholarly writing.
Our Ph.D. specialization in STEM education is carefully curated to align coursework to the dissertation milestones within the doctoral program. Further, the degree plan is flexible offering 15-week and 8-week online classes for spring and fall terms.
Key Courses
ESTM 6373: Theories of STEM Education
Introduces interdisciplinary pedagogies, technological tools, instructional strategies, and appropriate assessments for designing and developing inquiry-based instructional and learning environments in STEM classrooms.
ESTM 6375: Professional Development in STEM Education
Principles of organizational change, training, and professional development in STEM education.
ESTM 6382: STEM Education in Context (Formal, Non-formal, and Informal spaces)
An examination of STEM education within social, economic, political, and educational contexts.
ESTM 6399: STEMinars (on various topics in STEM Education from faculty expertise)
Specific exploration of research and practice in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics education disciplines. May be repeated for credit.
Why STEM Education?
Outreach and Engagement
Community-engaged scholars collaborate with communities to co-create knowledge, address real-world challenges, and ensure their research has meaningful public impact. Our graduates are able to work alongside STEM communities, conduct high-quality research, and produce publicly relevant scholarship.
Empowering Practitioners
STEM teachers are the bridge between research and student learning. Our graduates support the teacher practitioner community by creating C&I resources, offering collaborative services, and delivering professional development that translate complex scholarly ideas into tangible classroom practice.
Advocacy-Leadership
Earning a doctorate allows educators to become thought leaders, mentoring and contributing to local and global conversation on STEM education. Our graduates serve on advisory boards, contribute to curriculum committees, and engage in policy discussions—bringing evidence-based perspectives to decision-making.
Grow your knowledge and skills in STEM Education with a Doctorate in Curriculum & Instruction
- Advance your Research Expertise. Educators with doctoral degrees can expertly design and conduct rigorous studies on how people learn within the S-T-E-M subjects, including standards-based assessment, curriculum design, instructional practices, and the role of technology in STEM teaching and learning.
- Shape STEM Education Policy and Practice. Educators with doctoral degrees are better prepared and positioned to advocate to school districts, universities, and government agencies by providing evidence-based recommendations that improve STEM teaching and learning.
- Develop and Sustain STEM Ecosystems. Educators with doctoral degrees can establish cross-sector partnerships to bring together schools, universities, afterschool programs, museums, libraries, businesses, nonprofits, and government agencies to assess and leverage STEM expertise, resources, and opportunities.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
Start your journey with Texas Tech today and unlock a flexible, career-focused education tailored to your needs. Have questions? We’re here to help!
Meet the program faculty
College of Education
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Address
Texas Tech University, College of Education, 3002 18th Street Lubbock, TX 79409 -
Phone
(806) 742-2377 -
Email
educ.webmaster@ttu.edu