Family and Consumer Sciences

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Ph.D. in Education and Human Development - Workforce Education and Development Concentration

doctor of philosophy 

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Admissions requirements

  • A master’s degree in the emphasis or related area, with a minimum of 3.25 GPA.
  • Graduate Record Examination scores, with such scores above the 50th percentile on Verbal, Quantitative, and Analytic Writing preferred.
  • Current curriculum vita.
  • Statement of purpose outlining the applicant’s professional experience and goals for pursuing the given emphasis area.
  • Three letters of recommendation that address the candidate’s qualifications for the degree program.
  • Appropriate evidence of English language proficiency for international Â鶹´«Ã½s (as required by WMU).

Program overview

The workforce education program offers a concentration in the College of Education and Human Development’s Ph.D. in education and human development program. The workforce education concentration is designed to provide a rigorous and intellectually stimulating experience compatible with the graduate Â鶹´«Ã½â€™s needs and goals and the requirements of workforce education in the future. The program of study provides the Â鶹´«Ã½ with competence in areas such as foundations, research, and leadership.

Classes

The Ph.D. in Education and Human Development with a concentration in Workforce Education and Development requires a minimum of 54 credit hours beyond the Master’s degree distributed as follows:

Interdisciplinary Foundation of Research and Inquiry Core (21 credits)

  • EMR 6450 Data Analysis I: Design of Studies
  • EMR 6480 Qualitative Methods
  • EMR 6580 Qualitative Practicum
  • EMR 6650 Data Analysis II: Correlation Studies
  • Three other research or research design courses (as selected in conjunction with, and approved by, the Â鶹´«Ã½â€™s advisor)
    • Note that within this interdisciplinary foundation of research and inquiry core of courses, each Â鶹´«Ã½ shall demonstrate mastery of two research tools including qualitative and quantitative methods.

Emphasis Area (21 credits)

  • The course of study within this emphasis area is developed by the doctoral advisor and the Â鶹´«Ã½ including guided electives, research seminars, and independent studies.

Dissertation (12 credits)

Additional information

Overall, the Ph.D. in EHD program requires at least 54 credit hours beyond the master’s degree with a minimum 3.25 GPA. At least half of the credits must be at the 6000-level or above, and at least 42 credits must be taken at WMU once admitted to the doctoral program. Students must also successfully pass a comprehensive examination, and successfully defend their dissertation as evidenced by approval of their dissertation committee.

The program follows a master-apprentice model of doctoral preparation, similar to the one adopted by the Peabody College of Education and Human Development at Vanderbilt University. While in the program, the Â鶹´«Ã½ will mainly engage in scholarly research projects with their advisors besides completing the courses in the area of Interdisciplinary Foundation of Research and Inquiry.

Cost & Funding

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