College of Health, Education and Social Transformation
Curriculum and Instruction (Ph.D.)
College of Health, Education and Social Transformation
Curriculum and Instruction (Ph.D.)
Deepen Your Understanding of Curriculum and Pedagogy — Earn Your Ph.D.
The Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Curriculum and Instruction (C&I) is designed for ethical thinkers pursuing a lifelong commitment to teaching, learning, research, and service. Doctoral Curriculum and Instruction students will advance their understanding of curriculum theory, pedagogy, and educational research through a critical multicultural lens.
This program emphasizes compassionate engagement, fostering a community of scholars committed to social justice and democracy. Graduates of the program are equipped with the knowledge, skills, and dispositions to enact meaningful educational and social change.
Admission Deadlines
For fall admission: January 15
- Total course hours: 60
- Total dissertation credits: 18
Delivery Format
In-person and 100% online
Career Pathways
Graduates holding a Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction are prepared to pursue diverse career paths in education, research, policy-making, and advocacy, including roles such as:
- Curriculum specialist
- Educational consultant
- Education policy advisor
- Education program evaluator
- Educational researcher
- Post-secondary teacher
- University professor
Degree questions, answered
Have questions about the Doctor of Philosophy or in Educational Curriculum and Instruction? Fill out our inquiry form.
Why choose a Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction at NMSU?
The Doctor of Philosophy in Curriculum and Instruction immerses students in an intellectually rigorous and socially engaged learning experience.
Through coursework, research collaboration with faculty and peers, and participation in conferences, students develop scholarly expertise in curriculum and pedagogy within diverse socio-cultural contexts. They engage in reflective practices, scholarly writing, and technological utilization, while also taking action through teaching apprenticeships, community engagement, grant writing, and advocacy for social justice. The culmination of doctoral study is the completion of a dissertation that embodies scholarship, action, and compassion, reflecting the transformative potential of curriculum and pedagogical praxis. Although courses during the fall and summer terms are 100% online, students are required to attend face-to-face classes at the Las Cruces campus for two of the five weeks during the summer term. This is a three-summer obligation.
No GRE Required
We’re removing barriers to graduate education, which is why we don’t require the GRE.
This program offers four specialty tracks and one concentration: Bilingual/TESOL, Critical Pedagogies, Early Childhood Education, Language, Literacy & Culture and Educational Learning Technologies.
The Doctor of Philosophy is a research-oriented degree and requires students to demonstrate competency in the computer tools or second language sequence. Students will need to complete a minimum of 60 credit hours and 18 credit hours of dissertation research.
Take classes like:
- EDUC 6110 - Curriculum for a Diverse Society
- EDLT 6230 - Technology, Society, and Education
- EDUC 6120 - Pedagogy of Learning in a Diverse Society
- EDUC 6320 - Social Justice Issues in Education
GPA: A minimum GPA of 3.0 is required for admission.
Application: The application includes a portfolio that encompasses a letter of interest, CV/resume, transcripts, three letters of recommendation, writing sample, a synthesis paper on research of the same topic, and verification of teaching experience.
Ready to take the next step?
Request Information
Scholarships and Financial Aid
At NMSU, we strive to offer competitively priced tuition to keep your tuition costs affordable. If you need financial aid, we’re ready to work with you to determine the best ways to finance your education.
Financial assistance includes loans, grants, and scholarship opportunities. To apply, use NMSU’s convenient Scholar Dollar$ one-stop scholarship application, which serves all students in the NMSU system.
NMSU students are also eligible for loans and grants. The first step in applying for financial aid is to complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Learn more about financial aid opportunities at NMSU.
Contact Financial Aid
Phone: 1-888-729-6678
Email: financialaid@nmsu.edu
Accreditation
New Mexico State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, an institutional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Specialized accreditation from other accrediting agencies is also granted for some programs. NMSU’s accreditation ensures that your education meets high-quality standards and that your credits are transferable.