PhD in Education (Social Studies Education)

With this doctoral emphasis in social studies education, you will study theoretical and disciplinary areas, problems, and practices related to the field as part of your doctoral degree. Our primary focus with this emphasis is the continuing development of theory and research on teaching and learning of the social studies as they exist within and beyond formal school settings including P-12, post-secondary, and community education spaces.

Just as there are a variety of disciplines within, and approaches to, social studies education, there are many possibilities available for doctoral study. Our faculty members borrow from various research methodologies (e.g., narrative inquiry, design-based research, self-study, critical theory methodologies, and discourse analysis) and a variety of theoretical perspectives (pragmatism, critical theory, critical race theory, psychoanalytic theory) to focus research in social studies education. Please refer to faculty bios for an introduction to the breadth of research and expertise in our program.

Our graduates go on to research and clinical faculty positions in colleges and universities, teacher leadership positions, social studies positions in schools, and community educational spaces.

Highlights

1. Home to nationally recognized and award-winning faculty.
2. Work with faculty on cutting-edge education research.
3. Integrate theory and practice to support educational change.

About the Program

What is a PhD degree in social studies education?

• A PhD (doctor of philosophy) is a degree program through which you become a scholar and leader in the field of social studies education. That can mean a lot of things, and it can take place in a variety of settings. Mostly, though, it means that you become a participant in local, national, and even international dialogue about social studies education.
• A doctoral program is unlike any other degree program because it is much more than just a series of prescribed courses with a final project. There are courses to take, but these are meant to assist in your development as a thinker, teacher, and researcher. Courses comprise roughly half of your doctoral program—the other half consists of your supported but independent work as a researcher that culminates in your dissertation.
• For us, social studies education is a broad term to represent interdisciplinary inquiries into the relationship between education and the social, cultural, and political world. We do this through historical, economic, geographic, and cultural lenses informed by a wide variety of theories.
• We are interested in creating a vibrant intellectual community that seeks to understand and confront the fraught social and political challenges educators currently face. As a doctoral student in this program, you will be an integral part of, and contributor to, such a community.

Why would someone get a PhD in social studies education?

• One reason is to attain a position as an education faculty member at a college or university. Many of these positions are a mix of teaching and research. Recent graduates of our programs who have pursued this path have gotten jobs in colleges of education at Auburn University, Kennesaw State University, Alaska Pacific University, Florida State University, and Central Michigan University.
• Another reason is to deepen and enrich your understanding of the conditions of the work of teaching. Several of our recent students have pursued their doctoral work while continuing to teach full time and remain in the classroom upon completing their PhD. Others have been recognized as instructional and curriculum leaders. Some of these graduates have gone to to serve as department chairs and curriculum and instructional coaches at the school and/or district level.
• A third reason is to position oneself for leadership roles in community organizations, NGO’s, non-profits, or other educational settings. Our program faculty are committed to supporting each individual student in meeting their unique personal and professional goals.

What would it look like to get my PhD in social studies education at UGA?

There is no “one way” to go. If you’re interested, the best thing to do is reach out to talk about your specific interest and goals. With that in mind:

• Full time doctoral work can be an amazing experience. You get to take advantage of the vibrant intellectual and educational community here in the College and across campus. To do this, most people need a graduate teaching assistantship (GTA). With a GTA, you are a fully contributing member of our initial certification programs working with pre-service social studies teachers as their seminar instructors and/or onsite field instructors. These also come with a stipend of around $20k annually, and they come with a full tuition waiver. Classes are covered, in other words, and you build your experience to help meet your next career goals.
• Part-time doctoral work can also be an amazing experience. You become connected to colleagues from across the state, nation and world who are interested in advancing their own and others’ understandings of social studies education. These connections and relationships can become a lifelong network of folks with similar goals and aspirations for their careers and the experiences of learners in public and private institutions around social studies and civic education.

Curriculum

The program of study includes at least 42 hours of coursework, a comprehensive examination, a dissertation prospectus, and a dissertation. Required coursework includes four dedicated seminars attending to historical and contemporary issues in social studies education. You will also take at least four research methods courses, determined in consultation with your advisory committee. You are encouraged to take as many research methods courses as needed to accomplish your research.

Your remaining coursework, at least 18 credit hours, will help prepare you to think deeply about and conduct research on your specific interests within the field. These electives may be from within or outside the College, and might include courses in women’s studies, language and literacy, student learning and development, educational foundations, education policy, history, economics, political science, geography, anthropology, sociology, critical studies, and philosophy.

Additional information and disclosures regarding state licensure for professional practice in this field can be found at the UGA Licensure Disclosure Portal .

How to Apply

Part 1: Apply to the University of Georgia

The Graduate School handles admission for all graduate programs at the University of Georgia, including those in the College of Education. The Graduate School website contains important details about the application process, orientation, and many other useful links to guide you through the process of attending UGA at the graduate level.

Start a Graduate School Application

Part 2: Apply to the Degree Program

After filling out your application to the Graduate School, please submit the following directly to the graduate programs office:

1. A personal statement telling the program faculty about:
   1. Why doctoral education is being pursued
   2. The questions and/or commitments about teaching, learning, and schooling pushing you to further your education
   3. What experiences, readings, theories, and/or research inform these questions and commitments
   4. Why the doctoral emphasis in social studies education at UGA is an appropriate place to pursue such questions (possibly including how your interests align with faculty in the program)
   5. Personal and professional goals for obtaining a PhD degree in social studies education
2. A writing sample that demonstrates the applicant’s ability for scholarly writing and engagement with intellectual ideas
3. A resume or curriculum vitae
4. Please note that at least one of the three references you provide to the Graduate School should be a university faculty member who can attest to your academic potential, preferably from the master’s level

Deadline to Apply

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.

However, applications received by January 1 (for Fall admissions) and October 1 (for Spring and Summer admissions) will receive full consideration for funding opportunities.

Log into Existing Application

Useful Links

• Download PhD Handbook
• Emphasis Area Descriptions