Critical and Sociocultural Studies in Education (PhD)

Admission

The program is small—fewer than 10 students are typically admitted every two years. Applications are accepted from early fall through mid-January for admission in odd-numbered years. The next cohort will be admitted for Fall 2025. Application details are available online.

Program Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this program, students will be able to:

• Demonstrate preparation for positions as higher education faculty members or public and private sector education researchers and leaders with knowledge that enables them to advocate for equality and justice and in educational systems.
• Conduct high-quality, high-impact quantitative and/or qualitative research in their chosen field.
• Contribute to scholarship and institutional change initiatives in their field through presentations at national conferences, the publication of articles and books in their area of study, and the writing of grants to support educational change initiatives.
• Demonstrate learning of and respectful engagement in Indigenous epistemologies, methodologies, and the relation of social inquiry to processes of colonization, decolonization, and Indigenous community survivance.

Doctor of Philosophy in Critical and Sociocultural Studies in Education

The University of Oregon doctor of philosophy degree (PhD) in critical and sociocultural studies in education is designed to prepare scholars who intend to be active in the professional research association in their field, publish research in peer-reviewed journals and academic presses, secure positions as faculty members at research universities or research centers, or work at state and federal agencies.

The program provides a comprehensive approach to educational research that considers the consequences of contemporary schooling systems while developing alternatives to current practices that result in systemic change. To provide concentrated faculty support and mentorship for each student, only a small cohort of seven to ten students are accepted every other year, with admission in the fall of odd-numbered years.

The program of study includes a strong foundation in both qualitative and quantitative research methodologies. In addition to the required courses, students will take three additional core courses in CSSE. These courses align with faculty research interests and are offered on a rotating basis. In general, one or two core courses are offered every academic year, so it is recommended that students plan accordingly to ensure that they will be able to take three core courses in a timely manner.

In addition, students complete a supervised research apprenticeship in the second year of study and devise a set of cognate courses in consultation with an advisor.