DOCTORAL PROGRAM IN LEARNING AND TEACHING
 
School of Education, Health and Human Services
Hofstra University

Dr. Bruce Torff, Program Director
Bruce.Torff@hofstra.edu

The Doctoral Program in Learning and Teaching at Hofstra University leads to the degree of Doctor of Education (Ed.D.).  The program prepares students to work as university professors, educational researchers, curriculum developers, professional-development providers, and mentor teachers in schools, universities, and other educational settings.  
 
The program enables students to acquire broad and deep knowledge of processes of learning and teaching, to develop research skills with quantitative and qualitative methods, and to complete an individualized program of studies in an area of specialization.  Students also complete qualifying procedures and dissertation projects under the supervision of an Adviser and Doctoral Committee members with expertise in the area of specialization.  
 
Generous scholarship assistance is available, based on a combination of financial need and academic excellence.
 
Students may enroll on a part-time or full-time basis. Practicing educators who plan to continue working during their doctoral studies are encouraged to apply. In the fall and spring semesters, students typically travel to campus one day per week, on Wednesdays, with one course at 4:30 PM and another at 6:30 PM.  Summer and winter courses also are available.  Even on a part-time basis, the program typically takes about four years to complete. 
 
Only 9 to 12 applicants are accepted each year, allowing faculty to provide extensive mentorship for doctoral students.  
 
Apply before March 1 to ensure consideration for admission in the following fall semester. 

For more information:
            http://www.hofstra.edu/Academics/Colleges/SOEAHS/CAT/learnteach/ind...
            (Alternatively, go to www.hofstra.edu and type “Doctoral Program in Learning and Teaching” into the search engine.)

To download a PDF of the program description:
            http://people.hofstra.edu/Bruce_A_Torff/


ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
 

1. A completed application form.  Applications are accepted online only, athttp://www.hofstra.edu/Academics/grad/grad_apply.html.  (Alternatively, Google “Hofstra graduate admissions” and you’ll come to the appropriate web page.)
2. A typed statement of intent and rationale for pursuing doctoral studies (500-1000 words). This statement is included with your online application.  
3. Official transcripts of all graduate and undergraduate course work.  Applicants must hold master’s and bachelor's degrees from accredited institutions.  Either the bachelor's or master's degree must closely relate to the doctoral specialization sought by the applicant.  Transcripts should be forwarded to the following address:

Graduate Admissions Office
106 Memorial Hall
Hofstra University
Hempstead, NY 11549

1. An official report of scores on the Graduate Record Examination (GRE).  Register at www.ets.org .
2. Three professional references from individuals who can attest to the applicant’s potential for doctoral studies.  These references must be entered online at the website of the ETS Personal Potential Index (PPI).  Applicants should click on www.ets.org/PPI and sign up for a PPI Applicant account, and then direct recommenders to the same website to enter their recommendations.
3. A minimum of two years of successful full-time teaching experience or the equivalent.
4. Interview and on-site writing task.  Please call (516) 463-5751 to arrange an interview and on-site writing task.

Note: Program admissions reflect the belief that no single criterion reliably predicts applicants' potential for success in the program.  Prospective applicants are encouraged to apply if they do not meet one or more criteria but believe that other aspects of their experience might compensate.  However, since many factors are considered in the selection process, meeting application criteria does not ensure admission to the program. 

 
TRANSFER CREDITS
 
Applicants are permitted to transfer a maximum of 12 semester hours in graduate credit from accredited institutions, subject to approval by the Program Director and Hofstra administration.  Transfer credits are considered only for specialization requirements and the elective in Foundations, Leadership, and Policy Studies.

 
PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS (60 credits)
 
Learning and Teaching Component (18 s.h.)

• CT 360  Systems and Interpretive Models in Curriculum Design
  ·       CT 361  Human Development and Learning 
  ·       CT 362  Advanced Curriculum Theory and Development
  ·       CT 363  Models of School and Classroom Inquiry
  ·       CT 364  Mentorship and Staff Development in Learning and Teaching
  ·       Elective in Foundations, Leadership, and Policy Studies

Research Methods Component  (15 s.h.)

• CT 400    Qualitative Methods of Inquiry in Learning and Teaching 
  ·       RES 260    Inferential Statistics in Educational Research
  ·       RES 263   Advanced Statistical Methods in Educational Research
  ·       RES 280a  Introduction to Educational Research
  ·      CT 290      Dissertation Design in Curriculum and Teaching

Internship Component (3 s.h.)

• CT 500   Internship in Learning and Teaching

           
Specialization Component (15 s.h.)  
Choose a specialization from either Interdisciplinary Studies or Single-Subject Studies:
            
I.   Interdisciplinary Studies

• Arts and Humanities 
  ·      Early Childhood Education
  ·      Human Development and Educational Psychology  
  ·      Integrated Instruction in Mathematics, Science, and Technology
  ·      Multicultural/Urban Education
  ·      Special Education

II.  Single-Subject Studies

• Applied Linguistics (languages other than English and TESOL/Bilingual) 
  ·      Art Education
  ·      English Education
  ·      Mathematics Education
  ·      Physical Education 
  ·      Science Education
  ·      Social Studies Education

Qualifying Component
Students must satisfactorily complete qualifying procedures including a Qualifying Examination, Qualifying Paper Proposal, and Qualifying Paper.  
 
Dissertation Component

• CT 601   Dissertation Seminar
  ·       CT 602   Dissertation Proposal Preparation
  ·       CT 604  Dissertation Advisement

The Dissertation Component requires students to satisfactorily complete a Dissertation Proposal, Dissertation, and Oral Examination.


Thank you for your interest in the Doctoral Program in Learning and Teaching. 
 
 If you have questions, contact Bruce Torff at bruce.torff@hofstra.edu .