Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction with a Concentration in Early Childhood Education
USF’s Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction with a concentration in Early Childhood Education prepares researchers, scholars, and thought leaders committed to reimagining how young children learn, play, and grow. This hybrid doctoral program emphasizes interdisciplinary inquiry, ethical decision-making, and innovative approaches to early learning. Guided by expert faculty, students investigate pedagogy, policy, and practice to advance high-quality teacher education and shape the future of early childhood education.
What you will learn
Students develop advanced expertise in qualitative and quantitative research, theory development, curriculum design, and the study of early learning. The program emphasizes inquiry as both a teaching and research practice, engaging students in multimodal investigation, play-based inquiry, critical reflection, and innovative approaches to pedagogy. Through close mentorship and collaborative research, students refine the analytical, ethical, and communication skills needed to contribute impactful scholarship to the field.
Career Opportunities
Graduates are prepared for leadership roles such as:
- University or college faculty (teaching and research)
- Early childhood education researcher or policy specialist
- Teacher educator or curriculum designer
- Director or leader of early learning programs and initiatives
- Researcher or consultant for government agencies, nonprofits, and international education organizations
What to Expect
This 59-credit hour hybrid program integrates coursework, mentored research, teaching experiences, and dissertation study. Students explore early childhood pedagogy, policy, innovation, and global perspectives while developing advanced research skills. The program’s signature emphasis on play, multimodal inquiry, and reflective practice prepares scholars to design and conduct studies that transform early childhood education. The doctoral journey culminates in a dissertation that contributes new knowledge and advances innovation in the field.
