Ph.D. in Education and Human Development

Graduate taking a picture with the WMU President.

Western Michigan University's College of Education and Human Development (CEHD) launched a new doctoral program in Education and Human Development (Ph.D. in EHD) in fall 2016. This new Ph.D. program aligns strongly with the strategic goals of WMU as a major research university and supports the research mission of the institution. It offers candidates the opportunity to pursue doctoral work in diverse areas of emphasis served by CEHD.

This program is innovative with a number of unique characteristics:

  1. Following a master-apprentice model of doctoral preparation, this program combines the coursework-focused model of doctoral education primarily used here in the US with the research-focused model of doctoral education embraced by European nations.

  2. The applicant must have a master’s degree in the area of emphasis in which the student wishes to pursue doctoral study.

  3. The doctoral program will place a strong emphasis on scholarly research projects conducted with doctoral advisors in the area of emphasis (21 credits in the area of emphasis).

  4. Under guidance of their advisor(s), students also can take courses from the university and other partner institutions to advance their content knowledge.

The purpose of the Ph.D. in EHD program is to prepare researchers and scholars in various areas of education and human development through a strong emphasis on research. Graduates of the program will be employable at research universities and at other higher educational institutions, in prestigious postdoctoral positions, and in research analytic capacities with public policy think-tanks and non-governmental organizations.

Emphasis Areas

  • Program Requirements

    The PhD-EHD requires a minimum of 54 credit hours beyond the master’s degree. The supervision of the program of study and research project will be provided by the dissertation chair/advisor along with additional consultation with dissertation committee members.

    View the program requirements page

  • Admissions Requirements

    To be considered for admission to the Ph.D. in EHD program the following materials are required: master's degree, GRE scores, current curriculum vita, statement of purpose, three letters of recommendation and appropriate evidence of English proficiency for international students. Applications are now being accepted.

    View the admissions requirements page for details

  • Ph.D. in EHD Handbook

    The Ph.D in EHD handbook is intended as a guide to assist prospective students, students admitted to the PhD-EHD program, and the faculty serving on dissertation committees.

    Download the handbook