Ph.D. in Education and Human Development

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