Family and Consumer Sciences

Department of Family and Consumer Sciences
Western Michigan University
Kalamazoo MI 49008-5322 USA
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Ph.D. in Education and Human Development - Workforce Education and Development Concentration

doctor of philosophy 

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Admissions requirements

  • A master’s degree in the emphasis or related area, with a minimum of 3.25 GPA.
  • Graduate Record Examination scores, with such scores above the 50th percentile on Verbal, Quantitative, and Analytic Writing preferred.
  • Current curriculum vita.
  • Statement of purpose outlining the applicant’s professional experience and goals for pursuing the given emphasis area.
  • Three letters of recommendation that address the candidate’s qualifications for the degree program.
  • Appropriate evidence of English language proficiency for international students (as required by WMU).

Program overview

The workforce education program offers a concentration in the College of Education and Human Development’s Ph.D. in education and human development program. The workforce education concentration is designed to provide a rigorous and intellectually stimulating experience compatible with the graduate student’s needs and goals and the requirements of workforce education in the future. The program of study provides the student with competence in areas such as foundations, research, and leadership.

Classes

The Ph.D. in Education and Human Development with a concentration in Workforce Education and Development requires a minimum of 54 credit hours beyond the Master’s degree distributed as follows:

Interdisciplinary Foundation of Research and Inquiry Core (21 credits)

  • EMR 6450 Data Analysis I: Design of Studies
  • EMR 6480 Qualitative Methods
  • EMR 6580 Qualitative Practicum
  • EMR 6650 Data Analysis II: Correlation Studies
  • Three other research or research design courses (as selected in conjunction with, and approved by, the student’s advisor)
    • Note that within this interdisciplinary foundation of research and inquiry core of courses, each student shall demonstrate mastery of two research tools including qualitative and quantitative methods.

Emphasis Area (21 credits)

  • The course of study within this emphasis area is developed by the doctoral advisor and the student including guided electives, research seminars, and independent studies.

Dissertation (12 credits)

Additional information

Overall, the Ph.D. in EHD program requires at least 54 credit hours beyond the master’s degree with a minimum 3.25 GPA. At least half of the credits must be at the 6000-level or above, and at least 42 credits must be taken at WMU once admitted to the doctoral program. Students must also successfully pass a comprehensive examination, and successfully defend their dissertation as evidenced by approval of their dissertation committee.

The program follows a master-apprentice model of doctoral preparation, similar to the one adopted by the Peabody College of Education and Human Development at Vanderbilt University. While in the program, the student will mainly engage in scholarly research projects with their advisors besides completing the courses in the area of Interdisciplinary Foundation of Research and Inquiry.

Cost & Funding

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