Coursework and Learning Objectives

Joint Doctoral Program, Ph.D. in Education

Degree Learning Outcomes

The award of the Doctor of Philosophy degree in education through this program will be made on the basis of the candidate’s demonstrated capacities to work effectively with diverse communities by:

  • understanding diversity and its implications for education;
  • critically analyzing and developing educational policy;
  • engaging in systemic organizational change that improves performance and quality of life for all;
  • applying theory and research-based knowledge in transforming communities;
  • using effective educational practices, including tools available through technology, to transform organizations; and
  • contributing to the knowledge base in education.

Program Milestones/Curriculum Map

Joint Doctoral Program in Education Milestones
  • Proseminar at CGU is required during your first or second fall semester.
  • Transfer your Master's Degree credits to CGU during your first year.
  • During the second year, or during your first 16-24 units, you will file a Program Outline with the Coordinators at both universities.
  • Your coursework must include successful completion of a  Research Tool (course) at each University.
  • Complete your Written Qualifying Examination after 46 cumulative units of coursework.
  • Doctoral Units must be transferred from SDSU to CGU and 62 units must be completed before you can enroll in Capstone at CGU.
  • Once you complete Capstone you begin writing your Proposal Defense, and preparing for your Oral Qualifying Examination.
  • After successfully defending your Proposal you apply for IRB (SDSU or CGU-this is determined by the Program Director). When IRB approved (not before) you can begin collecting data, and writing your Doctoral Dissertation.
  • The above degree learning outcomes articulated above are assessed at each of these milestones.

Example Courses

View a listing of sample courses offered by the program at both universities.

Offered at SDSU

  • ED 801: Seminar on Social & Cultural Foundations of Multicultural Education
  • ED 804: English Learner Education: Models, Current Research and Policy Trends
  • ED 808: Academic Research and Publishing in Education
  • ED 810: Seminar in Curriculum Development & Implementation
  • ED 811: Seminar in Global Education 
  • ED 820: Advanced Educational Statistics
  • ED 822: Seminar in Analysis and Issues in Race and Ethnic Relations
  • ED 823: Seminar in Action Oriented Policy Research in Multicultural Contexts
  • ED 850: Seminar in Quantitative Methods of Inquiry
  • ED 895: Variable Topics Seminar

For more details on SDSU's Education courses visit the University Catalog (go to the Course Descriptions section in the catalog navigation, then choose courses with the ED prefix).

Offered at CGU

  • EDUC 525: Preparing Highly Effective & Socially Just Educators
  • EDUC 584: Cultural Models of Education: International Perspectives
  • EDUC 616: The Future of Education
  • EDUC 646: K-12 Education & the Law
  • EDUC 667: Research on Effective Schools & Teachers
  • EDUC 694: Chicana/os & Latina/os & Education