Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Curriculum and Instruction
The Lynch School doctoral program in Curriculum & Instruction is designed to develop professionals who have the knowledge, intellectual disposition, professional skills, ethical sensibilities, and leadership potential to make a difference in the lives of all schoolchildren. Faculty research and development reflect the Lynch School mission of serving others and promoting social justice.In particular, Curriculum & Instruction faculty members are involved in a rich variety of research and professional development projects, which are often carried out in collaboration with school-based teachers and administrators.
These projects link research, practice, and policy in teaching and teacher education by exploring how new and experienced teachers learn, how to meet the special needs of students with disabilities, and how to improve the school and life chances of students from urban, low income, or non-mainstream cultures.
In this sense, the research and development activities of the Curriculum & Instruction faculty help to challenge the inequities of the social order and contribute to the establishment of a more just society.
Choose from among specializations including:
- Language, Literacy & Culture
- Critical Perspectives on Schooling: Race, Class, Gender, Disabilities Specialization
- Leadership, Policy, & Educational Change
- Math, Science & Technology
Students will demonstrate knowledge of effective practices regarding college-level teaching and/or professional development with in-service teachers
Students will demonstrate the ability to conduct original, empirical and/or conceptual research related to topics in curriculum and instruction
Students will participate in regional, national and/or international conferences in the broad areas of curriculum and instruction
- Students will learn how to create an academic paper at the “publishable” level of quality on a topic related to the student’s area of specialization within the broad field of curriculum and instruction
At a Glance
How many courses?
This program consists of 16 courses for a total of 54 credits.
How long will it take?
Full time students will typically complete the program in 4-5 years.
When can I start?
Students can begin the program only in the fall semester.
What will I study?
Curriculum
- Courses: 18
- Credits: 54
- Comprehensive Examination
Curriculum and Instruction Core
Research Core
Where do our graduates work?
St. John's Preparatory School
Assistant Principal of Academics
Littleton Public Schools
Fourth Grade Teacher
Papillion La Vista School District
Sixth Grade Teacher
Museum of Science
Director of Exhibits
Goodwin Procter LLP
Court Procedures Attorney
Boston Public Schools
First Grade Teacher
Concord-Carlisle Regional School District
High School History Teacher
Needham Public Schools
Special Education Teacher
Steppingstone Foundation
Mathematics Instructor
North Attleborough Public Schools
School Principal and ELL Coordinator
Career paths chosen by previous graduates of the TCS Department.
Financial Assistance
Education should level the playing field – we feel the same way about financial aid.
The Lynch School of Education and Human Development provides more than $7.5 million in financial aid to students each year. As a result, the quality of BC’s instruction, the benefit of our alumni network, and the impact a BC degree will have on your employment options is both affordable and invaluable. Here’s why:
Deadlines
- All applicants
- December 1
Apply Now
To be eligible for the doctoral program, applicants must already hold a master's degree.
A non-refundable application fee of $75 is required, however, this fee is waived for select applicants.
Resume
In addition to your academic history and relevant work experience, please include:
- Any teaching or counseling experience (including any licenses already held);
- Any social justice related experience;
Any language skills other than English (especially Spanish language skills) and; - Any research experience or publications
Personal Statement
To be uploaded to your online Application Form.
In 1,000-1,500 words, describe your academic and professional goals, any experience relevant to this program, and your future plans, expectations, and aspirations.
Letters of Recommendation
Three letters of recommendation are required with at least one required from an academic source. Applicants with significant relevant professional experience may submit additional recommendations from supervisors.
Transcripts
All official undergraduate and graduate transcripts must be sent to our office before the application deadline. Please note the following:
Only official sealed (unopened) transcripts are acceptable. An official postsecondary transcript must be printed on official institutional paper and include at least one of the following: an institutional watermark, the registrar’s signature, or the registrar's seal.
Copies and unofficial transcripts sent directly from applicants are not acceptable, the transcript must come directly from the institution.
If you are a current student and have not completed your undergraduate and/or graduate degree, the most updated version of your transcript is acceptable.
Official electronic transcripts are accepted when sent directly to gsoe@bc.edu from the institution. When requesting electronic transcripts, you must manually type in gsoe@bc.edu to ensure it is received by our office.
If your degree was obtained from an institution outside of the U.S. you are required to submit a course-by-course evaluation completed by a National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) approved evaluator. A complete list of NACES-approved evaluators is found on the Directory of NACES Members.
Mailed transcript(s) should be sent to the following address:
Lynch Office of Graduate Admissions, Boston College
Campion Hall 135
140 Commonwealth Avenue
Chestnut Hill, MA 02467
Standardized Tests
An unofficial score report may be uploaded to your online Application Form; however, an official score report – sent directly from ETS – must also be submitted by the application deadline.
This program requires all applicants to have taken the GRE in a maximum of 5 years prior to application being submitted, regardless of previous academic coursework, previous degrees/credentials earned, and/or professional experience. No exceptions will be made.
The MAT, LSAT, and GMAT may also be substituted for the GRE if applying to a dual degree program.
For more information about the GRE exam, including test dates and testing sites, visit https://www.ets.org/gre.
Lynch School of Education and Human Development GRE Code: 3218
Writing Sample
All applicants to this program are required to submit one piece of work that demonstrates graduate-level writing ability. This document may be an academic term paper, a published work in which you are the primary author, a training manual or curriculum that you have created,or another representative sample of your writing. The document should be approximately 15-20 pages.
International Students
International applicants are encouraged to apply to the Lynch School of Education and Human Development. Learn about requirements for international students.
Academic Tools
Contact Us
gsoe@bc.edu
617-552-4214