Interdisciplinary Studies
PhD in Educational Studies in Diverse Populations (ESDP)
The purpose of the PhD in Educational Studies in Diverse Populations (ESDP) is to prepare professionals who can conduct research and lead innovation that enhances educational and life outcomes for diverse populations. These populations include those who represent cultural or linguistic minorities, those with exceptionalities (gifted and disabled), those from economically challenged (and especially high-poverty) backgrounds, those impacted by gender biases, and those with other relevant learning or behavioral differences. To accommodate the widest range of student research interest in diversity issues there are three concentrations: Context, Culture, and Policy; Pedagogical Studies for Diverse Populations; and Health Disparities within Diverse Populations. This doctoral program is especially suited to preparing graduates with the research acumen needed to move easily into higher educational/postsecondary settings, P-12 central administration at the local, state, and national level, and leadership roles within school based settings, or non-academic positions within nonprofit organizations, specifically those with a research component. The minimum admission requirements are those of the UAB Graduate School. However, admission is highly selective, and most successful applicants have qualifications which exceed the minimum. Application packets must be complete in the Graduate School office before the applicant can be considered for the program.
Contact Information
For detailed information please visit the program website (https://www.uab.edu/education/home/graduate/phd-educational-studies-diverse-populations), or contact Dr. Andrew McKnight (Program Coordinator), Dr. Tondra Loder-Jackson (Context, Culture, and Policy Concentration Advisor), Dr. Teaira McMurtry (Pedagogical Studies for Diverse Populations Concentration Advisor), or Dr. Larrell Wilkinson (Health Disparities within Diverse Populations Concentration Advisor).
Doctor of Philosophy in Educational Studies in Diverse Populations
| Requirements | Hours | |
|---|---|---|
| Core Courses (Students must pass all four core courses to advance in the program.) | ||
| EDC 750 | Critical Pedagogy for Diverse Populations | 3 |
| EDF 755 | Educational Studies in Diverse Populations: Theories of Inquiry | 3 |
| EDF 765 | Context, Culture, and Policy (CCP) Proseminar | 3 |
| CHHS 742 | Health Disparities in Diverse Populations | 3 |
| Research Courses 1 | ||
| EPR 609 | Statistical Methods and Research in Education: Intermediate | 3 |
| EPR 696 | Qualitative Research: Inquiry and Analysis | 3 |
| EPR 710 | Computer Applications and Advanced Statistical Methods | 3 |
| EPR 792 | Mixed Methods Approaches to Educational Research | 3 |
| GRD 717 | Principles of Scientific Integrity | 3 |
| Concentration Courses 2 | 12-36 | |
| Required Courses for Context, Culture & Policy Concentration - Must take at least two of the following options and two additional EDF advisor-approved courses 3 | ||
| Urban Education | ||
or EDF 700 | Urban Education | |
| Critical Social Issues in American Education | ||
or EDF 702 | Critical Social Issues in American Education | |
| Social Movements in Education | ||
or EDF 706 | Social Movements in Education | |
| Culture and American Education: Race Class and Gender | ||
or EDF 720 | Cult and Amer Educ: Race Class and Gender | |
| Required Concentration Courses for Pedagogical Studies Concentration 4 | ||
| Special Topics in Health Education | ||
| Professional Preparation of College Educators | ||
| Expanding Literature on Responsive Methodologies | ||
| Urban Education | ||
or EDF 701 | The History of American Curricular Thought | |
or EDF 702 | Critical Social Issues in American Education | |
or EDF 706 | Social Movements in Education | |
or EDF 716 | Comparative Education | |
| Required Concentration Courses for Health Disparities Concentration 5 | ||
| Dissertation Courses - Work closely with advisor to satisfy requirements 6 | 24 | |
| Dissertation Research | ||
Dissertation Seminar | ||
Dissertation Research: Minimum of 12 credit hours. Prerequisite: Admission to candidacy. Note: One semester with at least 12 credit hours is required. | ||
9 hours of directed dissertation research specific to intended topic | ||
| Total Hours | 63-87 | |
- 1
Required Prerequisite Research Courses:
- 2
Concentration Courses 12-36 Credits
Once the prerequisite coursework has been satisfied, you will choose a concentration from one of the following three areas:
- Pedagogical Studies
- Context, Culture, and Policy
- Health Disparities
- 3
Context, Culture & Policy Concentration Elective Options, 0-24 hours from the following options:
EDF 700, EDF 702, EDF 706, EDF 708, EDF 716, EDF 720, EDF 750, EDF 797, EDF 798
Up to 12 credit hours from other concentrations (Pedagogical Studies and Health Disparities) and SEHS programs, including the following options.
EDC 713, EDC 732, EDC 740, EDC 760, EDC 770, EDC 780, EEC 673, EESL 613, EESL 717, EESL 743, EESL 763
Up to 12 credit hours from courses outside SEHS, e.g.:
ANTH 615, ANTH 641, HY 601, HY 634, HY 638, HY 639, MPA 675, SOC 716, SOC 755
Note: Students should consult their advisor about other graduate courses that may be of interest outside of ESDP. The units/programs listed below have courses that may be approved upon the advisor's review. This list is not comprehensive.
SEHS: CHHS, HEA, EDL, ED(x) prefix courses in C&I Dept., et al.
CAS: HY, MPA, PSC, PY, SOC, SW, et al.
GRD: Selected GRD courses may be approved. No more than two GRD courses may be taken for degree credit for students with a master's degree. Check with your advisor.
- 4
Pedagogical Studies Concentration Electives, 0 - 24 credits from the following options:
ECE 600:794, ECT 600:720, ECY 635:689, EDC 600:740, EDF 600:720, EDR 600:706, EDU 600:699, EEC 600:702, EESL 600:780, EHS 600:720, EPR 594:793, ESP 600:680, HEA 600:690, IDD 600:680, LDLS 600:685, ANTH 504:697, ARH 505:680, BY 501:796, CH 525:789, CJ 500:679, CM 601:690, CS 500:792, FR 501:590, FS 550:679, EH 501:698, HY 601:771, MA 501:797, MPA 600:695, PH 502:797, PY 520:791, SOC 503:788, SPA 501:599, SW 510:655, DEIA 510:590, GRD 701:716, GRD 719:790, LEAD 500:590, MENT 719:746, RECM 701:749
- 5
Health Disparities Concentration, 0-24 hours
- 6
Dissertation Courses 24 Credits
- Dissertation Seminar: 3 credit hours
- Dissertation Research: Minimum of 12 credit hours. Prerequisite: Admission to candidacy. Note: One semester with at least 12 credit hours is required.
- 9 credits of directed dissertation research or additional research courses specific to intended dissertation