College of Education and Human Services
School of Teaching, Learning and Curriculum Studies
www.kent.edu/ehhs/tlcs

About This Program

Empower yourself as a thought leader in education with our Ph.D. degree in Cultural Foundations, offering a comprehensive curriculum that prepares you to critically examine, interpret and shape educational policies and practices, driving positive change in the field. Read more...

Contact Information

• Tricia Niesz | tniesz@kent.edu | 330-672-0591

• Connect with an Admissions Counselor

Program Delivery

• Delivery:
  • Mostly online
• Location:
  • Kent Campus

Examples of Possible Careers and Salaries*

^{* Source of occupation titles and labor data comes from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics' Occupational Outlook Handbook. Data comprises projected percent change in employment over the next 10 years; nation-wide employment numbers; and the yearly median wage at which half of the workers in the occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less.}

For more information about graduate admissions, visit the graduate admission website. For more information on international admissions, visit the international admission website.

Admission Requirements

• Master's degree from an accredited college or university
• Minimum 3.500 graduate GPA on a 4.000-point scale
• Official transcript(s)
• Résumé or curriculum vitae
• Goal statement that describes applicants' educational background, their motivation for pursuing a doctorate in the cultural foundations of education, how they learned about this program and how they think this program will help them pursue their goals
• Two letters of recommendation, one of which should be from a former instructor if possible
• Writing sample (starting with spring 2027 admission term, writing sample is no longer required)
• Interview
• English language proficiency - all international students must provide proof of English language proficiency (unless they meet specific exceptions to waive) by earning one of the following:¹
  • Minimum 79 TOEFL iBT score
  • Minimum 6.5 IELTS score
  • Minimum 58 PTE score
  • Minimum 110 DET score

Applicants will be assessed holistically, considering academic credentials, related professional experience, academic or professional references, scholarly activities and professional activities, among others.

¹

International applicants who do not meet the above test scores will not be considered for admission.

Application Deadlines

• Fall Semester
  • Priority deadline: March 15
• Spring Semester
  • Priority deadline: October 15
• Summer Term
  • Priority deadline: February 1

All application materials (including applicable fee, transcripts, recommendation letters, etc.) submitted by this deadline will receive the strongest consideration for admission.

Program Requirements

Major Requirements

¹

Upon admission to candidacy each doctoral candidate, must register for CULT 80199. It is expected that a doctoral candidate will continuously register for Dissertation I for a total of 30 credit hours, and thereafter CULT 80299, each semester until all requirements for the degree have been met.

Graduation Requirements

• After admission to the program, students plan a program of study with their respective faculty advisory committee headed by their advisor. A midpoint formative review presentation, comprehensive exam and dissertation are required for graduation.

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates of this program will be able to:

1. Analyze the dynamic historical, social, cultural, economic and political contexts of education in and out of school from normative, interpretive and critical perspectives.
2. Examine the philosophical, ethical, social and cultural dimensions of education.
3. Develop expertise in the range of social science and humanities-oriented research methods and modes of analysis in the field of social foundations of education.
4. Conduct independent research that makes a contribution to original knowledge in the field as well as the intellectual and organizational aspects of their professions, schools and communities.

Full Description

The Ph.D. degree in Cultural Foundations engages students in analyzing the dynamic historical, social, cultural, economic and political contexts of education in and out of school from normative, interpretive and critical perspectives. Students also examine the philosophical, ethical, social and cultural dimensions of education and develop expertise in the range of social science and humanities-oriented research methods and modes of analysis in the field of social foundations of education.

Students in the doctoral program work closely with faculty to apply their learning to their areas of professional and personal interest, generating dissertation projects that make a contribution to original knowledge in the field as well as the intellectual and organizational aspects of their professions, organizations and communities.