UHCL to offer new doctorate in curriculum and instruction
CONTRIBUTED BY: UHCL OFFICE OF COMMUNICATIONS
UHCL to offer new doctorate in curriculum and instruction
University of Houston-Clear Lake received approval from the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board to offer a Doctor of Education in Curriculum and Instruction with a science, technology, engineering and mathematics or STEM-related focus. The degree will be offered through the university’s School of Education beginning spring 2015.
The board gave final approval to UH-Clear Lake’s advanced degree request in July. The university’s proposal included data from several state and national reports that forecasted the Houston area as one of the nation’s fastest growing populations with an increasing demand for educational leaders able to address the academic needs of a bourgeoning student population. Research data also noted that the lack of basic STEM skills in the workforce could limit Houston and the surrounding area’s potential for cultural and economic growth.
“The successful education of a culturally and linguistically diverse population is the key to Houston being a cultural and economic center, as well as making it a major nucleus for international trade and commerce,” explains UHCL President William A. Staples. “Our program will provide not only well-qualified educators to address the academic needs of an increasing number of students, but educators who can also enhance the students’ chances of succeeding in the college classroom and beyond.”
“The doctoral degree will also address the needs of professionals in the K-12 education sector such as teachers, instructional coaches, specialists, leaders and administrators, who seek to improve their practice, positively impact their institutions, and to advance their professional careers,” says UHCL Associate Professor and Chair of the Doctorate in Curriculum and Instruction Sue Brown.
A survey distributed to potential doctoral candidates in the Houston Galveston area indicated a 74 percent interest and likelihood of signing up for the program.
“The results were not surprising,” says Brown. “UHCL has both strong programs and faculty in the STEM academic areas, along with several multiyear science and mathematics grants that bring classroom teachers to our UHCL campus for professional development and master level classes each year. Programs, like the Texas Regional Collaborative for Excellence in Science Teachers, and the UHCL Mathematic Institute are attended by many potential curriculum and instruction doctoral candidates.”
Brown adds that the doctoral program will also prove beneficial for professionals employed in the informal education sector such as those who work at museums, educational outreach and community centers, as well as other educational-related industries.
Approval of UHCL’s second doctoral degree — the university also offers a Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership — by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board followed an extensive review process which included an on-campus visit. Members of the state’s coordinating board’s site visit team included two representative from the coordinating board as well as three external reviewers from universities with similar doctoral programs. The group conducted a two-day site visit in March to assess and confirm UHCL’s readiness to offer the curriculum and instruction doctoral degree.
“We’re pleased to include this new doctoral program among our offerings,” says School of Education Dean Dennis W. Spuck. “It will serve the growing population in this area, filling the local void in doctoral-level academic preparation for communities in the UHCL service area.”
Qualified candidates will have a master level degree in a STEM-related area. For information, contact the School of Education Office of Academic Advising, 281-283-3600, or e-mail education@uhcl.edu.
