C&I Doctoral Program

Curriculum & Instruction Doctor of Philosophy

Advance Knowledge. Transform Education.

Program Overview

The Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Curriculum and Instruction (C&I) at New Mexico State University prepares scholars, educators, and leaders to deepen their understanding of curriculum, pedagogy, and educational research while addressing today's most pressing educational challenges.

As a Carnegie-designated Research 1 university, NMSU offers doctoral students opportunities to collaborate with accomplished faculty, engage in rigorous research, and contribute original scholarship that advances the field of education.

Grounded in a critical multicultural perspective, the program is designed for ethical thinkers committed to lifelong teaching, learning, research, and service.

Through compassionate engagement and scholarly inquiry, students become part of a community dedicated to advancing social justice, strengthening democratic education, and creating meaningful educational and social change.

New Mexico State University School of Teacher Preparation, Administration and Leadership

Choose the Learning Format That Fits Your Goals

The C&I doctoral program is offered in online and face-to-face formats. Both provide rigorous doctoral preparation while offering different approaches to learning and engagement.

Online Ph.D.

Designed for students seeking rigorous doctoral experiences with the flexibility of online learning.

  • Geographically flexible doctoral pathway
  • Synchronous and asynchronous online learning
  • Required in-person summer residency sessions
  • Cohort-based learning and collaboration

Next Cohort: Summer 2028

Application Deadline: January 31, 2028

Explore the Online Ph.D.

Face-to-Face Ph.D.

Designed for students seeking an immersive doctoral experience within the NMSU academic community.

  • Campus-based doctoral learning
  • Direct faculty engagement
  • Collaborative research opportunities
  • Immersive scholarly community

Next Cohort: To Be Determined

Explore the Face-to-Face Ph.D.

Why Choose NMSU?

  • Research-intensive doctoral education at an R1 university
  • Faculty mentorship from accomplished scholars
  • Collaborative doctoral cohort model
  • Preparation for academic, research, and leadership careers
  • Original dissertation research
  • Opportunities to present and publish scholarship

Areas of Study

  • Bilingual Education
  • Critical Pedagogies & Multicultural Education
  • Early Childhood Education
  • Educational Learning Technologies
  • Language, Literacy & Culture
  • Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL)
  • Special Education

Admission Requirements

Applicants should have:

  • A master's degree in education or a closely related field
  • Three years of PreK–12 or postsecondary teaching experience, or equivalent

Complete admission requirements are available in the C&I Doctoral Program Handbook .

Application Process

Step 1 Apply through the NMSU Graduate Application .
Step 2 Submit the C&I Doctoral Application Portfolio through the Graduate School application portal.
Step 3 Qualified applicants will be invited to interview with the C&I Doctoral Qualifying Committee.
Before Applying

Review the C&I Doctoral Program Handbook for complete application instructions and program requirements.

After Admission

New doctoral students begin their journey by:

Attending doctoral orientation
Meeting with their interim faculty advisor
Becoming part of their doctoral cohort
Developing a program of study
Exploring research opportunities with faculty
Activate and regularly check your NMSU student email account

Resources