Face-to-Face Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction
Immersive Scholarship. Educational Change.
Program Overview
The Face-to-Face Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Curriculum and Instruction at New Mexico State University offers an immersive doctoral experience for educators, researchers, and leaders committed to advancing knowledge and transforming educational practice. As a Carnegie-designated Research 1 university, NMSU prepares doctoral students to engage in rigorous scholarship, collaborate closely with accomplished faculty, and conduct original research that addresses complex educational challenges. Grounded in a critical multicultural perspective, the program fosters ethical leadership, critical inquiry, and a commitment to equity, democratic education, and meaningful educational and social change.
Cohort Information
Next Face-to-Face Cohort
To Be DeterminedApplication Period
To Be DeterminedApplicants admitted to the program begin coursework during the fall semester.
Program Format
The Face-to-Face Ph.D. follows a cohort model that fosters intellectual engagement, collaboration, and professional growth throughout the doctoral experience.
Students attend classes in person on the NMSU Las Cruces campus and work along with faculty mentors and fellow doctoral students as they progress through coursework, develop their research agendas, and prepare for dissertation research.
The Face-to-Face program provides opportunities to:
- Engage in collaborative learning within a supportive scholarly community
- Work with faculty mentors on research and professional development
- Explore curriculum, pedagogy, and educational research through critical inquiry
- Develop original scholarship that contributes to educational research and practice
Program of Study
The Face-to-Face Ph.D. consists of 60 credit hours:
Students may be eligible to transfer up to 9 credit hours from a master's degree in their concentration area, subject to university and program approval.
Concentration coursework is developed in consultation with faculty advisors and reflects each student's scholarly interests and professional goals.
All required coursework must be successfully completed before students enroll in dissertation hours.
Core Curriculum
Fall Semesters
- EDUC 6110 – Curriculum for a Diverse Society
- EDUC 6440 – Qualitative Research I
- EDUC 6320 – Social Justice Issues in Education
- EDUC 6430 – Quantitative Research II (Advanced Statistics)
- EDUC 6996 – Selected Topics (Research Design)
- EDUC 6910 – Qualitative Research Designs Seminar
Spring Semesters
- EDUC 6120 – Pedagogy of Learning in a Diverse Society
- EDUC 6420 – Evaluation of Quantitative Research in Education
- EDUC 6410 – Current Research in Education
- EDUC 6230 – Research as Praxis: Qualitative Research II
Concentration Coursework
Dissertation
Following successful completion of all coursework, students complete 18 credit hours of EDUC 7000: Dissertation Research, conducting original research under the guidance of their dissertation committee.
Who Should Choose the Face-to-Face Program?
The Face-to-Face Ph.D. program is ideal for students seeking an immersive campus experience with frequent opportunities for collaboration, research, and engagement with faculty and peers. It is particularly well suited for individuals preparing for careers in higher education, educational research, policy, or leadership roles that benefit from sustained participation in an academic research community.
Learn More
For admission requirements, application instructions, doctoral policies, and student resources, please visit:
