Tift College of Education

Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction

A Hybrid Approach

Cohorts for the Curriculum and Instruction Ph.D. Program are admitted once a year, for a summer start date (May). The deadline for submitting your completed application packet is: Atlanta--December 15, Macon--March 15, and Savannah--April 1.

We have a limited number of openings in the Atlanta and Macon-Savannah cohorts. Once the enrollment limit has been reached, applications will be frozen and put on hold for the next academic year.

Get the application.

General Information

  • The program is offered in Atlanta and Macon-Savannah.
  • A minimum of nine consecutive semesters, including summers, are required to complete the program.
  • Classes are delivered in a hybrid combination, i.e., online and on campus in the evenings and/or on weekends over 16-week semesters, or in Summer, eight-week sessions.
  • Students take an average of two courses with a 2-hour doctoral seminar each semester.
  • For additional information, download our Curriculum and Instruction Fact Sheet .

Additional Information About the Macon-Savannah Cohort

  • Applicants accepted into the Curriculum and Instruction, Ph.D. Program will be part of the newly formed Macon-Savannah Cohort IV. The Macon-Savannah Ph.D. courses will be offered in a hybrid format with each course delivered via a combination of on-campus and online class sessions.
  • Macon-based doctoral students and Savannah-based doctoral students will enroll in the same courses. Each course will be offered on the same day and time with the same instructor.  On-campus class sessions will be conducted in the distance learning classrooms at the Macon and Savannah campuses.
  • Summer sessions are eight weeks in length with courses being held four times in the distance learning classrooms and four times via Blackboard Collaborate. With the Doctoral Seminars being 2 semester hours, they will meet approximately four times during the summer; twice in Blackboard Collaborate and the other two sessions in the distance learning classrooms.
  • Fall and spring semester classes are 15 weeks in length with each class meeting from 5:30 to 8:30, one evening a week. Semester long courses will be comprised of 8 on-campus sessions in the distance learning classrooms and 7 online class sessions in Blackboard Collaborate (Elluminate).
  • When teaching the on-campus sessions, the instructor will divide his/her time equally between the Macon and Savannah sites. The instructor will teach 4 onsite sessions in the Savannah distance learning classroom, with the Macon students in the Macon distance learning classroom. The other 4 onsite sessions will be taught with the instructor in the Macon distance learning classroom, with the Savannah students in the Savannah distance learning classroom.
  • The online sessions may be offered through a combination of synchronous and asynchronous formats. While most Blackboard Collaborate sessions may be synchronous, requiring that all of the students must be online together at the same time, other sessions may be asynchronous, meaning that students do not need to be together in Blackboard Collaborate at the same time.
  • In addition to the regular class sessions, faculty will be available for consultation via a variety of formats, including face-to-face sessions, telephone calls, Skype, or Blackboard Collaborate.
  • The Macon-Savannah Cohort will begin with summer, 2012. Orientation will be held on Saturday, May 19. The summer class session is from May 21 to July 14. Cohort 4 doctoral students will enroll in two summer courses.

Please contact Dr. Al Stramiello, Ph.D. Director, if you have questions regarding the Curriculum and Instruction Ph.D. Program.  Email:  Stramiello_a@mercer.edu;  office:  478-301-2688.

Admission Requirements for Curriculum and Instruction

All applicants must complete the formal written application for admission to graduate studies. General qualifications for admission are a bachelor's and master's degree from a regionally accredited college or university, and three years of successful teaching experience. Individuals applying for the Ph.D. program must provide the following:

  1. A completed Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction application form.Get the application.A copy of current master's level teaching certification.
  2. A copy of recent GRE scores, (test taken within the last 6 years).
  3. A current vita or resume.
  4. Two official copies of transcripts of all academic work; candidate should have a minimum cumulative graduate GPA of 3.5.
  5. A $35 non-refundable admissions processing fee with the check made payable to Mercer University .
  6. Three professional letters of recommendation; one of these letters must be from the candidate's school system supervisor.

Submit all items in one packet and mail to the appropriate Graduate Program Associate for the campus to which you are applying:

Macon-Savannah:

Graduate Program Associate
Ph.D. Curriculum and Instruction
Tift College of Education
Mercer University
103 Stetson Hall, 1400 Coleman Avenue
Macon, GA 31207

Atlanta

Graduate Program Associate
Ph.D. Curriculum and Instruction
Tift College of Education
Mercer University
3001 Mercer University Dr.
Atlanta, GA 30341

Interview

As part of the application process, selected applicants will be invited for an interview with the program faculty. A writing sample is also required.

Frequently Asked Questions

Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction - A Hybrid Approach

When does the program start? Cohorts begin the summer of each year.

Where will the program be offered? The Program is offered at two easy-to-reach locations: Atlanta and Macon-Savannah, with the majority of course work delivered in a hybrid combination, i.e., online and on campus.

Who may apply? Certified educators may apply. There are three initial requirements:

  • Candidates must hold current certification at the master’s level.
  • Candidates must have three years of successful teaching experience.
  • Candidates must submit current GRE scores (received within the last six years).

How long will it take? The program is designed to be completed within a minimum of ten semesters, including summers. The dissertation process is integrated within the three years.

Can I keep my job and do this program? Yes, the program is designed for working professionals. All classes are offered in the evenings and online during 16-week semesters; NOTE: Summer semester is 8 weeks.

How much does it cost? Please consult the Mercer University catalog for current tuition rates. Curriculum and Instruction students take an average of two 3-hour courses each semester with one 2-hour doctoral seminar.

Is there financial aid available for this program? Generally, loans are available for graduate programs. To receive financial aid, students must be fully admitted to the program. Specific financial aid questions should be directed to the financial aid counselors at the following locations: Macon Campus: 478-301-2670; Atlanta Campus: 678-547-6062

How do I get more information on the program? To get more information or an application packet call or e-mail one of the Graduate Program Associates:

Macon-Savannah:  (478) 301-5394.

Atlanta:  (678) 547- 6119