Ph.D. in Educational Psychology

Ph.D. in Curriculum & Instruction – Educational Psychology

USF’s Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction with a concentration in Educational Psychology prepares scholars to conduct rigorous research that addresses real-world educational challenges. This face-to-face doctoral program follows a research mentorship model in which each student joins a faculty member’s research team, gaining deep experience in inquiry, teaching, and professional scholarship. Graduates develop the expertise to integrate theory, research, and practice in ways that improve learning and development across educational contexts.

What you will learn

ºÚÁÏÉç gain a strong foundation in human development, learning sciences, and the application of psychological principles to education. Through close mentorship, they learn to design and conduct research, analyze data, and apply the scientific method to pressing educational problems. The program also emphasizes developing scholarly communication skills, teaching experience, and the ability to translate research into practice for diverse learners and learning environments.

Woman at laptop

Career Opportunities

Graduates of the program are prepared for careers such as:

  • University professor or researcher
  • Education and learning sciences researcher
  • Analyst or research associate in think tanks or policy centers
  • Research or evaluation leader in nonprofits or school systems
  • Specialist roles in human development, assessment, or instructional design
college instructor helping students on laptop in class

What to Expect

ºÚÁÏÉç enter the program with a master’s degree and complete 44 credit hours, including core curriculum courses, extensive research and measurement coursework, and specialized study in educational psychology. The mentorship model places students in a faculty research lab from the start, where they collaborate on ongoing projects, engage in research practica, and build expertise through presentations and publications. ºÚÁÏÉç also gain teaching experience and complete elective coursework to develop a sub-specialization. The program culminates in a dissertation that advances knowledge in learning, development, or educational psychology.

students meeting and studying together