About This Degree
Our doctoral programs aim to prepare educational researchers who will be at the forefront of generating new knowledge about teaching and learning, leaders who can work at the intersection of research, theory, and practice in education, and skilled and reflective higher education faculty who can excel at teacher education as well as research. Your pathway is highly customizable, so you can tailor your degree to your specific career goals and selected concentration.
- Official title
- Doctor of Philosophy in Teaching and Learning
Fall Start
Application deadline
- December 1
How You’ll Learn
The PhD experience in our department is characterized by full-time engagement with educational research, close research apprenticeship with faculty mentors, and grounding in scholarship on teaching and learning, with attention to human development and social contexts. Students learn a variety of quantitative and qualitative research methods and apply them to important problems in education. Students can elect to pursue departmental opportunities in our teacher education programs, such as providing guest lectures, mentoring preservice teachers, evaluating student teaching, and, in some cases, instructing courses. Because the development and completion of a dissertation depends on intensely individual interest and work, this PhD emphasizes the individual tailoring of your degree from the very beginning. We aim to suit the unique interests and experiences that you bring to the program and develop during your course of study.
Concentrations
Early Childhood and Childhood Education
Become a scholar dedicated to understanding children’s development and learning, and supporting them in their education from birth through elementary school.
English Education
Collaborate with faculty members to develop your skills as a university researcher or English teacher educator in post-secondary school systems.
History, Social Studies, and Global Education
Advance your knowledge and work with faculty members to conduct research and develop curricula that promote civic engagement.
Literacy Education
Work closely with faculty members to develop your research skills in language and literacy development, and apply that research to improve literacy instruction.
Mathematics Education
Learn strategies for designing and analyzing research studies in mathematics education while working closely with faculty on all aspects of the research process.
Science and Environmental Education
Develop your skills and expand your vision and practices of what is possible when researching in the areas of science and environmental education.
Special Education
Develop expertise in special education policy, research, and practices as you collaborate with our faculty.
Urban Education
Advance your knowledge, work with faculty on research, and prepare to be an educational leader committed to scholarship and action in urban educational settings.
Online Info Session
In this recorded information session, NYU faculty share information about the PhD programs in the Department of Teaching and Learning, including the PhD in Teaching & Learning and the PhD in Applied Linguistics and Multilingual Education. Faculty and current students provide an overview of the programs and answer questions from potential applicants.
Funding for Full-Time PhD Students
NYU Steinhardt offers a competitive funding package for PhD students who study full-time, including international students. Fellowship funding requires that students fulfill a semesterly research requirement, complete various academic requirements, and remain in good academic standing. The full-time fellowship funding does not come with required work or teaching obligations. Learn more about our funding opportunities.
Fee Waiver
Please review the Fee Waiver policies and instructions. Contact steinhardt.gradadmissions@nyu.edu with any questions.
Questions
If you have any additional questions about our degree, please first review our Frequently Asked Questions or contact teachlearn.advise.phd@nyu.edu with remaining questions.
Take the Next Step
Advance your personal and professional journey – apply to join our community of students.