Part of the Graduate School of Education
Learning and Teaching in Social Contexts, EdD
Designed within an actionable, justice-focused framework, University at Buffalo’s Doctor of Education program in learning and teaching in social contexts blends contemporary theory and practice across synergistic learning experiences to produce the next generation of educational professionals dedicated to addressing emergent and persistent problems of practice.
Why Learning and Teaching in Social Contexts at UB?
The Doctor of Education program in learning and teaching in social contexts offers:
- an applied, professional degree that teaches students how to solve problems and address challenges that education leaders face in a range of diverse contexts
- opportunities to address new or persistent educational concerns and seek solutions that are directly applicable to complex organizations
Our program prepares:
- leaders who collaborate effectively across school, academic, and community boundaries to identify and understand problems of practice, and design and develop solutions to problems of practice
- leaders who establish and grow intra- and inter-institutional capacity for continuous, evidence-based improvement
- leaders who advocate for and drive efforts to achieve educational equity
Program Overview
| Academic credential granted | Doctor of Education (EdD) |
|---|---|
| Credits required for completion | 60 doctoral credits |
| Time to completion | 3 full years (9 part-time semesters) |
| Course delivery | Online |
| Careers |
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| Application deadline | Summer admission only Apr. 1 |
Coursework
- 24 credits required in Coursework Centering on a Problem of Practice (cc-PoP)
Required course: LAI 613 Curriculum Theory - 18 credits required in Design and Research Methods for Improving Education (DRM)
Required course: LAI 515 Action Research to Improve Teaching and Learning - 18 credits required in Dissertation in Practice (DiP)
Required course: LAI 621 Critical Interpretations of Research
Required course: LAI 644 EdD Inquiry Practicum
Required course: LAI 702 Dissertation - 60 total credits required
You must have a baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution. It is strongly preferred that you also have a master's degree.
If you aspire to join our intellectual community, the following materials must be submitted with the online application available through the Office of Graduate Admissions:
- Application fee: A $50 non-refundable application fee, submitted electronically through UB's ePayment system.
- Contact information for three professional references (1 academic preferred). Admissions will send a recommendation survey link to references; no letters required.
- Unofficial undergraduate and graduate transcripts from all colleges attended. (UB transcripts are automatically submitted for current UB students and alumni.) Upon admission to the program, official transcripts are required.
- Statement of educational and career goals (500 word limit)
- Your background: What key experiences have contributed to your commitment to work in the field of education or with education-related issues? Tell us how you think you are positioned to create change.
- Your objectives for graduate study: What are your academic and professional goals and what knowledge, skills, and tools are you hoping to develop through enrollment in a graduate program? Why is graduate study the vehicle to drive the change(s) you wish to initiate?
- Why UB GSE, and why this specific program? Why is enrollment at UB GSE and in the Department of Learning and Instruction critical in helping you achieve your goals?
- Problem of practice research statement (250 word limit)
- The Problem of Practice Research Statement should be a description of an issue:
- What is the problem you have identified, and what information has drawn you to this specific issue?
- The problem could be an issue you, your organization, or your field have struggled with for years, or it could be an innovation you wish to implement at your organization.
- Focus your problem of practice as one that can create transformational change at your organization and be used for improvement or innovation in your field.
- Sample problems of practice:
- increase the variety of teaching strategies used in classrooms
- increase rigor in classrooms and support students in achieving higher levels of rigorous work
- build a community of learners by focusing on productive student group work
- examine the role of anti-bias education in our classrooms and schools, and identify the relevant community issues that we would like our classes and schools to address
- examine how teachers connect content to students’ prior knowledge and experiences, and support teachers’ capacity to enhance relevance in course materials
- The Problem of Practice Research Statement should be a description of an issue:
- Resume or curriculum vitae
When you submit your application, you will have the opportunity to answer the following question: Is there anything about your application that you would like the admissions committee to take into consideration?
Personal Interview Upon University Request: Applicants must make themselves available for online interviews with faculty.
Former/Maiden Name: Please provide us with your former/maiden name if you have one. When requesting transcripts, please ask the sending institution to indicate your current name and former/maiden name.
Admissions Decision: The admissions decision will be communicated to you as soon as review is complete. The decision is based on a number of factors and is the result of a thorough and deliberate process. All decisions are final and cannot be appealed.
In-state Residency Tuition
In order to qualify for the in-state residency tuition rate, you are required to provide residency documentation indicating you have lived in New York State (NYS) 12 months prior to your semester start date.
If accepted, you will need to upload 3 documents to qualify for the in-state tuition rate. See Required Documents for Residency Application for more information.
International Applicant Additional Requirements
- Official original proof of your degree
- A copy of your passport biographical page
- Official test scores for either the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language), the IELTS (International English Language Testing System) or PTE (Pearson Test of English) Academic. Test scores must be dated within two years of submitting your application.
- TOEFL minimum score is a 250 for a computer based test, 600 for a paper based test and 96 for the Internet based test
- IELTS minimum score is 7.0 overall
- PTE minimum score is 55 overall
- Financial documentation — International graduate applicants must document their ability to pay for all costs incurred while studying in the U.S.
- An official bank statement
All financial forms and supporting documentation with required signatures must be uploaded with your application, and must be dated within one year of your intended enrollment date.
Are you an international student and unable to take the IELTS, PTE or TOEFL?
If you are currently unable to take the IELTS, PTE or TOEFL tests because they are canceled due to the Coronavirus (COVID-19), the University at Buffalo will accept the Duolingo English Test (DET) for proof of English proficiency. This test can be taken online, in your own home. More information can be found on the Graduate School’s website.
The TOEFL iBT® Special Home Edition is a safe and convenient option for students who are unable to take the TOEFL iBT test at a test center due to public health concerns.
Frequently Asked Questions
We have a collection of frequently asked questions that may help you. If your questions are still unanswered, we are glad to help! Contact our admission office.
Questions About the Admission Process?
Graduate School of Education
366 Baldy Hall, North Campus
716-645-2110
gseinfo@buffalo.edu
University Computing Standards
You are required to have daily access to a reliable broadband connection and a computer that meets university computing standards. You are also expected to have basic computer competency before beginning your coursework.