Labs & Concentrations

Higher Education/Postsecondary Education

The Higher and Postsecondary Education specialization of the PhD in Education prepares students to conduct research on higher education organizations, students, and policy. Our graduates will pursue careers as academic faculty, researchers, senior college and university administrators, and policy analysts. Our curriculum provides a strong theoretical foundation in organizational theory, public policy, and issues of social justice in postsecondary institutions. . Candidates will build on this foundation by working on research projects with faculty, such as high school to college transitions among minoritized and low income students, support for student success, college outcomes for minoritized and low income students, career transitions, conflict and rebuilding through policy networks in African higher education, methodological advances to support the study of marginalized populations, efficacy of online instructional methods, access to educational opportunities for women through e-learning, and the role of ethics in leadership, faculty work, and educational policy. Learn more

Language & Literacy Education

The Language and Literacy Education Ph.D. specialization is designed to prepare individuals for roles in research, policy, and teaching in higher education. The courses examine influential theories and research that address the developmental, cognitive, motivational, multimodal, literary, linguistic, sociocultural and sociopolitical foundations of language and literacy. The program is strongly framed by a critical stance that emphasizes the transformative potential of language and literacy. Candidates for the literacy education doctorate conduct research examining major issues around the interaction of theory, research, and practice in their role in promoting access, equity and success across a range of educational contexts. Learn more

Special Education

Students in the Special Education Specialization examine critical issues in the field of special education and disability studies in education (DSE). The program encourages progressive thinking about traditional segregated special education practices, and changing educational structures to be fully inclusive for all students and families. At Rowan University, students and faculty engage in progressive research that promotes the development of inclusive schools and educational policy. Learn more

Counselor Education

The Counselor Education specialization of the research-focused Ph.D. in Education is designed specifically for those who wish to pursue careers as counselor educators at the university level, or as supervisors in schools or clinical settings. The program is committed to promoting the counseling profession and evidenced-based practices and initiatives through advanced curricular experiences that address systemic and persistent barriers for P-20 students. Through intensive faculty-supervised clinical and research experiences that address the academic, personal/ social, and career development needs of children, adolescences, and young adults; our candidates will contribute to improving equity and success in educational outcomes. As a result, candidates will engage in research, teaching, supervision, and consultation with mentors, which will equip them to advocate for systemic change. Our graduates will be counseling leaders in the profession, advocates, and researchers who contribute to their schools and communities through rigorous scholarship and who are committed to leading efforts to enhance educational equity.

Urban and Diverse Learning Environments

The Urban and Diverse Learning Environments PhD concentration is designed to prepare future researchers, educators, community organizers, policymakers, and youth-focused change agents to understand and disrupt the contradictions that underpin educational and broader socioeconomic disparities. Our faculty actively engage in studying and challenging the social, political, and economic forces that bear on what is often labeled as “urban schooling,” and shape the contradictions faced by youth, families, teachers, and educational leaders in these diverse learning environments that so often can be characterized by both oppression and resilience. Learn more