Doctorate in Education (Ph.D.)
This program is designed to develop educational scholars with a focus on current issues in education; theories of learning; human development; inequality; educational policy; and/or research methods.
Students build their knowledge about education and its policies and practices in a dynamic learning environment that facilitates the development of human, organizational, and systemic capacities. The breadth of our faculty’s expertise allows doctoral students to conduct research in these focused clusters:
- Language, Literacy, and Culture
- Learning Sciences and Human Development
- Policy, Leadership, Organizational Studies
- Social Research Methods
- Sociopolitical Studies of Education
Doctoral Degree Coursework Requirements (Effective Fall 2027)
This information pertains to the Cluster-Based PhD program for students admitted Fall 2027 and beyond. For degree requirements prior to Fall 2027, please refer to previous versions of the BSE Graduate Student Handbooks or UC Berkeley Catalog. Requirements for the Joint Doctoral Program, School Psychology Program, and Leaders for Equity and Democracy (LEAD) differ from the Cluster-based PhD program and are described in their respective handbooks.
BSE-Wide Course Requirements
All PhD students need to take the following courses:
Introductory courses:.
- EDUC 282: Introduction to Disciplined Inquiry
- Two (2) Introduction to the Field Courses
Four Methodology Courses:
All students must take at least one quantitative and at least one qualitative course among the minimum four methods courses required. We anticipate that students will need more than four courses to be prepared for their lines of inquiry and the field more generally. Students should refer to the Graduate Student Handbook for a list of current quantitative and qualitative courses.
Six Elective Courses:
- Four or more BSE Elective Courses. Students should consult with their advisor about recommended electives for their cluster.
- Up to two Non-BSE Courses can count toward the six elective requirement. Taking courses “outside” the BSE strengthens a student’s interdisciplinary fluency and dexterity in theory, methodology, and perspectives, while also engaging a wider scholarly community of students and faculty. This is also a way for students to collaborate with faculty across campus who could serve on a qualifying exam or dissertation committee. “Outside” courses must be taken through UCB for letter grade and approved by your faculty advisor.
- Note: Research Groups are not considered electives
- Any course beyond the requirements may be considered an elective
Art of Teaching (required for GSIs)
Graduate Division requires all graduate students who serve as Graduate Student Instructors (GSIs) take a “375” course. Graduate students must enroll in a 375 course before or concurrent to their first time serving as a GSI. Thus, it is strongly recommended that students take EDUC 375 as early as possible. Students may also choose to take a “375” with another department on campus to meet this requirement.
- EDUC 375: Art of Teaching or equivalent 375 course in taught in another department
School Psychology (Ph.D. plus credential)
This program prepares graduates to assume leadership roles as practicing school psychologists, researchers, university educators, and program directors at the local, state and national levels. Grounded in a scientist-practitioner model of education and training, the program emphasizes developmental and ecological systems perspectives and a school-based mental-health consultation model of service delivery. The UC Berkeley School Psychology Program is accredited by the American Psychological Association. Learn more about our School Psychology Program.
Graduate Studies in Science and Mathematics Education (Ph.D.)
Informally known as SESAME, this interdisciplinary graduate program is for students seeking advanced expertise in a scientific discipline as well as in educational theory and research methodologies. The course of study leads to a doctoral degree in science, mathematics, or engineering education. Learn more about the SESAME program.
Special Education (Ph.D., Joint Doctoral Program with San Francisco State University)
This program prepares leaders in research, teaching, administration, and supervision for the variety of professional needs facing children, youth, and adults with disabilities. It integrates the resources of Berkeley and SFSU, allowing students to combine theoretical interests with applied practices in a broad spectrum of specializations within Special Education. Learn more about the Joint Doctoral Program in Special Education.
Education Doctorate (Ed.D.)
Our educational doctorate, Leaders for Equity and Democracy (LEAD), engages passionate, equity-conscious, practicing leaders with the theories, research design principles, operational capacities, and networks they need to effect large-scale change in education. Importantly, at the end of the three-year, transdisciplinary program, graduates leave exceptionally prepared to design liberatory educational systems. Learn more about the Education Doctorate Program.