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Doctorate in Engineering and Computing Education

The Ph.D. in Engineering and Computing Education program prepares engineering and computer science leaders at all levels, across preschool and K-12, undergraduate and graduate education and workplace training programs. They can work in a variety of settings, including colleges and universities, industry, government, science centers, non-profits and K-12.

Highlights

  • Highly individualized curriculum for a deep dive into research
  • Opportunities for full-time and part-time students
  • GRE not required for admission
  • STEM-designated Program

Students in the program experience a rigorous, hands-on learning environment within a supportive academic community. They develop critical-thinking skills to tackle 21st-century challenges, learn from world-class faculty who are leading scholars in their fields and gain expertise in evidence-based teaching practices.

View this program in the University Catalog

Course Outcomes

The Ph.D. in Engineering and Computing Education program curriculum prepares you to be an effective researcher, educator and leader through coursework in five areas:

  • Engineering and computing education foundations
  • Engineering pedagogy
  • Research methods and statistics
  • Engineering and computing education concentration (your unique area of specialization)
  • Engineering and computing specialization
computing-education

Program Information

  • Application Requirements
    • Submit the FIU Graduate Admission Application
    • Official transcripts of all previously earned college or university credits
    • A one- to two-page, single-spaced Statement of Purpose describing your professional goals, how the program will help you achieve them and the experiences that have prepared you to pursue a doctoral degree in engineering and computing education
    • Three letters of recommendation in the forms provided by the department
    • Resume or CV
    • A bachelor’s or master’s degree in engineering, computing or a closely related field. Degrees must have been earned at a regionally accredited university
    • An applicant with a bachelor’s degree must have a GPA score of 3.0 or higher in either the overall undergraduate degree or the last 60 credit hours
    • An applicant with a master’s degree must have a GPA of at least 3.3 in the master's program
    • Approval of the departmental graduate committee

    The credentials of all other applicants will be examined on a case-by-case basis by the Graduate Admission Committee. In addition to the departmental requirements, all students must satisfy the University Graduate School Policies and Procedures.

    For all admissions requirements, refer to the University Catalog.

  • Funding

    Ph.D. applicants may be eligible for funding opportunities, such as teaching assistantships, research assistantships, graduate assistantships and fellowships. Funding is based on a student’s qualifications and performance in the program.

    To receive full consideration for funding, applicants should apply by the priority deadline of December 1. For more information about available funding options and deadlines, visit the University Graduate School Funding page.

  • International Students

    International students should refer to the FIU International Admissions site for additional instructions on how to apply or enroll as a first-time or transferring international student.

  • STEM Designation

    The Ph.D. in Engineering and Computing Education is a STEM-designated program. After completing the program, international students may be eligible for Optional Practical Training (OPT), which allows them to work in the United States for up to 36 months. This includes one year of OPT plus an additional two years through the STEM OPT extension for eligible programs.

Requirements for Awarding of a Degree

Students must demonstrate graduate-level knowledge through several required stages to earn a Ph.D. in Engineering and Computing Education. The degree is awarded after successful completion of all courses and credit requirements, along with each required step in the program.

For detailed information about degree, credit, and other requirements, refer to the University Catalog.

  • Assembling a Dissertation Committee

    Choosing an Advisor

    Students will select a faculty member from the CEC to serve as their dissertation advisor. A co-advisor may also be chosen from within the college or from outside the college.

    Assembling a Committee

    Students must form a Dissertation Committee with at least four faculty members, including the major advisor(s). At least two committee members must be ESM faculty or ESM-affiliated faculty and one member must be an FIU faculty member from outside of ESM.

  • Comprehensive Exam

    The Comprehensive Exam evaluates a student’s readiness for doctoral study and their understanding of engineering and computing education, including key theories, applied issues and research methods in the field.

    Students admitted without a master’s degree must pass the exam by the end of the seventh semester (excluding summers), while students admitted with a master’s degree or the equivalent of 15 credit hours must pass by the end of the fifth semester. Students are allowed two attempts to pass the exam and any exceptions must be approved by the Graduate Committee.

  • Satisfaction of the Teaching Requirement

    Teaching at the university level is an important skill for graduate students to develop. Before advancing to candidacy, Ph.D. students must complete the course EGS 6055 - Foundations of Engineering and Computing Teaching and Learning and participate in a one-semester mentored teaching practicum to gain experience in a classroom or laboratory setting.

    Students who already have teaching experience from a previous graduate program may request a waiver of the teaching requirement. If approved, the three-credit course must be replaced with an alternative course, subject to approval by the graduate program director.

  • Presentation and Submission of a Dissertation Proposal

    The student will present and defend their dissertation research plan. The purpose of the proposal is to show the student’s ability to design and plan a research project and communicate it clearly in writing and orally. The proposal must be submitted to at least three members of the dissertation committee, including at least two from ESM or the STEM Transformation Institute.

    During the presentation, the student will describe their accomplishments, explain their proposed research and answer questions from the committee and the audience. After completing the required core courses, the Comprehensive Exam and the dissertation proposal, the student advances to candidacy.

  • Submission and Defense of Dissertation

    All Ph.D. candidates are required to complete a dissertation that follows the format outlined in the Regulations for Thesis and Dissertation Preparation Manual, available online from the FIU Graduate School.

    Students must complete at least 15 dissertation credits. After submitting the dissertation and completing all other degree requirements, the candidate will defend their work in a final oral examination before the Dissertation Committee.

Apply to FIU

Interested students are encouraged to apply to FIU as early as possible. Applicants must submit transcripts from all schools attended, as well as any other supporting documentation required by their program of interest.

Apply