The PhD in Education Program is individualized, interdisciplinary, and experiential. Students may opt to specialize in science education research or incorporate coursework within a self-defined interdisciplinary program of study.
Have questions? Attend an information session or contact the specialization representative, Andrew Gilbert.
The Science Education Research Specialization prepares students to conduct research about the learning and teaching of science within different scientific disciplines. Such research involves a deep understanding of the discipline-specific content knowledge as well as the discipline-specific methodologies through which this knowledge is developed.
The Science Education Research Specialization supports the in-depth study of students interested in research in science education. Such a comprehensive and systematic concentration designed around doctoral-level courses supports the science education program's ability to offer more robust and rigorous courses of study at the doctoral level. The major thrust of the science education research specialization is to prepare students for 21st century classrooms, to be collaborative, to produce and enhance critical thinking skills, and to embrace and foster creativity.
What Will You Learn?
The Science Education Research Specialization coursework and applied internships that enable students to learn:
- Theory and research in learning about science in formal and non-formal settings
- Foundational knowledge about science teaching and learning at all levels
- Research methodologies to address a variety of science education topics
- Specialized knowledge in science education related to your area of interest
"I loved how the Science Education Research specialization gave me a solid foundation in the historic and current research in science education while giving me the flexibility to explore my specific research passions. As a graduate research assistant in the program, I got to experience many facets of the research process including data collection, analysis, presenting at research at conferences, and publication. I felt that my experiences in the program prepared me for whichever career path I decided to pursue post-graduation."~ Stephanie Stehle, 2022 graduate
"The science education research program helped me build my understanding of how high-quality research connects to effective practices within the science classroom. The courses offered provided me with many options to explore my own area of inquiry; I was able to make many applications to my role as an educator. I have greatly appreciated the opportunity to engage with science education research within the program at George Mason."~ Steph N. Dean, 2022 graduate
Christie Byers, PhD 2022
- Dissertation Title: Wonder Matters for Education: Movements in Theory, Method, and Practice
- Dissertation Chair: Dr. Andrew Gilbert
- Employment on Graduation: Assistant Professor at George Mason University
Steph N. Dean, PhD 2022
- Dissertation Title: A Phenomenological Study of the Lived Experiences of Teachers Who Implement Outdoor/Environmental Education Within a K-12 Setting
- Dissertation Chair: Dr. Andrew Gilbert
- Employment on Graduation: Assistant Professor, Clemson University
Talisa Jackson, PhD 2022
- Dissertation Title: Revealing Hidden Figures: Critical Analysis of Girls and Women of Color in STEM Picture Storybooks??
- Dissertation Chair: Dr. Erin Peters-Burton
- Employment on Graduation: Learning Program Manager, DEI, Capital One
Stephanie Stehle, PhD 2022
- Dissertation Title: "Does that make Sense?": A Mixed-Methods Study Investigating High School Physics Students' use of Metacognition while Solving Physics Problems
- Dissertation Chair: Dr. Erin Peters-Burton
- Employment on Graduation: Strategy, Research, & Curriculum Specialist; M-Technical Solutions
Whitney Keaton, PhD 2018
- Dissertation Title: Examining the Academic and Extracurricular Experiences and Behaviors of High School Students in Online STEM Courses
- Dissertation Chair: Dr. Andrew Gilbert
- Employment on Graduation: Lead Science Teacher & Department Chair, George Washington University Online High School; Adjunct Professor, George Mason University
Linda Peterson, PhD 2018
- Dissertation Title: Capturing Middle School Science Teachers' Perceptions, Learning, and Instructional Enactments in a Professional Development Designed to Facilitate Students' Collaborative Discourse
- Dissertation Chair: Dr. Erin Peters-Burton
- Employment on Graduation: Curriculum Specialist, Fairfax County Public Schools
