Ph.D. Concentration

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Cognates

Definition

A cognate can be described as a secondary concentration or sub-specialization area. It is developed in consultation with the major professor and the doctoral committee. The coursework in the cognate must be taken at the graduate level and will be developed in support of the student’s research objectives.

Cognates for Students with a Concentration in Early Childhood Education

We encourage doctoral students to explore fields of study that broaden their knowledge of other disciplines and that offer a different lens through which students may understand and explore early childhood education. There are many options for doctoral cognates, including but not limited to: Teacher Education, Educational Psychology, Research Methods, Literacy Studies, Special Education, ESOL, Social or Psychological Foundations of Education, and Instructional Technology. We ask students to choose a minimum of three courses to form a cognate.

Doctoral Cognate in Early Childhood Education for Students in Other Programs of Study

The Department of Teaching and Learning offers advanced graduate coursework as part of a doctoral cognate in early childhood education. The courses are designed to prepare doctoral students for diverse roles as early childhood education professionals capable of providing, designing, and advocating for quality programs, services, and policies for young children and their families.

The Early Childhood Education cognate is dedicated to interdisciplinary collaboration, inquiry, and innovation. This cognate is recommended for doctoral students from disciplines within and outside the College of Education who have a specialized interest in working with young children and their families. The program provides a strong theoretical background that is integrally linked to the practice of Early Childhood Education in a diverse, global community with an emphasis on child advocacy and social justice. Coursework may be tailored to meet the specific needs and interests of doctoral students across disciplines.