Ph.D. Concentration
Texts and Structures
Texts
The program relies on several text sources to share information. Students are encouraged to read across these texts for information to support their progress in the program.
WEBSITE
The Early Childhood Education website provides the most comprehensive overview of the department and the Ph.D. program.
CANVAS
Canvas is the USF course management system. Canvas is also used to store departmental documents and to make announcements to students from faculty, academic advisors, and on the college-wide level.
HANDBOOK
The Handbook provides information regarding departmental processes and procedures.
PROGRAM OF STUDY
The program of study details the structure and support for student success. The program of study provides a clear path of coursework and related research experiences to direct the student through the program.
Structures
STUDY AND WRITING GROUPS
Doctoral students are encouraged to create their own study/writing/research groups. Although students receive mentored guidance in academic writing from faculty through coursework and research experiences, when students create independent, student-formed groups, their understanding of research and writing is enhanced. The support and success of colleagues makes a difference.
ANNUAL REVIEW PROCESS
Each doctoral student is responsible for preparing a narrative statement of his/her activities in teaching, research, and service. They also need to provide documentation of their professional activities and accomplishments. The specific guidelines for this process are distributed to the students each year.
The annual review focuses on the previous academic year. The Early Childhood faculty review the files of the doctoral students and provide written feedback regarding each student’s progress in the program. Throughout this process, the doctoral student works closely with her or his major professor to develop a vita and goals for teaching, research, and service.