Curriculum, Instruction and the Science of Learning PhD

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The Curriculum, Instruction and the Science of Learning (CISL) PhD program is a multidisciplinary doctoral degree that focuses on addressing practical educational problems through research in diverse contexts for learning and teaching. While educational programs in curriculum and instruction are common, our program stands out by emphasizing the science of learning, a 21st century approach to developing evidenced-based practice through design research. In design research, we implement innovative practice/curriculum, study the effects and improve the implementation for further study.

Program Coursework

This program of study requires 72 total credit hours:

Multidisciplinary Concentration
- 24 credit hours
- including required course: LAI 615SEM - Intro to Curriculum, Instruction, and Science of Learning(CISL)
Research
- 28 credit hours
Dissertation
- 10 credit hours
Relevant master’s degree courses
- 10 credit hours

Multidisciplinary Foci

Arts Integration
Early Learning
Educational Informatics
Educational Technologies
Learning Sciences
New and Multimodal Literacies
Real and Virtual Learning Spaces
STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math) Education
STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) Integration
Situated and Embodied Cognition
Social Learning and Culture
Spatial Literacy

Total Credit Hours: 72

3.0 Degree GPA required

Instruction Method

In Person (100 percent of courses offered in person)

Full/Part Time Options

Full Time
Part Time

Credits Required

72 Hours

Time-To-Degree

4 to 5+ Years

Application Fee

$50

Program Contact

Renad Aref
366 Baldy Hall
Buffalo, NY 14260
Email: gseinfo@buffalo.edu
Phone: 716-645-2110

SED Statement

This program is officially registered with the New York State Education Department (SED).

Online programs/courses may require students to come to campus on occasion. Time-to-degree and number of credit hours may vary based on full/part time status, degree, track and/or certification option chosen. Time-to-degree is based on calendar year(s). Contact the department for details.