Engineering Education, Ph.D.

Contact Information

Adam Kirn, Ph.D. Graduate Program Director
Associate Professor of Engineering Education in Electrical and Biomedical Engineering
(775) 682-7567

akirn@ur.edu

Program Objectives/Student Learning Outcomes

Students will demonstrate an:

• ability to apply engineering research and theory to advance the art, science, and practice of the discipline.
• ability to design and conduct experiments as well as to analyze, interpret, apply, and disseminate the data.
• understanding of research quality assurance for all methodologies (e.g., quant, qual, and mixed)
• ability to synthesize relevant theory and conceptual frameworks.
• ability to conduct a comprehensive assessment at all levels, from student classroom learning to programmatic/intervention evaluation.

Admission Requirements

The University offers a program leading to the doctor of philosophy degree in engineering education. The general university requirements for this advanced degree are listed in the Graduate School section of this catalog.

Students must have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in engineering to gain admission to graduate school. Additionally, students must meet the following minimum requirements:

1. Bachelor’s degree in an engineering discipline or a recognized equivalent from a regionally accredited institution.
2. Cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale.
3. Official transcripts from every institution attended for a complete history of your education.
4. Official GRE test scores from an exam taken within the past 5 years (recommended over 300); TOFEL scores are required for international students (recommended over 600).
5. Resume or curriculum vitae.
6. Personal statement that articulates why the student wants to join the field of engineering education and the Engineering Education, Ph.D. program at the University of Nevada, Reno.
7. Diversity statement that highlights activities to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion.
8. Three letters of recommendation from former professors, supervisors, or mentors indicating the student’s capability for advanced course work and research.

Prospective students can start the application through the Graduate School website, which also provides detailed instructions on the Graduate School’s application and admission requirements. Prospective graduate students should contact the graduate program director for further information. Formal application is completed through the Graduate School.

I. Program Requirements

The following list is a summary of the Engineering Education credit requirements to receive a Ph.D.:

1. Completion of the Engineering Education Core 25 units (ENGR 710 - ENGR 718)
2. Completion of at least 24 dissertation units (ENGR 799)
3. Completion of at least 23 elective units as determined by the student and their dissertation committee.

Prior to teaching in an engineering program, students must have completed 18 graduate level units in an engineering discipline or enroll with a master’s degree from an accredited institution in an engineering discipline.

II. Total Units (72 units)