CURRENT STUDENTS

The Graduate Student Journey

At FIU we value and recognize the efforts of students who have yet to enter the Dissertation Research phase of our program as they complete their coursework and gain new skills. Students entering the STEM Education PhD Program collaborate with an advisor in their selection of courses and preparation for candidacy exams, which occur during the last semester of coursework. Students in our program automatically earn an Education Specialist (Ed.S.) degree upon successful completion of graduate courses and candidacy examination.

A PhD candidate who has passed their exams will work closely with their major professor in developing a dissertation research proposal and bringing together a committee of faculty who will guide the candidate's research efforts. Once the PhD candidate finalizes their proposal, they formally present to the committee. Upon successfully defending their research proposal, the PhD candidate will carry out research toward the development of a dissertation. This process culminates with the Dissertation Defense and ultimately graduation.