General Information

The Doctoral Program in Early Childhood Education began admitting students in the 2007–2008 academic year. The program aims to cultivate scholars who can produce advanced theoretical knowledge, conduct original research, and contribute meaningfully to the academic field of early childhood education. The program is carried out within the Department of Early Childhood Education, which is supported by a strong and well-qualified academic staff. The department’s academic team is composed of 4 full professors, 4 associate professors, 2 assistant professors, 1 research assistant with a PhD, and 2 research assistants. This team provides high-quality academic supervision at the graduate level and contributes to the field through various national and international research projects.

Length of Programme & Number of Credits

4 Year - 240 ECTS

Feature & Definition

The Doctoral Program in Early Childhood Education offers a comprehensive curriculum designed to equip students with in-depth knowledge and advanced research skills in the field. The program includes core courses that all students are required to take, covering essential topics such as research methodology, statistics, and research ethics. These courses aim to provide students with the theoretical foundation and methodological tools necessary for conducting high-quality academic research. In addition to the core curriculum, the program offers a wide range of elective courses that students can choose based on their individual academic interests and research goals. These electives cover various areas of specialization, including early childhood development, curriculum design, play-based learning, family education, inclusive education, and children's rights. This structure allows students to deepen their expertise in areas that align with their professional aspirations. Throughout the program, students are required to deliver at least one academic seminar presentation. These presentations serve as valuable learning experiences by giving students the opportunity to share their research findings, enhance their academic communication skills, and receive constructive feedback from their peers and faculty members.

Mode of Study

Full Time

Head of Department

Prof. Dr. ÖZKAN ÖZGÜN

ECTS / Course Catalog Coordinator

Doç. Dr. MUSTAFA YAŞAR

Erasmus Coordinator

Prof. Dr. ÖZKAN ÖZGÜN

Internship Coordinator

Prof. Dr. EBRU DERETARLA GÜL

Orientation Staff

Doç. Dr. İNANÇ ETİ

Goals

The Doctoral Program in Early Childhood Education aims to train experts with the capacity to generate scientific knowledge in the fields of early childhood education, child development, and teacher education. The primary goal of the program is to cultivate academic and professional individuals who can analyze current issues in education using scientific approaches, develop solution-oriented strategies, and carry out research and projects that contribute to the quality and effectiveness of educational practices. In line with this goal, the program provides participants with both theoretical knowledge and hands-on research experience, aiming to equip them as well-qualified researchers who can play an active role in shaping education policy and disseminating scientific developments in the field of early childhood education.

Objectives

The Doctoral Program in Early Childhood Education is designed to educate highly qualified researchers who possess in-depth knowledge of early childhood education, are capable of conducting scientific research, and can generate solutions to field-specific challenges. The program supports students in developing strong academic thinking skills, designing and implementing original research, and becoming experts who can contribute to the scientific literature at both national and international levels.

Specific Admission Requirements

- Holding a bachelor's or master's degree in Early Childhood/Preschool Education/Teaching or Child Development Education. - Scoring at least 55 on YDS, ÜDS, KPDS, YÖKDİL, or an equivalent international language proficiency exam recognized by YÖK. - Scoring at least 55 in the verbal section of the ALES (Academic Personnel and Graduate Education Entrance Exam). - Passing both the written and oral entrance exams for the master's program.

Qualification Awarded

Those who graduate with a doctoral degree in this field receive the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Early Childhood/Preschool Education

Level of Qualification

Doctorate

Qualification Requirements of Graduation

The total duration can be at least 8 and at most 12 semesters. The course period is at least 4 semesters and at most 6 semesters. At least 14 credit courses/42 credits (maximum 15 credits can be taken in one semester (excluding UAD and seminar)). Seminar course must be taken in addition. GPA ≥ 3.00. Students who fail to fulfill these requirements at the end of maximum 6 semesters are dismissed. Those who complete the course phase must take the qualifying exam at the end of the fourth semester at the earliest and the seventh semester at the latest. After the qualifying exam, a Thesis Monitoring Committee (TİK) is formed within 1 month at the latest. The student must defend his/her thesis proposal in front of the TİK within 6 months at the latest. The thesis phase begins with the acceptance of the thesis proposal by the Graduate School Board of Directors. The thesis cannot be completed in less than 4 semesters. In order to pass the defense, in addition to other conditions, at least three TİK reports must be submitted (Even if three TİK reports are submitted, the student who does not pass the defense continues to submit TİK reports). At least 300 ECTS must be taken in total. The advisor must find the thesis defensible. During the doctorate / proficiency in art education, there must be at least one research article published in journals that are not considered predatory / shady in accordance with the decision taken by the General Assembly of Higher Education within the scope of SSCI, SCI, SCI-Expanded or AHCI, or in journals within the scope of the field index determined by the Presidency of ÜAK, or in journals included in the ULAKBİM TR index journal list, in the field of study.

Access to Further Studies

Students who successfully complete the Doctoral Program in Early Childhood Education may pursue academic careers as faculty members in relevant university departments, including early childhood education, child development, and educational sciences. Additionally, those who meet the necessary requirements may engage in postdoctoral research at universities abroad and participate in international academic collaborations. In this way, graduates are equipped to contribute to the field of early childhood education both nationally and internationally at a high scientific level.

Internship

None

Applied Course

None

Work Placement

None

Double Major, Additional Major & Exchange Possibilities

Phd Program is offered the opportunity to do ERASMUS and ERASMUS + Internship Exchange Program to graduate students

Employment Opportunities

Graduates who complete the Doctoral Program in Early Childhood Education earn advanced expertise in areas such as early childhood development, education, preschool teacher training, and the management of early childhood education institutions. They are trained as professionals who can effectively apply theoretical knowledge, conduct scientific research, and contribute to the formation of educational policies. Program graduates can work as faculty members in departments such as early childhood education, child development, and educational sciences at various higher education institutions. They are also qualified to take on active roles in the public and private sectors in areas such as early childhood education research, consultancy, and policy development.