The UAB School of Education has launched a new Educational Studies in Diverse Populations Doctoral Degree Program designed to prepare professionals who can conduct research and lead innovation that enhances educational, health, and life outcomes for diverse populations. Classes are set to begin this fall.

"As the country becomes more diverse, educators and other professionals in P-12, post-secondary and non-academic settings will need a much broader and deeper understanding of how cultural, language, gender and socioeconomic differences, as well as physical, learning and behavioral differences impact education, health and life outcomes," says UAB School of Education Dean Deborah Voltz. "We are excited to be able to offer a Ph.D. program that addresses this area of need."

The program uses an interdisciplinary approach, inviting students to examine diversity issues through multiple lenses by taking coursework in a variety of different disciplines. The program includes three concentration options: Pedagogical Studies, Health Disparities and Metropolitan Education Studies. Two of the concentrations, Pedagogical Studies and Metropolitan Education Studies, are currently accepting applications for the fall 2016 admission cycle.

The Pedagogical Studies concentration involves an examination of educational policies, curriculum and instruction for diverse learners in elementary, secondary, and post-secondary settings. The emphasis of this concentration is on innovative and effective practices in facilitating the success of diverse populations of students in P-16 learning environments.

The Health Disparities concentration focuses on cultural, social, environmental and psychological influences that impact health outcomes, and their relationship to educational outcomes. It involves the study of social theory and current trends, and integrates community-based research practices to reduce gaps in health and education outcomes among diverse populations of children and adults.

The Metropolitan Education concentration will prepare professionals to address issues of diversity within the metropolitan context, including urban, suburban and exurban communities. Of specific interest will be the significance of the city of Birmingham, the state of Alabama, and the geographic region of the U.S. South as historical and contemporary places for examining diversity in education.

The Educational Studies in Diverse Populations Ph.D. program is unique in the state, and provides a flexible design that allows candidates to shape their program of study and research activities to meet their individual goals and interests.