Information
Cognates
Definition
The cognate can be described as a secondary concentration or sub-specialization area. Coursework must be taken at the graduate level, and the cognate is developed in consultation with the major professor and the doctoral committee. The coursework in the cognate is developed in support of the student’s research objectives.
Cognates for Students with a Concentration in Early Childhood
We encourage doctoral students to explore fields of study that broaden their knowledge of other disciplines and that offer a different lens through which students may understand and explore early childhood. There are many options for doctoral cognates, including but not limited to Teacher Education, Educational Psychology, Research Methods, Literacy Studies, Special Education, ESOL, Social or Psychological Foundations of Education, and Instructional Technology. We ask students to identify a minimum of three courses to form a cognate.
Doctoral Cognate in Early Childhood for Students in Other Programs of Study
The Department of Childhood Education and Literacy Studies offers advanced graduate coursework as part of a doctoral cognate in early childhood. The courses are designed to prepare doctoral students for diverse roles as early childhood professionals capable of providing, designing, and advocating for quality programs, services, and policies for young children and their families.
The Early Childhood cognate is dedicated to interdisciplinary collaboration, inquiry, and innovation. This cognate is recommended for doctoral students from disciplines within and outside the College of Education who have a specialized interest in working with young children and their families. The program provides a sound theoretical background that is integrally linked to the practice of Early Childhood Education in a diverse, global community with an emphasis on child advocacy and social justice. Coursework may be tailored to meet the specific needs and interests of doctoral students across disciplines.