The program in Social and Philosophical Foundations of Education provides students with an opportunity for advanced study and research in education from the perspectives provided by the social science and humanities disciplines. The program prepares individuals for conducting research, teaching at the post-secondary level and assuming leadership positions in public and higher education and other organizations.

The Ed.D. program in Social and Philosophical Foundations of Education requires a minimum of 48 post-baccalaureate graduate credits which may include a maximum transfer of 18 credits from graduate work completed outside of Rutgers prior to matriculation in the program. In addition, doctoral students must register for a minimum of 24 research credits during dissertation study. Two concentrations are available within the Ed.D. program in Social and Philosophical Foundations of Education: 1. A program specialization concentration and 2. An educational theory concentration. Both concentrations have four elements: (a) Doctoral coursework, (b) Residency, (c) Qualifying Examinations, and (d) Doctoral Dissertation.