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Academic Excellence

Engineering and Science Education Ph.D.

The Clemson University ESED Ph.D. program provides a rich curriculum with a focus on STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) education. Applicants should at least have a master's degree in a STEM discipline.

The deadline for applications for the Ph.D. program for full consideration for admission and funding is December 1 of each year. There will be a second round of consideration for any remaining places in the incoming fall cohort starting February 1.

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Destinee Cooper in science classroom with students.

Enriching Experiences

Destinee Cooper has accumulated some impressive credentials, including a master's degree in chemistry education from Stanford University, experience as a Knowles teaching fellow, and placement in Clemson's new Bridge to Doctorate Graduate Fellowship program. Destinee, who is working with Dr. Matthew Voigt, said she plans to focus on equity and access in STEM education and is interested in becoming a professor. Her degree program is off to a great start, she said.

"I know it's a large school, but all of my classes are really small," Destinee said. "I feel like I know my classmates already. We know each other by name, we have really rich discussions and we're all really passionate about this."

Interdisciplinary Education

Our community of practice brings together graduate students and faculty from bioengineering, chemistry, civil engineering, electrical engineering, environmental engineering and science, materials science and engineering, mathematics, mechanical engineering, and physics to engage in cutting-edge research in epistemologies, diversity and inclusiveness, policy, and learning mechanisms and systems.

While being in the program, our students have found where they can make a difference, how they could trailblaze research focus, and a passion for teaching.

ESED in the News

ESE poster presentation

Seminar Series

Acclaimed speakers from across the United States present their research in engineering education within a weekly seminar series. Past seminar topics include equity in undergraduate engineering education, incorporating liberal arts into a STEM classroom, diversity intelligence in the workplace, and classroom testing in engineering education in regards to facilitating learning.

All ESED seminars occur at 11:15 AM via Zoom. For information, registration, and accessibility options, please email Paige Zoltewicz or call 864-656-7148.


Shealy on how the ESE Certificate helped him develop a research agenda and win two awards at VT.

Open Positions

Department Chair

Clemson University invites applications for the position of Department Chair in the Department of Engineering and Science Education (ESED). The chair will be expected to provide strategic leadership to strengthen the existing reputation of the ESED department and build on the culture of inclusion, belonging, and respect for all members of the ESED department, and advocate for resources and support for its growth.

Apply | Chair

Postdoctoral Research Fellows

The Postdoctoral Research Opportunities and Mentoring for Inclusive STEM Education (PROMISE) project seeks to support postdoctoral fellows focused on fostering transformative approaches to STEM education, broadening participation in STEM, supporting the development of a STEM-literate workforce, and enhancing communication of STEM topics, issues and policies to diverse audiences. For more information, go to the PROMISE website.

Apply | Post Doc

Teri Garrett Student Success Fund

Teri Garrett retired in June 2021 after serving as the office manager of the Department of Engineering and Science Education (ESED) since 2016. We have established the Teri Garrett Student Success Fund in honor of Teri’s dedication to students and their well-being. The fund will be used as a source for a biannual award (up to $500) given to a current ESED Ph.D. student through an application process.

Teri embodies the focus of the ESED community on student success and well-being. She has been a steadfast advocate for our students, a shoulder to lean on (or cry on), and an unfailing resource for anyone who needs assistance. Teri’s ability to cut through red tape and get things done on behalf of our students is remarkable. We can think of no better way to honor her than by creating an award in her name to continue the attentive care she has given to students through the years.

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