Doctor of Education in Curriculum and Instruction
Program Overview
The Ed.D. in Curriculum and Instruction program at UNLV prepares educators for leadership roles in education. It offers seven specializations, emphasizing the integration of theory, research, and practice to solve complex educational problems. The program requires 60 graduate-level credits, including core courses, research courses, specialization courses, an internship, and a dissertation. Graduates are equipped for careers in academia, curriculum leadership, educational consulting, and district administration.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
The Doctor of Education in Curriculum and Instruction (Ed.D.) program at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) is designed for professional educators who seek to advance their studies in education theory and practice. The program aims to prepare individuals for leadership roles in university faculties, school districts, and community agencies.
Objectives:
- Extend and advance knowledge in education theory and practice.
- Develop expertise in curriculum design, instruction, and assessment.
- Enhance research skills and the ability to conduct educational studies.
- Prepare for leadership roles in education settings.
Program Description:
The Ed.D. in Curriculum and Instruction program offers seven areas of specialization:
- Career & Technical and Postsecondary Education
- Cultural and International Studies in Education
- Educational Technology
- Literacy Education
- Mathematics Education
- Science Education
- Teacher Education Students choose one specialization and complete coursework and research in that area. The program emphasizes the integration of theory, research, and practice, with a focus on solving complex problems in education.
Program Structure:
The program requires a total of 60 graduate-level credits, including:
- 6 credits of core courses (Theoretical Foundations of Education and Doctoral Research Seminar)
- 12 credits of required research courses (Qualitative Research Methodologies and Descriptive and Inferential Statistics)
- 15 credits of specialization courses (chosen in consultation with the student's advisor)
- 15 credits of internship (including 3 credits of dissertation proposal completion)
- 12 credits of dissertation
Outline:
Core Courses:
- Theoretical Foundations of Education: Examines the historical, philosophical, and sociological foundations of education.
- Doctoral Research Seminar: Provides guidance and support for students as they develop their dissertation research proposals.
Research Courses:
- Qualitative Research Methodologies: Introduces qualitative research methods and their application in educational settings.
- Descriptive and Inferential Statistics: Covers statistical concepts and methods commonly used in educational research.
Specialization Courses:
- Content and coursework vary depending on the chosen specialization.
Internship:
- Provides students with hands-on experience in applying their knowledge and skills in a practical setting.
Dissertation:
- Students conduct original research and write a dissertation that demonstrates their expertise in their chosen area of specialization.
Assessment:
Students are assessed through a combination of methods, including:
- Coursework assignments
- Research projects
- Oral presentations
- Dissertation defense
Teaching:
The Ed.D. in Curriculum and Instruction program is taught by experienced faculty who are actively engaged in research and professional practice. The program utilizes a variety of teaching methods, including:
- Lectures
- Discussions
- Group projects
- Online learning
Careers:
Graduates of the Ed.D. in Curriculum and Instruction program are prepared for a wide range of careers, including:
- University or college professor
- Curriculum leader
- Educational consultant
- District administrator
University of Nevada, Las Vegas
Overview:
University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) is a public research university located in the heart of Las Vegas, Nevada. It is known for its diverse student body, innovative academic programs, and its unique location in a vibrant and dynamic city.
Services Offered:
Student Life and Campus Experience:
UNLV offers a vibrant and diverse campus experience. Students can expect to find a welcoming community with a strong sense of belonging. The university boasts a wide range of student organizations, clubs, and activities, catering to various interests. UNLV also emphasizes the importance of community engagement and provides opportunities for students to connect with the local community.
Key Reasons to Study There:
Diverse and Inclusive Environment:
UNLV prides itself on its diverse student body, with one-third of students being first-generation college attendees. This creates a welcoming and inclusive environment for students from various backgrounds.Unique Location:
Situated in Las Vegas, UNLV offers students access to a vibrant city with numerous cultural, entertainment, and professional opportunities.Innovative Academics:
UNLV offers a wide range of academic programs, including 78 majors, 84 minors, and over 197 graduate degree and certificate programs. The university also boasts its own law, medicine, and dental medicine schools.Strong Community Engagement:
UNLV encourages students to engage with the local community and provides opportunities for service learning and volunteer work.Academic Programs:
UNLV offers a wide range of academic programs across various disciplines, including:
Arts and Sciences:
Humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, and mathematics.Business:
Accounting, finance, marketing, management, and entrepreneurship.Education:
Teacher education, educational leadership, and special education.Engineering:
Civil, mechanical, electrical, and computer engineering.Health Sciences:
Nursing, medicine, dentistry, public health, and biomedical sciences.Hospitality:
Hospitality management, tourism management, and culinary arts.Law:
Juris Doctor (JD) degree.Fine Arts:
Music, theatre, dance, and visual arts.Other:
UNLV is a relatively young university, established in 1957. It has grown significantly over the years and is now one of the largest universities in Nevada. The university is also home to a number of research centers and institutes, focusing on areas such as healthcare, technology, and sustainability.
Entry Requirements:
- Prior to the admission start date, a master degree from an accredited program in an area closely related to the chosen field of specialization is required.
- Submit a complete Graduate College online application, by the stated application date, including the following:
- Three letters of recommendation from professionals who can specifically address the applicant's potential for success in the doctoral program. One letter, minimally, must be from a university faculty member addressing past academic success and future potential in a doctoral program. These letters of recommendation will be requested by and must be submitted through the Graduate College online application system.
- Submit one set of transcripts from all previously attended colleges and universities as requested in the Graduate College online application. Unofficial transcripts should be uploaded via the online application for any degrees or coursework in progress at the time of application. Unofficial transcripts will NOT substitute for the official documents required prior to enrollment, with the exception of coursework taken at UNLV.
- Submit official Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores for the General Exam, which must be received prior to the application deadline.
