Curriculum and Instruction (Ed.D.)

Program Overview

The Curriculum and Instruction EdD program prepares experienced educators for advanced roles in evaluating educational programs, implementing data-driven solutions, and leading the change process. Through core courses and specializations, students develop skills in research analysis, problem identification, and decision-making to improve educational outcomes in various settings. The program culminates in a Dissertation in Practice, demonstrating students' ability to apply their knowledge and solve complex problems in real-world contexts.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

The Curriculum and Instruction EdD program is designed for experienced practicing educators and practitioners who wish to gain advanced skills in:

• Evaluating the effectiveness of educational and clinical programs and identifying impediments to effective practice and program improvement.

• Analyzing and synthesizing educational and clinical research and scholarship to identify research-based practices and solutions to complex problems of the practice.

• Leading the change process through the implementation of data and evidence-based decisions and solutions.

The program culminates with the Dissertation in Practice, which is a rigorous academic project that demonstrates the skills and knowledge acquired throughout the program as applied in an authentic professional environment.

Outline:

The EdD in Curriculum and Instruction consists of three distinct program areas, all with an emphasis on professional practice:

• Core: 18 credit hours
• EDP7517 - Facilitating Learning, Development and Motivation (3)
• EDF7457 - Data, Assessment, and Accountability (3)
• EDA7101 - Organizational Theory in Education (3)
• EDF7494 - Identifying Complex Problems of Practice (3)
• EDF7478 - Analysis of Data for Complex Problems of Practice (3)
• EDG7985 - Proposing and Implementing Data-Driven Decisions (3)
• Specialization: 15 credit hours
• EDG7947 - Laboratory of Practice (3)
• Students must complete a minimum of 12 credit hours of specialization courses.
• Students choosing to complete an eligible graduate certificate with their chosen specialization may be required to complete an additional 3 hours to meet certificate requirements.
• Students must select an area of specialization before being admitted to the program.
• Each specialization area has its own advisor.
• Specialization courses are designed to enhance the student's professional practice by extending the knowledge base earned through the master's degree and work experience.
• Specialization areas are subject to the discretion of the College based on course and faculty availability.
• Students should be aware that not every specialization course is offered every semester and concessions will need to be considered based on the availability of coursework, faculty, course prerequisites, and other institutional factors.
• Restricted Research Elective: 3 credit hours
• EDG6285 - Evaluation of School Programs (3)
• EDF7463 - Analysis of Survey, Record, and Other Qualitative Data (3)
• EDF7403 - Quantitative Foundations of Educational Research (3)
• EDF7475 - Qualitative Research in Education (3)
• Dissertation in Practice: 18 credit hours
• EDG 7987 - Dissertation in Practice

Assessment:

• Program Milestones: Three program milestones are administered in place of comprehensive exams.
• Successful completion of all three is one of the requirements for candidacy.
• Dissertation in Practice: The dissertation in practice is the culmination of coursework and field experience related to complex problems of educational practice.
• It is a rigorous academic project and is expected to demonstrate the skills and knowledge the student has acquired throughout the program as applied in an authentic professional environment.
• The dissertation is completed in partnership with the student, university faculty, and the student's mentor/advisor.
• The dissertation in practice is presented in a thorough and comprehensive written report and must address a complex problem of educational practice.
• The dissertation in practice will be evaluated on the thoroughness, applicability and appropriateness of the work.

Teaching:

• Faculty: Students will work with a team of faculty and field advisers who will support their specialization area.

Careers:

• Potential Career Paths:
• Teaching in a college, university, or community college.
• Leading instructional, training, and/or program improvement in a school or school district, higher education organization, social service agencies, military, or industry settings.

Other:

• Program Prerequisites: Master's degree in a closely related field.
• Total Credit Hours Required: 54 - 57 Credit Hours Minimum beyond the Master's Degree
• Program is intended for: Individuals engaged in the practice of education in various settings, including schools, colleges, universities, businesses and industry.
• The program prepares students for: Engaging in the study of practice-based problems in education and data-driven decision-making to generate real-world solutions.
• The Doctor of Education (EdD) program is a professional practice doctorate.

• The program builds that expertise from a core of courses in learning, development, and motivation; data, accountability, and leadership; organizational contexts and the use of research to drive decision-making.

Example I: Curriculum and Instruction

• EDG 7692 Issues in Curriculum 3 Credit Hours
• EDG 7221 - Advanced Curriculum Theory 3 Credit Hours
• EDF 7232 Analysis of Learning Theories in Instruction 3 Credit Hours
• EDG 7325 - Models of Teaching and Instructional Theory 3 Credit Hours

Example II: Instructional Design and Technology

• EME 6055 - Current Trends in Instructional Technology 3 Credit Hours
• EME 6507 - Multimedia for Education and Training 3 Credit Hours
• EME 6417 - Interactive Online and Virtual Teaching Environments 3 Credit Hours
• EME 6458 - Virtual Teaching and the Digital Educator 3 Credit Hours