Curriculum & Instruction: Ed.D. - Doctor of Education

Admission Requirements

Admission requirements that apply specifically to this program are listed below:

Prerequisites

• Master’s degree from an accredited institution. 
• Minimum of four years full-time teaching experience (or equivalent professional experience).

Admission Requirements

1. Two letters of recommendation, at least one of which must come from a recent supervisor.
2. In a goal statement of about 2,000 words, please describe: 
   • Your purpose in pursuing an Ed.D. in Curriculum and Instruction 
   • The academic and professional experiences that have prepared you for this program
   • Specific professional goals as they relate to the Ed.D. in Curriculum and Instruction and your chosen area of emphasis.
   • At least one professional challenge or problem of practice that you plan to utilize your doctoral studies to help you tackle - and why that challenge motivates you.
3. A writing sample of 2,500 - 3,500 words that is your original work, makes a clear and compelling argument supported by evidence and incorporates scholarly sources to support that argument. Refer to the writing sample instructions tab for further instructions. 
4. A resume or CV that highlights evidence of the following:
   • Positions held with details about role and responsibilities
   • Leadership work with details about your role and responsibilities
   • Professional learning with details about your role and responsibilities
   • Any professional work, learning opportunities, or published articles focused on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) with details about your role and responsibilities

Applicants are responsible for ensuring that all required materials are submitted by the deadline. Incomplete applications will not be read and may be canceled if left incomplete. Materials should be tracked using the checklist in the application. Decisions are typically made by mid-to-late March.

Visit our Graduate Admission page for the full admission process.

Transferring Credits

Up to 24 graduate credits from an accredited institution may be applied toward the Ed.D. (if earned within ten (10) years of admission to the program - within five years for the leadership in reading and literacy courses, and provided the program area determines that the courses are relevant to the doctoral program). Decisions about transferring credits are made by the C&I Ed.D. committee. We typically do not transfer credits for Tier II C&I core or research methods courses. 

Program Requirements

The Ed.D. in Curriculum and Instruction requires a minimum of 72 credit hours, consisting of:

Coursework:

• Twenty-four (24) credit hours of the C&I Core
• Minimum of eighteen (18) credit hours of the Research Methods Sequence
• Twelve (12) credit hours of courses in a supporting Area of Emphasis

Milestone Doctoral Assessments 

Student progress, performance, and professional behavior may be evaluated by the program area faculty at any time. Following such evaluations, advisors will notify students about the assessment of their progress in the program and inform them of any deficiencies identified and the required action to remain in good standing. Failure to remediate deficiencies may result in dismissal from the program.

The Curriculum & Instruction Ed.D. program includes the following five Milestone Assessments. Students must pass each milestone in succession in order to continue to progress through their doctoral studies.

1. One (1) credit hour of Preliminary Exam
2. Six (6) credit hours of Field Study
3. One (1) credit hour of Comprehensive Exam
4. Three (3) credit hours of Capstone Proposal and Defense
5. Seven (7) credit hours of Capstone Final Project and Defense