
Curriculum & Instruction: Ph.D. - Doctor of Philosophy in Education
Combining theory with practical application, the Ph.D. in education with a concentration in curriculum & instruction program prepares graduates for a range of careers both in and out of academia.
At a Glance
Program Results
Ph.D. - Doctor of Philosophy in Education
–Curriculum & Instruction
Career Objective
This program prepares graduates for positions in university settings (e.g., in research intensive universities, liberal arts colleges, and other post-secondary institutions), school districts, government agencies, and non-governmental agencies.
Best Suited To
Students with an approved master’s degree and three or more years of full-time K-12 teaching experience.
Program Type
- Full Time
Location
- In-Person
Estimated Length
4 years
Application Deadline
This Ph.D. program is at capacity and will not be inviting applications for Fall 2026 enrollment. Applications for Fall 2027 enrollment are expected to open August 1, 2026, with a December 1, 2026, due date.
Credits
72
About This Program
This Ph.D. program is at capacity and will not be inviting applications for Fall 2026 enrollment. Applications for Fall 2027 enrollment are expected to open August 1, 2026, with a December 1, 2026, due date.
The Ph.D. in education with a concentration in curriculum and instruction program emphasizes development of strong foundational knowledge in theory and the practical application of theory in one’s chosen fields of study. This is a research-based, full-time program that is offered in Charlottesville only.
A thorough understanding of all aspects of the research process is key, including: development of research questions and hypotheses, research design, analysis and interpretation, dissemination of results in both oral and written formats, and grant writing to fund research.
Ph.D. students take extensive coursework in research methods and many focus on optional areas of emphasis. These optional areas include: diverse learners and learning contexts and teacher education/teacher quality.