The Doctor of Education in Curriculum and Instruction is a professional practice program designed for educators and practitioners interested in teaching in higher education or leading program improvements in educational settings, social service agencies, military organizations or business settings. Students can pursue our fully online degree or a hybrid model with synchronous and asynchronous courses. Both formats provide students with concentrated training in learning, development and motivation; data, accountability and leadership; and organizational contexts and the use of research to drive decision-making. Students 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.
- Students in the curriculum and instruction program learn through a hybrid model with synchronous and online courses.
- Classes are offered in the evenings to accommodate working professionals’ schedules.
- Our faculty, instructors and advisors provide expert advice to help students earn their doctorate remotely in three years.
Areas of Specialization
Students enrolled in this program work with a team of faculty and field advisors to build expertise in their selected specialization area.
- Curriculum and Instruction
- Educational Psychology
- Exceptional Student Education
- English Language Arts
- Gifted Education
- Global, International and Comparative Education
- Health & Human Performance
- Instructional Design and Technology
- Methodology, Measurement and Analysis
- Reading Education
- Social Science Education
- TESOL
Specialization Area Advisors
Careers & Alumni
Graduates can advance within the workplace in positions related to instruction or training. Some have led or developed training programs and initiatives that improve their practice. Others take faculty positions at teaching-focused colleges and universities, consultancy roles or positions of leadership within their field.
Maria Vazquez ‘10EdD
Curriculum and Instruction Ed.D.
Superintendent of Orange County Public Schools
Lauren Thomas ’21EdD
Curriculum and Instruction Ed.D.
Director of mathematics for college readiness, Valencia College
First-place winner of UCF’s 2020 3-Minute Thesis Competition
Adam Brieske-Ulenski ’17EdD
Curriculum and Instruction Ed.D.
Assistant professor of literacy education, Bridgewater State University
Katie Philp ’19EdD
Curriculum and Instruction Ed.D.
Research and evaluation manager, Parramore Education and Innovation District
FAQs
- Official transcript - One official transcript (in a sealed envelope) from each college/university attended.
- Master's degree in a closely related field.
- Goal Statement - Written essay of 500 words or less, single-spaced. Respond to both of the following prompts. Be specific. 1) Why are you interested in pursuing an Ed.D. in Curriculum and Instruction? Be sure to address current and/or previous academic and professional experiences and how they align with your interest in pursuing this doctoral program. 2) Describe your future career plans and how the Ed.D. in Curriculum and Instruction will help you achieve these goals.
- Scholarly Writing Sample – You must include a sample of your scholarly writing that demonstrates your ability to complete graduate level coursework. Acceptable writing samples must be single authored (i.e., no co-authored documents), include citations, and demonstrate your ability to pursue the type of research that could lead to a completed dissertation. Possible samples include a chapter from a master’s thesis, a conference paper, a research paper for a graduate class, or other research project. Ideally, your writing sample should be at least 10-20 pages, double-spaced.
- Area of Specialization - The applicant will be asked to indicate a preferred Area of Specialization in the Goal Statement. Applicants are required to meet or speak with the Specialization Area Advisor about their interests prior to applying. Please contact the Program Coordinator to discuss options for Areas of Specialization not included in our current program offerings.
- Resume - The applicant should include his/her most recent professional resume or curriculum vitae. The EdD in Curriculum and Instruction is a doctorate in the professional practice of education and, as such, emphasizes a minimum of three (3) years of experience in the field.
- Three letters of reference - Three letters of reference will be read by the admissions committee to determine whether the applicant has the academic ability to succeed in the program. As such, at least two of these letters should be written by graduate faculty who can judge the applicant's abilities in a doctoral program, including their research and writing skills. One of the letters may be from the applicant's employer/supervisor. This letter will support the applicant's professional experience and commitment to the program.
- Interview - The applicant should make an appointment to meet with the specialization area adviser before the final admission deadline. These appointments may be conducted in person or via remote conferencing. The interview is an important way for faculty to attach faces to names and draw distinctions among applicants. Students in the EdD in Curriculum and Instruction program will spend three full years working closely with faculty and colleagues in both individual and group settings. The interview allows faculty to meet potential students to form a cohesive and dynamic cohort.
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