Curriculum & Instruction, EdD

Learning Sciences and Educational Research

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.

Did You Know?

  • 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.
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The Carnegie Project on the Education Doctorate (CPED) logo

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.

Lauren Thomas ’21EdD

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

Adam Brieske-Ulenski ’17EdD
Curriculum and Instruction Ed.D.
Assistant professor of literacy education, Bridgewater State University

Katie Philp ’19 EdD

Katie Philp ’19EdD
Curriculum and Instruction Ed.D.
Research and evaluation manager, Parramore Education and Innovation District

FAQs

No. Students can enroll full-time, but the program is aimed at working professionals, and thus the standard plan of study is for part-time enrollment of two classes per semester in the evenings.
No. Starting with Fall 2024 admissions, we will no longer require the GRE for admissions. Instead, applicants will be required to submit a scholarly writing sample./div>
Please check the Student Account Services website for updates on current tuition fees. Students can also learn more about available scholarships.
Applicants should have some experience in education or training-related fields.
Take time to review the list of our current specialization areas, current courses offered and correlating career opportunities. We strongly encourage you to contact the specialization-area advisor to indicate your interest and learn more about that area.
Students in the program can apply for the Lester N. Mandell Scholarship and explore other college scholarships. The UCF’s Financial Aid website includes additional scholarship and funding opportunities.
Students complete 36 credit hours of coursework and 18 dissertation hours for a total of at least 54 credit hours. The courses are designed to teach students to identify, analyze and evaluate problems of practice. To view the plan of study, visit the UCF Graduate Catalog.

In the News

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UCF Alumna Named First Hispanic Superintendent of Orange County Public Schools

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