Curriculum and Instruction EdD

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.

Signature Research Area

The Curriculum and Instruction Ed.D. program is excited to announce our new signature research area: Mindfulness and Meditation in Education. Students interested in exploring this topic, especially in relation to their professional organizational context, are invited to be a part of this research study group. Students and faculty involved in this signature research area will collaborate through innovative research projects to explore the role of mindfulness and meditation in education using cutting edge technology. For more information, please contact Dr. Steve Haberlin.

Learn more about our specializations.

FAQs

Is this a full-time program?

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.

Do I need a GRE?

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.

How much does the program cost?

Please check the Student Account Services website for updates on current tuition fees. Students can also learn more about available scholarships.

Can I apply if my educational experience is in a field outside of education?

Applicants should have some experience in education or training-related fields.

How do I decide which specialization area to choose?

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.

Are funding opportunities available for tuition support?

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.

What courses will I take in this program?

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.

What are the application requirements?

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.