Department of Curriculum & Instruction Curriculum & Instruction (Ed.D.)
What can you do with this degree?
The doctorate (Ed.D.) in Curriculum & Instruction prepares you to conduct research, teach, and/or assume leadership roles in the field of curriculum & instruction. Graduates of this program pursue a variety of career opportunities, including:
- becoming a college or university faculty member;
- assuming advanced leadership positions in schools, districts, and state governments;
- working for curriculum development companies or in private consulting
Delivery Method: In-person
Credit Hours: Minimum of 42 credit hours beyond the master’s degree
Degree Highlights
Each student’s program is guided by a major professor and advisory committee throughout the graduate career. A qualifying exam consisting of written and oral components is required. Each student must also present a dissertation which is the result of original research. Also, doctoral students are encouraged to enhance their doctoral preparation through teaching, research, and other service opportunities available through the department and the college.
The doctorate in Curriculum & Instruction has three possible areas of emphasis or specializations:
- General Ed.D. in Curriculum & Instruction (described above)
- Emphasis in Learning Design and Technology
- Emphasis in Literacy Education
Funding Opportunities
A variety of assistantships, including teaching assistantships, research assistantships, and general graduate assistantships, are available for Curriculum & Instruction doctoral students. These assistantships can help graduate students finance their studies by paying for all or some tuition costs and/or providing stipends. In addition, our department can support doctoral students in applying for various fellowships and scholarships that are available through the university or the college.
For general cost of attendance and tuition and fees information for the University of Kentucky, visit the following pages:
Program Details
The GRE is not required for admission to this program.
Application requirements:
Applicants are evaluated holistically, with attention paid to prior educational achievement and professional experience. In addition to the admission requirements set by the Graduate School, departmental requirements include a statement of professional goals, an autobiographical sketch, professional writing samples, and three letters of professional reference. Interviews are frequently requested. All materials may be submitted through The Graduate School’s online application process.
Learn more about applying to The Graduate School at UK online
Degree Requirements
Minimum of 42 credit hours beyond the master’s degree
- All program plans require coursework in the following areas:
Curriculum and Instruction (students usually 12-18 hours)
Courses will vary depending on student specialization but may include the following:
- EDC 544: Use and Integration of Instructional Media
- EDC 547: Technology in Instructional Practice
- EDC 550: Education in a Culturally Diverse Society
- EDC 607: Instructional Design I
- EDC 608: Instructional Design II
- EDC 724: Guiding and Analyzing Effective Teaching
- EDC 755: Seminar in Curriculum & Instruction
- EDC 732: Curriculum Design for Learning & Leading
- EDC 750: Internship in Instructional Design
- EDC 630: Family & Community Literacy
- EDC 601: Issues in Multicultural Education
Support work inside and/or outside the College of Education (students usually take 12-18 hours)
Courses will vary depending on student specialization and research interests
Research methodology courses (minimum of 9 semester hours required)
Courses will vary but may include the following:
- EDC 541: Reading and Understanding Educational Research
- EDC 726: Curriculum Inquiry Mixed Methods Research
- EDP 558: Gathering Analyzing and Using Educational Data
- EDP 660: Research Design & Analysis
- EPE 619: Survey Research Methods in Education
- EPE 620: Topics and Methods of Evaluation
- EPE 663: Field Studies in Educational Institutions
- EPE 763: Advanced Field Studies
- Students must successfully complete a qualifying examination consisting of both written and oral components and also present a dissertation which is the result of original research. Additionally, doctoral students are encouraged to enhance their doctoral preparation through teaching, research, and other service opportunities that are available through the department and the college.
- Doctoral students in Curriculum & Instruction may elect to complete graduate certificates as part of their coursework. Graduate certificates in a) Distance Education and b) Teaching in Culturally & Linguistically Diverse Classrooms are offered within the department. Students are also eligible for graduate certificates housed elsewhere, such as the certificate in Research Methods in Education, offered through Educational Policy and Evaluation.
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Cost of Attendance
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Tuition and Fees
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