College of Education
Department of Curriculum and Instruction

Program Director : Dr. Lisbeth Dixon-Krauss

Department’s Phone Number : (305) 348-3609
Department’s FAX Number : (305) 348-3218

For More Information, go to

• Program's web site
• Dept. of Curriculum and Instruction web site

<< Go Back

Brief Description of the Program:

The Doctor of Education (Ed.D) in Curriculum and Instruction includes specialization areas in: Art Education, Early Childhood Education, Elementary Education, English Education, Instructional Leadership, International and Intercultural Development Education, Learning Technologies, Mathematics Education, Modern Language/Bilingual Education, Reading Education, Science Education, and Social Studies Education.

Instructional Leadership Track

The Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) degree program in Curriculum and Instruction: Instructional Leadership is designed to provide professional educators with relevant academic experience which synthesizes high levels of intellectual activity with problems of curriculum and instruction associated with the levels and areas in which they work.

The scope of the Ed.D. program in Curriculum and Instruction: Instructional Leadership is broad. Cognates, or minors, may be developed in subject areas (e.g., mathematics, science, reading, art, social studies, exceptional student education, etc.), levels (early childhood, elementary, middle, secondary or higher education), processes or functions (curriculum development and/or evaluation, educational research, instructional leadership, instructional development and/or evaluation or administration and supervision) or in theme areas (e.g., Women's Studies, technology etc.). The cognate will be developed by the student with the guidance of the supervisory committee.

Learning Technologies Track

The program emphasizes research, scholarship, and leadership in the field of learning technologies and how they influence teaching, learning, and professional development of educators. Graduates of the program will, in addition to becoming technologically proficient, also become knowledgeable about the social, cultural, economic, historical, psychological and philosophical issues related to learning technologies.

There is also a practical aspect to the program since many of the courses will be taught in a hands-on manner. Students will have opportunities to apply what they learn as they progress through the program.

The goals of the proposed program are to prepare leaders, researchers, and scholars who:

• Understand how various technologies can be used to facilitate learning, teaching, and professional development at all levels of education.
• Know how computers and related technologies work and understand their strengths, weaknesses, and limitations.
• Understand different learning theories related to the implementation and evaluation of various learning technologies in educational settings.
• Understand current research related to the development, implementation, and evaluation of various learning technologies in educational settings.
• Conduct original and scholarly research in all areas related to learning technologies.
• Develop and field-test technology-based curriculum materials.
• Promote ethical and equitable use of learning technologies, including compliance with copyright laws and respect for intellectual property rights.
• Develop research based policies and plans related to the implementation of learning technologies in education.

Social Studies Education Track

Social Studies Education is designed to provide professional educators with relevant academic experience which synthesizes high levels of intellectual activity with problems of curriculum and instruction in social studies/global education at all levels.

The program focuses on improving social studies teaching and learning in the context of school reform and restructuring. Program graduates assume positions as teacher educators, leaders for curriculum and instructional reform and innovative teachers. Course work and activities in the program have been infused with a global dimension.

The goals of the program are to prepare social studies professionals who:

• conduct sound research on critical issues in social studies/global education and disseminate the results of that research in appropriate ways;
• design and employ innovative instructional strategies based on research and best practices;
• design innovative programs at all levels;
• are aware of and contribute to standards-based school reform;
• are predisposed to exhibit professional and ethical standards appropriate to their role as leaders in the field;
• engage in the preparation of effective, ethical, and committed professionals in social studies education.

Other Tracks:

Modern Language/Bilingual Education Track

Mathematics Education Track

Application Requirements:

• A Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited institution in an appropriate area with a 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale on the last 60 hours of undergraduate work.
• A 3.25 GPA in all graduate work attempted.
• GRE score at or above 60th Percentile (1120 Verbal + Quantitative).
• Three letters of recommendation addressing the applicant’s academic abilities.
• A letter of intent.
• An admissions interview by the Curriculum & Instruction Admissions Committee.

In addition to the admission requirements stated, the applicant must possess:

1. Career goals in professional education consistent with the objectives of a doctoral program.
2. Appropriate prior work experience.

The Curriculum & Instruction Admissions Committee will review, interview, and make admissions recommendation for each applicant. The GPA and GRE scores stated above are minimum requirements. Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee admission.

Additional Requirements for International Students:

• Foreign graduate applicants are accepted subject to space and fiscal limitations.
• Must be academically eligible for further study in their own country.
• Must demonstrate proficiency in the English language by presenting a minimum score of 550 or higher paper-based and a minimum score of 213 computer-based on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL).
• Applicants who hold an undergraduate degree from an institution within the United States or other English speaking countries are not required to submit TOEFL.