The Curriculum and Instruction EdD program is intended for individuals engaged in the practice of education in various settings, including schools, colleges, universities, businesses and industry. The program prepares students for engaging in the study of practice-based problems in education and data-driven decision-making to generate real-world solutions.
The Curriculum and Instruction EdD program is designed for experienced practicing educators and practitioners who wish to 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.
The Doctor of Education program culminates with the Dissertation in Practice.
The Doctor of Education (EdD) program is a professional practice doctorate. It is problem-based and designed for practitioners who aspire to positions of influence through their engagement in the development of others. The program builds that expertise from a core of courses in learning, development, and motivation; data, accountability, and leadership; organizational contexts and the use of research to drive decision-making. Students will work with a team of faculty and field advisers who will support their specialization area.
This program is intended for professionals interested in teaching in a college, university, or community college, or leading instructional, training, and/or program improvement in a school or school district, higher education organization, social service agencies, military, or industry settings.
The EdD in Curriculum and Instruction consists of three distinct program areas, all with an emphasis on professional practice: core, specialization, and dissertation. Three milestones assess students' progress through the program.
Total Credit Hours Required: 54 - 57 Credit Hours Minimum beyond the Master's Degree
Program Prerequisites
Master's degree in a closely related field.
Degree Requirements
Required Courses
33 Total Credits
Core
18 Total Credits
- Complete all of the following
- The Core courses include courses on learning theory, organizational theory, and research courses designed to teach students how to identify, analyze and evaluate complex problems of practice.
- Complete the following:
- EDP7517 - Facilitating Learning, Development and Motivation (3)
- EDF7457 - Data, Assessment, and Accountability (3)
- EDA7101 - Organizational Theory in Education (3)
- EDF7494 - Identifying Complex Problems of Practice (3)
- EDF7478 - Analysis of Data for Complex Problems of Practice (3)
- EDG7985 - Proposing and Implementing Data-Driven Decisions (3)
Area of Specialization(s)
15 Total Credits
- Complete all of the following
- Earn at least 12 credits from the following types of courses: The area of specialization is comprised of a minimum of 12 credit hours of specialization courses and 3 credit hours of a Laboratory of Practice. However, students choosing to complete an eligible graduate certificate with their chosen specialization may be required to complete an additional 3 hours to meet certificate requirements. Students must select an area of specialization before being admitted to the program. Each specialization area has its own advisor, so that students have someone to guide their doctoral studies. The specialization courses are designed to enhance the student's professional practice by extending the knowledge base earned through the master's degree and work experience. Specialization areas are subject to the discretion of the College based on course and faculty availability. Applicants are advised to review the various specializations offered on the CIEDD website (https://ccie.ucf.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2018/07/EDD-Student-Handbook.pdf). Examples of concentration areas are provided below in the "Program Details" Section; however, these are only examples and do not represent specific requirements. Students should be aware that not every specialization course is offered every semester and concessions will need to be considered based on the availability of coursework, faculty, course prerequisites, and other institutional factors
- Complete the following:
- EDG7947 - Laboratory of Practice (3)
- Students must complete a 3-credit-hour Laboratory of Practice experience. The Laboratory of Practice is a field-based experience where students begin the research process. This is not a "work for credit" experience; instead, it places the student in a professional setting to gain practical leadership and research experience.
Restricted Research Elective
3 Total Credits
- Upon completion of the core research continuum courses, students, with the guidance of their dissertation chairs, will select a fourth research course that will best support their dissertation research. Options include ONE of the following courses:
3 Total Credits
- Complete at least 1 of the following:
- EDG6285 - Evaluation of School Programs (3)
- EDF7463 - Analysis of Survey, Record, and Other Qualitative Data (3)
- EDF7403 - Quantitative Foundations of Educational Research (3)
- EDF7475 - Qualitative Research in Education (3)
Program Milestones
0 Total Credits
- Program milestones are observable demonstrations of competency administered in place of comprehensive exams. Milestones are designed to monitor student progress and clear the student for continuation to the next program level. There are three program milestones, beginning in Year 2 of the program. Successful completion of all three is one of the requirements for candidacy. To enter EDG 7987 - Dissertation in Practice, students must have an overall 3.0 GPA on all graduate work in the program, complete a mandatory 0 credit summer webcourse, and successfully complete the three required program milestones.
Dissertation in Practice
18 Total Credits
- Earn at least 18 credits from the following types of courses: EDG 7987 - Dissertation in Practice The dissertation in practice is the culmination of coursework and field experience related to complex problems of educational practice. The dissertation is the final demonstration of competency in the Curriculum and Instruction EdD. It is a rigorous academic project and is expected to demonstrate the skills and knowledge the student has acquired throughout the program as applied in an authentic professional environment. The dissertation is completed in partnership with the student, university faculty, and the student's mentor/client. The dissertation in practice is presented in a thorough and comprehensive written report and must address a complex problem of educational practice. The dissertation in practice will be evaluated on the thoroughness, applicability and appropriateness of the work.
Grand Total Credits: 54
Application Requirements
For information on general UCF graduate admissions requirements that apply to all prospective students, please visit the Admissions section of the Graduate Catalog. Applicants must apply online. All requested materials must be submitted by the established deadline.
In addition to the general UCF graduate application requirements applicants to this program must provide:
- Official transcript - One official transcript (in a sealed envelope) from each college/university attended.
- Master's degree in a closely related field.
- Graduate Record Examination scores and transcripts - Official, competitive GRE score taken within the last five years.
- The goal statement - The goal statement is a critical element of your application materials to the EdD program. It should convey the applicant's intended Area of Specialization (see below), professional experience, and professional goals after completing the program. The admissions committee will review the goal statement to determine whether the EdD program is the right match for the applicant. In addition, as a sample of the applicant's writing ability, the goal statement should be clear and concise.
- Area of Specialization - The applicant will be asked to indicate a preferred Area of Specialization in the Goal Statement. Areas of Specialization may be found here. 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, 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.
Application Deadlines
| Curriculum and Instruction EdD | *Fall Priority | Fall | Spring | Summer |
| Domestic Applicants | Jan 15 | May 1 | | |
| International Applicants | Jan 15 | Jan 15 | | |
*Applicants who plan to enroll full time in a degree program and who wish to be considered for university fellowships or assistantships should apply by the Fall Priority date.
Financial Information
Graduate students may receive financial assistance through fellowships, assistantships, tuition support, or loans. For more information, see the College of Graduate Studies Funding website, which describes the types of financial assistance available at UCF and provides general guidance in planning your graduate finances. The Financial Information section of the Graduate Catalog is another key resource.
Fellowship Information
Fellowships are awarded based on academic merit to highly qualified students. They are paid to students through the Office of Student Financial Assistance, based on instructions provided by the College of Graduate Studies. Fellowships are given to support a student's graduate study and do not have a work obligation. For more information, see UCF Graduate Fellowships, which includes descriptions of university fellowships and what you should do to be considered for a fellowship.
