Curriculum and Instruction, Ed.D.

Return to: School of Education and Human Development: Degree Programs

The Ed.D. program in Curriculum and Instruction prepares graduates to become practitioner-scholars who leverage their knowledge of research and commitment to equity as leaders of educational practice and of the organizations in which they work. Specifically, C&I Ed.D. graduates are experts in curriculum and instruction who apply their knowledge to their professional practice, utilize research to address problems of practice, engage stakeholders in collaborative problem-solving, and promote equity through their work in K-12 schools and district offices, nonprofit organizations, and other related settings.

Transfer Credits

A maximum of 24 credit hours can be transferred into the program. Only graduate-level courses that meet a number of conditions (e.g., the course is equivalent in rigor and focus to a course offered in the program of study, the student earned a grade of B- or higher, and the course was successfully completed less than 10 years from the date of admission to the program) may be approved for transfer.

Program Requirements

The Ed.D. in Curriculum & Instruction requires a minimum of 72 credit hours of study, which includes coursework and “milestone” assessments. Required coursework includes 24 credits of study of the C&I Core, 18 credits of study of research methods, and 12 credits of study in an area of emphasis selected by the student. Possible areas of emphasis include: Curriculum and Instruction; Educational Innovation, English as a Second Language, Leadership in Reading & Literacy, and Social and Emotional Learning.

Milestone assessments include a 1-credit preliminary exam, a 6-credit field study, a 1-credit comprehensive exam, and a culminating 10-credit capstone project.

Required Courses

A minimum of 24 semester hours of core coursework is required. Options for core courses may include the following:

EDIS 7025 - Teachers as Leaders Credits: 3
EDIS 7035 - Professional Knowledge Credits: 3
EDIS 8060 - Advanced Instruction Seminar Credits: 3
EDIS 8082 - Advanced Curriculum Seminar Credits: 3
EDIS 8084 - Advanced Assessment Seminar Credits: 3
EDIS 8855 - Critical Race Theory and Education Credits: 3

Coursework in Research

A minimum of 18 semester hours of research methods coursework is required. Options for research methods courses may include:

EDLF 5301 - Academic Writing for Practitioner-Scholars Credits: 1
EDLF 8382 - Educational Inquiry for Practitioners Credits: 3
EDLF 8383 - Qualitative Inquiry with Data Management & Analysis Credits: 3
EDLF 8384 - Lab of Practice of Qualitative Inquiry Credits: 1
EDLF 8385 - Survey Inquiry for Practitioners with Data Management and Analysis Credits: 3
EDLF 8386 - Lab of Practice of Survey Inquiry Credits: 1
EDLF 8387 - Practical Evaluation for Practitioners Credits: 3
EDIS 9810 - Curriculum and Instruction Capstone Proposal Seminar Credits: 3

Coursework in one Supporting Area of Emphasis (12 credits)

Coursework in the student’s chosen area of emphasis is determined together with your program advisor.

Milestone Assessments

EDIS 9991 - Ed.D. Research Credits: 1 to 12
Preliminary Examination - (1 credit)
Comprehensive Examination - (1 credit)
Capstone Project - A minimum of 10 semester hours must be completed

EDIS 8970 - Field Study Credits: 3 to 6
Field Study - A minimum of 6 semester hours must be completed

Culminating Experience

Ed.D. students in Curriculum and Instruction must successfully design, implement, and defend the Capstone project in accordance with the Capstone manual.

Public Professional Licensure Disclosure

As a member of the State Authorizations Reciprocity Agreement, the University of Virginia (UVA) is authorized to provide curriculum in a distance learning environment to students located in all states in the United States except for California. (34 CFR 668.43(a)(6)& 34 CFR 668.72(n)). 

Upon completion of the Doctor of Education in Curriculum and Instruction program at the UVA School of Education and Human Development, graduates may be eligible for initial professional licensure in another U.S. state by applying to the licensing board or agency in that state.

Please visit the University’s state authorization web pages to make an informed decision regarding which states’ educational requirements for initial licensure are met by this program. (668.43(a)(5) (v)(A) - (C))

Enrolled students who change their current (or mailing) address to a state other than Virginia should update this information immediately in the Student Information System as it may impact their ability to complete internship, practicum, or clinical hours, use Title IV funds, or meet licensure or certification requirements in the new state. (34 CFR 668.402).