Curriculum and Instruction, Ed.D. (Ed.S. or ABD to Ed.D. Pathway)

Individuals who have completed an Ed.S. degree or have completed all doctoral coursework but not completed the dissertation (ABD) are eligible for this pathway. The courses listed are to be completed at ACE to earn an Ed.D. in Curriculum and Instruction. A total of 37 semester credits are required in the course list. Please note: students who have not completed at least 6 credits in research prior to enrolling at ACE will need to take additional research credits per the Prior Credit Considerations Grid found here .

Program Description

The Ed.D. in Curriculum and Instruction provides an in-depth approach to research-based methods of curriculum development and instructional methods for a wide range of educational fields. The degree emphasizes the use of theoretical foundations and current real-world practices to support the development of relevant curriculum to meet the needs of diverse populations of learners. Students completing the Ed.D. will gain experience as a scholar practitioner with the necessary skills to utilize innovative curriculum and instruction methods relevant to current educational needs in a variety of professional settings. Students will engage in scholarly research throughout the coursework to support their final dissertation.  

Program Outcomes 

1. Design developmentally and culturally appropriate curricula and instructional units to improve equity and academic success for diverse learners utilizing current strategies and technology.
2. Utilize researched based academic theory, standards, and frameworks to support the selection of content, delivery of evidence-based instruction, enhancement of critical thinking and inquiry, and the development of original research.
3. Design, implement and evaluate assessment plans and methods to support to the continuous improvement of student success grounded in research and theory.
4. Examine and evaluate data to support instruction to enhance social emotional development, critical thinking and student driven inquiry through professional research.  
5. Develop strategies to support a positive student-centered learning environment which supports communicate and collaboration between the educator, learner, community and stakeholders.
6. Participate in opportunities to grow as a professional and leader in the educational field.
7. Apply research-based instructional strategies to develop competency in multiple literacies and knowledge and skills across diverse content areas.  
8. Apply, analyze, and promote best practices in leadership.
9. Demonstrate competence in the application of multiple research methods.

Mission Statement

The mission of the Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) in C&I program is to promote evidence-based learning, application-based problem solving, and leadership development in curriculum and instruction.  The program provides a real-world application of research based methods to promote the growth of students working in curriculum and instruction focused industries.