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

Design developmentally and culturally appropriate curricula and instructional units to improve equity and academic success for diverse learners utilizing current strategies and technology.
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.
Design, implement and evaluate assessment plans and methods to support to the continuous improvement of student success grounded in research and theory.
Examine and evaluate data to support instruction to enhance social emotional development, critical thinking and student driven inquiry through professional research.
Develop strategies to support a positive student-centered learning environment which supports communication and collaboration between the educator, learner, community and stakeholders.
Participate in opportunities to grow as a professional and leader in the educational field.
Apply research-based instructional strategies to develop competency in multiple literacies and knowledge and skills across diverse content areas.
Apply, analyze, and promote best practices in leadership.
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.

Credits Transferred from Prior Education (27 Semester Credits)

Course List (37 Total Semester Credits Required)

Curriculum and Instruction Courses (18 Semester Credits)

Leadership Courses (3 Semester Credits)

LEAD6001 - Introduction to Advanced Studies (1 Semester Credit; 5-wk Format) (Initial Course)
LEAD6011 - Leadership as a Reflective Practice (1 Semester Credit; 5-wk Format)
LEAD6021 - Leadership Seminar (1 Semester Credit; 5-wk Format)

Research Courses (6 Semester Credits/2 Courses Required)

Two courses will be required based on transcript review. If a student does not have 6 research credits on their transcript (rare) additional credits could be required.

Dissertation Courses (10 Semester Credits)

Additional Support Courses (if required or desired)

Courses may be required if progression is not achieved in courses OR students can elect to take courses to support their progress. If an Ed.D. student is required to take either the Research or Dissertation Boot Camp (RES6223 or RES6233) course, they will be charged for the tuition and fees associated with the Boot Camp course and not the tuition and fees associated with the dissertation sequence course they are retaking with the boot camp (RES6512, RES6521, RES6531, RES6541, or RES6551).

CITI Training

All students pursuing advanced degrees are required to have completed a certificate of completion for the Collaborative Institutional Training Initiative (CITI) in Human Subjects Research. There will be no additional fee. This is strongly recommended for students who anticipate conducting dissertation research involving human subjects. The CITI offers training modules for a Social-Behavioral-Educational (SBE) track, as well as additional modules of interest. More information can be found in Student Commons. Scroll down under Doc Program Resources where you will find the CITI Program Guide.

This program also offers two additional pathways for students transferring in a completed Ed.S. degree or entering as an “All But Dissertation” (ABD) student.

A student with a confirmed 3.0 GPA in an Ed.S. program or has been confirmed to have completed all Ed.D. work besides their dissertation (ABD) at a 3.0 GPA are eligible to transfer their prior coursework/degree to ACE in its entirety and complete. Please see the Ed.S. or ABD to Ed.D. Pathway option.

Note

This program is neither designed nor approved (as of the publication date of this Catalog) to prepare students for licensure, certification, or endorsement in any state.
Check availability in your state on the Programs by State section of the ACE website.
This pathway does not include a Focus of Study. Please note that if you are a Georgia educator seeking an in-field certificate upgrade, you may require a concentration (Focus Of Study) in a field in which you are currently certified. This may be determined by utilizing the Georgia Professional Standards Commission - Certificate Upgrade Advisor site.