May 21, 2025  
ACE Catalog - Volume 60 
  
ACE Catalog - Volume 60

Nursing Education, Ed.D.


Return to {$returnto_text} Return to: Programs of Study

Program Description

The Doctorate in Nursing Education (Ed.D.) is designed for nurses with a master’s degree who want to become nurse educators in either the academic or professional development arenas. The degree equips the nurse educator with the necessary competencies to create and evaluate curriculum, manage classrooms, develop effective teaching strategies, conduct program evaluation, and utilize innovative technology to educate the next generation of nurses. Using a unique interdisciplinary approach, the program focuses on the science of teaching and learning for the Nurse Educator. Students will engage in scholarly research throughout the coursework to support their final dissertation.

Program Outcomes

  1. Demonstrate expertise in the creation, implementation, and evaluation of nursing curriculum that incorporates a global perspective to address health equity. (AO1)
  2. Facilitate interprofessional partnerships and contribute to the scholarly community through collaborative research, education, and practice. (AO2)
  3. Leverage technological systems to systematically evaluate nursing curricula, enhance teaching strategies, and drive evidence-based decisions that support population health. (AO3)
  4. Utilize theoretical frameworks and innovative strategies to design and evaluate nursing education programs that reflect current trends and transformative practices. (AO4)
  5. Incorporate servant leadership to inspire change and advance nursing education practices across various settings. (AO3)
  6. Contribute to the profession of nursing practice or education through the dissemination of applied research. (AO2)
  7. Demonstrate professional leadership in nursing education by applying evidence-based teaching, curriculum innovation, and policy advocacy that advances the field. (AO5)
  8. Apply, analyze, and promote best practices in leadership. (AO5)
  9. Demonstrate competence in the application of multiple research methods. (AO1)

Mission Statement

The mission of the Ed.D. in Nursing Education is to provide a research intensive, evidenced-based approach to nursing education. Students will be given the tools to transform nursing education by becoming exceptional educators and leaders who use forward-thinking, evidence-based innovation, and collaboration to transform organizations and systems within a global society.

Focus of Study Options


Curriculum and Instruction  

The Curriculum and Instruction focus of study prepares students for today’s educational environments.  Today’s learning environments require understanding critical aspects of how learning happens for a population spanning multiple ages.  This focus of study examines how standards shape assessment while building needed skills in content areas each strengthen by the ability to read well.    

Higher Education  

The Higher Education focus of study is intended to prepare administrators in acquiring or enhancing necessary skills to successfully lead higher education institutions. The courses offer a broad perspective of critical issues facing higher education, emphasizing the complexity of student concerns while balancing the demands of outside constituents, e.g. accreditors, state and federal regulators, community, students, and faculty. Designed to complement and support professional agendas, individual studies prepare leadership to understand the integrated aspects of complex systems influenced by modern societal issues.  

Instructional Technology  

The Instructional Technology focus of study supports candidates who seek to serve as technology leaders and emphasizes new ways of thinking about technology and the integration of applications. Learning how to design environments which enhance and support organizational goals are considered to maximize learning for both individual and corporate purposes. 

Public Health Education  

The Public Health Education focus of study provides students with the information necessary to expand their knowledge in the health and wellness field.  The program provides content that includes not only the fundamentals of health and wellness, but also the theories, systems, and policies.  Students enrolled in this focus of study will be provided the opportunity to learn foundational leadership skills in health education.  

Leadership  

The Leadership focus of study supports candidates who seek to serve in leadership positions or grow in their leadership practice. Students expand their knowledge in key areas such as ethics, resource management, coaching, strategic planning and organizational culture to become more confident in their advanced leadership practice throughout organizational settings. 

Course List (64 Total Semester Credits)


Leadership Courses (3 Semester Credits)


Choose a Six-Course Focus of Study (18 Semester Credits)


Customize this degree by choosing a six-course focus of study to fulfill the remaining 18 semester credits.

General Track


Any six courses selected from above, ACE graduate level courses, or doctoral courses transferred in.  

Additional Course (if required)


Candidates will be enrolled in RES6600  if they do not obtain final Institutional Review Board (IRB) approval in RES6541 

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.

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.

Return to {$returnto_text} Return to: Programs of Study