Curriculum and Instruction, Elementary Education Concentration, Ed.D.

Curriculum and Instruction Major

The doctoral program offered by the Department of Teaching and Learning includes five concentrations: Curriculum Planning, Elementary Education, Reading, Secondary Education, and Special Education. These programs are designed for the in-service educator, prospective planner and programmer of curriculum, and prospective teacher educators and other education professionals. Prior graduate work and the applicant’s interest and career aspirations will be considered in structuring the program of study for each applicant.

Student Learning Outcomes:

Graduates will:

1. Demonstrate knowledge of the substantive foundations of curriculum and instruction.
2. Generate new knowledge through scholarly research and communication.
3. Develop leadership skills for program and professional development.
4. Possess knowledge and understanding for university level teaching and productivity.
5. Uphold the ethical standards, values, and attitudes of the education profession
6. Produce scholarly works that address current issues and problems of a social and educational consequence.

Admission Requirements

1. A minimum Graduate Record Exam (GRE) score of 290 (Verbal& Quantitative), or a minimum Miller Analogies Test (MAT)score of 402, are required for admission.
2. A minimum G.P.A. of 3.25 is required on the last graduate degree,either Master’s or Education Specialist. No more than thirty (30)semester hours from an Education Specialist degree may be used toward the doctorate. The doctoral program coordinator in consultation with the applicant’s advisor will recommend the appropriate Education Specialist credits to be transferred.
3. An acceptable work experience record
4. Four (4) letters of recommendation indicating probable success in a doctoral program of study
5. Evidence of academic writing will be requested as part of the overall evaluation process
6. An acceptable interview

The admissions committee will review the applicant’s academic and professional record in making the admissions decision. Consideration will be given to: (a) previous graduate GPA, (b) GRE or MAT scores, (c)other factors as listed above. Applicants whose standardized test scores are below the expected minimums maybe considered for admission to these programs if: (1) the overall record indicates potential academic success in doctoral study, and (2) the applicant’s overall demeanor and persistence in academic rigor is judged to be comparable to that of the other applicants in the admissions cycle.

General Department Requirements

A minimum of sixty (60) semester hours of approved course work beyond the Master’s degree is required: eighteen (18) semester hours of general education core, twenty-four (24) semester hours of departmental core, twelve (12) hours of electives, and six (6) hours credit for the satisfactory completion of the doctoral dissertation. Also required is the successful completion of a written qualifying examination to be taken not earlier than 15 credit hours and not later than 18 credit hours , a written comprehensive examination including an oral defense prior to beginning the dissertation, and residency of a minimum of eighteen (18) semester hours over a period of four (4) semesters. Candidates that have an Ed.S. will take the qualifying exam not earlier than an additional nine (9) credit hours of study but not later than an additional 18 credit hours of study.

Program of Study

Concentration II: Elementary Education