A doctoral degree in curriculum and instruction will give individuals an incredibly strong understanding of the necessities and skills behind the design and implementation of lesson plans and school system administration. Graduates have glowing reputations and establish students with refined skills in administration, management, leadership, and curriculum design and teaching.
This allows them to land high paying positions of employment that require large amounts of decision-making and responsibility. Through any one of these outstanding online programs, students gain connections, techniques, knowledge, and skill enough to make an immensely positive impact within their school districts and other industries.
quick links
- Best 8 Online Schools for Doctor of Curriculum and Instruction Degree Programs
- Frequently Asked Questions
Do you need to complete a Master’s degree first in this field? If so, take a look at this: Top 20 Online Schools for Master’s of Curriculum and Instruction Degree Programs
Check this out: 30 Easiest Online Doctorate Programs and Best Online Schools for Doctor in Social Work Programs
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Best 8 Online Schools for Doctor of Curriculum and Instruction Degree Programs
METHODOLOGY: Congratulations! If you are considering earning a doctoral degree, you deserve a bit of encouragement. At OnlineSchoolsCenter.com, we have compiled a list of the Best 8 Online Schools for Doctor of Curriculum and Instruction Degree Programs, all chosen to help you make an informed decision about your future educational needs. The following schools were considered based on:
- Their ability to provide a 100% or Hybrid learning format, providing flexibility and convenience,
- Provides a comprehensive degree program that is richly focused on the topic of Curriculum and Instruction,
- Has established Student Help Centers, as well as Career Consulting Services available to students,
- Allows for Financial Aid opportunities,
- Sharpens critical-thinking, analytical, problem-solving, and time-management skills needed in the field of Curriculum and Instruction,
- Encourages job advancement and personal growth through an online Doctor of Curriculum and Instruction degree program,
- Taught by exceptional professors experienced in careers based in Curriculum and Instruction,
- Demonstrates proper accreditation to ensure quality education,
- Promotes research and leadership skills in the field of Curriculum and Instruction.
To locate more about our selections, see our Methodology page.
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NORTHCENTRAL UNIVERSITY
ONLINE DOCTORATE IN CURRICULUM AND TEACHING DEGREE PROGRAM
Program Standouts:
Northcentral University is one of the country’s premier online schools and offers an Ed.D. in Curriculum and Teaching that is designed for those with a passion for research and application of best practices through superior instructional approaches. There is a particular emphasis placed on the research components in this online program.
Campus Location: Scottsdale, AZ
Accreditation: Western Association of Colleges and Schools
Acceptance Rate: 90.7%
Retention Rate: 73%
Admission Requirements:
Applicants must submit a completed online application, the nonrefundable application fee, and official transcripts from an accredited graduate institution.
Sampling of Coursework:
- Foundations for Doctoral Study in Education
- Scholarly Literature Review
- Advanced Qualitative Design and Measurement
Degree Outcomes:
Graduates of this fine online program develop leadership skills to support educational practices across diverse instructional and organizational settings. They can analyze educational theories and research and utilize communication and teaching techniques to foster successful learning.
LEARN MORE ABOUT NORTHCENTRAL UNIVERSITY’S ONLINE DOCTORATE IN CURRICULUM AND TEACHING DEGREE PROGRAM
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LIBERTY UNIVERSITY
ONLINE DOCTOR OF EDUCATION IN CURRICULUM AND INSTRUCTION IN ELEMENTARY EDUCATION DEGREE PROGRAM
Program Standouts:
Liberty University is another of America’s most superb and popular online schools that offer an Ed.D. in Curriculum and Instruction that is designed to equip students with a variety of teaching specialties to fill multiple roles within the classroom, such as special education, general education, and community classroom settings.
Campus Location: Lynchburg, VA
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools; National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education
Acceptance Rate: 29.8%
Retention Rate: 84%
Admission Requirements:
Applicants must submit a completed online application, official transcripts from an accredited graduate institution representing an exemplary GPA, federal student aid documentation, a statement of purpose, and TOEFL scores from students who use English as a second language.
Sampling of Coursework:
- Issues and Trends in Technology and Learning
- Behavior Management
- Technology Practices for Instructional Improvement
Degree Outcomes:
Graduates from Liberty University’s online doctorate program have gone on to become elementary educators, gifted-student instructors, researchers, school administrators, university professors, and more. Liberty University is an endless font of networking opportunities and support services upon which graduates and students can rely throughout their careers.
LEARN MORE ABOUT LIBERTY UNIVERSITY’S ONLINE DOCTOR OF EDUCATION IN CURRICULUM AND INSTRUCTION IN ELEMENTARY EDUCATION DEGREE PROGRAM
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TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY
ONLINE ED.D. DEGREE PROGRAM
Program Standouts:
Texas A&M University’s online Ed.D. in Curriculum and Instruction emphasizes developing educational leadership knowledge and skills and aims to extend mid-career individuals’ prior experiences in teaching and learning environments to prepare them for leadership roles.
Campus Location: College Station, TX
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools
Acceptance Rate: 70.5%
Retention Rate: 93.2%
Admission Requirements:
Applicants must submit a completed online application, the nonrefundable application fee, official transcripts from an accredited graduate institution representing an exemplary GPA, GRE scores, departmental essays, a current résumé or CV, a writing sample, and at least three letters of recommendation. TOEFL scores are required from students who use English as a second language.
Sampling of Coursework:
- Problem-Based Research Frameworks
- Grant Writing for Professional Development
- Student Assessment in the Content Domains
Degree Outcomes:
Students exiting this program will have well-developed skills in numerous areas of the discipline, such as school or district curriculum leadership, professional development of colleagues, parent and community involvement, organizational management, and communication with various parties within the school system.
LEARN MORE ABOUT TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY’S ONLINE ED.D. DEGREE PROGRAM
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UNIVERSITY OF WEST FLORIDA
ONLINE DOCTORAL IN CURRICULUM AND INSTRUCTION ED.D. DEGREE PROGRAM
Program Standouts:
The coursework at the University of West Florida’s online Ed.D. in Curriculum and Instruction targets individuals in public and private sectors who want to specialize in theory and practice of curriculum and assessment design, development, evaluation, and implementation. Students delve particularly deeply into the research components of the field.
Campus Location: Pensacola, FL
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools
Acceptance Rate: 49.6%
Retention Rate: 77%
Admission Requirements:
Applicants must submit a completed online application, the nonrefundable application fee, official transcripts from an accredited graduate institution representing an exemplary GPA, GRE or GMAT scores, a current résumé or CV, three letters of recommendation, and a letter of intent.
Sampling of Coursework:
- Foundations of Doctoral Research and Writing
- Perspectives of Contemporary Social Theories
- Instrument Development and Validation
Degree Outcomes:
According to their impressive website, this online program “prepares professionals to assume administrative and leadership positions and to conduct and evaluate applied research studies that emphasize local, regional, and state educational issues and problems.”
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE UNIVERSITY OF WEST FLORIDA’S ONLINE DOCTORAL IN CURRICULUM AND INSTRUCTION ED.D. DEGREE PROGRAM
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UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH CAROLINA
ONLINE DOCTOR OF EDUCATION IN CURRICULUM AND INSTRUCTION DEGREE PROGRAM
Program Standouts:
The University of South Carolina offers an online Ed.D. in Curriculum and Instruction – Curriculum Studies Concentration which is informed by the Carnegie Project on the Education Doctorate Consortium. The program induces a perspective on contemporary, historical, and critical curriculum issues.
Campus Location: Columbia, SC
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools
Acceptance Rate: 72.3%
Retention Rate: 88%
Admission Requirements:
Applicants must submit a completed online application, official transcripts from an accredited graduate institution representing a cumulative GPA, and GRE or MAT results.
Sampling of Coursework:
- Principles of Curriculum Construction
- Curriculum Seminar: Classics and Theory
- Racial and Ethnic Diversity and the Curriculum
Degree Outcomes:
This program is designed for educators who want to excel as curriculum specialists in PK-12 higher education institutions, or in the private sector. Coursework prepares school system leaders for the challenges of curricular administration. Graduates have an understanding of culture, leadership, ethics, morals, and curriculum design and implementation.
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH CAROLINA’S ONLINE DOCTOR OF EDUCATION IN CURRICULUM AND INSTRUCTION DEGREE PROGRAM
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NEW MEXICO STATE UNIVERSITY
ONLINE CURRICULUM AND INSTRUCTION DOCTOR OF EDUCATION DEGREE PROGRAM
Program Standouts:
New Mexico State University’s online Ed.D. in Curriculum and Instruction is a rigorous program requiring an intellectual and personal commitment to leadership within school systems and districts. There is a heavy focus on research and analysis, that gives a firm grounding in both quantitative and qualitative methodologies.
Campus Location: Las Cruces, NM
Accreditation: North Central Association of Colleges and Schools
Acceptance Rate: 63.8%
Retention Rate: 74%
Admission Requirements:
Applicants must submit a completed online application, the nonrefundable application fee, official transcripts from an accredited graduate institution representing an exemplary GPA, a current résumé or CV, and a writing sample.
Program Options:
- Bilingual/TESOL
- Critical Pedagogies
- Early Childhood Education
- Educational Learning Technologies
- Language, Literacy & Culture
Degree Outcomes:
Depending on the area of concentration undergone by individual students, they will enter into various departments and areas within school systems. Whether individuals are seeking more understanding and skill for teaching, or to effect change on a systematic level, this degree program will give them the skills necessary for success.
LEARN MORE ABOUT NEW MEXICO STATE UNIVERSITY’S ONLINE CURRICULUM AND INSTRUCTION DOCTOR OF EDUCATION DEGREE PROGRAM
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CARSON-NEWMAN UNIVERSITY
ONLINE DOCTOR OF EDUCATION (ED.D.) DEGREE PROGRAM
Program Standouts:
Carson-Newman University offers an online Ed.D. in Curriculum and Instruction Leadership that is grounded in the tenants and mores of Christianity as it applies to the ethics of the discipline. A wide and exciting variety of coursework gives students an excellent lens into this challenging area of study.
Campus Location: Jefferson City, TN
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools
Acceptance Rate: 67.4%
Retention Rate: 70%
Admission Requirements:
Applicants must submit a completed online application, the nonrefundable application fee, official transcripts from an accredited graduate institution, a statement of purpose, GRE scores, a scholarly writing example, and an employment verification form. Applicants must complete an entrance interview.
Sampling of Coursework:
- The Teacher as Leader
- Diversity and Exceptionality Practice and Theory
- Topic in the Content Field
Degree Outcomes:
Graduates from this program have gone on to work in numerous environments and organizations such as businesses, organizations, Christian institutions, school systems and districts, and more. Coursework sharpens existing skills and introduces new theories and techniques.
LEARN MORE ABOUT CARSON-NEWMAN UNIVERSITY’S ONLINE DOCTOR OF EDUCATION (ED.D.) DEGREE PROGRAM
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VALDOSTA STATE UNIVERSITY
ONLINE ED.D. IN CURRICULUM AND INSTRUCTION: LEARNING AND DEVELOPMENT CONCENTRATION DEGREE PROGRAM
Program Standouts:
Valdosta State University’s online Ed.D. in Curriculum and Instruction: Learning and Development offers an engaging educational model designed for current working professionals in corporate or higher education learning environments. The innovative program provides practical opportunities for students to relate theoretical foundations to curricular and instructional issues.
Campus Location: Valdosta, GA
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools
Acceptance Rate: 74.2%
Retention Rate: 69%
Admission Requirements:
Applicants must submit a completed online application, the nonrefundable application fee, official transcripts from an accredited graduate institution representing a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher, GRE or MAT scores, three letters of recommendation, and a current résumé or CV.
Sampling of Coursework:
- Adult Learning Strategies
- Leadership Problems: Interdisciplinary Analysis
- Research Design and Foundations for Advanced Quantitative Research
Degree Outcomes:
Graduates of this fine program have undergone challenging and intensive real-world experiences that build incredibly strong skills and sharpen old ones. Having learned from brilliant and world-renowned faculty members, students have also developed strong networking connections with instructors and professionals in the industry.
LEARN MORE ABOUT VALDOSTA STATE UNIVERSITY’S ONLINE ED.D. IN CURRICULUM AND INSTRUCTION: LEARNING AND DEVELOPMENT CONCENTRATION DEGREE PROGRAM
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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What should I do with my online Doctorate in Curriculum and Instruction degree?
Generally, but not always, students earn their doctoral degree to begin a career themselves as an educator at the university level. Actually, a doctorate degree is a requirement for most teaching positions within postsecondary levels.
Although a doctorate may not be required, there are two other positions in which a doctoral degree in Curriculum and Instruction will be most beneficial. In the field of Training and Development, specialists focus on teaching others in the workplace about implementing new practices within the business, or the latest innovation in technology needed in today’s classroom in the field of education.
In addition, an Instructional Coordinator will benefit from the skills and knowledge learned in a doctoral program as well. They are trained to develop new lessons for specific school systems, educational levels, or for special education students. Also, they focus on training personnel on how to implement the new coursework in the classroom.
Depending on your state’s requirements, you may need to meet a few prior mandates before pursuing a career in Curriculum and Instruction. Typically, you will need your teaching license, as well as significant professional teaching experience under your belt. Some employers may also require other specific certifications to meet their job description. Oh, and don’t forget the “continuing education” aspect of this job… it’s a must!
How much money can I make as a Curriculum and Instruction specialist?
According to the BLS, as of May 2018, Instructional Coordinators earned, on average, $64,450 annually; however, the highest ten percent earned upwards of $102,200 or more per year, depending on your experience and other essential factors.
Where can you locate jobs in this field? The highest-paid employees are found in government positions, followed by elementary and secondary education, and educational support services. Lastly, professional schools, colleges, and universities round up the list of potential employers. Elementary and secondary school systems employ most within this field.
Those working within the school system usually work full-time and do not get the luxury of summer breaks like teachers to do. The employment outlook for Instructional Coordinators is expected to grow by six percent between 2018 to 2028.
Can I earn a Doctor of Curriculum and Instruction degree through a distance learning program?
Yes, typically, regular coursework in this field is easily obtained through an online learning format; however, with most doctoral programs, some on-campus attendance may be required. Conveniently, you can work at your own pace; however, specific deadlines will be in place, so time management is essential when utilizing an online distance learning program.
Distance learning programs offer flexibility to adult learners. It’s the perfect way to earn your doctorate and maintain your career and personal obligations.
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If you are planning for a year, sow rice; if you are planning for a decade, plant trees; if you are planning for a lifetime, educate people. – Chinese Proverb