Program Overview

The University of West Florida's online Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) in Curriculum and Instruction is designed for working professionals who want to impact educational practice through applied research. Delivered entirely online in a cohort-based model, this program prepares scholar-practitioners to address complex problems of practice within their professional contexts through evidence-based research and innovative problem-solving approaches.

Program Details

• Next Start Date: August 17
• Credit Hours: 51
• Course Length: 16 Weeks
• Estimated Program Length: 36 months

Why Study Curriculum and Instruction at UWF?

UWF's Ed.D. in Curriculum and Instruction is designed for working professionals who want to impact educational practice through applied research. This streamlined 51-credit-hour doctoral program features a unique Dissertation in Practice (DiP) model that emphasizes applied scholarship, generating actionable solutions for real-world educational challenges.

Six Specialized Tracks for Career Advancement

• College Student Affairs Administration: Support student success in higher education through student development theory, campus programming, crisis management, and institutional assessment.
• Curriculum and Assessment: Gain expertise in designing, implementing, and evaluating educational curricula across various learning environments and subject areas.
• Exceptional Student Education: Focus on advanced practices in special education, including disability studies, education models, instructional planning and design, and specialized intervention techniques.
• Instructional Leadership: Transform teaching and learning environments through curriculum design, pedagogical innovation, and academic program management.
• Reading: Become an expert in literacy education, reading assessment, and intervention strategies across a variety of populations and educational settings.
• Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM): Advance STEM teaching and learning through curriculum design, inquiry-based instruction, and applied research.

Comprehensive Support Through Five-Step Dissertation Process

The Practitioner-Focused Dissertation in Practice (DiP) Model emphasizes applied scholarship, not just theoretical knowledge. It's designed to help solve a real-world educational challenge in a professional setting, generating actionable solutions that create immediate value for organizations and students.

What You Will Learn

By completing this degree, you will be able to:

• Design and implement evidence-based curricula that improve student learning outcomes across educational settings
• Conduct rigorous applied research using improvement science, action research, and single-subject design methodologies
• Analyze educational policies and evaluate program effectiveness using program evaluation models and multiple policy analysis frameworks
• Lead organizational change initiatives that promote innovation and continuous improvement
• Apply theoretical/conceptual frameworks, program evaluation, and policy analysis models to solve complex problems of practice
• Synthesize quantitative and qualitative research to address authentic educational challenges
• Develop and assess instructional strategies that support all learners
• Communicate research findings effectively to multiple stakeholder audiences
• Demonstrate leadership and change in educational settings
• Create sustainable professional development programs that enhance teaching and learning
• Utilize data-driven approaches to monitor, evaluate, and improve educational programs and practices
• Engage in collaborative partnerships with community stakeholders to address local and regional educational issues

Courses

The program includes a range of courses, such as:

• EDF 7685: Philosophical Foundations of Education
• EDF 8981: Dissertation in Practice Problems of Practice
• EDF 7404: Quantitative Methods and Educational Statistics I
• EDF 8498: Improvement Science and Design Decision Making in Education

Admission Requirements

To apply to the online Ed.D. in Curriculum and Instruction at UWF, you need to submit an application for graduate admission and be accepted for admission into the University of West Florida. Additional requirements include:

• Official transcripts confirming bachelor's and master's degrees
• A comprehensive letter of intent
• Three professional reference forms
• A current professional résumé
• Participation in a web-based interview (for invited applicants)

Careers & Outcomes

Graduates of UWF's online Ed.D. in Curriculum and Instruction emerge with the advanced training necessary to pursue a wide range of positions in educational leadership, higher education administration, or specialized educational roles, supported by targeted expertise aligned with professional goals. Potential job titles include:

• Educational Leadership Positions
• Higher Education Administrators
• Specialized Educational Roles

Cost & Financial Aid

• Tuition Rate Per Credit Hour:
  • Full Online In-State Program Tuition: $425.00 per credit hour
  • Full Online Non-Florida Resident Tuition: $478.83 per credit hour
• Military & Financial Aid: The UWF Military & Veterans Resource Center serves as the campus advocate for military, dependents, and veteran students. Eligible students can also receive financial assistance through an installment payment plan or a short-term loan.

Related Programs

• Instructional and Performance Technology, Ed.D. Online
• Curriculum & Instruction, M.Ed. Online
• Higher Education Administration Graduate Certificate
• Educational Leadership, M.Ed. Online

University of West Florida

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Overview:

The University of West Florida (UWF) is a public university offering a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs. It prides itself on providing a personalized learning experience with small class sizes and dedicated faculty. UWF emphasizes a strong student-to-faculty ratio, ensuring individual attention and support.

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Services Offered:

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Student Life and Campus Experience:

UWF offers a vibrant campus community with various facilities and resources. Students can explore the Pensacola campus, UWF Emerald Coast in Fort Walton Beach, UWF Historic Trust in Historic Pensacola, and UWF's downtown Pensacola facilities. A virtual tour is available to experience the campus remotely.

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Key Reasons to Study There:

Personalized Attention:

UWF boasts a 100:1 student-to-faculty ratio, ensuring personalized attention and support from world-renowned professors.

Diverse Programs:

Over 110 undergraduate and graduate programs cater to various interests and career aspirations.

Strong Reputation:

UWF is ranked #100 in the "Top Public School – Regional Universities South" by U.S. News and World Report.

Engaging Campus Life:

UWF offers a vibrant campus community with various facilities and resources, including a virtual tour for remote exploration.

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Academic Programs:

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Other:

UWF actively engages in research and community outreach. Recent initiatives include:

Archaeology Institute Field Schools:

Offering students hands-on experience in archaeological investigations.

HeirStory Project:

Collaborating with a renowned journalist to develop technology for preserving family legacies.

Galapagos Islands Study Abroad:

Providing students with immersive cultural and historical experiences.