Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) in Policy, Planning, and Administration - Curriculum and Instruction Concentration

Curriculum

• Professional and Research Core
  • EDD 700: Doctoral Seminar in Educational Studies (3 credits)
  • EDD 701: Introduction to Educational Leadership (3 credits)
  • EDD 720: Educational Research Design and Measurement (3 credits)
  • EDD 722: Qualitative Methods for Educational Researchers (3 credits)
  • EDD 723: Quantitative Methods for Educational Researchers (3 credits)
  • EDD 724: Mixed Methods for Educational Researchers (3 credits)
• Curriculum and Instruction Concentration Area
  • EDD 702: Innovation in Curriculum Development and Evaluation (3 credits)
  • EDD 704: Political and Legal Trends in Educational Policy (3 credits)
  • EDD 703: Critical Issues in Educational Justice (3 credits)
  • EDD 705: Critical Issues in Special Education (3 credits)
• Focal Area Electives
  • 9 credits of graduate-level coursework related to candidate’s area of focus
• Pre-Dissertation
  • EDD 800: Pre-Dissertation Seminar (3 credits)
• Comprehensive Exam
  • Students are required to sit for a comprehensive exam following the satisfactory completion of all courses at the 700-level, courses in the elective focus area, and EDD 800.
• Integrated Dissertation
  • EDD 801: Education Research Experience I: Research Questions/ Literature Review (3 credits)
  • EDD 802: Education Research Experience II: Instrumentation and Data Collection (3 credits)
  • EDD 803: Education Research Experience III: Quantitative and Qualitative Analysis (3 credits)
  • EDD 804: Education Research Experience IV: Findings and Conclusions (3 credits)

Sample Course Plan

Year One

• Fall
  • EDD 700: Doctoral Seminar in Educational Studies (3 credits)
  • EDD 701: Social and Ethical Foundations of Education Policy Research (3 credits)
  • Total Credits: 6
• Spring
  • EDD 702: Innovation in Curriculum Development and Evaluation (3 credits)
  • EDD 720: Educational Research Design and Measurement (3 credits)
  • Total Credits: 6
• Summer
  • EDD 703: Critical Issues in Educational Justice (3 credits)
  • EDD 705: Critical Issues in Special Education (3 credits)
  • Focus Area Course 1 (3 credits)
  • Total Credits: 9

Year Two

• Fall
  • EDD 722: Qualitative Methods for Educational Researchers (3 credits)
  • EDD 723: Quantitative Methods for Educational Researchers (3 credits)
  • Total Credits: 6
• Spring
  • EDD 704: Political and Legal Trends in Educational Policy (3 credits)
  • EDD 724: Mixed Methods for Educational Researchers (3 credits)
  • Total Credits: 6
• Summer
  • EDD 800: Pre-Dissertation Seminar (3 credits)
  • Focus Area Course 1 (3 credits)
  • Focus Area Course 1 (3 credits)
  • Total Credits: 9

Year Three

• Fall
  • EDD 801: Education Research Experience I: Research Questions/ Literature Review (3 credits)
  • EDD 802: Education Research Experience II: Instrumentation and Data Collection (3 credits)
  • Total Credits: 6
• Spring
  • EDD 803: Education Research Experience III: Quantitative and Qualitative Analysis (3 credits)
  • EDD 804: Education Research Experience IV: Findings and Conclusions (3 credits)
  • Total Credits: 6
• Total Credits: 54

Notes

• Course selection and timing will be decided upon in consultation with an advisor.
• The Ed.D. Integrated Dissertation Model is embedded in the entire program. It culminates in a series of five courses whereby students demonstrate mastery of required competencies through the completion of a final culminating independent applied research dissertation.
• Candidates will conduct the project in a setting related to their area of concentration, presumably their current employment setting.
• The student will enroll in EDD 800-EDD 804 and select a committee who will serve to provide support, feedback, and approvals throughout the Integrated Dissertation.
• The Integrated Dissertation Advisor will be the instructor of EDD 800-EDD 804 and serve as the chair of the committee.
• All Ed.D. candidates will, in consultation with their Integrated Dissertation Advisor, solicit participation of committee members to be maintained for the entirety of the Integrated Dissertation EDD 800-EDD 804 (a minimum of two semesters).
• The committee shall consist of the following: 1 Integrated Dissertation Advisor and 2 WCU faculty members who hold terminal degrees.
• At least one member of the committee should be designated as the methodologist and have familiarity with the research methods proposed by the candidate.
• In addition to the three required committee members, candidates have the option to add a fourth committee member who can serve as either a research site advisor or content specialist.
• They must hold a terminal degree and be approved by the Program Advisor in consultation with the Integrated Dissertation Advisor.

Outline:

• Course List
• EDD 700 Doctoral Seminar in Educational Studies
• EDD 701 Social and Ethical Foundations of Education Policy Research
• EDD 720 Educational Research Design and Measurement
• EDD 722 Qualitative Methods for Educational Researchers
• EDD 723 Quantitative Methods for Educational Researchers
• EDD 724 Mixed Methods for Educational Researchers
• EDD 702 Innovation in Curriculum Development and Evaluation
• EDD 704 Political and Legal Trends in Educational Policy
• EDD 703 Critical Issues in Educational Justice
• EDD 705 Critical Issues in Special Education
• 9 credits of graduate-level coursework related to the candidate’s area of focus.
• Pre-Dissertation
• EDD 800 Pre-Dissertation Seminar
• Comprehensive Exam
• Integrated Dissertation
• EDD 801 Education Research Experience I: Research Questions/ Literature Review
• EDD 802 Education Research Experience II: Instrumentation and Data Collection

West Chester University

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Overview:

West Chester University is a public university located in West Chester, Pennsylvania. It offers a diverse range of academic programs, fostering a vibrant campus community with a strong emphasis on student engagement and personal growth. The university prides itself on its commitment to providing students with a transformative educational experience that helps them discover their passions and find their element.

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Services Offered:

Academic Advising:

Students have access to academic advisors who provide guidance on course selection, program requirements, and career planning.

Financial Aid:

The university offers a variety of financial aid options, including scholarships, grants, and loans, to help students afford their education.

Student Resources:

West Chester University provides a comprehensive range of student resources, including career services, tutoring, counseling, and health services.

Housing:

The university offers a variety of on-campus housing options for students, including residence halls and apartments.

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Student Life and Campus Experience:

West Chester University boasts a vibrant and active student life with over 300 clubs and organizations. Students can participate in a wide range of activities, from academic and professional organizations to social and recreational clubs. The university also hosts a variety of events and activities throughout the year, including concerts, sporting events, and cultural programs.

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Key Reasons to Study There:

Diverse Academic Programs:

With over 180 academic programs, students can find a program that aligns with their interests and career goals.

Strong Faculty:

West Chester University has a dedicated and experienced faculty who are committed to student success.

Vibrant Campus Community:

The university fosters a welcoming and inclusive campus community where students can connect with peers and faculty.

Location:

West Chester University is located in a charming town with easy access to major cities like Philadelphia, New York City, and Washington D.C., offering students opportunities for cultural experiences and internships.

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Academic Programs:

West Chester University offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs across various disciplines, including:

Arts & Humanities:

English, History, Music, Theatre, Art, and more.

Sciences & Mathematics:

Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics, and more.

Business & Public Management:

Accounting, Finance, Marketing, Management, and more.

Education:

Elementary Education, Secondary Education, Special Education, and more.

Health Sciences:

Nursing, Health Sciences, and more.

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Other:

Location:

West Chester University is located in a picturesque town with a rich history and a vibrant downtown area.

Campus:

The university has a beautiful campus with modern facilities and a variety of green spaces.

President's Message:

The university president emphasizes the importance of student belonging and happiness at West Chester University.

Media Guide:

The university provides a media guide featuring faculty experts in various fields.

Upcoming Events:

The university hosts a variety of events throughout the year, including move-in for returning students, welcome week, and summer session.