Doctorate in Curriculum and Instruction Degrees (PhD and Ed.D) in California

Why earn a Doctorate in Curriculum and Instruction?

PhD Curriculum and Instruction Programs are typically intended for certified teachers or graduate students seeking a research, advanced teaching, leadership or curriculum development positions. Some doctorate degrees in curriculum and instruction are designed for professional educators and may take 3-4 years to complete.

Broadly, these programs offer advanced theory and practice in research methodology and application, curriculum mapping, instruction and assessment, and collaborative curriculum development.

When applying, students may want to ascertain whether an internship is required or available. Students may also look for teaching assistantships, which permit students to assist professors and often teach some classes at the university level before graduation and completing a dissertation.

Some of the listings might include Doctor of Education – Instructional Leadership, Doctor of Philosophy in Education – Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment, and Doctor of Curriculum and Instruction programs

Phd in Curriculum & Instruction Program Overview

Doctorate in Curriculum and Instruction Degree Admissions Requirements

When selecting a school, students may want to consider the school’s admissions requirements. For instance, some schools look for students with at least three years of professional experience in an education environment, while others accept those with a strong educational background.

What is a PhD in Curriculum and Instruction?

Ph.D. programs in curriculum and instruction may be completed in four years. Typically, they include courses in education foundations, research and curriculum development. Students may be able to choose a specialization such as literacy, instructional technology or moral education. A practicum and dissertation are also commonly required. Coursework might include:

• Teaching models
• Curriculum design and development
• Educational statistics
• Educational research
• Teacher preparation

What is a EdD in Curriculum and Instruction?

Ed.D. in Curriculum and Instruction programs prepare graduates for potential jobs as advanced practitioners in the field of education. These courses may be similar to those in a Ph.D. program, although they tend to focus on teaching practices, rather than research. These doctoral programs are also made up of core courses, research projects and a dissertation. Coursework might include:

• Curriculum policy
• Program evaluation
• Contemporary curriculum
• School improvement and reform
• Critical pedagogy
• Professional development for teachers

How to Choose a Phd in Curriculum & Instruction

Filter your search by location to determine which city, state or even country has a PhD program that meets your academic and vocational needs. Refine your search by deciding on the program format. Students who plan on working during their enrollment may wish to look for online PhD in curriculum and instruction. When applying, students may want to ascertain whether an internship is required or available. Students may also look for teaching assistantships, which permit students to assist professors and often teach some classes at the university level before graduation and completing a dissertation. Students who plan on working during their enrollment may wish to look for online PhD in curriculum and instruction.

What are Career Paths For Doctorate in Curriculum & Instruction Degrees?

While advanced level education does not guarantee a job, it may distinguish you from other candidates. Some of the potential career paths might include:

Educational policy analysts must be able to do independent research, and typically have a degree related to a specific area of expertise. (BLS)

Instructional Coordinators oversee school curriculums and teaching standards, develop instructional material, coordinate its implementation and assess effectiveness. (BLS)

Post-secondary Teachers teach students in a variety of academic subjects, and typically have a Ph.D. Some postsecondary teachers, especially adjunct professors, work in government agencies, private businesses, or nonprofit organizations, in addition to teaching. (BLS)

Principalsmanage school operations, coordinate curricula and oversee staff, while creating a positive learning environment for students. (BLS)

Training and Development Managers plan, direct and coordinate programs in the corporate setting. (BLS)

Are you a teaching professional who is hoping for research careers or leadership positions within an education system where they can evaluate curriculum, lead change or implement policy? If so, pursuing a Doctorate in Curriculum and Instruction may lead to a potentially rewarding career. The BLS projects a 8% growth rate for postsecondary teachers between 2022 and 2032 compared with a 2% expected growth rate for Instructional Coordinators in the same time frame. Combining your passion for advanced technical knowledge in this field with a doctoral degree may be the secret for a potentially rewarding career path.

Begin your search for a PhD in Curriculum and Instruction by browsing listings below or using the filter to the left.

GradSchools.com offers 10 PhD in Curriculum and Instruction Doctorate Programs in California