Program Details
Next Start Date: August 17
Credit Hours: 51
Course Length: 16 Weeks
Estimated Program Length: 36 months
Connect research to real-world application and shape the future of educational practice with the University of West Florida's online Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) in Curriculum and Instruction.
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. 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.
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. Navigate the program curriculum in a supportive learning community with coursework organized into the professional core requirements, research and analysis courses, specialization courses and the dissertation pathway.
The 100% online program delivery and 6 credit hours per semester course limit accommodates busy schedules, allowing you to advance your career while maintaining current responsibilities. Complete your doctorate in just three years through the program's strategic course sequencing and integrated dissertation preparation that begins your first year in the program.
Six Specialized Tracks for Career Advancement
Choose from six comprehensive specialization areas that provide an individualized program experience to meet your career goals and interests.
College Student Affairs Administration
Support student success in higher education through student development theory, campus programming, crisis management and institutional assessment. This specialization focuses on the unique challenges and opportunities in higher education student services and administration.
Curriculum and Assessment
Gain expertise in designing, implementing and evaluating educational curricula across various learning environments and subject areas. Focused on advancing best practices in teaching and learning across K-12 and higher education settings, this specialization emphasizes pedagogical theory, assessment strategies, educational technology integration and research-based instructional methods to improve teaching effectiveness and student learning outcomes.
Exceptional Student Education
Focus on advanced practices in special education, including disability studies, education models, instructional planning and design and specialized intervention techniques. This specialization provides deep expertise in evidence-based practices for students with disabilities and prepares leaders in the special education field.
Instructional Leadership
Transform teaching and learning environments through curriculum design, pedagogical innovation and academic program management. This specialization targets current and aspiring academic administrators, department chairs, curriculum coordinators and instructional coaches who seek to enhance student outcomes through evidence- based educational practices and faculty development initiatives. This program does not lead to Educational Leadership Certification.
Reading
Become an expert in literacy education, reading assessment and intervention strategies across a variety of populations and educational settings. This specialization prepares professionals to design and implement comprehensive reading programs with advanced knowledge of literacy instruction methodologies. This program does not lead to Reading Certification.
Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM)
Advance STEM teaching and learning through curriculum design, inquiry-based instruction and applied research. This specialization emphasizes principles from the learning sciences, research-based instructional practices, emerging technologies and STEM education policy to prepare professionals to address critical needs in STEM education by combining deep content knowledge with pedagogical expertise and research skills.
The 2026-27 program updates are currently in the approval process. Contact the program director for assistance with questions regarding curriculum and specialization options.
Program Details
Next Start Date: August 17
Credit Hours: 51
Course Length: 16 Weeks
Estimated Program Length: 36 months
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 you solve a real-world educational challenge in your professional setting, generating actionable solutions that create immediate value for your organization and students.
This dissertation model also provides a streamlined support system with clear milestones, committee-centered guidance, professional editing requirements and structured reviews to ensure your successful completion.
This approach ultimately aims to strengthen the profession by developing leaders who can address persistent educational challenges. Graduates of DiP programs are prepared to assume leadership roles as scholar-practitioners who can effectively translate research into practice while generating new knowledge through systematic inquiry.
What You Will Learn
Master cutting-edge research methodologies, including improvement science, action research, single-subject design, program evaluation and policy analysis, focused on developing the skills that translate directly to leadership and change in educational settings.
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
The University of West Florida is a member institution of the Carnegie Project for the Education Doctorate (CPED). This selective membership includes colleges and universities committed to undertaking a critical examination on the education doctorate through dialog, experimentation, critical feedback and evaluation.
UWF also achieved the prestigious Research 2 (R2) High Spending and Doctorate Production designation from the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching. This designation was determined by UWF's total research expenditure amount of $40.454 million in 2023 and the number of research doctorates (29) awarded in the 2022-2023 academic year.
