Doctor of Education in Curriculum and Instruction

Become an instructional leader who can create and strategically manage effective processes related to curriculum, instruction, and assessment.

Through the Doctor of Education in Curriculum and Instruction, candidates deepen their understanding of educational practices and develop the tools needed to provide professional leadership in curriculum, teacher education, and professional development in schools.

The purpose of the program is to prepare curriculum leaders through coursework, research, and seminars within an environment grounded in Christian principles and values. The program provides both the depth of a focused concentration and the breadth of a cross-disciplinary perspective, preparing leaders who can shape educational practice at multiple levels

Curriculum

What You’ll Learn

Schools and organizations are dynamic institutions shaped by powerful and influential interests. As a result, they must continually respond to changing economic, political, social, and technological environments.

Through the Doctor of Education in Curriculum and Instruction program, candidates will deepen their knowledge and strengthen their skills in curriculum leadership and design, professional learning, family and community engagement, needs analysis, program evaluation, and research methods. These experiences prepare them to lead collaborative improvement efforts, use research and data to inform practice, and support meaningful change in schools, districts, and educational organizations.

The Doctor of Education in Curriculum and Instruction program goals are:

1. To foster a collaborative culture to support educator development and student learning;
2. To access and use research to improve practice and student learning;
3. To promote professional learning for continuous learning;
4. To facilitate improvements in instruction and student learning;
5. To promote the use of assessments and data for school and district improvement;
6. To improve outreach and collaboration with families and community;
7. To advocate for student learning and the profession.

Gardner-Webb University’s College of Education provides a learning environment that supports Christian values in the classroom. Through the program, candidates gain valuable professional preparation to advance their careers and support student success. They also benefit from spiritual support that prepares them for ethical and inspired leadership.

Available Programs

Doctor of Education in Curriculum & Instruction

Candidates in the Doctor of Education in Curriculum and Instruction program must hold at least a master’s degree from a regionally accredited institution and have a minimum 3.0 grade point average in all graduate-level coursework. A minimum of three years of experience is preferred, and a teacher’s license is required. Applicants who do not hold a teaching license must provide a letter describing their teaching experience.

Candidates take 6 or 12 credit hours each semester for the first two years of the program. After completing the coursework sequence, candidates enroll in 3 credit hours of dissertation coursework each semester until the dissertation is complete.

The 60-credit-hour program is offered in a hybrid format that includes virtual coursework and face-to-face weekend sessions. Candidates participate in both synchronous and asynchronous virtual classes and attend class three weekends each semester. Weekend sessions meet on Saturdays from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and Sundays from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Additional information, including descriptions of specific concentrations and their corresponding credit hours, is available in the Academic Catalog.

Outcomes

What You’ll Do

Upon completion of the program, candidates will earn a Doctor of Education in Curriculum and Instruction and will be eligible to take the Praxis exam required for licensure as a Curriculum and Instructional Specialist. Candidates will develop the professional knowledge, practical expertise, and leadership capacity needed to serve effectively in curriculum leadership roles.