Curriculum Instruction Assessment and Evaluation–PhD in Education

This specialization is designed for educators who want to influence positive educational change and improve student and school performance through ongoing research in curriculum, instruction, assessment, and evaluation. Coursework focuses on developing professional expertise through in-depth research. Students gain the ability to effectively design, modify, and evaluate curriculum and assessment practices using a systems approach. Educators in this PhD in Education program will be equipped with skills in program evaluation; strategic planning; curriculum mapping; and systems, technology, and curriculum audits. In addition, students learn to develop evidence-based action plans that will positively impact any educational application and provide opportunities for realizing meaningful and sustainable social change.

Learning Outcomes

As a graduate of this program, you will be prepared to:

Utilize technology to support learning for a diverse student population.
Improve teacher effectiveness to promote learner-centered practices.
Utilize knowledge of educational trends/issues in education to promote positive change in school and community environments.
Promote continuous improvement in learning and teaching.
Practice ethically in the profession.
Address curriculum, instruction, and assessment issues.
Apply CIAE content area knowledge and methodology to execute meaningful and sustainable social change initiatives within any educational practice.
Collaborate with diverse stakeholders, including families, school, and community members, in order to advocate for student needs.
Demonstrate the ability to conduct research that positively impacts social change.

Curriculum

Foundation Course (5 cr.)

Core Courses (5 cr.)

EDPD 8005 - Diffusion of Technological Innovations in the Workplace

Specialization Courses (30 cr.)

Doctoral Support Courses (6 cr.)

Core Research Sequence (15 cr.)

Courses composing the core research sequence are conducted online and require weekly readings, participation in discussions, and assignment completion. Course instructors guide discussions and evaluate discussion and application assignments. RSCH 8100 OR RSCH 8110 must be completed prior to Residency 2 of the academic residencies. RSCH 8200 OR RSCH 8210 and RSCH 8300 OR RSCH 8310 must be completed prior to beginning the dissertation or attending Residency 3.

Advanced Research Course (5 cr.)

Those enrolled in this specialization are required to complete an advanced research course. The university offers three advanced research courses: quantitative, qualitative, and mixed-methods. When the prospectus is approved, students will take the advanced research course selected as the methodology approved for the dissertation.

Students are required to complete one of the following courses:

Numbers changed below and they will now each be 5 credits.

RSCH 8260 - Advanced Quantitative Reasoning and Analysis
RSCH 8360 - Advanced Qualitative Reasoning and Analysis
RSCH 8460 - Advanced Mixed-Methods Reasoning and Analysis

Dissertation (20 cr.)

EDPD 8990 - Completing the Dissertation

Course Sequence

Year	Term	Course	Credits
1	1	EDPD 8002 - Leading the Future of Education♦ OR EDPD 8006 - Leading the Future of Education♦	5 cr.
	2	EDPD 8050 - Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment: A Systems Perspective	5 cr.
	2	EDPD 8051 - Data-Driven Instruction and Assessment	5 cr.
	3	RSCH 8100 - Research Theory, Design, and Methods OR RSCH 8110 - Research Theory, Design, and Methods♦	5 cr.
	3	EDPD 8052 - Evaluating Curriculum to Promote Positive Social Change♦	5 cr.
	4	EDPD 8053 - Program Evaluation for Continuous Improvement	5 cr.
	4	EDPD 8003 - Tools for Doctoral Research Success	2 cr.
2	5	RSCH 8200 - Quantitative Reasoning and Analysis OR RSCH 8210 - Quantitative Reasoning and Analysis♦	5 cr.
	5	EDPD 8005 - Diffusion of Technological Innovations in the Workplace	5 cr.
	6	EDPD 8054 - Examining Current Practices in Curriculum, Instruction, Assessment, and Evaluation	5 cr.
	6	EDPD 8004 - Demystifying Doctoral Writing for Research	2 cr.
	7	RSCH 8300 - Qualitative Reasoning and Analysis OR RSCH 8310 - Qualitative Reasoning and Analysis♦	5 cr.
	7	EDPD 8055 - Research Development and Strategic Planning	5 cr.
	8	EDPD 8900 - Completing the Prospectus	2 cr.
	8	RSCH 8260 - Advanced Quantitative Reasoning and Analysis OR RSCH 8360 - Advanced Qualitative Reasoning and Analysis OR RSCH 8460 - Advanced Mixed-Methods Reasoning and Analysis	5 cr.
3	9–12	EDPD 8990 - Completing the Dissertation	20 cr.

Students will be registered for two courses every 11 weeks, following the completion of their foundation course. Students who wish to reduce their course load during one or more terms should contact their academic advisor.

Note on Certification

This program is not intended to lead to teacher certification. Teachers are advised to contact their individual school districts as to whether this program may qualify for salary advancement.