Doctoral Degree in Curriculum and Instruction
OVERVIEW
Who is this program for?
The doctorate (Ed.D.) in Curriculum & Instruction prepares you to conduct research, teach, and/or assume leadership roles in the field of curriculum & instruction. Graduates of this program pursue a variety of career opportunities, including: becoming a college or university faculty member; assuming advanced leadership positions in schools, districts, and state governments; working for curriculum development companies or in private consulting.
Program Overview
The University of Kentucky’s Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) in Curriculum & Instruction empowers experienced educators, instructional analysts, and future academic leaders to transform learning across diverse educational environments. The program combines rigorous coursework, mentorship by a dedicated advisory committee, comprehensive written and oral qualifying exams, and an original dissertation grounded in real-world challenges.
With three areas of emphasis—General Curriculum & Instruction, Learning Design & Technology, and Literacy Education—students develop specialist expertise and leadership capacity in fields ranging from college teaching and curriculum design to technology-enhanced instruction and literacy research. Throughout their doctoral journey, scholars benefit from hands-on teaching, research assistantships, and collaboration opportunities, supported by assistantships and fellowships that foster academic growth and professional advancement.
Admission Requirements
Please view the Graduate School's Admission Requirements. If there are Program Specific Requirements listed below, those will also apply.
Application Requirements
Please view the application requirements for the Graduate School. If there are Program Specific Requirements listed below, those will also apply.
Program Specific Requirements
- CV/Resume
- Academic writing sample
- Personal statement
- Contact information for 3 references
Application Deadlines
Domestic Students
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Fall
- 05/15/2025
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Spring
- 11/15/2025
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Summer
- 04/18/2025
International Students
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Fall
- 04/15/2025
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Spring
- 09/15/2025
FIND OUT EXACTLY
What You'll Learn
Each student’s program is guided by a major professor and advisory committee throughout the graduate career. A qualifying exam consisting of written and oral components is required. Each student must also present a dissertation which is the result of original research. Also, doctoral students are encouraged to enhance their doctoral preparation through teaching, research, and other service opportunities available through the department and the college.
The doctorate in Curriculum & Instruction has three possible areas of emphasis or specializations:
- General Ed.D. in Curriculum & Instruction (described above)
- Emphasis in Learning Design and Technology
- Emphasis in Literacy Education
Degree requirements, course descriptions and academic policies for all programs are detailed in the University Catalog.
Explore Funding Options
As a graduate student, there are additional opportunities for student funding. Once you are admitted into a degree-bearing graduate program at UK, you can apply for a wide variety of financial assistance, including assistantships and fellowships. These opportunities can be tied to your program’s availability, so you should inquire with your program director about opportunities available within your program!
Program Specific Funding Opportunities
A variety of assistantships, including teaching assistantships, research assistantships, and general graduate assistantships, are available for Curriculum & Instruction doctoral students. These assistantships can help graduate students finance their studies by paying for all or some tuition costs and/or providing stipends. In addition, our department can support doctoral students in applying for various fellowships and scholarships that are available through the university or the college.
Get More Information
Complete the form to get the latest updates on this program, including special events and application deadlines.
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