Best Online Doctorate in Curriculum and Instruction

Students earning an online doctorate in curriculum and instruction degree learn to assess, design, and implement changes in curriculum and instruction, often for preK-12 educational programs. Graduates emerge with either a doctor of philosophy (Ph.D.) or doctor of education (Ed.D.) degree, which signifies they have completed the highest level of study in their field.

Programs typically cover subjects such as instructional leadership, curriculum assessment and development, research theories, qualitative methods in curriculum and instruction, instructional design and technological integration, and curriculum and diversity. Students devote significant time to research in the curriculum and instruction field, and they hone their abilities in curriculum evaluation.

Typically designed to meet the needs of midcareer professionals in education, an online doctorate in curriculum and instruction program combines advanced online coursework with a culminating dissertation or practicum experience that integrates theory and practice.

Prospective students should note the varying career tracks open to those with a Ph.D. or an Ed.D. For example, a Ph.D. in curriculum and instruction often leads to a career in research or a teaching position at a college or university. Meanwhile, learners with an Ed.D. in curriculum and instruction typically fill administrative or leadership positions in education as well as positions in curriculum design and instruction.

When researching a Ph.D. in curriculum and instruction online program, consider your schedule and availability, learning style, and financial situation. Some programs offer entirely online programs that distance learners complete from virtually any location with internet access. Alternatively, hybrid formats require some in-classroom work. Be sure your program also offers what is best for your lifestyle. Students with financial concerns may find it advantageous to investigate in-state programs, as these tend to be the most affordable options.

Whichever route you choose, you should set aside several weeks to research programs before you apply. Students spend several years in doctoral programs, and you want to find a school that meets your educational and financial needs.

When researching prospective schools, distance learners should consider only college and universities with regional or national accreditation. These designations ensure that your program meets certain academic standards and offers quality training. The more prestigious designation is regional accreditation, often awarded to schools with academically focused programs at the associate through doctoral levels. Nationally accredited schools also meet high standards of educational quality and typically offer career-focused programs. Online doctoral programs in curriculum and instruction may also hold programmatic accreditation from the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation.

Both private organizations and the federal government take part in the accreditation process. The Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) is a private membership organization that represents over 3,000 colleges and universities and 60 institutional and programmatic accrediting organizations. CHEA holds institutions to high educational standards and ensures a positive relationship with other accrediting bodies and the government. The Department of Education (ED) approves accreditors, both national and regional, and ensures they possess the expertise to determine educational quality. For students to receive federal aid from the government, their school must hold accreditation from an ED-recognized body.

The duration of your online Ph.D. in education curriculum and instruction program depends on your availability and the graduation requirements set forth by your department. Doctoral distance learners typically complete 91–120 credits over the course of 3–4 years. In addition to coursework, Ph.D. degree seekers usually need to complete a final capstone project or write a traditional doctoral dissertation. The research and writing for the dissertation, alone, may take up to two years. While all students progress through doctoral programs at different rates, especially during their final years, full-time distance learners can expect to spend no less than four years earning the degree.

Professionals with a Ph.D. in curriculum and instruction online may wish to pursue further certifications. These credentials increase your employability in specialty areas of the field or allow you to seek jobs with public and private schools. Additionally, certifications can increase your earning potential. Most states require professionals in educational and administrative roles in the school system to possess a teaching or administrative certification. Ph.D. holders with a certification in a specialty area may also pursue jobs as departmental chairs at the college level or find employment as a specialist in grade schools or high schools.

The following three certifications may prove useful for professionals with training in curriculum and instruction in varying career tracks.

Job seekers with an online doctorate in education curriculum and instruction pursue a variety of exciting careers. In a variety of positions including teaching and administrative roles, these professionals carry out many essential functions in public and private school systems as well as education-focused companies around the world. Workers in this field are organized team players. They focus on the needs of their schools or organizations and develop coherent strategies to meet their goals. The following list highlights some popular careers for graduates of online doctoral programs in curriculum and instruction.

These professionals design and implement effective educational frameworks in the classroom. They coordinate projects with senior management and assist with teacher training courses.

These specialists work for schools and private education companies to develop educational performance assessment materials. They test to determine student placements and assess their progress over time. Many assessment specialists have prior teaching experience.

Instructional designers develop and implement various types of learning curricula or modules based on scientific research. They work for schools and companies to develop learning materials for children, adults, employees, and customers based on needs and company strategies.

Principals oversee virtually every aspect of high school administration. They work to improve the educational environment around their schools and offer disciplinary actions for students, teachers, and staff as needed.

These administrators, as heads of the school system or district, work full time around the year on staffing issues, hiring and removing employees as needed, and budgetary plans. They work with school boards and principals to make sure schools meet their educational goals within their budgets.