What will I study?
The Ed.D. in Educational Practice and Innovation with a concentration in Curriculum Studies can be completed 100% online and is designed to provide educators with an in-depth knowledge and understanding of diverse communities. Additionally, you will learn how to utilize an equity framework to both identify and address problems of practice in various academic settings. The program is informed by the Carnegie Project on the Education Doctorate Consortium.
You will not be on your own as you complete this program. You will have ongoing support from your faculty advisor and a dedicated student services staff in the College of Education. You will also connect and interact with your instructors and classmates from around the country through innovative instructional methods. Even though you may not be on campus, you will be part of a dynamic and connected learning community.
What kinds of work will I be able to do?
The online Ed.D. program will prepare you to become a curriculum specialist in PK—12, higher education, or the private sector. As a graduate of our program, you will also be equipped to serve as a classroom teacher at the PK – 12th grade level, college professor, school- or, district-level administrator.
Please Note: this degree does not include administrative certification.
What kinds of research will I be able to do?
Research in the program is centered on potential problems of practice in educational settings. Your research will culminate in your writing a Dissertation in Practice that is strategically focused on promoting the inclusion of educators in identifying and addressing P-20+ educational problems. The Dissertation in Practice is embedded throughout the program to help you complete your degree in a timely fashion.
Special Tuition Rates
South Carolina certified teachers pay a reduced tuition rate.
Out-of-state students admitted to this program pay regular South Carolina resident
tuition rate:
| Tuition Rates | South Carolina Certified Teachers | All Other Applicants |
|---|---|---|
| Per Credit Hour | $515* | $572.25 |
| Estimated Total Program Tuition including Fees | $33,898* | $37,333 |
*This rate applies for SC resident certified teachers completing fewer than 12 hours
per semester. These fees and rates are subject to change and are effective for the 2024-2025 Academic
Year. See Specially Priced Online Degree Programs information on the fee schedule and the Graduate One Rate estimated cost to attend based on averages across all university programs.
Financial Aid
Most students in this program receive assistance through loans and other forms of aid. Complete your FAFSA to be considered for these aid programs.
Coursework
Courses are offered online in a convenient 8-week format.
Sample Program of Study (courses may vary)
12 Credit Hour Core
- EDCS 720 Introduction to Diversity and the Curriculum
- EDCS 820 Advanced Study of Diversity and Curriculum
- EDET 709 Applications of Learning Principles
- EDLP 755 Educational Policy Analysis
24 Credit Hours in the Concentration and Cognate
- EDCS 722 - Racial & Ethnic Diversity and the Curriculum
- EDCS 724 - Gender Diversity in Schools and Communities
- EDCS 725 - Principles of Curriculum Construction
- EDCS 726 - Curriculum Leadership
- EDCS 824 - Curriculum Seminar
- EDCS 710—Diversity Training for Staff Development
- EDCS 729—Organizational Change in Education
- EDCS 823—Curriculum Inquiry
- EDRM 723—Classroom Assessment Methods
- EDRM 801—Principles and Applications of Educational Research
- EDCS 812—Principles of Action Research
- EDCS 813—Advanced Action Research
12 Credit Hours in Dissertation Preparation and Writing
What is the application process like?
- Official Transcripts
- 2 Letters of Recommendation – Submit 2 letters of recommendation from people who can speak to your ability to matriculate into this doctoral program and complete a dissertation.
- Personal Statement - Describe how the Ed.D. in Educational Practice and Innovation
and your selected area of concentration is a good fit for you. The statement should
include:
- specific details describing how this program is a good fit for you
- how the program supports your professional goals
- an identified Problem of Practice for the Dissertation in Practice
- any evidence of research methods, including action research, expertise.
- CV or Resume
- Recent Scholarly Writing Sample (e.g., graduate level paper from previous coursework or publication) with applicant as sole author and using American Psychological Association (APA) citations and references