The Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) in Curriculum and Instruction with a focus on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) is a program for educational leaders who wish to advance their careers. The doctoral degree will address the needs of professionals in the K-14 education sector who seek to improve their practice, positively impact their institutions, and advance their professional careers. The program will also address the needs of professionals employed in the informal education sector such as those who work at zoos, museums, educational outreach and community centers as well as other educational-related STEM industries.
Prior to admission to the Ed.D. program, the student is expected to have the following:
Completed application:
- A standard university application is required.
Completed the following special requirements:
- Master’s Degree from an Accredited Institution.
- Official transcripts from each accredited institution sent to the Office of Admissions.
- Resume
- Letter of intent. Please include within your 2-page, double-spaced letter:
- a paragraph that explains why you want admittance into a doctoral program,
- a paragraph that describes an event/project that you led in your organization (or unit) that you believe is a predictor of your success in a doctoral program, and
- 2 - 3 paragraphs that describe problems of practice you think you would like to explore during your doctoral studies and what impact you would like to have in your future profession, OR
- 2 - 3 paragraphs that demonstrate that you are well-versed in the knowledge-base of your discipline or field of expertise (using research as evidence)
- Three reference forms - At least one reference must be from a supervisor or other administrator familiar with the applicant’s work. If possible, at least one of the Reference Forms should be from a professor involved in the applicant’s master’s program.
- If applicable, provide a letter from an employer confirming support of the applicant’s pursuit of the Ed.D. and willingness to allow fieldwork within the organization. Click to view the form letter: Letter of Support.
Once a student is admitted, any course in which the student makes a grade of C- or below cannot be counted toward the doctoral program. Doctoral students may count one course on their program with a grade of either C+ or C. All other grades must be B- or greater. An overall grade point average (GPA) of 3.000 must be maintained.
The time frame for completion of the doctoral program is seven years from the start of the program. At the end of the seventh year, a doctoral candidate is allowed to petition the Associate Dean for a one-year extension if the candidate’s dissertation proposal has been approved. The candidate can petition the COE associate dean for a second and final one-year extension to complete the dissertation.
Check prerequisites before enrolling in any courses.
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