Educational Leadership (Curriculum & Instruction), Ed.D.

The Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) program in educational leadership with a specialization in curriculum and instruction prepares graduates for a variety of leadership roles in the community, PreK-12 system, nonprofit, or government. Program graduates typically continue to advance in their careers as instructional coordinators, curriculum specialists, educational consultants and other related roles.

Our program focuses on the preparation of curriculum and instruction specialists and professionals. The specialization provides an in-depth study of curriculum and instruction as it relates to the influences of history, politics and culture in shaping schools and society.

We critically examine equity, social justice and agency in contexts that are culturally and linguistically rich to examine the nuances of the relationship between culture and learning. Further, you will develop a critical and reflexive understanding of who we are as educators and curriculum specialists, and what education has the potential to do/be in this society. Finally, as a doctoral candidate, you will analytically engage in understanding curriculum and instruction from a global perspective.

The Ed.D. in educational leadership specialization in curriculum and iInstruction requires 60 credits of coursework and successful completion of the comprehensive examination and dissertation requirements. The program of study includes leadership core courses which provide a foundation in leadership and organizational theory and practice.

Other courses in the leadership core help you develop skills and knowledge in research methodology. Additionally, you will complete concentration core courses, which prepare you for advanced study of and work in curriculum and instruction. The curriculum is designed to connect theory and practice and help you become more effective scholar-practitioners and leaders in educational settings.

All students are required to complete an internship and take a corresponding internship course (3 credits). You may participate in an international study abroad internship or may select from two other options that include a focus on: government institutions or educational organizations.

The program delivery format is hybrid, with a combination of synchronous face-to-face instruction and asynchronous online instruction. This typically means that students meet for synchronous face-to-face class sessions bi-weekly.

During asynchronous online weeks, students are responsible for completing readings, engaging in discussions with peers, and other activities related to course content. Consistent with our commitment to applied and experiential learning, program faculty strive for a high level of social presence during asynchronous online weeks.

The program also features a distance education option for students who reside outside of the Wilmington area. These students attend the synchronous face-to-face class sessions using Zoom, a platform that allows them to be part of the classroom experience virtually.

Graduates of the educational leadership doctoral program will be able to:

• Integrate social justice principles into practice
• Engage in research, evaluation, and data-driven decision making to contribute to education practice, policy, and theory
• Lead systemic organizational change to facilitate educational reform;
• Demonstrate flexibility and adaptability in order to be successful in rapidly changing, complex environments (e.g., technology, problem-solving)
• Critically examine and imagine ways to change how our work as educational leaders is situated in economic, political and cultural systems
• Develop a raised consciousness of global education policies and practices

We encourage applicants working in the nonprofit sector, policy organizations and in instructional positions related to curriculum and instruction.

Successful program applicants are able to explain how a doctoral degree fits in their career trajectory and how the educational and professional experiences have prepared them for a rigorous academic program.