Curriculum and Instruction
Become a leader in higher education, administration or government agencies to transform educational practices and policies.
Impact Students at Any Level
If you are seeking a flexible program designed to fit your goals and needs, our Doctor of Education in Curriculum and Instruction program is a great choice. You'll develop the necessary background and expertise for careers such as university teaching, curriculum planning, consultant work, and positions in government agencies that allow you to transform educational practices and policies.
Our program prepares students through four key doctoral competencies: teaching, writing academic publications, seeking external funding through grant opportunities, and engaging in meaningful service to the teaching profession. These competencies are essential for careers as teacher education professors.
Become a leading authority in education and create effective learning environments as a curriculum and instruction student at USD.
Degrees & Offerings
Curriculum & Instruction (Ed.D.)
DoctorateThis doctorate is intended for those who choose careers as a professor in teacher education programs at the collegiate level, as well as those interested in becoming master teachers, curriculum and instruction specialists, supervisory personnel, academic coordinators in school systems and educational specialists in state departments. Coursework for the major area may be taken in elementary, secondary, special or STEM education to allow for individual needs and goals. Students should address their interests at the time of application to the program. A three-credit internship is required for the doctorate. Ninety credit hours beyond a bachelor's degree or sixty credit hours beyond a master's degree are required.
Program Details
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Known for Excellence
Build proficiency in your ability to understand qualitative, quantitative and mixed methods of research through research methods and statistics courses.
Coursework may be taken in elementary, secondary, special or STEM education to allow for individual needs and goals.
STUDENT OPPORTUNITIES
As a student at USD, the opportunities available to you extend beyond the classroom. Explore your interests, find your community and experience your education to the fullest extent through the following opportunities.
An Affordable Education
Gain valuable real-world, professional experience while enjoying paid employment and discounted tuition rates as a graduate student at USD. The affordability you gain through graduate assistantships and fellowships will equip you with valuable, professional-level skills that will set you apart after graduation.
Teaching and research assistantships are awarded by individual departments. If you do not receive an assistantship within your department, you are eligible for an assistantship outside of your academic program or within support offices (non-academic units) at USD. Further inquiries should be directed to the graduate director of the department.
Real Experience Through Research
You'll find the mentorship and opportunities you need to study topics that spark your curiosity.
At USD, you can actively pursue unique research, present at local and national conferences and explore innovative areas that interest you. Learn more about resources and research opportunities for USD graduate students.
Departments & Facilities
Teacher Residency and Education
The Division of Teacher Residency & Education is focused on preparing effective, responsive teachers who can meet the needs of all students in today's schools. Through unique features such as a robust yearlong residency, an emphasis on technology and curriculum that recognizes a variety of learners, our division offers an enriching education for educators and leaders.
Center for Student and Professional Services
The School of Education offers resources and support for you in the Center for Student and Professional Services (CSPS). Our faculty and staff are committed to preparing you with resources to help you excel personally, academically and professionally.
Faculty & staff
Daniel Mourlam
Susan Gapp
Kevin Reins
John Williams
Gain Specialized Professional Skills
The program allows flexibility to take elective coursework in many areas to focus on disciplines most appropriate to your specialized professional needs.
- Elementary Education (ELED)
- Secondary Education (SEED)
- Special Education (SPED)
- American Indian Education (INED)
- STEM Education
- Technology Integration and Coaching
Surprisingly Affordable
Whether you’ve recently completed your undergraduate degree, or you want to kick your career up a notch, graduate school is the next logical step. The good news is there is funding for both online and on-campus students to get you through your program.Graduate Tuition & Costs
Learn more about tuition and fees for undergraduate students and see how your out-of-pocket costs at USD compare to those at other colleges and universities. Visit the Graduate Tuition & Costs Detailed page for program specific costs and fees.
Financial Aid
Navigating options for how to pay for college can be challenging, but you are not alone. The Office of Financial Aid will work with you and your family to explore how you can make your college education even more affordable.
Graduate Assistantships
USD offers opportunities for grad students to earn a reduced tuition rate in exchange for their teaching, research and service efforts to the university.
