Mar 28, 2024  
2010-2011 General Catalog 
    
2010-2011 General Catalog ARCHIVED CATALOG: To search archives, MUST use search box to left. Current catalog: catalog.usu.edu.

Curriculum and Instruction, EdD


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Education, Interdepartmental Doctoral Program in Curriculum and Instruction


Director, Curriculum and Instruction Doctoral Program:

Martha L. Whitaker, Associate Department Head, School of Teacher Education and Leadership

Location: Emma Eccles Jones Education 399
Phone: (435) 797-0384
FAX: (435) 797-0372
E-mail: martha.whitaker@usu.edu
WWW: http://teal.usu.edu/htm/graduate-programs/

Faculty: Faculty are listed with participating programs and departments (e.g., Elementary Education Program, Secondary Education Program, Engineering and Technology Education Department, and Agricultural Systems Technology and Education Department)

Degrees offered: Doctorate of Education (EdD) and Doctorate of Philosophy (PhD)

Graduate specialization: PhD or EdD—Curriculum and Instruction

Admission Requirements

For admission information, contact: Dean, School of Graduate Studies, Utah State University, 0900 Old Main Hill, Logan UT 84322-0900; telephone (435) 797-1189; FAX (435) 797-1192; or visit: http://www.usu.edu/graduateschool/

To be evaluated against established criteria, students must submit to the School of Graduate Studies at Utah State University an Application for Admission along with the following:

  1. A copy of transcripts of both undergraduate and graduate credits from all colleges or universities attended. An average grade of B (3.0) or better is required during the last two years of undergraduate work and for all graduate work.
  2. Three letters of recommendation (required). At least two of these letters should come from individuals who can evaluate the student’s academic abilities. All letters should address the student’s potential for successful graduate study.
  3. Documentation of a master’s degree or equivalent coursework related to an area of specialization, or a statement of why admission is sought without a master’s degree.
  4. An official report of the Graduate Record Examination (GRE), including both the Verbal and the Quantitative subtests.
  5. Evidence of writing competency.
  6. A statement of specific reasons for wanting to enroll in the Curriculum and Instruction doctoral program. This essay is completed as part of the School of Graduate Studies online application.

Applicants to the Curriculum and Instruction PhD and EdD degrees must have the equivalent of two years of appropriate teaching experience.

General Information About Doctorate in Curriculum and Instruction (C & I)

Both the Doctorate of Education (EdD) and the Doctorate of Philosophy (PhD) degrees are offered through the School of Teacher Education and Leadership (TEAL) in the Emma Eccles Jones College of Education and Human Services (CEHS). The C & I specialization prepares graduates for leadership, teaching, and research positions in curriculum and instruction.

The EdD degree program is intended for students who wish to be better prepared to (1) understand and deal effectively with curricular and instructional problems as administrators, supervisors, and curriculum specialists in public or private educational institutions and settings; and (2) teach in community colleges, four-year colleges, and universities. Areas of emphasis within the EdD include early childhood; engineering and technology education; instructional leadership; literacy; math education and leadership; and cultural studies. The PhD degree program is intended for students who wish to be better prepared to (1) fulfill roles in teaching and research in colleges, universities, and education-related fields; and (2) conduct and direct research and development activities in public and private educational settings or in the corporate sector. Areas of emphasis are more flexible within the Curriculum and Instruction PhD program and are developed by each student with his or her doctoral committee.

Planned Program

To complete a doctorate degree (PhD or EdD), a minimum of 60 total credits are required for students with a master’s degree, and a minimum of 90 total credits are required for students without a master’s degree. A student must:

  1. Complete a Unifying Curriculum and Instruction Program of Studies Core (12-15 semester credits) and a Research and Statistics Core (12 semester credits).
  2. Complete a planned program of supporting electives, as approved by the student’s supervisory committee.
  3. Pass a written comprehensive examination. This exam must be satisfactorily completed before the student advances to candidacy. Advancement to candidacy also requires an approved dissertation proposal.
  4. Present at a professional conference.
  5. Submit for publication an approved manuscript.
  6. Complete and satisfactorily defend a doctoral research study directed and judged by a supervisory committee of faculty.
  7. Complete all final requirements, as specified by the Curriculum and Instruction specialization, the Emma Eccles Jones College of Education and Human Services, and the School of Graduate Studies.

Resident Coursework

The Doctorate of Philosophy degree (PhD) requires three semesters of full-time registration in residency with a minimum of two semesters of consecutive residency. Completion of 33 credits in residence on the Logan campus is required.

The Doctorate of Education degree (EdD) requires at least three semesters in full-time residency, but they need not be consecutive. At least two semesters must be spent on campus prior to registering for dissertation credit. Completion of 39 credits must be completed in residence.

It is strongly recommended that the applicant enroll on campus the first semester after admission, so that appropriate program planning can be completed.

Research

Each student must complete a significant research study; present at a professional conference; and prepare an article for publication in an appropriate journal, based on the completed research and/or program of study.

Financial Assistance

Students should contact department heads for all inquiries regarding assistantships and tuition waivers. Applications for University assistantships, fellowships, and all financial aid are processed through department offices. For a listing of fellowships and scholarships, see the Graduate Financial Assistance  section of this catalog.

Career Opportunities

The doctoral specialization prepares educational leaders for positions as college and university researchers and teachers in education and education-related fields. Recipients of the doctorate degree are also prepared to conduct and direct research and development activities in public or private educational agencies or in the corporate sector; teach in community colleges, four-year colleges, and universities; serve as supervisors and curriculum specialists in public or private educational institutions and settings; and serve in a variety of other careers.

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