Education - EdD

Emma Eccles Jones College of Education and Human Services

School of Teacher Education and Leadership

Education, Interdepartmental Doctoral Program in Curriculum and Instruction, and EdD

Faculty: Faculty are listed with participating programs and departments (e.g., School of Teacher Education and Leadership, and Agricultural Systems Technology and Education Department)

Degrees offered: Doctorate of Education (EdD)

Graduate specialization: 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 in education or a closely related field.
4. A statement of purpose essay (500 words).
5. Applicants to the Curriculum and Instruction EdD degrees must have two years of experience in education.

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

Planned Program

To complete a doctorate degree, a minimum of 46 total credits is required for students with a master’s degree. A student must:

• Complete a Unifying Curriculum and Instruction Program of Studies Core (13 semester credits) and a Research Methods Core (12 semester credits).
• Complete a planned program of supporting electives, as approved by the student’s supervisory committee.
• 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.
• Complete and satisfactorily defend a doctoral research study directed and judged by a supervisory committee of faculty.
• 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. 

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 education 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.

School of Graduate Studies Requirements

Degree Verification

• A bachelor’s degree from an accredited U. S. college or university or a similarly recognized international university is required for admission to and completion of a graduate program.
• Overall Graduate GPA at least 3.0 and no grades of C- or lower;
• Graduate students are required to maintain at least a 3.0 GPA for degree-program courses. Grades of C- or lower will not be accepted for a graduate degree.

Course Number Acceptability

• The Program of Study for a master’s degree or a doctoral degree, if the student has a master’s degree, must include at least 15 semester credits at the level of 6000 or above.
• Credits in the following areas are not acceptable in a degree program: foreign languages (unless included in an approved Program of Study), continuing graduate advisement, individual home study, military science, and courses numbered below 3000.

Matriculation Start Semester
A master’s degree must be completed within six years of entering the degree program. Additional time may be requested by the student’s committee and submitted to the Vice Provost of Graduate Studies for review

USU Residency Requirement
Required forms:

• program of study
• supervisory committee
• appointment of exam
• application for candidacy 
• record of exam
• dissertation library approvals