Program Overview
The Ph.D. and Ed.D. curriculum and instruction program at the University of Kansas is designed for experienced educators who seek to strengthen their leadership capacity and drive meaningful, sustained change in educational settings. This doctoral degree in education emphasizes the application of research to real-world problems of practice, preparing scholar-practitioners to lead improvement efforts in schools, districts, and other learning organizations. Graduates are prepared for advanced roles in curriculum design, instructional leadership, and the thoughtful implementation of educational initiatives.
With a focus on bridging theory and practice, the Ed.D. curriculum and instruction pathway highlights evidence-based strategies, improvement science, and the strategic use of data to enhance teaching and learning. Coursework and applied experiences are structured to help working professionals analyze complex instructional challenges, design responsive curricula, and evaluate program effectiveness across diverse educational environments.
For working professionals, flexibility is key. The Ed.D. curriculum and instruction pathway offered through KU Edwards Campus uses a cohort-based, hybrid structure that blends online coursework with scheduled in-person sessions. This model is intentionally designed to support collaboration, sustained inquiry, and professional networking while allowing students to maintain full-time roles. Although not fully online, the blended format ensures meaningful engagement with faculty and peers while advancing professional responsibilities.
In contrast, the Ph.D. in curriculum and instruction is a research-intensive program grounded in the generation of new knowledge. The Ph.D. option is designed for individuals who seek careers in academia, research institutes, or policy-focused roles. Students in the Ph.D. curriculum and instruction track engage deeply in theoretical study, advanced research methodology, and original scholarship that contributes to the broader field of education. The program culminates in a dissertation that advances curriculum theory, instructional research, or related areas of inquiry.
While both doctoral pathways share a strong foundation in curriculum studies and instructional leadership, the distinctions are clear. The Ed.D. curriculum and instruction degree is practice-oriented, focusing on applied research and leadership for educational improvement. The Ph.D. curriculum and instruction pathway, by comparison, centers on theoretical frameworks, research design, and scholarly publication. Both programs reflect KU’s longstanding strength in curriculum scholarship and are housed within a nationally recognized school of education.
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For more information about the program, visit the program page below.
Ph.D./Ed.D in Curriculum & InstructionKU School of Education and Human Sciences
The Doctorate in Curriculum and Instruction is part of the School of Education and Human Sciences, preparing educators and human science professionals of the future.Doctorate in Curriculum and Instruction Learning Outcomes
Graduates of the Ed.D. curriculum and instruction will:
- Apply advanced theories of curriculum and instruction to problems of educational practice.
- Design, implement, and evaluate improvement initiatives using research-informed methods.
- Lead organizational change that supports equitable and effective learning environments.
- Use data and inquiry processes to inform curriculum development and instructional decision-making.
- Complete a practice-based dissertation that addresses a significant problem in a professional context.
Graduates of the Ph.D. in curriculum and instruction will:
- Demonstrate deep knowledge of curriculum theory, instructional research, and the foundations of education.
- Design and conduct original research that contributes to the scholarly field of curriculum and instruction.
- Employ advanced qualitative, quantitative, or mixed research methodologies.
- Contribute to academic discourse through scholarly writing and dissemination.
- Complete a research-intensive dissertation that advances knowledge in education.
What Careers are Possible with a Doctorate in Curriculum and Instruction?
Earning a Ph.D. or Ed.D. curriculum and instruction degree positions graduates for leadership roles focused on instructional improvement and system-level impact. According to Lightcast, professionals with advanced preparation in curriculum and instruction pursue roles such as:
- Curriculum director
- Instructional coordinator
- District-level instructional leader
- Education consultant
- Higher education administrator
Lightcast data indicates continued demand for instructional leadership roles across K–12 and postsecondary environments, with compensation varying by region, experience, and scope of responsibility.
Graduates of the Ed.D. and Ph.D. in curriculum and instruction often pursue careers in:
- University faculty positions
- Educational research organizations
- Policy research institutes
- Academic program leadership
- Curriculum scholarship and publication
Tuition and Financial Aid
KU offers competitive tuition rates and financial aid options to help make your education affordable. Explore scholarship opportunities, assistantships, and federal aid options by visiting financialaid.ku.edu.Admission Requirements
To apply for the Ph.D. and Ed.D. curriculum and instruction program at KU, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution, including official transcripts.
- Doctoral applicants must have earned a master’s degree or equivalent with at least a 3.5 GPA on a 4.0 scale.
- Two letters of recommendation.
- A statement of purpose declaring the applicant’s interest in the program and its relationship to the applicant’s graduate course of study and/or career objectives.
- Resume/CV.
- Writing sample: an article, paper or other scholarly composition written by the applicant. An appropriate length is 8-10 pages.
For more information about the Ph.D. in Curriculum & Instruction at KU, visit Graduate Admissions.
Student Life and Learning Experience
The Ed.D. curriculum and instruction experience integrates research-driven coursework with applied inquiry. Students engage in:
- Cohort-based collaboration
- Practice-based research projects
- Applied dissertation study
- Professional networking with educational leaders
Ph.D. curriculum and instruction students participate in:
- Faculty-led research initiatives
- Advanced methodology seminars
- Conference presentations and scholarly writing
- Research assistantships (as available)
Across both pathways, doctoral students benefit from a supportive academic community, access to university research resources, and professional development opportunities that strengthen leadership and scholarship.
Doctorate in Curriculum and Instruction Sample Courses
The Ed.D. curriculum and instruction coursework covers essential topics in curriculum design, instructional leadership, and educational research. Sample courses include:
- Curriculum Planning for Educational Settings
- Quantitative Methods for Research in Educational Leadership
- Fostering Teacher Growth and Inquiry
- Mixed Methods Research
For a full list of courses and program details, visit the KU Catalog.
Students in the Ph.D. curriculum and instruction program take courses that build expertise in curriculum development, research methodologies, and instructional leadership. Sample courses include:
- Foundations of Curriculum Development
- Education as a Field of Scholarship
- Understanding Research in Education
- Teaching and Learning in the College Classroom
For a complete list of courses, visit the KU Catalog.
Doctorate in Curriculum and Instruction Frequently Asked Questions
When should I apply?
Applications are due May 1.
How long will it take to complete the degree?
Students typically complete this degree in four years.
Is the degree completely remote?
The degree is available remote or in person.
Why Pursue a Ph.D. Curriculum and Instruction at KU?
The Ph.D. Curriculum and Instruction program offers a rigorous academic experience that empowers students to explore innovative approaches to teaching and learning. This program emphasizes both theoretical frameworks and practical applications, equipping graduates to address educational challenges at various levels.
KU’s faculty are experienced scholars who provide mentorship and support throughout the research process. As a student in the Ph.D. Curriculum and Instruction program, you will engage in meaningful research that influences educational practices in diverse environments.