Best Online Curriculum and Instruction Doctoral Programs
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Editor & Writer
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If you want to impact K-12 or postsecondary education, an online doctorate in curriculum and instruction may be for you. An educational doctorate (Ed.D.) opens up administrative and leadership positions within higher education and K-12 administration. A Ph.D. prepares you for more academic roles in research and professorship in college.
If you're ready to step into these advanced leadership roles, you've come to the right place. On this page, you can explore our rankings of the best online doctorate in curriculum and instruction programs and learn why pursuing a doctorate in curriculum and instruction can be a valuable investment for your career in academia.
Featured Online Doctorate in Curriculum and Instruction Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Best Online Doctorate in Curriculum and Instruction Programs
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We use datasets from trusted sources like the National Center for Education Statistics to inform the data for these schools and our methodologies. This ranking is from 2020. To learn more, check out our full ranking methodologies.
Why Should I Get an Online Doctorate in Curriculum and Instruction?
A doctorate in curriculum and instruction teaches you educational theory and how to analyze student data to understand the classroom, how students learn, and the best teaching practices for the students you oversee.
Though many curriculum and instruction careers require at least a master's degree, a doctorate can boost your earning potential and prepare you for advanced higher education, secondary school administration, and teaching roles.
Benefits of Getting a Doctorate in Curriculum and Instruction
- Enhance your expertise in curriculum theory to influence the future of education.
- Go into varied fields and administrative professions within education.
- Access increased networking opportunities with other educational leaders.
Reasons to Get Your Doctorate in Curriculum and Instruction Online
- Complete your studies on your own time at your own pace.
- They're generally more affordable than on-campus doctoral programs.
- Eliminate on-campus costs like room and board and travel fees.
- You can continue working and maintain other responsibilities while pursuing your degree.
What to Expect in an Online Doctorate in Curriculum and Instruction Program
An online doctorate in curriculum and instruction will teach you educational theory, student learning assessment strategies, cultural competency, advanced research methods, and instructional technology. You can also choose between the E.D. and Ph.D., which will tailor your program towards a more administrative or academic path.
Within each type of degree program are concentrations that further specify the skills and field you want to enter. Here are a few possible specializations:
- Higher education teaching
- Instructional design and technology
- Learning and development
- Urban and multicultural education
Courses You Can Expect in a Curriculum and Instruction Program
- Curriculum Theory and Design: In this course, you study the political, moral, social, and intellectual aspects of education through a theoretical lens. You'll discover how recurrent themes appear in modern policy and curriculum.
- Instructional Design and Technology Integration: This course covers the evaluation, implementation, development, and design of instructional materials. You'll learn to apply instructional design principles to solve problems with instruction in classroom settings.
- Quantitative Methods in Educational Research: This course introduces you to the types of statistical inference and multivariate data analysis that are typically used in the social sciences and in education. You'll learn about data sets you can use to conduct multivariate analysis.
- Qualitative Methods in Educational Research: This course explores the methods and theories of qualitative research in education, including document analysis, interview studies, case studies, and ethnography. You'll study techniques for presentation, analysis, and data collection.
- Education for Diversity in a Global Society: In this course, you study subcultures that impact education in a global society, including social, economic, and political backgrounds.
Looking for Other Education Degrees? Explore Your Options
How to Find a High-Quality Online Doctorate in Curriculum and Instruction Program
Finding a high-quality online doctorate in curriculum and instruction is pretty easy if you know what to look for. When researching your program, consider factors such as accreditation, the cost, the type of doctoral degree offered, and the location.
Accreditation
Your online doctorate must come from an accredited institution to be recognized and valued by employers. Some websites advertise an accelerated or low-cost program to trap students in a scam. To avoid that, check if a recognized organization accredits the institution you're looking at.
The Council for Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) accredits doctoral programs in curriculum and instruction. The Council on Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) and the U.S. Department of Education (ED) are responsible for recognizing organizations that accredit colleges and universities. You can find recognized accreditation agencies on CHEA's website or ED's database.
Cost
After determining if your prospective program is accredited, see what type of doctoral degree you want since costs vary.
It's important to decide what type of doctoral program you want to pursue as you consider costs. According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), the average cost of tuition for a Ph.D. is a little over two times the cost of an Ed.D.
Average Cost of Tuition: Ed.D. vs. Ph.D.
Online Doctorate in Education
$10,100
Online Doctorate in Philosophy
$22,310
Program Type
The type of doctoral program you may want to pursue depends on your career goals. If you want to go into more administrative roles like a superintendent, principal, or curriculum designer, then an Ed.D. may be for you. Ph.D. graduates most commonly work in academia and teach higher education courses.
Also, consider what type of online format you'd like most. Some programs are synchronous, typically requiring mandatory online lectures or lab attendance. Others are asynchronous, which don't typically require attending online lectures or sessions at specific times but assign video or book lessons to complete on your schedule.
Location
You can earn your degree from anywhere if you choose a fully online doctoral program in curriculum and instruction.
However, as a doctoral-level degree, you may find that many curriculum and instruction programs have some in-person requirements for residencies and fieldwork. For this reason, it may be worthwhile to look for an online program that's relatively close to home.
Student Support
Check and see what online support services your program offers you. Despite being fully online, your program should still offer academic, career, and mental support services to help you along your educational journey. Some of the most common support services online programs offer include:
- Academic advising and tutoring
- Writing assistance
- Career services
- Mentoring/alum networking opportunities
- Mental health and counseling services
What Can You Do With a Curriculum and Instruction Degree?
A doctorate in curriculum and instruction prepares you for higher leadership positions within either academia or K-12 education. While many of these roles only require master's degrees, a doctorate can set you apart and increase your chances of being hired at a higher pay than just a master's. Some popular career paths are:
- K-12 principal: These professionals manage a school's operations, budget, teachers, and other administrators. They're responsible for the overall direction of the school.
- Academic dean: Deans oversee a college or department within a college or university, like a college of arts and sciences or engineering school.
- Postsecondary professor: Professors develop instructional plans, educate college students, and conduct original research within their field.
- Instructional designer: These professionals are responsible for designing curricula, training courses, classes, manuals, and student guides.
Curriculum and Instruction Jobs and Career Outlook
Careers in curriculum and instruction are only growing. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), several curriculum and instruction jobs are set to grow through 2032.
The career with the highest projected growth (and highest degree requirement) is postsecondary teaching at 8% from 2022-2032.
| Career | Median Annual Salary (May 2023) | Job Outlook (2022-32) | Minimum Degree Required |
|---|---|---|---|
| Academic Dean (Postsecondary Education Administrator) | $102,610 | 4% | Master's degree |
| Elementary and Secondary School Principals | $105,100 | 1% | Master's Degree |
| Instructional Designer | $74,620 | 2% | Master's Degree |
| Postsecondary Professor | $84,380 | 8% | Doctoral Degree |
Frequently Asked Questions About Online Curriculum and Instruction Degrees
Are online doctorates in curriculum and instruction programs respected?
Yes, if your curriculum and instruction program is from an accredited university, then it's treated the same as an on-campus degree. You can search for your prospective program's accreditation information on the CHEA website or look up your school through the ED database.
Is a doctorate in curriculum and instruction worth it?
The answer to this question primarily depends on your career and professional goals. While most jobs in curriculum and instruction require a master's degree, a doctorate raises the potential earnings you can make and the leadership roles you can grow into.
Moreover, many academic deans, postsecondary chancellors, and postsecondary presidents have doctorates and years of research experience. If your goal is to move into one of these advanced administrative positions, a doctorate in curriculum and instruction can be worth it.
What are the admission requirements for a doctorate in curriculum and instruction?
Online doctoral programs in curriculum and instruction require a master's degree to apply. Your program may also have a minimum GPA requirement alongside other institution-specific admission requirements that vary from program to program like:
- GRE test scores
- Letters of recommendation
- A resume
- A personal statement or letter of intent
How long does it take to get a doctorate in curriculum and instruction?
Most doctoral programs in curriculum and instruction take around 4-5 years. However, your enrollment status and the format of your program can impact this time. If you enroll part time and study at your own pace, it may take 6-8 years to finish your degree requirements.
Alternatively, accelerated Ed.D. programs can take as little as three years to finish.
