Mar 28, 2024  
2021-2022 Graduate Catalog 
    
2021-2022 Graduate Catalog [Archived Catalog]

Curriculum and Instruction (Ed.D.)


Program Overview


Ideal for careers as master teachers, curriculum and instruction specialists, supervisory personnel, academic coordinators, teachers and coordinators in universities, and educational specialists in state departments. Coursework may be taken in elementary, secondary or special education to allow for individual needs and goals. This program provides you with the necessary background and professional expertise to go into university teaching, supervisory work in schools, curriculum planning, consultant work or similar positions. The USD School of Education has been accredited by CAEP (formerly NCATE) since 1956. Learn more at usd.edu/ci.

DELIVERY: On campus

Doctor of Education in Curriculum and Instruction


The Doctor of Education requires a minimum of 90 hours beyond the bachelor’s degree, or 60 hours beyond the master’s degree, 15 credit hours of dissertation are required. The doctorate is intended for those who may choose career goals of master teacher, curriculum and instruction specialist, supervisory personnel, academic coordinator in school systems, teachers and coordinators in colleges and universities, and educational specialists in state departments and their sub-units. Course work for the major area may be taken in elementary, secondary, or special 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. A program of study designed by the committee chair and candidate must follow the catalog requirements and be approved by the department chair and must include one  major area coursework selected from one or more of the areas of Elementary Education, Secondary Education, Special Education, Indian Education, Middle Level Education,  and/or Technology for Education and Training.

Students seeking a doctorate should discuss the residency options in this program with the department chairperson or their advisor upon admission to the program. 

Doctor of Education, Curriculum & Instruction: Total 90 credit hours


  • Required courses in major area 42 credit hours
  • Required courses in support area 18 credit hours
  • Other support courses 30 credit hours

Required Courses in Major Area: 42 credit hours


Minimum of 42 credit hours with ELED, SEED, SPED, MLED, INED, TET, LT prefix to include

Advanced Courses:

  • 21 credit hours approved by the advisor. Courses can come from one or any of the following curriculum areas ELED/SEED/SPED/INED/MLED/TET/LT

Application Requirements


  1. Completed application
  2. $35 application fee
  3. Official transcripts*
  4. Letters of recommendation*
  5. Admission test scores*
  6. Statement of purpose
  7. Resume/CV*

*Requirements for admission vary by program and may require different documentation and have different deadlines. For specific program requirements and submission deadline, visit: catalog.usd.edu.

State Authorization - It Matters Where You Live


If your learning placement course (internship, externship, clinical, rotation, practicum, independent study, study away, etc.) or your online course will be taken outside South Dakota, please reference USD’s State Authorization webpage.

State Authorization

Questions?


Division of Curriculum and Instruction
Phone:605-658-6639 | ci@usd.edu | usd.edu/ci

Graduate Admissions 
605-658-6200 | gradadmissions@usd.edu  | usd.edu/grad