Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

The K-State Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) in Curriculum and Instruction combines rigorous online coursework with internships to help students to earn a doctorate in three years. Upon completion, students will become curriculum and instructional leaders in their schools and districts.

The program follows a cohort model. Students begin in summer with three courses (see curriculum below).

Yes, from anywhere in the U.S. and many parts of the world. Course are asynchronous, with regular opportunities for synchronous instruction.

The application deadline is May 1, but students may submit an application any time before this date.

Students must be a practicing educator with access to an educational context to conduct research, hold a bachelor’s degree, and master’s degree with 3.0 GPA or above.

We do not require an entrance exam or test.

The difference between Ed.D. and Ph.D. varies at each institution and department. In the K-State Department of Curriculum and Instruction, both degrees culminate in a dissertation of original research. The Ed.D. is more practical and focuses on curricular and instructional issues in the student’s immediate educational contexts. The structure of the Ed.D. program is meant to alleviate many of the barriers practicing educators face in completing a doctorate.

In general, the K-State Ed.D. in Curriculum and Instruction prepares individuals to be curricular leaders in their educational context. This could include teachers, school and district curriculum coaches, nonprofit educators, administrators (who hold leadership license), college faculty, and state administrators. The Ed.D does provide you the necessary credentials to work in higher education institutions also.

Students will enroll in internships during the fall and spring semesters for a total of four internships over the program. These are not traditional internships, and do not require a mentor. These are courses that provide time and space for students to work on their dissertation with faculty support. The internships allow students to tailor their dissertation research to their educational context.

Yes, 30 hours from your master’s and/or other graduate credit counts toward the total 94 credit hours. The 64 credit hours that remain constitute the three-year program of study.

Yes, assistantships and financial aid are available to students who meet certain qualifications.

• A limited number of assistantships are available, which involve working with pre-service teachers online.

• Tuition is through K-State Global Campus at a set rate of $567.90 per credit hour.
• At 19-21 credit hours per year, the program costs approximately $11,000 per year.