Doctor of Education

Curriculum

The Doctor of Education (Ed.D) in Educational Program Development with a concentration in Educational Innovation provides graduates with the skills needed to conduct rigorous inquiry and apply findings to real-world decision-making in professional settings. The program is generally designed for working professionals, takes about three years to complete and provides students with knowledge and analytical skills that can be applied directly to  challenges in education and related fields.

The program fosters intellectual and professional growth as students work with faculty in seminars, research projects, and other assignments. As a result, this deepens students鈥� understanding of innovative practices and inquiry skills and refines their ability to communicate important findings to a broad audience of practitioners and other applied researchers.

Program features:

  • Students complete the three-year program in a cohort with other professionals.
  • Classes are scheduled using alternative formats, such as weekend meetings, hybrid design, and distance learning options to increase accessibility.
  • Face-to-face classes are heavily supplemented by online activities and independent research between meeting sessions.
  • The flexible format allows participants to continue with their careers while they master a range of applied research skills.
  • The dissertation in practice requirements are rigorous but also flexible. They may be fulfilled with an applied research thesis, book, or major research and development project.
  • Because the scope of education in most communities extends well beyond the formal school environment, this program is open to students from a variety of fields that are engaged in or related to educational activity. This includes schools, businesses, nonprofits, governments, media, youth-serving agencies and public service organizations.
  • Graduates are prepared to design, promote, and evaluate sustainable innovations in their professional settings and communicate the results of their work to the larger nonprofessional and professional communities.

To view the full degree plan, visit the USF Catalog.