Craft learning experiences informed by the latest scholarship that will positively impact students, schools and communities for years to come.
Locations
- Statesboro Campus (In Person)
Why Earn an Ed.D. in Curriculum Studies at Georgia Southern?
- Hybrid study format combines the benefits of in-person learning with the flexibility of online classes.
- Qualify for a certificate upgrade in Georgia, increasing your pay.
- Work closely with respected scholars on an independent research dissertation.
- See your professional work in a broader social context.
- 66-78 credit hours to completion.
Deepen your knowledge and sophistication as a practitioner and researcher with a Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) in Curriculum Studies from Georgia Southern University. Exploring a range of considerations from the theoretical to the pragmatic, you’ll develop as an independent thinker capable of scholarly work that enhances student learning experiences in diverse educational settings, including P-12 schools, two- and four-year colleges and universities. Selecting an area of emphasis helps you gain additional depth in topics that match your career goals.
Designed around your needs as a working professional, a hybrid format combines online courses with face-to-face meetings on select weekends. You’ll graduate equipped for wise leadership and insightful scholarship, understanding curricular issues in their social, cultural and empirical dimensions, and ready to be an agent of change in your community.
Ready to Apply?
What Can You Do With a Doctor of Education?
With a wealth of practical knowledge related to curricular design coupled with the ability to critically assess and contribute to scholarly work in the field, you’ll be equipped for evidence-based leadership in a variety of educational contexts from the early grades through higher education.
Where our graduates work:
- Colleges
- Universities
- Private schools
- Public schools
- School districts
- Education consultants
What our graduates do:
- Curriculum director
- Academic dean
- Education policy analyst
- Instructional coordinator
- Principal
- Professor
- Superintendent
Ed.D. in Curriculum Studies Program Overview
This quick tour of the Ed.D. program highlights its distinctive features and how it provides a flexible path forward for greater effectiveness in your career.
What You’ll Learn
You’ll begin with a comprehensive investigation of four key curriculum studies areas: power and schooling, the history of curriculum in America, philosophies of education, and inquiry and development of educational practice. Initial courses expose you to a wide range of scholarly methodologies in contemporary curriculum research and prepare you to carefully structure your own analysis.
In addition to specializing your focus with an emphasis area, you’ll complete a substantial independent research project under faculty guidance.
See the CurriculumEmphasis Areas
Delve into the factors influencing school curriculum development and its impact on student learning:
Cultural Curriculum Studies
Explore the dynamics of the cultural setting and their implications for pedagogy and curricular theory, including the social construction of identity and other critical issues.
Learning, Development and Curriculum
Pursue advanced studies in learning theories, motivation, development and other areas related to curriculum design. This emphasis is ideal for curriculum directors, department chairs and those in similar roles.
Multicultural and Social Justice Education
Examine the needs of different cultural groups, the relationship between culture and academic achievement, and processes and mechanisms for realizing social justice aims within formal and informal educational environments.
“It was the best academic decision I have ever made. It was the missing piece of the puzzle in my life — the spark plug I needed to keep going.”
Want to Learn More?
Explore essential information about our Doctor of Education: Curriculum Studies program, including application details, accreditation status, and licensing disclosures. Gain insight into the program’s credibility and requirements to help you start your journey toward success with the knowledge you need.
The Ed.D. in Curriculum Studies program is open to applications from those holding a master’s degree from a regionally accredited institution with a cumulative GPA of at least 3.25 (on a 4.0 scale).
To apply, please submit:
- An online application. (There is a $50 non-refundable application fee.)
- A statement of purpose, not to exceed 200 words, indicating your reasons for pursuing graduate study and how admission to this program relates to your professional goals.
- Three letters of recommendation from persons well acquainted with your academic and/or professional performance.
- A four- or five-page essay addressing the following:
1) Why are you applying to the Ed.D. in Curriculum Studies program? How do you see it differing from other programs, such as curriculum and instruction programs?
2) Who are you as an educator?
3) What do you expect to accomplish with an Ed.D. in Curriculum Studies?
Your essay will be evaluated on the following criteria:
- Understanding the Prompt: Does the essay reflect a readiness to engage in doctoral-level study?
- Analysis/Evaluation: Does the essay present a thoughtful analysis/evaluation of the questions?
- Clarity of Communication: Does the essay reflect clear communication of ideas relevant to curriculum studies?
- Format: Is the reference style consistent throughout (APA preferred)?
- Grammar and Writing Style: Is the essay well-written? Are there grammatical errors? Is there subject-verb agreement?
- Appropriate Length: The essay should be long enough to address all of the content but should not be wordy or redundant.
- A completed “Disclosure and Affirmation Form” that addresses misconduct disclosure, the Code of Ethics for Educators and tort liability insurance. (This is included within the online application.)
Submit your statement of purpose and essay to gasc@georgiasouthern.edu.
International transcripts must be evaluated by a NACES-accredited evaluation service. The evaluation must be course by course and include a GPA. International students who have not earned a degree at an institution of higher education in the United States must also submit the results of the TOEFL examination.
Application Deadlines
Applicants are admitted to begin the program in the summer. The application deadline is March 15.
Your application and all required documents must be received by the deadline.
Program Contact Information
Graduate Academic Services Center
912-478-1447
Apply NowThe Counselor Education Program at Georgia Southern University is a full-time residential program offered on the Statesboro campus with two concentrations: School CAt Georgia Southern, enjoy the flexibility of fully online courses that fit within your busy schedule, allowing you to advance in your career while you continue to work and earn. Online instructors weave interactive experiences into each course, ensuring you engage at a deeper level.
Plus, you’ll have access to an academic and technical support team, so you’re never on your own.
About Our Online ProgramsFor All Online Programs
Federal law requires colleges and universities to make certain disclosures to prospective students of these programs. These disclosures include information on the University’s authority to operate outside of Georgia, complaint processes, adverse actions and refunds.
For required disclosures in general with regard to online programs offered by the University, visit the Office of Legal Affairs website.
The Ed.D. in Curriculum Studies program at Georgia Southern University is approved by the Georgia Professional Standards Commission (PSC) for all certification field upgrades.
The College of Education anticipates that graduates of the Doctor of Education in Curriculum Studies program will seek state licenses or certifications.
The program listed above leads to a Georgia certificate upgrade. Visit the Georgia Professional Standards Commission for more information. The College of Education has not determined where its programs will qualify a graduate to take the required exams in other states or territories. Check the requirements of your state or territory.
Alumni Feature
Alumna LaToya Stackhouse’s path has led from sports management through middle school teaching to higher ed administration. After improving retention as Director of Residential and Campus Life at Georgia Southern, she recently began a new position at Florida Southern University.
Read LaToya's Story
Faculty Feature
Published in international journals and presented at conferences, Associate Professor Daniel Chapman’s research explores where the social and cultural foundations of education, critical pedagogy, media studies, documentary filmmaking and postcolonial theory intersect. These insights shape what he teaches, particularly how social and power theories influence education and the school environment.
Learn More About Dr. Chapman
Related Programs
Take the Next Step
Progress to a higher level of scholarly depth and practical impact with a Doctor of Education in Curriculum Studies from Georgia Southern.
Contact the Curriculum Studies Doctoral Program
Ed.D. Program Director
Marla Morris
marlamor@georgiasouthern.edu
Phone: 912-478-1709