Share | Print

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Education

School of Education

Curriculum and Instruction specialization

Advance your knowledge of P–12 curriculum and instruction and conduct research to lead positive change and improve student achievement. This specialization is part of Capella's Professional Education Unit, which has been accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE). You'll study advanced theory and practice in research methodology and application, curriculum mapping, instruction and assessment, and collaborative curriculum development. Throughout the program, you will build a professional portfolio that demonstrates your doctoral competencies to current and future employers. People who choose this specialization are often licensed P–12 teachers, curriculum specialists, or administrators interested in pursuing curriculum director, principal, or superintendent positions, or higher education faculty positions

This program is not designed for certification, licensure or endorsement. For more information about educator licensing, please see our Education Licensure Resource site.

National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE)- Accredited

NCATE-accredited programs are recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation for the preparation of P-12 teachers and other professional school personnel. Graduates of these programs are highly regarded by many school districts, licensing authorities, and teaching professionals.

Read the news release announcing our NCATE accreditation.

Learn why NCATE accreditation is important.

View or post comments

Read what others have to say about this specialization, or leave your own comment, and be sure to check back often to converse with others about their Capella experiences.

Total Program: 120 quarter credits
Up to 48 quarter credits may be transferred into this specialization

Admission Requirements

Next Start Date: March 5, 2012

Quarter - Coursework: $4,530
Up to 3 courses per quarter

Quarter - Comps/Diss: $4,062

Many of our learners receive aid.

Estimate your cost and aid now.

Course Demonstration

Sign-up for Free Course

Image of teacher discussing a Capella School of Education program

Meet the faculty & staff who will support your academic success.»

Residency requirements: Three 4-day weekend experiences

Learn about the residential colloquia experience.

In addition to your online courses, you will complete 3 residential colloquia, each of which includes a 4-day weekend experience, at specific stages in your program. These energizing residencies provide you with insights and knowledge that will be valuable during your PhD studies and beyond.

Doctoral colloquia each have 3 steps:

Step 1: Colloquium Courseroom (opens approximately 2 weeks prior to Weekend Experience)
Step 2: Weekend Experience (4-day residency)
Step 3: Colloquium Courseroom—Assessment and evaluation (completed the week after the Weekend Experience)

What is the cost to attend?

The price for each colloquium is $1,495 (pricing is subject to periodic adjustment), but doesn’t include costs for evening meals or travel. You’ll be responsible for making your hotel reservations and travel arrangements.

Learn more about residency requirements.
Get more detailed information and learn how the residency experiences will enrich your learning at Capella University. Speak with an enrollment counselor at 1.888.227.3552.

Core Courses (each course 4 quarter credits unless noted)

ED8007 - Leading Innovation
ED8112 - Educational Research Methods
ED8117 - Advanced Qualitative Research Methods*
ED8122 - Statistics for Educational Research I*

Specialization Courses (each course 4 quarter credits unless noted)

ED7541 - Teacher Supervision and Evaluation
ED7820 - Principles of Educational Administration
ED8533 - Advanced Curriculum Mapping: Reflection and Practice
ED8534 - Advanced Instruction and Assessment: Theory and Practice
ED8535 - Advanced Collaboration for the Improvement of Curriculum and Instruction
ED8536 - Advanced Application of Research for the Improvement of Curriculum and Instruction
ED8538 - Advanced Curriculum and Instruction: Program Evaluation
ED7822 - The Funding of Educational Institutions
ED8550 - Curriculum and Instruction Internship I*
ED8551 - Curriculum and Instruction Internship II*
ED9919 - Doctoral Comprehensive Examination*
ED9920 - Dissertation Courseroom* - non-credit
ED9921 - Dissertation Research 1* - 5 quarter credits
ED9922 - Dissertation Research 2* - 5 quarter credits
ED9923 - Dissertation Research 3* - 5 quarter credits
ED9924 - Dissertation Research 4* - 5 quarter credits

Ten Elective Courses (each course 4 quarter credits unless noted)

Recommended elective courses
ED5501 - Assessment and Improvement of Instruction
ED5500 - Standards-Based Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment
ED5504 - Strategies for Eliminating the Achievement Gap
ED7537 - Emerging Technology and Multimedia for Curriculum and Instruction
ED7700 - Learning Theory and the Educational Process
ED7701 - Educational Philosophy and Change
ED7107 - Teaching and Learning with Diverse Populations
ED7823 - Education and the Law
ED8111 - The Historical and Social Foundations of Education
ED8812 - The Governance of Educational Institutions
ED7310 - Evaluating the Effectiveness of the Educational Process
ED8100 - The Future of Educational Institutions: Topics and Trends
ED7818 - The Future of Teaching and Learning: Issues for the Educational Leader
HS5334 - Ethnic and Cultural Awareness
ED8123 - Statistics for Educational Research II*
OR
Choose any graduate courses.

North Carolina residents are currently not eligible to enroll in this specialization.

* This course has a prerequisite. Contact an enrollment counselor for more information.

Course Descriptions

Receive via email a full description of all Capella University courses.

Name (First, Last)	First name is required.	Last name is required.
E-mail Address	Email is required. Email format is invalid.

Receive our newsletter

Average salary by degree
Tips to reduce your costs
How to make the most out of your education

Subscribe to our free e-Newsletter

Submit

Learn more about our related specializations:

PhD

EdD

Educational Leadership and Management

I Did It!	July 30, 2010	Sandra	As a first time internet learner at Capella, I came in with a goal in mind; teaching at College or University level. I knew I needed my masters but I also wanted my doctorates and Capella helped me reach my goal. It has been a tough journey because one is forced to manage time and be autonomous. It has been an experience I will never regret because it has made be a better learner, focused and has transformed how I view my inner potential. I am proud to say I will begin teaching two courses at College Level for my local college. Capella helped me reach my goal as well as the instructors that were rigorous and expected the best of all Capella learners and were supportive.
Capella Synopsis	July 8, 2010	Richard	Capella was an incredible experience for me. The courses were relevant and the professors and advisors both were fantastic. For me learning online had advantages - attend class and study within your own timeframe, asynchronous responses that were more thoughtout and researched than face-to-face class answers, excellent discussions via chat by experienced teachers/classmates, and the practicality of really maximizing my time(no travel or parking issues). Capella also had what I would call a few disadvantages or at least things one should be very aware of - you better be very motivated and focussed because the classes/learning takes more effort and time than one anticipates. When all is said and done (which for me took six years), I learned a lot, made many lifelong friends and colleagues, AND gave myself the opportunity to take my career to the next level. Capella - getting a PhD - is a huge undertaking but in my estimation was well worth it.
C & I doctoral program	August 2, 2010	Laura	While I enjoyed seeing what some of my collegues were writing in their postings and reading the texts for the coursework, most of what is in the Capella C & I coursework is nothing that, as an experienced teacher coming from a long line of educators, I didn't already know. The pace was a wee bit fast for someone involved in far more than just a full time job, and the teachers seemed to all be a bit young and inexperienced. My first teacher seemed to be the most organized.
An exciting journey- and that is just for starters...	August 2, 2010	Mia	I have enjoyed this entire experience. I battled initially with the credibility of the program-even though I researched and found soon that Capella is accredited legitimately. However, since then,I have become an advocate of the school. I have referred people, shopped at the rewards store, and tell everyone that is interested in school about the University. The entire delivery of services has been professional and challenging. Yes, it is expensive, as one other post commented, but it has been worth every dime. The program content has been illuminating to say the least. The professors have been truly dedicated to their craft and their students as well. I have struggled- don't get me wrong, but it is worth it! The readings are informative and in a short time I have learned a great deal. I having a bit of a difficulty getting to colloquia- my fault, but I will make it there too. I thank Capella for the opportunity. It has been memorable!
Convenient, but Expensive	July 8, 2010	William	Online learning is an awesome way to get ahead in your field or journey into a new field of expertise. I felt that my experience with Capella was expensive and not very applicable to my field whatsoever. It was very unfortunate.
Useful and Beneficial!	September 20, 2011	Nichole	My experience with Capella was second to none! Since earning my Ph.D. so many opportunities have become available to me. All of the work done in the courses along with the insight from Capella professors well-prepared me for my current role. Networking and sharing experiences with other Capella learners also made what could be gruelling work, more enjoyable. I have a friend enrolled in a Ph.D. online program at Northeastern in Boston and she doesn't get nearly the amount of support and access to resources as Capella provides. I am thrilled to say that I am in my dream role as principal for a public school district and truly believe it was the experiences provided by Capella helped lead me here.

Image of enrollment counselor from the team that specializes in Capella's education degrees online and online education degree programs

Email Us

1.866.933.5981 Call Hours

Request a university guide Start your admission application

Learning & Career Outcomes

Find out what our programs
deliver to help you excel
in your field.

Get the facts about the value of higher education

Last Viewed

PsyD - Clinical Psychology

Ready to Apply?
Apply for admission | Or call: 1.888.227.2736

Looking to take a single course?
Register for a single course | Or call: 1.877.295.6791

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Education

School of Education