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EdD in Curriculum and Instruction
Doctor of Education
Making significant, relevant changes in education starts with passionate academic professionals. Build on your expertise to become an informed decision-maker and innovative leader with our online Doctor of Education (EdD), Curriculum and Instruction. You can develop research-based knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary to build an effective learning environment; whether it's a classroom, school, district, university, or corporation. Use what you learn to take your role as an educator and administrator further—into a leadership role.
At a glance
- Online
- 5 Core courses
- 5 Specialization courses
- 6 Doctoral project courses
- 0 Max transfer credits
With Capella Tuition Cap, you won't pay more than $32,000* in tuition costs for your degree.
*Eligibility rules and exclusions apply. Connect with us for details.
Explore curriculum and instruction courses
- This program requires a total of 64 quarter credits
- You’ll need to complete five core courses, five specialization courses and six doctoral project courses
Show all descriptions
EDD8510
Organizational Improvement Through Effective Curriculum Development and Instructional Practice
4 quarter credits
In this course, learners examine relevant theories, foundations, processes, and the application of best practices in curriculum development and instructional practice. The course addresses processes and tools learners need to meet the needs of students/trainees, with the goal of having each student/trainee meet or exceed the goals and objectives of the curriculum and instruction. Students/trainees may be those led by learners in P-12 education, higher education, military, nonprofits, and corporate organizations. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer.
4 quarter credits
EDD8512
Assessments for Improved Curriculum and Instruction
4 quarter credits
In this course, learners examine learning and assessment theories. Learners evaluate assessment models, strategies, techniques, tools, and instruments used in curriculum and instruction to achieve learning outcomes. Prerequisite(s): EDD8020. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer.
4 quarter credits
EDD8514
Leading In Curriculum and Instruction
4 quarter credits
In this course, learners develop a professional and collaborative approach to leading and managing the design of curriculum and instruction. This course addresses leading through the evaluation of trends and issues in curriculum and instruction. Prerequisite(s): Completion of or concurrent registration in EDD8030. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer.
4 quarter credits
EDD8516
Collaboration for the Improvement of Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment
4 quarter credits
In this course, learners gain an understanding of how to work collaboratively to improve curriculum, instruction, and assessment. This course emphasizes the development of teams, benefits and challenges, skill development, fostering trusting relationships, and components and principles of collaboration. Prerequisite(s): EDD8040. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer.
4 quarter credits
EDD8518
Applying Research to the Improvement of Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment
4 quarter credits
In this course, learners apply research skills associated with a problem of practice. Learners examine conceptual, theoretical, and practical foundations of designing an improvement project. Learners apply course concepts to the design of a project that addresses a problem or opportunity for improvements within the curriculum, instruction, and assessment environment. Prerequisite(s): EDD8050, EDD8516. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer.
4 quarter credits
What you'll learn
This specialization equips you with research-based knowledge, skills, and dispositions for effective leadership in the field of curriculum and instruction – including how to develop, implement, and evaluate curricula for a wide range of modern educational settings.
On successful completion of this program, you should be able to:
- Demonstrate effective curriculum and instructional leadership practices to achieve learning outcomes.
- Develop appropriate and effective curriculum based on theoretical and evidence-based practices.
- Evaluate the effectiveness of appropriate instructional practices and programs.
- Evaluate and recommend appropriate assessments to improve learning outcomes.
- Collaborate effectively using research-based processes to design a project for the improvement of curriculum, instruction, and assessment.
How much does the Doctor of Education (EdD) cost?
The total cost of your degree will depend on academic performance, transfer credits, scholarships and other factors. See GuidedPath cost information below.
GuidedPath
A more structured learning format with an active peer community and faculty guidance. We’ll set the schedule; you meet the deadlines.
- Based on the quarter system; 1–2 courses per 10-week quarter
- 1 semester credit = 1.5 quarter credits
- Weekly assignments and courseroom discussions
- Pay for what you take, price varies by courseload or term
$790 per credit, 64 coursework credits, 0 max transfer credits
Tuition breakdown
Program Phases
OTHER COSTS
Resource kit
$175 Per quarter
Includes eBooks, textbooks, interactive media, software, course packs, articles, test kits, and other instructional materials
Resource kit
$175
Per quarter
Includes eBooks, textbooks, interactive media, software, course packs, articles, test kits, and other instructional materials
Application fee
$0 no application fee
Application fee
$0
no application fee
Total Tuition Cap
Capella Tuition Cap
$32,000 Total tuition
- Pay no more than $32,000 in total tuition for your degree*
- Available to all students who start now through July 7, 2025
*Eligibility rules apply. Books, course materials, supplies, equipment and other fees apply. Travel expenses for residency, practicum, etc., are not covered by the tuition cap.
Capella Tuition Cap
What is the Capella Tuition Cap?$32,000
Total tuition
- Pay no more than $32,000 in total tuition for your degree*
- Available to all students who start now through July 7, 2025
*Eligibility rules apply. Books, course materials, supplies, equipment and other fees apply. Travel expenses for residency, practicum, etc., are not covered by the tuition cap.
Tuition and program length are unique to you
Your total tuition and program length depend on a variety of factors:
- Academic performance
- Complexity of your capstone
- Number of quarters spent working on capstone
- Prior coursework
- Scholarships and finances
- Unexpected life events
- School/work/life balance
- Employer and/or military benefits
About cost scenarios
The cost scenarios below are examples based on general program pricing and 2025–26 Capella tuition rates and assume the average number of transfer credits a student brings into the program. Pacing and pricing information is current as of Jan. 6, 2025. These rates are the same nationwide and may change depending on factors affecting program length and price. You are responsible for paying your own travel costs related to residencies, including plane, hotel and food expenses.
To discuss whether the specialization you’re interested in has additional factors that may affect program cost and length, contact a Capella enrollment counselor.
Cost scenarios
| Estimated cost of completion, assuming continuous enrollment |
|
|---|---|
| Coursework: $790/credit 14 quarters |
$50,650.00 |
| Subtotal
|
$50,650.00 |
| Est. Savings with Capella Tuition Cap*
|
$-18,650.00 |
| Est. subtotal with Capella Tuition Cap*
|
$32,000.00 |
| Resource Kit: $175 14 quarters |
$2,450.00 |
| Application fee: $0 no application fee |
$0 |
|
Est. Total with Capella Tuition Cap* 14 quarters |
$34,450.00 |
*Eligibility rules and exclusions apply. Connect with us for details. Capella Tuition Cap is available to students who start now through July 7, 2025.
Get the details
Connect with an enrollment counselor to further discuss the cost of the program and explore your eligibility for scholarships and discounts.
Are there scholarships available for doctoral degrees?
Your education is an investment in your future that’s within your reach. There are more ways to save than you might think.
Capella is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Accreditation and recognitions provide assurance that we meet standards for quality of faculty, curriculum, learner services, and fiscal stability. See all our accreditations and recognitions.
What are the EdD admission requirements?
Applicants must provide the following information for admission to Capella programs and specializations:
- A master’s degree from an institution accredited by an agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, or from an internationally recognized institution
- Your official master’s transcripts, with a minimum grade point average of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale
- A valid, government-issued form of photo identification
GRE and GMAT are not required for admission.
International Student Requirements
If you completed your most recent academic coursework, degree, or credential at an institution outside the United States, regardless of your citizenship or where you currently live, you are considered an international applicant.
In addition to the above admission requirements, you will need to submit these materials:
- Minimum score on acceptable test for proof of English proficiency
- Transcript evaluation
Learn more about international student admissions.
What support does Capella offer online students?
Our programs are designed to meet the unique needs of doctoral students. We’ve structured the experience in manageable pieces that build on one another to help you earn your doctorate. You’ll have support from faculty, staff, and online resources along the way.
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What can you do with a EdD in Curriculum and Instruction degree?
Your education can help you reach your professional and personal goals. Here are some of the jobs and employment settings to explore with an EdD, Curriculum and Instruction.
Related job titles to explore*
- Curriculum and instruction specialist
- Curriculum coordinator
- Director of curriculum and instruction
- Director of teaching and learning
- Instructional designer
Employment settings to explore*
- Colleges, universities and professional schools
- Community colleges
- Elementary and secondary schools
*These are examples intended to serve as a general guide. Some positions may prefer or even require previous experience, licensure, certifications, and/or other designations along with a degree. Because many factors determine what position an individual may attain, Capella cannot guarantee that a graduate will secure any specific job title, a promotion, salary increase, or other career outcome. We encourage you to research requirements for your job target and career goals.