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Learners in the EdD in Curriculum and Instruction specialization develop and demonstrate research-based knowledge, skills, and dispositions necessary for effective curriculum and instruction leadership in all work settings—P–12 education, higher education, military, nonprofits, and corporate organizations. This specialization is designed for individuals pursuing careers centered on leading professional learning aligned with current theory, research, and best practices for the design and delivery of curriculum and instruction focused on continuous organizational and educational improvement. Learners complete activities that provide practical, authentic experiences and projects that reflect innovation in the application of theory, research, and best practices in curriculum design, instructional models, assessment strategies, and leadership processes. These specialization requirements are not designed or intended to meet professional licensure requirements for the education profession.
Core courses:
EDD8010 |
Foundations of Doctoral Studies in Education
In this course, learners gain understanding of the EdD program and insights into how cycles of inquiry and systems thinking are utilized to address problems of practice. Additionally, learners engage in critical thinking and communication while reflecting on their own personal learning and growth. Must be taken during the learner's first quarter. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer. |
4 quarter credits |
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EDD8020 |
The Dynamics of Organizational Improvement
This course provides an introduction to fundamental systems principles and skills of leadership in organizations with a focus on continuous organizational learning and improvement processes. Learners apply personal values and behaviors and those of organizations. Learners use basic principles of systems thinking, systems mapping, and approaches to inquiry cycles in relation to leadership processes and organizational change. In addition, learners apply disciplines of learning organizations and a change model to a problem of practice to real-world leadership challenges. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer. |
4 quarter credits |
EDD8030 * |
Investigating Problems of Practice
In this course, learners examine continuous improvement models, engage in an inquiry cycle, develop skills of data and information literacy, and collaborate with stakeholders to assess organizational needs and dynamics. Learners identify an organizational issue, collect and analyze relevant data, and develop valid inferences. Learners document the process utilized to tell the story of their research as a way to effectively share with stakeholders. This course requires obtaining an organizational site and completing site-based-related assignments. Prerequisite(s): EDD8010, EDD8020. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer. |
4 quarter credits |
EDD8040 * |
Research Design for Practitioners
In this course, learners are introduced to research approaches, designs, and methods with a focus on the needs of educational leaders. Learners assess conceptual and theoretical foundations of quantitative, qualitative, and action research designs and analyze a variety of research literature and journal articles through the lens of a practitioner. Learners acquire the knowledge necessary to assess the applicability of research and theoretical literature to practice and become critical consumers of research. Learners apply course concepts to the design of an action research study relevant to the learner’s organization. Prerequisite(s): EDD8030. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer. |
4 quarter credits |
EDD8050 * |
Data Literacy for Leaders
In this course, learners apply the data literacy skills required by leaders for effective organizational planning, decision making, and communication with stakeholders. Learners examine skills such as data interpretation, data aggregation and disaggregation, transformation of data, use of multiple data sources, analysis, statistical techniques, and selection of appropriate metrics for the intended purpose. Learners also utilize technology to process data and present and communicate results. Prerequisite(s): EDD8040. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer. |
4 quarter credits |
Specialization courses:
EDD8510 |
Organizational Improvement Through Effective Curriculum Development and Instructional Practice
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 |
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EDD8512 * |
Assessments for Improved Curriculum and Instruction
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
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
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
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 |
Upon completion of all required coursework:
EDD9951 * |
EdD Doctoral Project 1
In this course, learners collaborate with stakeholders at their doctoral project sites to collect evidence and share relevant literature to identify and frame a chosen problem of practice. Learners demonstrate inquiry, analysis, communication, and leadership skills as well as the ability to evaluate and interpret organizational data to determine performance gaps and root causes. Learners increase knowledge and understanding of a problem and the factors that impact it in order to develop a problem statement for their doctoral project. Learners also secure the commitment of their project site to conduct their applied improvement project. Grading for this course is S/NS. Prerequisite(s): EDD8050; ED7675 or EDD8508 or EDD8518 or EDD8528 or EDD8548. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer. |
4 quarter credits |
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EDD9952 * |
EdD Doctoral Project 2
In this course, learners collaborate with stakeholders at their doctoral project site to begin to develop a potential intervention that addresses a problem of practice. Learners develop an in-depth literature review that synthesizes relevant theory and best practices pertaining to the problem and the proposed solution and begin to develop an implementation plan to address a problem of practice. Grading for this course is S/NS. Prerequisite(s): EDD9951. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer. |
4 quarter credits |
EDD9953 * |
EdD Doctoral Project 3
In this course, learners continue to collaborate with stakeholders at their doctoral project site to develop a potential intervention that addresses a problem of practice and develop a detailed implementation plan. Learners complete and submit IRB applications for approval.Grading for this course is S/NS. Prerequisite(s): EDD9952. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer. |
4 quarter credits |
EDD9954 * |
EdD Doctoral Project 4
In this course, learners collect and evaluate doctoral project data, applying appropriate quantitative and qualitative analysis tools. Learners make valid inferences from the data in relation to the goals of the intervention and the implementation process. Learners incorporate written and visual formats to effectively communicate their results in preparation for developing their written report in EDD9955. Grading for this course is S/NS. Prerequisite(s): EDD9953. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer. |
4 quarter credits |
EDD9955 * |
EdD Doctoral Project 5
In this course, learners synthesize their findings, key learnings, and next steps in relation to their doctoral project in a written report that includes learner reflections on the applied improvement project experience, and provides the basis for the doctoral project presentation learners develop in EDD9956. Grading for this course is S/NS. Prerequisite(s): EDD9954. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer. |
4 quarter credits |
EDD9956 * |
EdD Doctoral Project 6
In this course, learners complete their doctoral project by developing a presentation on the problem, intervention, results, and sharing with stakeholders. In addition, learners submit a portfolio of their signature assignments related to their doctoral project. Grading for this course is S/NS. Prerequisite(s): EDD9955. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer. |
4 quarter credits |
Total
At least 64 quarter credits
* Denotes courses that have prerequisite(s). Refer to the descriptions for further details.
Learners who do not complete all program requirements within quarter credit/program point minimums will be required to accrue such additional quarter credits/program points as are associated with any additional or repeat coursework necessary for successful completion of program requirements.
This specialization is not designed to lead to license, endorsement, other professional credential, or salary advancement. Contact your school district for a determination on qualifications for salary advancement.
Each unit consists of readings, discussions, and other activities you will be expected to complete throughout the week. Assignments are due on Sundays, though not every course requires an assignment each week.
In each course, you will receive a detailed scoring guide that describes expectations for every graded assignment.
Grades are based on your participation in weekly reading discussions and completion of assignments. You will also be assessed on your ability to demonstrate an understanding of expected outcomes for your program or specialization. These outcomes are based on the needs and performance standards of your field or discipline.
Learn more about online learning at Capella.
Whether you're completing additional credits for your own education, want to see if online learning is right for you, or are simply interested in a specific topic, you can enroll in many of Capella's online courses without committing to a degree program. We recommend speaking with an enrollment counselor to discuss your goals and ensure that the credits you earn now may be applicable to a Capella degree program.