Ed.D. – Curriculum & Instruction
School of Education
#4 Best Online Graduate Education Programs in Virginia, U.S. News & World Report, 2019
CAEP Accredited
850+ Teachers of the Year
Developing Higher Education Administrators
Make a Significant Difference
Are you a practitioner-based leader interested in improving current educational programs? Imagine using your influence to shape the future of education and investing in brighter possibilities for you too. Regent’s Doctor of Education – Curriculum & Instruction helps you deliver research-supported programs while teaching you how curriculum and instruction can be structured and applied to educational reform.
INCREASE YOUR EARNING POTENTIAL
Capitalize on a higher salary with your doctoral degree.
IMPLEMENT INNOVATIVE APPROACHES
Enhance student engagement by integrating technology into the curriculum.
EXPAND YOUR CAREER PATH
Take your career to the next level with influential leadership opportunities.
Presented from a Christian worldview, this in-demand degree is supported by award-winning faculty in Virginia Beach.
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Take Your Career to the Next Level
Upon completion of this concentration, the graduate will be able to:
- Identify best practices through exploring the theories and research behind curriculum and instruction programs.
- Develop evaluation skills valuable in assessing curriculum design and instruction practices.
- Create original research and prepare for publication in refereed conferences, journals and books.
Career Opportunities
- University Faculty
- Curriculum & Instruction Specialist
- School District Administrator
Click any section below for additional information
Critical examination of theories and practices of leadership and communication as they relate to individuals and organizations within the context of educational systems.
Underpinnings, principles and issues of curriculum, instruction and assessment as they directly relate to student learning and achievement.
Investigates current best practices for merging an inclusionary classroom of students with disabilities to learn alongside their non-disabled peers, while also presenting strategies to better understand diversity and link the two to educational theory.
Develop educators’ understanding of grant research, writing, and stewardship in order to implement projects that positively impact student achievement and continued learning.
Focuses on the development of meaningful curriculum and innovative instructional practices in the delivery of a character education program. Special attention will be given to the integration of character education programming with learning standards prevalent in most states today. Participants in this course will gain knowledge, understanding, and skills in development, implementation, and assessment related to successful programmatic decision making in character education.
Theory and practice in analyzing qualitative data. Topics include coding, meaning generation and validation.
Examines strategic planning and the role of program evaluation in the planning/implementation/evaluation cycle to include the curriculum planning process. Topics include various theoretical and philosophical perspectives, alternative evaluation designs and related methodologies including collaborative action research and issues related to design, measurement and utilization. The goal is to help educators become active collaborators in the evaluation process and to give them the tools to judge the value of an evaluation. Whether the task is designing an internal evaluation of a local program, contracting for an external evaluation at the district level, or critically reviewing an evaluation report as a basis for making an administrative decision, this course offers important leadership preparation. Each student will prepare an evaluability assessment related to a self-selected educational program in his/her area of concentration. Prerequisite: a graduate level research course. Cross-listed with EDCO 501.
An in-depth study of program and curricula development.
Explores the development of a Christian worldview with a particular emphasis on Regent University's mission. Evaluates cultural and educational trends through the lens of a Christian worldview.
Basic understanding of statistical methods, particularly as they pertain to research in education. Focuses on conceptual rather than mathematical and applied rather than theoretical. Understand why a particular statistical technique is appropriate and how to make sense of the results obtained from its utilization rather than to understand the full mathematical underpinnings of the statistic. SPSS will be used as a productivity tool to perform all statistical procedures. Specific topics include descriptive statistics, visual representation of data, hypothesis testing, regression and correlation.
Provides some of the major conjecture and theories used to meet the learning and development needs of adults, and an overview of learning theories, their design and applications for the adult learner in various settings. Investigates topics to include self-directed learning, constructivism, autonomous learning, creative environments conductive to adult learning, designing and implementing training programs, and instructional design techniques.
Doctoral candidates will work with their dissertation committee to defend their proposal, research and collect data, write and defend five chapters of their dissertation. Each candidate must register for a minimum of 15 dissertation credits. The credits will be equally distributed into 5-credit segments over 3 consecutive semesters.
Centers on effective strategies for planning curricula and assessment procedures to a diverse group of learners – from 18 to adult age categories. Particular emphasis will be placed on: building an effective bibliography and syllabus; finding additional resources outside traditional boundaries of education (i.e., advanced technology application); examining a variety of assessment procedures that would be effective with diverse learners; choosing texts and materials, grading procedures and policies, etc. This course is open to all university doctoral students who are seeking a career in college or university teaching.
In-depth study of administrative roles, functions, knowledge and skill requirements, and administrative behavior. Trends in administrative theory and application explored.
An online two-credit course designed to help acclimate students to Regent University and online learning. It will provide the knowledge, resources and essential skills needed for success at the graduate level. Topics include academic writing, online learning, information literacy, and advising and support services. It may be required for some students as a condition of admission, and may substitute for UNIV LIB Information Research and Resources and/or ENGL 500 Graduate Academic Writing Seminar.
In this exploding age of information, it is the objective of the library faculty to prepare graduates to be on the cutting edge of information technology. Information literacy is the ability to effectively access information for problem solving and decision-making; thus, the knowledge and abilities you glean from this course will open doors to lifelong learning. It is imperative for graduate study research. Since the information learned in this course is a vital foundation for all other coursework, its completion is required within the first semester of study. The course takes approximately ten hours to complete.
2019-2020 Semester Check-In Deadlines:
All new students are expected to check-in for the semester 2 weeks prior to the session start date. Students should apply, be accepted, enroll in their first courses, and confirm a plan to pay for their courses prior to this date.
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Session |
Semester Check-In |
Session Start Date |
|
Session A |
Friday, August 9 |
Monday, August 26 |
|
Session M |
Friday, September 13 |
Monday, September 23 |
|
Session B |
Friday, October 18 |
Monday, October 28 |
|
Session C |
Friday, January 3 |
Monday, January 13 |
|
Session T |
Friday, January 31 |
Monday, February 10 |
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Session D |
Friday, March 6 |
Monday, March 16 |
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Session E |
Friday, May 1 |
Monday, May 11 |
|
Session F |
Friday, June 12 |
Monday, June 22 |
Application Process – Doctoral Programs (Ed.D.)
Note: All items submitted as part of the application process become the property of Regent University and cannot be returned.
Step 1: Application & Application Fee
Submit your application using our Regent University Online Application.
Pay the $50 application fee online during the application process.
Fee Waiver: Attend a graduate School of Education on-campus or online information session to learn how to streamline your application process, discover financial aid resources and waive your $50 application fee.
Note: If you are unable to complete our application due to a disability, please contact our Admissions Office and an admissions representative will provide reasonable accommodations to assist you in completing the application.
Step 2: Submit your Unofficial College Transcripts
We are able to examine and view your unofficial transcripts from U.S.-based schools, which indicate successful completion of bachelor's and master's degree programs, in order to review your application for an admissions decision. Please submit your unofficial transcript to our Admissions Office by email to transcripts@regent.edu using the subject line: SOE Doctoral Application Pieces.
Non-U.S. transcripts must be evaluated by an NACES-approved company. For further details, please review the International Admissions Checklist on the International Students Admissions page.
International Applicants: Please visit the International Students Admissions page for a more detailed explanation of the Regent University application information and to determine whether or not you qualify as an international student.
*Upon conditional acceptance to the program by review of unofficial transcripts, Regent University's Admissions Office will attempt to obtain your official transcripts from your U.S. degree-granting institutions, which indicate successful completion of bachelor's and master's degree programs. We will notify you if your previous institutions will not release transcripts directly to us.
Step 3: Complete Your Admissions Questionnaire
Please complete a brief admissions questionnaire based on your professional goals and interests. This should only take a few minutes to complete, but please answer the questions completely and thoughtfully. This gives us a better opportunity to get to know you and align your objectives with our programs. The admissions questionnaire can be found here. Once completed, it will be sent directly to an enrollment counselor who will be in touch with you right away to help complete the rest of your application.
Step 4: Government-Issued ID
To ensure academic integrity, Regent University requires a copy of a government-issued ID. Simply scan and upload a copy of your driver's license, high school ID, passport, permanent resident card or official government ID card, using our secure and convenient online tool. If you would prefer to take a picture of your government-issued ID and email that to our office, please attach your ID and email to apply@regent.edu with the subject line: Government ID.
Step 5: Admissions Interview
If an interview is necessary, the admissions office will contact you to schedule an appointment. The interview can be conducted on campus or over the phone and typically takes about an hour.
Important Information
Background Check: Students in endorsement programs are required to complete a background check because the program includes direct contact with students in field experiences. Regent University School of Education has entered into an agreement with Certified Background/Castle Branch (CB), a private vendor that conducts background checks for many universities and educational institutions. After you are admitted into the program, you will be provided instructions to set up an online profile with Certified Background and request your background check. Learn more.
2018-19 Tuition Rates
| Degree Level / Program | Cost Per Credit Hour |
|---|---|
|
Ed.S. |
$715 per credit (In-state & Out-of-state) |
|
Ed.D. & Ph.D. |
$775 per credit (In-state & Out-of-state) |
2019-20 Tuition Rates
| Degree Level / Program | Cost Per Credit Hour |
|---|---|
|
Ed.S. |
$775 per credit (In-state & Out-of-state) |
|
Ed.D. & Ph.D. |
$775 per credit (In-state & Out-of-state) |
(The Ed.S. program & tuition rate counts toward the first 31 credit hours of the Ed.D./Ph.D. Remaining credit hours toward a doctoral degree incur the higher tuition rate.)
Student Fees Per Semester
| University Services Fee (Online Students) | $550 |
| Library Orientation | $50 (one-time fee) |
| Blackboard Orientation | $50 (one-time fee) |
*Rates are subject to change at any time.
Estimated Cost of Attendance: View the estimated cost of attendance to see an example of the total cost of tuition and fees.
Learn more about scholarships and financial aid.Advanced Standing
Students possessing an Ed.S. or equivalent may be admitted to the Ed.D. program with advanced standing after a review of their post-master’s transcript(s). Offered in a cohort model. Students may begin the program in the spring, summer or fall semesters. Courses are delivered online with some required face-to-face components. School division cohorts are also offered in varying formats.
Faculty
Dr. Finn is the concentration chair for Curriculum & Instruction and is committed to your success.
Dr. Don Finn has been a faculty member since 2006 and served as the School of Education Dean from July 2015-2018. Specializing in Adult Education, he has been an educator for over 25 years and possesses a current Virginia Postgraduate Professional teaching license in secondary education.
Dr. Finn earned his B.S. in Secondary Education, Social Sciences concentration and his M.S. in Curriculum and Instruction with an Adult Education concentration from Radford University. He taught 7th through 12th grade social studies and in the adult night high school program in Montgomery County, Virginia. In 1999, he accepted a position to provide statewide leadership through the Virginia Adult Learning Resource Center located at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU). While at the VCU School of Education, he served as a collateral faculty member, a grant and project coordinator and instructor. He earned his Ph.D. in Adult Education and Organizational Learning from VCU in 2005.
His service has included leadership at the state and national levels as president of the Virginia Association for Adult & Continuing Education (VAACE) and various appointed roles, and as an elected executive board member for the Coalition on Adult Basic Education (COABE). His COABE service includes: Secretary, Region 2 representative (2013-2015), national conference chairman (2012, 2015, 2018), conference program chairman (2016 & 2017), and President-Elect (2017-2019). He has been a textbook consultant, an article reviewer for select journals, and a consultant to adult education programs in Virginia and other states.
Finn has served on various Regent University committees including chairing the university Curriculum and Instruction Review Committee (CIRC), faculty senator, chairman of the School of Education Doctoral program and the Masters of Curriculum & Instruction (M.Ed.) program. He was named the School of Education Outstanding Faculty Member in 2010, VAACE Outstanding Adult Education Leader in 2013 and received the 2014 VAACE President's Award for outstanding service.
Finn has authored and co-authored numerous articles and book chapters about effective instructional practices for adult learners, university professors and other diverse learners.
Hear From Students & Alumni
![Joyce Erber]({"src":"//progdb.regent.edu/files/testimonials-49.png","watch":".success-stories"})
Joyce Erber, M.Ed., 2009
School of Education"The adult track of the TESOL program in Regent's School of Education prepared me to work with students on a beginning English level as well as students on the post graduate level."
![Josh Arnold]({"src":"//progdb.regent.edu/files/testimonials-46.png","watch":".success-stories"})
Josh Arnold, M.Ed., 2008
School of Education"Regent really helped me understand the unique landscape of Christian higher education. I feel better prepared to contribute to Life Pacific College's distinct mission and purpose because of my time spent here."
![Pat McCarty]({"src":"//progdb.regent.edu/files/testimonials-189.jpg","watch":".success-stories"})
Pat McCarty, M.Ed., 2009
School of Education"After nearly 25 years in the military and in business, Regent's Career Switcher program inspired me and prepared me to become a classroom teacher and an educational leader. I lean on what I learned there often."
![John Pienkowski]({"src":"//progdb.regent.edu/files/testimonials-190.jpg","watch":".success-stories"})
John Pienkowski, M.Ed., 2017
School of Education"When I felt called to teaching after a career in the military, Regent University bridged the gap and laid a solid, Christian-based path for me to follow."
![Sandra Turner]({"src":"//progdb.regent.edu/files/testimonials-43.png","watch":".success-stories"})
Sandra Turner, M.Ed., 2016
School of Education"Regent opened a door to self-discovery and selflessness. My Regent instructors encouraged me to operate on a higher level of motivation and others-oriented awareness."
Ed.D. – Curriculum & Instruction