Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) in Curriculum and Instruction
Faculty
Dr. Mark Tavernier, Director of Doctoral Studies
Preparing distinguished teaching and learning leaders to improve the lives of all children.
Program Overview
The Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) is consistent with the goals in all graduate programs at Piedmont College. It is designed to develop eminent leaders in the field of education. The primary focus of the Ed.D. program is to facilitate transformational change of individuals and schools by preparing teacher leaders, other school professionals, and school administrators for the challenges of our rapidly changing world. The program will also serve to prepare educators for various roles in college and university teaching and in research and leadership positions in other educational institutions. Additionally, the doctoral program allows candidates to demonstrate a comprehensive knowledge base of theoretical and pedagogical issues relating to curriculum and instruction through adding new knowledge about their fields.
Candidates for the Ed.D. degree in Curriculum and Instruction are expected to engage in independent learning throughout their program. Research toward, and the ultimate completion of, the doctoral dissertation are primary examples of independent learning. Independent learning is a key component in many courses in which the aim is the development of analytical skills and critical thinking. Developing the ability to think independently leads to strengthened learning communities.
The components of the doctoral program include course work, field experience, research, and writing, culminating in the dissertation process. Candidates may earn the Specialist Degree equivalency after successful completion of the Area I coursework and other requirements as indicated in the program description. The Ed.D. degree requirements include a minimum of 61 hours of coursework beyond the master’s degree and twelve hours minimum of dissertation credit.
Candidates who have earned the Education Specialist (Ed.S.) degree from Piedmont College may apply to the Ed.D. program and may apply credit toward Area I coursework requirements. Up to six hours of transfer credit beyond the master’s degree may be submitted by applicants with post master’s credit from other institutions. All transfer credit is subject to approval by the Director of Doctoral Studies department and by the Registrar.
The Doctoral program in Curriculum and Instruction is an approved program by the Professional Standards Commission (PSC) and The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). This program leads to an S-7 Certificate and requires successful passage of the GACE exam in Curriculum and Instruction. Candidates completing the program are eligible for a pay upgrade, to a 7 year level. (Those enrolling in the Ed.S. program after January 2013 will complete the GACE exam as a part of their S-6 certification.
Description of Admissions Process
Step 1. The applicant will complete the required application file by the January 15 deadline.
Step 2. The Ed.D. Admissions Committee will review completed application files and invite those who are approved to sit for a writing assessment and an interview.
Step 3. The Ed.D. Admissions Committee will review all admissions materials and select candidates to be offered acceptance into the Ed. D. degree program.
Course Descriptions