Best Online Ph.D. Programs in Curriculum and Instruction
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An online Ph.D. in curriculum and instruction develops elite knowledge of curriculum development, pedagogical techniques, and student assessment models. Along with a doctor of education (Ed.D.) degree, it is one of two types of doctoral credentials you can earn in this leadership-oriented academic specialization.
Curriculum and instruction emerged as a distinct education subfield in the 20th century. It evolved from decades of scientific research that gradually established and demonstrated the value of child-centric education models.
Today, curriculum and instruction specialists play a shaping role in the education landscape. Educators increasingly draw on emerging research when designing learning programs. An online Ph.D. in curriculum and instruction can equip you with the knowledge and insights to make a meaningful and lasting difference in the lives of students.
This degree guide and ranking explains defining details of Ph.D. programs in curriculum and instruction. It also reviews top-rated online programs in this intriguing and important field.
Popular Online Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Top Online Ph.D. Programs in Curriculum and Instruction
University of Florida
Gainesville, FL- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$4,477
- Out-of-state$25,694
- In-State$10,770
- Out-of-state$27,335
- Retention Rate97%
- Acceptance Rate30%
- Students Enrolled55,781
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment57%
- AccreditationYes
University of South Florida
- Tampa, FL
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$4,559
- Out-of-state$15,473
- In-State$8,350
- Out-of-state$19,048
- Retention Rate90%
- Acceptance Rate49%
- Students Enrolled49,708
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment66%
- AccreditationYes
University of Virginia-Main Campus
- Charlottesville, VA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$16,547
- Out-of-state$50,518
- In-State$17,674
- Out-of-state$29,606
- Retention Rate97%
- Acceptance Rate21%
- Students Enrolled26,005
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment24%
- AccreditationYes
Indiana University-Bloomington
- Bloomington, IN
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$10,012
- Out-of-state$37,685
- In-State$10,033
- Out-of-state$31,932
- Retention Rate90%
- Acceptance Rate83%
- Students Enrolled47,005
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment48%
- AccreditationYes
Texas A & M University-College Station
- College Station, TX
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$9,208
- Out-of-state$36,117
- In-State$6,885
- Out-of-state$19,593
- Retention Rate95%
- Acceptance Rate62%
- Students Enrolled74,014
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment38%
- AccreditationYes
University of Louisiana at Monroe
- Monroe, LA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$5,788
- Out-of-state$17,888
- In-State$6,490
- Out-of-state$18,590
- Retention Rate69%
- Acceptance Rate70%
- Students Enrolled8,718
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment53%
- AccreditationYes
Texas Tech University
- Lubbock, TX
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$8,934
- Out-of-state$21,174
- In-State$6,956
- Out-of-state$15,136
- Retention Rate86%
- Acceptance Rate67%
- Students Enrolled40,378
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment68%
- AccreditationYes
Kansas State University
- Manhattan, KS
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$9,632
- Out-of-state$25,944
- In-State$10,294
- Out-of-state$23,018
- Retention Rate86%
- Acceptance Rate95%
- Students Enrolled19,722
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment44%
- AccreditationYes
University of Northern Iowa
- Cedar Falls, IA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$8,111
- Out-of-state$19,265
- In-State$9,691
- Out-of-state$20,774
- Retention Rate83%
- Acceptance Rate95%
- Students Enrolled8,949
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment54%
- AccreditationYes
University of Toledo
- Toledo, OH
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$9,028
- Out-of-state$18,388
- In-State$15,053
- Out-of-state$26,415
- Retention Rate75%
- Acceptance Rate92%
- Students Enrolled15,584
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment66%
- AccreditationYes
Why Get an Online Doctorate in Curriculum and Instruction?
- An online Ph.D. in curriculum and instruction conveys authority, expertise, and commitment to the field. It may help you qualify for and land high-ranking leadership positions in public or private education.
- A Ph.D. can open doors to careers beyond the school system. For instance, you can pursue roles in educational research, corporate training, or academia. Colleges often seek experts with Ph.D. degrees when filling tenure-track vacancies.
- You may elevate your earning potential by earning a specialized Ph.D. Many top-paying roles in education prefer or require terminal degrees.
- Online learning delivers excellent flexibility. You can set your own study schedule and work toward elite credentials while continuing to work in your current role.
- A Ph.D. in curriculum and instruction builds the knowledge leadership you need to identify and address current gaps in the education system. Through your work, you can help improve lives by building systems with the potential to inspire better academic outcomes for students.
Did You Know?
- As of April 2023, limited Payscale data reports an average salary of $80,000 per year for professionals with a Ph.D. in curriculum and instruction. That outpaces the median industry-wide salary of $50,000 per year by an impressive 60%.
- According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), less than 10% of U.S. public school teachers hold an educational credential higher than a master’s degree.
- Researchers note that doctoral degrees are becoming more common among working professionals seeking to position themselves in a competitive and knowledge-driven job market.
Does Accreditation Matter for Online Doctoral Degrees?
Before enrolling in an online Ph.D. in curriculum and instruction, ensure that the degree is properly accredited. You can research a school’s accreditation status with this Department of Education resource.
Some Ph.D. programs hold an additional form of accreditation known as programmatic or specialized accreditation. These optional credentials apply only to particular programs or divisions within a larger institution.
Programmatic accreditation generally signals elevated academic quality and/or alignment with specific curricular standards. The Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) and the Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation (AAQEP) are the main specialized accreditors of advanced education degrees.
What To Expect From an Online Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction?
In an online Ph.D. in curriculum and instruction, you’ll engage in deep study of educational theory, pedagogical development, and instructional methodologies.
Programs vary in their specific philosophies, but Ph.D. paths typically emphasize theory, scientific research, and their impacts. This differentiates them from Ed.D. programs, which tend to focus more on applied professional practice.
Credit requirements also vary, but typically fall in the range of about 60-66 semester credits. You’ll likely need 3-4 years to complete your online Ph.D. in curriculum and instruction unless you qualify for advanced standing.
Course types typically include:
- Core courses
- Qualitative and quantitative research courses
- Electives
- Dissertation components
Dissertation requirements prompt you to write an original research paper on a relevant topic of your choice. They form an integral part of most Ph.D. programs.
Admission Requirements
To do an online Ph.D. in curriculum and instruction, you’ll generally need a master’s degree in education. Schools may favorably evaluate applications from candidates with professional teaching experience, or curriculum and instructional designers who haven’t been in the classroom.
Beyond an institutional application and academic transcripts, you’ll likely be asked to supply:
- A resume or CV
- A personal statement detailing your career goals and your reasons for applying to the program
- Multiple letters of recommendation
Additional supplemental materials, such as GRE scores or admissions interviews, may also apply.
Degree and Specialization Options
While curriculum and instruction degrees are already specialized, some schools offer even more focused concentrations. Your options may include:
- Curriculum studies and teacher education
- Instructional technology
- Language and literacy
- STEM learning
It’s also important to consider other advanced education degrees and how they differ from Ph.D. programs. For instance, Ed.D. programs also lead to doctoral credentials. However, they tend to emphasize applied theory and the practical aspects of classroom-based teaching.
Education specialist (Ed.S.) degrees are a third option. Though not a true doctoral degree, an Ed.S. is a professional degree for postgraduate learners. It primarily appeals to educators seeking to build targeted and advanced skills for use in classroom-based teaching roles.
Popular Courses
Most Ph.D. programs break down into core requirements, research courses, electives, and dissertation components. The exact courses you’ll take depend on your program’s focus or concentration.
However, many curriculum and instruction doctorates share common topics and academic themes. Some of the courses you may encounter include:
- Curriculum and Instruction Research Design: Ph.D. programs in education emphasize research. This course covers core strategies and methods for designing effective qualitative and quantitative research programs.
- Educational Assessment Policies and Practices: Institutional policies and professional practices underpin the methods teachers use to assess students’ academic performance. This course offers a critical examination of these factors and relevant issues surrounding them.
- Trends in Curriculum Change: This course explores the impacts of emerging research, social trends, and cultural change on school curricula. Educational policymakers can apply gained insights to help foster more diverse and inclusive learning environments.
How Much Will an Online Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction Cost?
According to the NCES Data Lab’s 2020 National Postsecondary Student Aid Study (Graduate), students pursuing graduate education degrees at schools offering fully online instruction paid an average of $5,187 per year in tuition fees.
Your program costs may align with this average. They could also run higher or lower, depending on factors including:
- Institution Type. Public institutions generally charge lower tuition fees than private schools.
- Residency Status. If you attend a public school as an out-of-state student, higher tuition rates may apply.
- School Prestige. Highly regarded institutions may charge more, especially if they’re private schools. At the same time, such schools tend to command more funding and may therefore offer generous financial aid packages.
As you create your budget, remember that you may incur additional costs as an online student. These could include technology fees, software subscriptions or licenses, and computer equipment upgrades.
If you need help meeting your costs, look into scholarships, fellowships, and grant programs that offer non-repayable aid. Also, remember that some schools fully or partially fund their doctoral students. Use federal and private loans as a last resort only.
What Can You Do With a Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction?
With an online Ph.D. in curriculum and instruction, you may qualify for entry to a diverse lineup of career paths. While many graduates go on to careers in educational leadership or administration, you can also seek other roles. For instance, you could pursue a corporate training and development career potentially leading to a C-suite role as a chief learning officer.
Many of the jobs available to professionals with doctoral degrees in education pay relatively well, with some even earning six-figure salaries. However, wide variations in salary ranges are common and depend heavily on location-based factors. In general, roles based in major metropolitan centers and areas with high living costs tend to pay more.
The following table offers a high-level profile of select careers you might qualify for with a Ph.D. in curriculum and instruction:
| Job | Median Annual Salary | Job Growth Rate (2022-2032) |
|---|---|---|
| Chief Learning Officer | $156,340* | +3% |
| Elementary, Middle, or High School Principal | $103,460 | +1% |
| Instructional Coordinator | $74,620 | +2% |
| K-12 Education Administrator | $103,460 | N/A |
| Postsecondary Education Administrator | $102,610 | +4% |
Choosing the Right Graduate Program
Ranked lists of top programs provide a great start for your research, but they’re not the only resource you should consider. It’s also important to take stock of personal preferences and other important factors that may influence your educational decision-making.
Beyond practical considerations like program costs and locations, you might also look at:
- Specialization Options. If you want to pursue a curriculum and instruction specialization, seek a program that offers a relevant concentration or allows you to design your own using your electives and dissertation components.
- Admission Requirements. Schools vary in the rigidity of their admission standards. If you don’t have a master’s degree in education or professional teaching experience, you may need to target your program search.
- Program Length. Longer programs take more time to complete, but they also tend to deliver a more immersive and comprehensive learning experience. Consider both your near-term and long-term needs as you seek the right balance.
If possible, it’s also a good idea to research the career outcomes among graduates of any program you’re considering. Some schools publish data on job placement rates, average salaries, and other related data. This information can offer valuable insights into how employers view the credentials the school offers.
Questions About Doctorates in Curriculum and Instruction
How long does it take to get a Ph.D. in curriculum and instruction?
If you study on a full-time schedule, you’ll likely spend 3-4 years on your online Ph.D. in curriculum and instruction. Some programs offer advanced standing to learners with exceptional credentials, like extensive teaching experience or previously completed doctoral coursework. However, doctoral degrees tend to have fewer acceleration options than undergraduate programs.
Is there a difference between a Ph.D., Ed.D., and Ed.S.?
Yes. Ph.D. programs place more emphasis on academic theory and research while Ed.D. programs focus more on the practical aspects of applied practice. Ed.S. programs mainly appeal to classroom-based educators seeking to enhance their command of specific instructional or pedagogical methodologies.
Ph.D. and Ed.D. degrees are both doctoral credentials. An Ed.S. is a postgraduate professional degree, not a doctorate.
Can I teach with an online Ph.D.?
Yes, you can pursue a career as a teacher with an online Ph.D. in curriculum and instruction. However, you will also need a teaching license if you plan to work in a U.S. public school.
Is an online Ph.D. recognized by employers?
Yes, as long as you earned your doctorate at an accredited institution. Online education has made great strides in recent decades and is now widely viewed as equal to traditional face-to-face learning. Most schools do not distinguish between online and campus-based degrees on transcripts or other official documents.
Is a Ph.D. in curriculum and instruction worth it?
If you’re looking for an elite, authoritative credential that conveys deep knowledge, a Ph.D. offers significant appeal. Many of the career paths open to professionals with doctoral degrees in curriculum and instruction also pay much higher average salaries than those typically earned by educators with lesser degrees.
For many Ph.D. program graduates, these factors represent excellent value.
