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Apply hereDoctor of education
You are a dedicated educator with a keen sense for the potential of research-based practices in the classroom. But you’re also aware that academic advances can fail to reach students without a robust pathway. This highly selective online doctorate (Ed.D.) in learning, teaching and curriculum from the University of Missouri (Mizzou) may be the perfect fit.
Geared toward professionals working in public school settings, this program poses essential questions about how educational research can inspire change. How can theory and research transform the landscape of learning and teaching? How can higher education foster the development of a research-minded, informed cohort of professional educators dedicated to leading that change?
Mizzou’s online learning, teaching and curriculum doctorate has many standout features. Here are just a few:
- Intimate cohorts: Once admitted, you join an elite group of approximately 8 graduate students — an intimate learning community that supports your experience.
- Diverse options: Choose 15 to 18 credit hours of course work from an array of curriculum offerings ranging from literacy and English teaching to social studies, art education and science education.
- Monthly seminar: Cohorts meet as a group one Wednesday evening each month for a dynamic seminar where you focus on aspects of the program, meet guest lecturers and deepen your learning through discussions.
- Finish in three years: The course load and program timeline are tailored to working professionals who want to continue working while earning an Ed.D.
- Outstanding national reputation: Mizzou’s College of Education & Human Development graduate programs are in the top 15 nationally, according to the U.S. News & World Report. Mizzou’s education faculty are among the best in their field.
Quick facts
Official name
Doctor of education in learning, teaching and curriculumCampus
Program type
DoctorateAcademic home
College of Education & Human Development | Department of Learning, Teaching and CurriculumDelivery mode
100% onlineAccreditation
Higher Learning CommissionCredit hours
48Estimated cost
$26,966.40*This cost is for illustrative purposes only. Your hours and costs will differ, depending on your transfer hours, your course choices and your academic progress. See more about tuition and financial aid.
Career prospects
This program will provide you with the knowledge and credentials to serve as a leader in guiding the educational development of your community, school district and beyond. Potential roles include:
- Elementary and secondary school leaders
- Elementary and secondary school principals
- District-level curriculum directors
- Instructional coordinators or coaches
- Professional development leaders
- Educational consultants
- Executive managers for private/non-profit education organizations
- University instructors
Program structure
This program is ideal for professionals who have earned a master's or educational specialist degree within the last six to eight years. It combines independent study with opportunities for collaborative learning through participation in faculty research projects and seminars with cohort peers. Your dissertation, focused on research that has an immediate impact on your profession, will progress steadily through a scaffolding that is embedded in your required course work, seminars and faculty collaborations. With six credit hours per semester (roughly two classes), monthly seminars and summer courses, you can plan to earn your Ed.D. in three years.
Course work includes
- Reading and writing in academic research
- Applied statistics
- Quantitative foundations in educational research
- Research methods I & II
- Electives relevant to the dissertation project such as the teaching of English, social studies, math, science and literacy
- Dissertation project
Delivery
100% onlineCalendar system
Semester-basedTypical program length
3 yearsTypical course load
2 classes per semesterAccreditation
The University of Missouri is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, one of six regional institutional accreditors in the United States.
Faculty spotlight
Antonio J. Castro's research interests center on the preparation of teachers for culturally diverse contexts and urban schools, with specific attention to the teaching of critical multicultural citizenship, democratic teacher education, and teaching practices that foster equity and social justice. Prior to serving as a professor, Dr. Castro taught in urban schools and worked in a variety of outreach and educational programs for low-income and minority populations. He currently teaches undergraduate and graduate courses in diversity, social studies education, curriculum, teacher education, and qualitative research methods. He also conducts workshops for educators about diversity, civic practices, and teacher development in local area schools and here at the University of Missouri.
Linda Helmick (she, her, hers) is an artist, researcher and teacher who grounds her work in the belief that creative expression is a basic human right that should be accessible for all. Dr. Helmick promotes creativity as a powerful force for change, healing, and transformation. Her areas of expertise include critical creative work with underserved populations and building art education/art therapy wellness and self-care curricula to better serve those who have experienced trauma.
Samuel Otten received his doctorate in mathematics education and his M.S. in mathematics from Michigan State University. His research centers on students’ participation in mathematical practices at the secondary level, with a focus on classroom discourse and instructional technology.
Laura Zangori teaches and works with students and teachers from elementary through undergraduate classrooms. Her work focuses on how to support teachers and students’ in constructing scientific explanations to understand biological phenomena.