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Graduate Programs

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Master's Degree

• M.A.T. in Multiple Levels
  
  

Doctoral Degree

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Meet our Faculty in the Ed.D. Program

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Ed.D. in Curriculum & Instruction

Graduate Program Timeline & Milestones

Welcome to your doctoral journey in the Ed.D. in Curriculum & Instruction program. Our structured pathway is designed to support your growth as an educational leader and researcher through key academic benchmarks:

COURSEWORKÌý→ÌýCOMPREHENSIVE EXAMÌý→ÌýPROPOSALÌý→ÌýPROPOSAL DEFENSEÌý→DISSERTATION/CAPSTONEÌý→ÌýGRADUATION

1. Begin Your Doctoral Journey

First Semesters of the Program

• Review the Ed.D. in Curriculum & Instruction program requirements andÌýtheÌýGraduate Student Handbook.

• Develop a preliminary plan of study with guidance of theÌýProgram Coordinator.

• Connect with School of Education faculty and begin identifyingÌýresearch interests.

• Ensure you have access to the Ed.D. Canvas course shell and program resources. If not, emailÌýDr. Jenny Quintana

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2. Prepare for the Comprehensive Examination

Completion Window: Final Semesters of Coursework

Taken as you near the end of your required coursework, the Comprehensive Examination assesses your mastery of program content and confirms your readiness to begin your doctoral research.

Before Eligibility:ÌýEnsure you have finished all coursework (or have at most 2 remaining courses) and have secured a Major Professor from the Â黨ӰԺ School of Education. Meet with your Major Professor to discuss your research interests, select your research pathway (Dissertation or Practice-Based Capstone), and review theÌýEd.D. Graduate Student HandbookÌýfor exam guidelines.

Comprehensive Exam Registration

Comprehensive examinations are offered during the Fall and Spring semesters but notÌýduring the Summer.

Registration deadlines:

Spring 1–2
First Wednesday of November

Fall 1–2
First Wednesday of May

Steps for Registration

1. Verify Schedule:ÌýConfirm exam dates withÌýDr. Jenny QuintanaÌýor view the announcement onÌýEd.D. C&I Canvas.

2. Select Committee & Major Professor:ÌýIdentify three faculty members (one Major Professor and two Committee Members). Email them your CV and research focus. Ensure your Major Professor is someone with whom you can collaborate regularly on your degree progress.

3. Submit Comprehensive Examination Form (Form 4):ÌýComplete your student details, committee names, and target term (Fall 1, Fall 2, Spring 1, or Spring 2) onÌýForm 4.ÌýNo signatures are required until after the exam is passed.

4. Complete Comps Registration Survey:ÌýSubmit the required registration survey, published on Canvas Announcements at the beginning of the second 8-week session each semester.

5. Course Enrollment:ÌýRegister for CURR 7015ÌýorÌýCURR 7016, aligned with your Major Professor's recommendation.

6. Final Verification:ÌýWatch for an official eligibility confirmation email from Dr. QuintanaÌýat the start of your 8-week exam term

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3. Complete the Comprehensive Examination

The Comprehensive Examination consists of two sequential phases:

Phase 1: Written Examination. You will haveÌýtwo weeksÌýto complete the written exam and upload your responses via Canvas. Detailed instructions and prompts will be provided at the start of the testing window.

Phase 2: Oral Examination. Following the written exam, you will haveÌýone weekÌýto prepare for aÌý1-hour virtual oral defenseÌýwith your doctoral committee. Oral exams are conducted via Teams and scheduled based on faculty availability during the designated examination week.

Advancement to Candidacy:ÌýSuccessfully passing both the written and oral examinations allows you to officially advance to the dissertation/capstone proposal stage.Ìý

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4.ÌýDevelop Your Research Proposal

1. Proposal Planning:ÌýMeet with your Major Professor to outline your research topic, writing goals, and proposal timeline.

2. Form 5 Submission:ÌýSubmit Form 5Ìýto your Major Professor at the beginning of the semester of your planned proposal defense.

3. Drafting & IRB Clearance:ÌýDevelop your proposal draft with feedback from your Major Professor and fulfill all IRB requirements (if human subjects are involved).

4. Committee Coordination:ÌýWork with your Major Professor to set a proposal defense date that aligns with committee availability.

5. 2-Week Document Distribution:ÌýSend the final proposal draft to all committee members at least two weeks before your defense date.

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5. Dissertation or Practice-Based Capstone

Following proposal approval, you will complete the final research component of your doctoral program.

Work with your major professor to establish a timeline for:

Dissertation

Complete an original research study that contributes to knowledge and practice in your field.

OR

Practice-Based Action Research Capstone

Complete an applied research project focused on addressing a real-world educational problem or challenge.

Your major professor and committee will guide you through the requirements, research process, and final completion of your selected option.

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Important Resources

Ed.D. in Curriculum & Instruction Program:Ìý

Ed.D. Graduate Student Handbook

Comprehensive Examination Form (Form 4)

Proposal Form (Form 5)

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Questions?

For questions about your doctoral program, comprehensive examination, proposal, dissertation, or capstone, work directly with your major professor or contact the Â黨ӰԺ School of Education.