Curriculum and Instruction

Ed.D. in Curriculum and Instruction-Specialization in Curriculum Studies (60-credit hours)

Degree Requirements (60 cr.)

Major Requirements (27 cr.)
The credits in the major are divided into two areas and chosen in consultation with the student’s advisor and program advisory committee.

Focus (24 cr.)

There is substantial flexibility in the major. Courses from related areas of study may be included if their relevance to the major can be demonstrated and if committee approval can be secured. All courses are subject to approval by the student’s doctoral advisory committee.

Inquiry Linkage (3 cr.)

A course with a robust research component (e.g., J638, J650, Q690 or other course approved by the program committee) (3 cr.)


Inquiry Requirements (9 cr.)
Select one course from the following (3 cr.):
  • Y520 Strategies for Educational Inquiry (3 cr.)
  • Y521 Methodological Approaches to Educational Inquiry (3 cr.)* 

    *Although either Y520 or Y521 can meet this requirement, Y521 is highly recommended because it is intended for doctoral students.

An additional minimum of six credits must be selected from those approved as Core Inquiry courses.  A list of approved inquiry courses may be found at https://education.indiana.edu/students/graduates/approved-core-inquiry-courses.html.

Minor Requirements (9 cr.)

The minor must have integrity in its own right and must complement the major. The minor field must demonstrate wholeness within itself and contribute to the student's overall doctoral program. Minors are typically formulated within a single program area. However, an interdisciplinary or individualized minor is also possible. Interdisciplinary or individualized minors require a written description of the minor's underlying theme along with a rationale for each course's contribution to that theme through the Minor Justification form. This form should be submitted and approved by the Graduate Studies Office before enrolling in the minor courses.

Elective Requirements (6 cr.)

A minimum of 6 elective credits must be taken outside the major and the minor. An additional elective may be selected from within the major, the minor, inquiry, or any broad field of study.

Dissertation Requirements (9 cr.)
  • J795 Dissertation Proposal Preparation (3 cr.)
  • J799 Dissertation-Curriculum/Instruction (6 cr.)

Academic Bulletins

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Additional program information can be found at the Office of Graduate Studies.