Doctor of Education Curriculum

Degree Overview

Credits: 48
Format: Fully online, asynchronous
Duration: 3 years (minimum) with two courses per semester
Concentrations: Curriculum & Instruction or Educational Leadership

Ed.D. Courses

All students complete eight core courses plus four courses from their concentration area. You’ll begin developing your dissertation topic from your first semester, then complete three dedicated dissertation work courses in your final semesters.

Students also complete four concentration courses (12 credits) from the specialty area of their choice.

Core Courses

Introduction to Doctoral Studies: Philosophy & Ethics
Principles of Educational Research
Qualitative Design, Statistics & Analysis
Statistical Methods of Inquiry & Quantitative Design
Policy & Organizational Change in Education
Diversity Frameworks
Current & Historical Theorists/Researchers in Education
Global Issues in Pedagogy & Educational Policy
Doctoral Dissertation (three semesters)

Curriculum & Instruction Concentration Courses

For instructional coaches, specialists and educators aiming to strengthen teaching and learning. Courses cover curriculum design, program evaluation and instructional innovation.

Curriculum Design
Emerging Instructional Strategies
Current Trends in Curriculum & Instruction
Evaluating Educational Programs & Professional Staff Development

Educational Leadership Concentration Courses

For administrators preparing for principalships or superintendent roles. Courses cover organizational change, school finance, education law and supervision of personnel. This track also includes the option to add a Texas Superintendent Certificate for an additional three credits.

Perspectives in Leadership
Education Law & Policy
Supervision of Personnel & Instructional Programs
School Finance, Budgeting, Facilities & Planning
Optional add-on: Superintendent Certificate & Internship

Request Information

To download a program brochure and learn more about the online Doctor of Education from Texas Wesleyan University, please fill out the form. You can also get in touch with an enrollment specialist directly by calling us at 817-785-9307.

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Optional Superintendent Certificate

Earn a Texas Superintendent Certificate by taking one additional internship course. Students in the Educational Leadership concentration can add on the Superintendent Internship, which includes 160 hours of on-site experience under the supervision of practicing superintendents.

Once you complete the course, you will be eligible to sit for the TExES Superintendent 195 exam, provided that you have your principal certification and at least two years of creditable teaching experience as a classroom teacher.

Many students begin their coursework before committing to the certification, so you have time to decide if it’s the right path for you.

Note: Texas does not have reciprocity agreements for superintendent certification with other states. Out-of-state educators should verify their state’s specific requirements. Call 817-785-9307 if you have questions.

See a success story from a Texas Wesleyan Ed.D. alum who moved from teacher to superintendent.

Ed.D. Program Format

Course Content Available Anytime

The Ed.D. is designed so you don’t have to log in at a set time. You choose when and where to watch lectures, read materials and complete assignments.

While the coursework is asynchronous, you’ll also have opportunities to connect in real time, like during the optional Doctor to Doctor sessions with alumni and education leaders.

Complete One Module a Week

Each course is organized into weekly modules that follow a consistent schedule. You’ll know the coursework and requirements at the start of the week and turn assignments in by Sunday night.

Your weekly work may include analyzing case studies from real districts, developing policy proposals, creating professional development plans and evaluating educational programs. You’ll also participate in discussion boards where you problem-solve with peers.

Semesters are 15 weeks in the fall and spring terms and 12 weeks in the summer.

Your Dissertation Complements Your Coursework

Year 1: Select your topic and complete a concept paper.
Year 2: Build your proposal and gather research.
Year 3: Write, revise and defend your dissertation.