Ed.D. in Special Education

The Curriculum and Instruction focus of study prepares students for today’s educational environments. Today’s learning environments require understanding critical aspects of how learning happens for a population spanning multiple ages. This focus of study examines how standards shape assessment while building needed skills in content areas each strengthen by the ability to read well.

The Early Childhood Education focus of study will provide an in-depth exploration of theory, research, and practical applications relevant to professionals working in the early childhood field. Students will gain advanced knowledge of developmental theories and modern early childhood practices which influence children, educators, families, stakeholders, and public policy.

The Higher Education focus of study is intended to prepare administrators in acquiring or enhancing necessary skills to successfully lead higher education institutions. The courses offer a broad perspective of critical issues facing higher education, emphasizing the complexity of student concerns while balancing the demands of outside constituents, e.g. accreditors, state and federal regulators, community, students, and faculty. Designed to complement and support professional agendas, individual studies prepare leadership to understand the integrated aspects of complex systems influenced by modern societal issues.

The Instructional Leadership focus of study prepares practitioners in PK-12 settings to assist their schools and organizations in moving away from less effective, traditional views of teaching and learning by embracing a more proactive approach of using formative assessment data to build curriculum, design instructional delivery, collaborate with stakeholders and teach with the future in mind instead of solely relying on summative evaluations. Educational leaders can then make informed decisions and learner-centered adjustments much earlier in the process, maximize all available resources, and ultimately, foster higher levels of achievement and performance within their schools or organizations.

Each course within this study builds upon one another through an interactive manner using collaborative hands-on learning experiences with stakeholders aligned to theory and professional application. Opportunities for reflection and professional growth are embedded in each course to allow students to reimagine their role as teachers and leaders within their community and empower teams to create productive change in a PK-12 setting.

Disclaimer: The Instructional Leadership Focus of Study is only applicable to those practitioners in the PK-12 setting.

The Instructional Technology focus of study supports candidates who seek to serve as technology leaders and emphasizes new ways of thinking about technology and the integration of applications. Learning how to design environments which enhance and support organizational goals are considered to maximize learning for both individual and corporate purposes.

The Focus of Study supports candidates who seek to serve in leadership positions or grow in their leadership practice. Students expand their knowledge in key areas such as ethics, resource management, coaching, strategic planning and organizational culture to become more confident in their advanced leadership practice throughout organizational settings.

The Literacy focus of study provides students with a detailed examination of best practices in literacy education. Students will gain advanced knowledge of curriculum design, assessment, and leadership skills relevant to literacy education. The courses will provide the foundation to become educational leaders in the field of literacy.

Whether a student wants to assume a leadership role or learn more about a societal sector that stirs their passion, the Public and Nonprofit Leadership focus of study will sharpen critical thinking, decision-making, and leadership skills and increase societal and global awareness. The six courses in the sequence, emphasize ways to make an impact on both local and global communities through public and nonprofit service. The courses address unique challenges facing public and nonprofit organizations, including societal service, structural variations, development, policymaking, funding, and political and advocacy activities.

The Public Health Education focus of study provides students with the information necessary to expand their knowledge in the health and wellness field. The program provides content that includes not only the fundamentals of health and wellness, but also the theories, systems, and policies. Students enrolled in this focus of study will be provided the opportunity to learn foundational leadership skills in health education.

The Second Language Instruction focus of study provides students with information to work with second language learners in a variety of settings. The program provides content addressing key foundational theories and research-based strategies to support the educational or instructional needs of learners. Students enrolled in this focus of study can select courses which address instructional methods applicable to traditional classroom settings or they may select courses which support working with second language learners through a leadership role.

The STEM Education focus of study utilizes digital resources to foster the innovative engagement of learners associated with the integrated contents of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. The courses offer a holistic overview of historical and current issues and trends impacting integrated science education while cultivating research-based strategies to improve learning and leadership in the field.