Ed.D. – Curriculum & Instruction

Make a Significant Difference Through an Ed.D. in Curriculum & Instruction

Are you a practitioner-based leader interested in improving current educational programs? Imagine using your influence to shape the future of education and investing in brighter possibilities for you too. Regent’s Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) – Curriculum & Instruction helps you deliver research-supported programs while teaching you how curriculum and instruction can be structured and applied to educational reform.

Location: Online

Total Credit Hours: 61+

Next Session Start: March 16, 2026

Approved Degree Plan: Download PDF

INCREASE YOUR EARNING POTENTIAL

Capitalize on a higher salary with your doctoral degree.

IMPLEMENT INNOVATIVE APPROACHES

Enhance student engagement by integrating technology into the curriculum.

EXPAND YOUR CAREER PATH THROUGH AN ED.D. IN CURRICULUM & INSTRUCTION

Take your career to the next level with influential leadership opportunities.

Presented from a Christian worldview, the Ed.D. – Curriculum & Instruction is supported by award-winning faculty in Virginia Beach.

Please complete the Request Information form on this page to learn more about this program.

Regent University ranked #2 of Top 25 Accredited Online PhD & Doctoral Degree Programs | Learn.org

Regent University Ranked Among the Best Online Ed.D. Degree Options by Forbes

Top 30 Online Curriculum & Instruction Ph.D. Programs

Career Opportunities

On completing the Ed.D. – Curriculum & Instruction degree, you can:

Identify best practices through exploring the theories and research behind curriculum and instruction programs.
Develop evaluation skills valuable in assessing curriculum design and instruction practices.
Create original research and prepare for publication in refereed conferences, journals, and books.

Career Opportunities

University Faculty
Curriculum & Instruction Specialist
School District Administrator

Ranked Among Top National Universities U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2019, 2020, 2022 and 2023

Featured Courses

Table listing featured courses with course code, name, and credit hours.
Code	Name	Credits
ECSL 710	Christian School Foundations	3	Offers an in-depth exploration of the principles and historical context of P12 Christian education. Students will examine the rationale for Christian schooling and its role in preparing the next generation of Christians to change the world. Key topics include various philosophies that inform Christian pedagogy. Through a historical lens, participants will study the evolution of P12 Christian education, highlighting influential figures and movements. Cross-listed with ECSL 510.
ECSL 715	Vision, Mission, & Community in Christian Schools	3	Focuses on the development and implementation of vision and mission statements in Christian schools, emphasizing their role in shaping school culture and community engagement. Students will explore the principles of effective leadership and strategic planning, learning how to create compelling vision and mission statements that resonate within and beyond the school walls. Through practical exercises, case studies, and collaborative projects, participants will gain skills to inspire stakeholders, foster community involvement, and drive meaningful impact. Cross-listed with ECSL 515.
ECSL 720	The Flourishing Christian School	3	Explores the principles that foster flourishing cultures and individuals in Christian schools. Students will examine key components of a thriving school environment, focusing on positive culture, community building, and holistic education. Participants will learn strategies to empower leaders and teachers, promoting growth and spiritual development among students. The course emphasizes restorative practices and culminates in actionable plans for sustaining a flourishing Christian school that nurtures the well-being and success of all stakeholders. Cross-listed with ECSL 520.
ECSL 730	Instructional Leadership in Christian Schools	3	Prepares students to become effective instructional leaders in Christian schools, focusing on supervision of key areas such as choosing a curriculum model, developing professional learning communities, evaluating instruction, and selecting learning standards. Participants will explore best practices for strategies that lead to creating engaging learning environments that enhance the student experience and support teacher growth. Cross-listed with ECSL 530.
ECSL 735	Emotionally Intelligent Leadership in Christian Schools	3	Explores emotionally intelligent leadership in Christian schools, emphasizing the integration of heart and mind. Students will learn strategies for managing conflict, fostering collaboration, and enhancing team dynamics through empathy and self-awareness. Key topics include recognizing emotional cues, active listening, and conflict resolution techniques aligned with Christian values. Participants will engage in reflective practices to enhance their leadership style and build stronger relationships within their school community. Students will be equipped to lead with compassion and integrity, creating an inclusive environment that promotes growth, trust, and a shared mission in P12 Christian education. Cross-listed with ECSL 535.

Students should refer to their catalog or audited degree plan (ADP) for required courses to complete their degree.

Other Concentrations

Admissions Requirements

2025-26 Semester Check-In Deadlines

All students are expected to check-in for the semester two weeks before the session start date. Students should apply, be accepted, enroll in their first courses, and confirm a plan to pay for their courses prior to this date.

Session	Semester Check-In	Session Start Date
Session A	Friday, August 15	Monday, August 25
Session M	Friday, September 12	Monday, September 22
Session B	Friday, October 17	Monday, October 27
Session C	Wednesday, January 7	Monday, January 12
Session T	Friday, January 30	Monday, February 9
Session D	Friday, March 6	Monday, March 16
Session E	Friday, May 1	Monday, May 11
Session F	Friday, June 12	Monday, June 22

Admissions Requirements

Step 1: Apply to Regent University

Submit your application using the Regent University Online Application.

Note: If you are unable to complete our application due to a disability, please contact our Admissions Office at 757.352.4990 or admissions@regent.edu and an admissions representative will provide reasonable accommodations to assist you in completing the application.

Step 2: Submit Your Unofficial Transcripts

Submit your unofficial transcripts to regent.edu/items.

Upon submitting your application, you will receive an email requesting authorization for Regent University to obtain your official transcripts from your U.S. degree-granting institution. International transcripts must be evaluated by a NACES or NAFSA approved agency.

Step 3: Submit Your Government-Issued ID

To ensure academic integrity, Regent University requires a copy of a government-issued ID. Please submit a scanned copy or photograph of it to regent.edu/items.

Please feel free to contact the Office of Admissions at 757.352.4990 or admissions@regent.edu should you have any further questions about the application process.

Note: All items submitted as part of the application process become the property of Regent University and cannot be returned.

Tuition & Fees

2025-26 Tuition Rates

Part-Time Students

Degree	Tuition Cost Per Credit Hour	Average Credit Hours Per Semester	Average Tuition Per Semester
Master of Arts (M.A.)	$585	6	$3,510
Master of Education (M.Ed.)	$585	6	$3,510
M.S. in Library Science	$700	6	$4,200
Educational Specialist (Ed.S.)	$820	6	$4,920
Doctor of Education (Ed.D.)	$820	3	$2,460
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)	$820	3	$2,460

Full-Time Students

Degree	Tuition Cost Per Credit Hour	Average Credit Hours Per Semester	Average Tuition Per Semester
Master of Arts (M.A.)	$585	9	$5,265
Master of Education (M.Ed.)	$585	9	$5,265
M.S. in Library Science	$700	9	$6,300
Educational Specialist (Ed.S.)	$820	9	$7,380
Doctor of Education (Ed.D.)	$820	6	$4,920
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)	$820	6	$4,920

Student Fees Per Semester

University Services Fee (On-Campus Students)	$900 (Fall & Spring) $750 (Summer)
University Services Fee (Online Students)	$750

Military Admissions & Aid » | Cost of Attendance »

2024-25 Tuition Rates

PART-TIME STUDENTS

Degree	Tuition Cost Per Credit Hour	Average Credit Hours Per Semester	Average Tuition Per Semester
Master of Education (M.Ed.)	$565	6	$3,390
Educational Specialist (Ed.S.)	$800	6	$4,800
Doctor of Education (Ed.D.)	$800	3	$2,400
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)	$800	3	$2,400

Full-Time Students

Degree	Tuition Cost Per Credit Hour	Average Credit Hours Per Semester	Average Tuition Per Semester
Master of Education (M.Ed.)	$565	9	$5,085
Educational Specialist (Ed.S.)	$800	9	$7,200
Doctor of Education (Ed.D.)	$800	6	$4,800
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)	$800	6	$4,800

Student Fees Per Semester

University Services Fee (On-Campus Students)	$850 (Fall & Spring) $700 (Summer)
University Services Fee (Online Students)	$700

Military Admissions & Aid » | Cost of Attendance »

*Rates are subject to change at any time.

Advanced Standing

Students possessing an Ed.S. or equivalent may be admitted to the Ed.D. program with advanced standing after a review of their post-master’s transcript(s). Offered in a cohort model. Students may begin the program in the spring, summer or fall semesters. Courses are delivered online with some required face-to-face components. School division cohorts are also offered in varying formats.

Faculty

Dr. Martinez is the concentration chair for Curriculum & Instruction and is committed to your success.

Dr. Rene Martinez is an assistant professor and program director at the Graduate School of Education at Regent University. She holds a Ph.D. in Education with a specialization in Curriculum and Instruction, focusing on English Language Arts, from the University of Hawaii at Manoa. Her academic background also includes a Master of Urban Education: Administration and Supervision and a Bachelor of Elementary Education/English from The College of New Jersey.

With extensive experience in K-12 education and higher education, Dr. Martinez has served in various roles, including as a secondary English coordinator, literacy coach, assistant principal and English teacher. She has worked with diverse student populations, focusing on curriculum design, literacy instruction, and teacher preparation. At Regent University, Dr. Martinez teaches courses in literacy, curriculum design, and assessment, preparing future educators for the classroom.

Related Programs

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“The adult track of the TESOL program in Regent's School of Education prepared me to work with students on a beginning English level as well as students on the postgraduate level.”

Joyce Erber, M.Ed., 2009 TESOL

“After nearly 25 years in the military and in business, Regent's Career Switcher program inspired me and prepared me to become a classroom teacher and an educational leader. I lean on what I learned there often.”

Pat McCarty, M.Ed., 2009 Career Switcher

“A great teacher learns how to love and care for the students. At Regent this isn't only taught as our responsibility to others but it is modeled. The caring instructors seek to grow leaders with a Christian worldview and a heart to serve others.”

Wilbur Chapman, M.Ed., 2011 TESOL

“After a month of online learning at Regent, I thought, 'Man, this is the best thing!' Not only did I get to learn my discipline, I got to learn how my values and my beliefs can be intertwined into my discipline.”

Shaketta D. Thomas, Ed.S. - Educational Psychology, 2017; M.Ed. - Curriculum & Instruction, 2013 Testing Director & Program Specialist, Virginia Department of Corrections

“Regent opened a door to self-discovery and selflessness. My Regent instructors encouraged me to operate on a higher level of motivation and others-oriented awareness.”

Sandra Turner, M.Ed., 2016 Professional Development