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An alumna: Pursue your EdD in Curriculum and Instruction at Regent University.

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.

Online
61+
June 23, 2025
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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.

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
Table listing featured courses with course code, name, and credit hours.
ECSL 710Christian School Foundations3
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 715Vision, Mission, & Community in Christian Schools3
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 720The Flourishing Christian School3
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 730Instructional Leadership in Christian Schools3
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 735Emotionally Intelligent Leadership in Christian Schools3
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.

2024-25 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.

SessionSemester Check-InSession Start Date
Session AFriday, August 9Monday, August 19
Session MFriday, September 6Monday, September 16
Session BFriday, October 11Monday, October 21
Session CWednesday, January 8Monday, January 13
Session TFriday, January 31Monday, February 10
Session DFriday, March 7Monday, March 17
Session EFriday, May 2Monday, May 12
Session FFriday, June 13Monday, June 23

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, AACRAO 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.

Part-Time Students

DegreeTuition Cost Per Credit HourAverage Credit Hours Per SemesterAverage Tuition Per Semester
Master of Education (M.Ed.)$5856$3,510
Educational Specialist (Ed.S.)$8206$4,920
Doctor of Education (Ed.D.)$8203$2,460
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)$8203$2,460

Full-Time Students

DegreeTuition Cost Per Credit HourAverage Credit Hours Per SemesterAverage Tuition Per Semester
Master of Education (M.Ed.)$5859$5,265
Educational Specialist (Ed.S.)$8209$7,380
Doctor of Education (Ed.D.)$8206$4,920
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)$8206$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 »

PART-TIME STUDENTS

DegreeTuition Cost Per Credit HourAverage Credit Hours Per SemesterAverage Tuition Per Semester
Master of Education (M.Ed.)$5656$3,390
Educational Specialist (Ed.S.)$8006$4,800
Doctor of Education (Ed.D.)$8003$2,400
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)$8003$2,400

Full-Time Students

DegreeTuition Cost Per Credit HourAverage Credit Hours Per SemesterAverage Tuition Per Semester
Master of Education (M.Ed.)$5659$5,085
Educational Specialist (Ed.S.)$8009$7,200
Doctor of Education (Ed.D.)$8006$4,800
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)$8006$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. Finn is the concentration chair for Curriculum & Instruction and is committed to your success.

Dr. Don Finn has been a faculty member since 2006 and served as the School of Education Dean from July 2015-2018. Specializing in Adult Education, he has been an educator for over 25 years and possesses a current Virginia Postgraduate Professional teaching license in secondary education.

Dr. Finn earned his B.S. in Secondary Education, Social Sciences concentration and his M.S. in Curriculum and Instruction with an Adult Education concentration from Radford University. He taught 7th through 12th grade social studies and in the adult night high school program in Montgomery County, Virginia. In 1999, he accepted a position to provide statewide leadership through the Virginia Adult Learning Resource Center located at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU). While at the VCU School of Education, he served as a collateral faculty member, a grant and project coordinator and instructor. He earned his Ph.D. in Adult Education and Organizational Learning from VCU in 2005.

His service has included leadership at the state and national levels as president of the Virginia Association for Adult & Continuing Education (VAACE) and various appointed roles, and as an elected executive board member for the Coalition on Adult Basic Education (COABE). His COABE service includes: Secretary, Region 2 representative (2013-2015), national conference chairman (2012, 2015, 2018), conference program chairman (2016 & 2017), and President-Elect (2017-2019). He has been a textbook consultant, an article reviewer for select journals, and a consultant to adult education programs in Virginia and other states.

Finn has served on various Regent University committees including chairing the university Curriculum and Instruction Review Committee (CIRC), faculty senator, chairman of the School of Education Doctoral program and the Masters of Curriculum & Instruction (M.Ed.) program. He was named the School of Education Outstanding Faculty Member in 2010, VAACE Outstanding Adult Education Leader in 2013 and received the 2014 VAACE President’s Award for outstanding service.

Finn has authored and co-authored numerous articles and book chapters about effective instructional practices for adult learners, university professors and other diverse learners.

“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
“My credentials from Regent helped earn me the respect of parents and the confidence of school leaders. I'm so pleased that I could go one step further and share on a national level.”
Catherine Webb, Autism Certificate, 2004 Instructional Coach, Giles County Public Schools
“I found Regent's School of Education to be a place where I could obtain some of those practical skills I needed to help others. The TESOL curriculum included a good balance of instruction in reading, writing, and conversation skills that I can apply with adults or children.”
Jason Clark, M.Ed., 2010 TESOL
“A Regent education will open up doors for you. It certainly has for me.”
Roxie Godfrey, Ed.D., 2005 Teacher Educator & Assistant Professor, Texas Tech University
“From the professors to advisors to support staff, my experience at Regent has been extremely satisfying, and I highly recommend the program to others.”
Lorri Wilke, M.Ed., 2012 NILD Educational Therapy