Ph.D. in Education – Curriculum & Instruction
Lead New Trends in Curriculum & Instruction
Are you ready to take the next big step in your career and pursue your terminal degree? If you’re looking for a research-based Ph.D. that can prepare you for a career in academia and help you guide innovative curriculum and instruction initiatives, then consider this program. Regent’s Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Education – Curriculum & Instruction is built on a sound theory using current research so you can make a significant difference in the world of education.
INCREASE YOUR EARNING POTENTIAL
Capitalize on a higher salary with your Ph.D. degree.
EXPAND YOUR CAREER PATH
Take your career to the next level with exciting leadership opportunities.
MAKE AN IMPACT
Present ground-breaking research to improve the world of education.
ALIGN YOURSELF WITH EXCELLENCE THROUGH REGENT’S PH.D. PROGRAM
Regent has been ranked among the Top National Universities by the U.S. News & World Report (2026). Our programs have also been ranked among the Top 5 Best Online Graduate Education Programs in Virginia for 3 years in a row (2023-2026).
Presented from a Christian worldview, this specialty degree 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 Ph.D. in Education – Curriculum & Instruction degree, you can:
- Expand upon theories and research behind curriculum and instruction models.
- 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 Consultant
- School District Administrator
Students should refer to their catalog or audited degree plan (ADP) for required courses to complete their degree.
2026-27 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 14 | Monday, August 24 |
| Session M | Friday, September 11 | Monday, September 21 |
| Session B | Friday, October 16 | Monday, October 26 |
| Session C | Wednesday, January 6 | Monday, January 11 |
| Session T | Friday, January 29 | Monday, February 8 |
| Session D | Friday, March 5 | Monday, March 15 |
| Session E | Friday, April 30 | Monday, May 10 |
| Session F | Friday, June 11 | Monday, June 21 |
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.
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 |
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 |
*Rates are subject to change at any time.
Ph.D. Requirements
A Ph.D. student will (a) complete 21 hours associated with the Ed.D. core curriculum, (b) complete 24-26 hours associated with an Ed.D. concentration, (c) complete an additional 6 hours of research related credit, and (d) complete 16 hours of dissertation research credit—the total program is 67 hours. A candidate for the Ph.D. degree must present an acceptable research-based dissertation. The dissertation demonstrates that the candidate has technical competence in the field and has done research of an independent character. It must add to or modify what was previously known in the candidate’s field of interest or present a significant interpretation of the subject based upon original investigation and research.
Ph.D. students are required to take the following courses:
EDCO 806 Multivariate Statistics (3)
EHEA 805 Advanced Research Design and Analysis (3)
Faculty
Rene Martinez, Ph.D., is the Program Director for Curriculum & Instruction and is committed to your success.
Dr. Rene Martinez joined the Regent University School of Education as a full-time faculty member in January 2025 after serving as an Adjunct Professor for more than a decade. She currently serves as an Assistant Professor and Program Director for Curriculum & Instruction.
Dr. Martinez brings extensive experience in PreK–12 education, including classroom teaching, school leadership, curriculum development, professional learning, instructional coaching, and mentoring. As a military spouse, she taught high school English in New Jersey and middle school English Language Arts in North Carolina before transitioning into elementary and middle school administration. She later served as a literacy coach and District Administrator for Secondary English with Virginia Beach City Public Schools, where she led curriculum initiatives and supported instructional improvement across the division.
Dr. Martinez has authored and co-authored numerous scholarly articles and has presented her research at national and international conferences.
Credentials
- Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction, University of Hawaii at Manoa
- M.A. in Urban Education with a concentration in Administration and Supervision, New Jersey City University
- B.S. in Elementary Education and English, The College of New Jersey
Licenses and Endorsements
- Virginia Division Superintendent License
- Administration and Supervision, Elementary Education, and English Professional Endorsements
- Provisional Reading Specialist Endorsement
Research Interests
- Curriculum Design and School Reform
- Interdisciplinary Curriculum
- Literacy and English Language Arts Instruction
- Project-Based Learning
- Teacher-Student Relationships
- Teacher Preparation