Frequently Asked Questions

What Kind of Program Is It?

As a student of Walden University's Ph.D. in Education program with a specialization in Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment, you have the opportunity to study human development, learning theories, educational practices, and principles relating to curriculum development, instructional techniques, and assessment methods. Students can choose from two formats: one using Knowledge Area Modules (KAMs), and one using a mixed-model format. The KAM-based format emphasizes independent and mentored research and study, while the mixed-model format combines independent study with online instruction. Both formats focus on the development of leadership, organizational, and analytical skills.

What Are the Prerequisites?

This program is designed for those with at least three years of experience as an educator or as a school administrator. An educational background in research and management can be beneficial. You also must have a master's degree or higher.

What Are the Course Requirements?

You must complete 96 total quarter credit hours in either the KAM-based or mixed-model format to earn a Ph.D. in Education degree with a specialization in Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment from Walden University. This total includes 12 credits in foundation courses, 24 credits in core courses or core KAMs, 24 credits in specialized KAMs, and 16 credits in research. Both formats also require four academic residencies for a total of 16 days and a 20-credit dissertation proposal and presentation.

KAM-Based Format Requirements

• Development of the Scholar-Practitioner
• Principles of Social Change
• Social Change in Education
• KAM II: Principles of Human Development
  • Breadth: Theories of Human Development
  • Depth: Current Research in Human Development and Adult Education
  • Application: Professional Practice, Human Development, and Adult Education
• KAM III: Principles of Organizational and Social Systems
  • Breadth: Theories of Organizational and Social Systems
  • Depth: Current Research on Social Systems and Adult Education
  • Application: Professional Practice, Social Systems, and Adult Education
• KAM V: Principles of Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment
  • Breadth: Theories of Human Learning in Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment
  • Depth: Current Research in Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment to Optimize Human Learning
  • Application: Professional Practice in Learning Related to Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment
• KAM VI: Leadership in Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment
  • Breadth: Theories of Leadership in Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment
  • Depth: Current Research and Issues in Development and Leadership of Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment
  • Application: Program Development and Leadership in Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment
• Core Research Sequence
  • Research Theory, Design, and Methods
  • Quantitative Reasoning and Analysis
  • Qualitative Reasoning and Analysis
• Advanced Research Sequence (choose one of the following):
  • Advanced Quantitative Reasoning and Analysis
  • Advanced Qualitative Reasoning and Analysis
  • Advanced Mixed-Methods Reasoning and Analysis
• Dissertation

Mixed-Model Format Requirements

• Development of the Scholar-Practitioner
• Principles of Social Change
• Social Change in Education
• The Learner Across the Lifespan
• Learning and Instruction
• Assessment and Accountability in Education
• Leadership in a Global Society
• Educational Organizations and Contexts
• Innovation and Change in Education
• KAM V: Principles of Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment
  • Breadth: Theories of Human Learning in Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment
  • Depth: Current Research in Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment to Optimize Human Learning
  • Application: Professional Practice in Learning Related to Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment
• Application: Professional Practice in Learning Related to Leadership in Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment
  • Breadth: Theories of Leadership in Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment
  • Depth: Current Research and Issues in Development and Leadership of Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment
  • Application: Program Development and Leadership in Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment
• Core Research Sequence
  • Research Theory, Design, and Methods
  • Quantitative Reasoning and Analysis
  • Qualitative Reasoning and Analysis
• Advanced Research Sequence (choose one of the following):
  • Advanced Quantitative Reasoning and Analysis
  • Advanced Qualitative Reasoning and Analysis
  • Advanced Mixed-Methods Reasoning and Analysis
• Dissertation

What Could I Do After I Graduate?

Career Opportunities

You could seek to advance in your current position or pursue other administrative jobs within the educational field after completing Walden University's Ph.D. in Education program with a specialization in Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment. You could become responsible for curriculum design, student assessment, learning outcomes assessment, or faculty management. Positions you could pursue include:

• Curriculum specialist
• Assessment specialist
• Instructional manager
• Education training administrator

Walden offers both state-approved educator licensure programs as well as programs and courses that do not lead to licensure or endorsements. Prospective students must review their state licensure requirements prior to enrolling. For more information, please refer to www.WaldenU.edu/educlicensure.

Prospective Alabama students: Contact the Teacher Education and Certification Division of the Alabama State Department of Education at 1-334-242-9935 or www.alsde.edu to verify that these programs qualify for teacher certification, endorsement, and/or salary benefits.

Prospective Washington state students are advised to contact the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction at 1-360-725-6275 or prof.educ@k12.wa.us to determine whether Walden's programs in the field of education are approved for teacher certification or endorsements in Washington state. Additionally, teachers are advised to contact their individual school district as to whether this program may qualify for salary advancement.