Valdosta State University

Programme overview

Total credit hours: 55. Degree format: Online. The major is intended for experienced practitioners across instructional fields and emphasizes relating theoretical foundations to curricular and instructional problems encountered in schools, school systems, higher education, and educational agencies. The program offers a P–12 track (which includes some face-to-face requirements) and a fully online Learning and Development track. Program coordinator: Dr. Taralynn Hartsell (tshartsell@valdosta.edu, phone: 229-333-5633). Department: Leadership, Technology and Workforce Development.

What you'll study

The curriculum centers on advanced curricular and instructional theory and practice applied to real educational contexts. Specific modular listings are not provided on the source page; students will engage with coursework and research that connects theoretical foundations to P–12 and postsecondary curricular and instructional issues, with a choice between a P–12 concentration (with some in-person components) and a fully online Learning and Development concentration.

Entry requirements

• Online graduate application and application fee.
• Master's degree from a regionally accredited institution.
• Official transcripts from the master’s degree-granting school and any graduate coursework (VSU in-residence transcripts will be obtained by the Graduate School).
• Minimum graduate GPA of 3.5 on a 4.0 scale (calculated across all attempted graduate coursework with letter grades).
• GRE or MAT scores required. Recommended minimums provided by the program: GRE (depending on test date) and MAT recommended minimum 400; test scores are considered but are not the sole admission criterion.
• Three recommendations submitted via the online system or by attachment; at least one must come from a current or recent supervisor.
• Doctor of Education biographical career goal statement (serves as a writing sample) and a resume demonstrating a minimum of three years acceptable school or related agency experience.
• P–12 concentration applicants must hold a valid Level 4 or higher teaching, leadership, service field, or Life certificate.
• VSU medical form must be completed and received prior to enrollment (not prior to admission).
• Verification of lawful presence documentation is required only for applicants seeking in-state tuition or a residency waiver and must be received prior to enrollment if applicable.
• International applicants must meet program criteria and may need TOEFL or IELTS scores (unless they hold a U.S. degree), and must submit a Certificate of Finances if a student visa is required.
• Admission deadlines: Fall semester — March 15. No admissions in Spring or Summer semesters.
• Admissions notes: Applicants considered by the Doctoral Admissions Committee may be asked to interview. The program admits only Regular Status students; Probationary and Irregular admission are not available.

Career prospects

Graduates typically pursue advanced practitioner and leadership roles that require deep expertise in curriculum and instruction, such as school-level or district-level instructional leadership, curriculum specialist roles, coordinator or director positions in educational agencies, and instructional leadership roles in higher education or adult learning contexts. Exact career outcomes depend on the track chosen (P–12 or Learning and Development) and prior experience.

Scholarships & funding angle (general)

The source does not list specific scholarships or assistantships for this program. Prospective applicants should consult Valdosta State University's Graduate School and financial aid offices for institutional scholarships, graduate funding opportunities, and external fellowships relevant to doctoral study in education.