Ed.D. Curriculum and Instruction

Process to Apply to the Curriculum & Instruction Doctoral Program

Accepting applications for fall, spring, and summer admission with priority deadlines of July 1 for fall, November 1 for spring, and April 1 for summer.

Submit the following materials to the Marshall University Graduate Admissions Office 

    1. Application for Graduate Admission
    The “Marshall University Graduate Application for Admission” must be completed and submitted. The online application is available at https://www.marshall.edu/admissions/graduate/. Apply to the Doctor of Education (EdD) degree with a major in Curriculum and Instruction (Code: GEKO) as a Distance-Only Graduate Student.

    2. Transcripts
    Applicants must request that official transcripts, for all completed undergraduate and graduate degree programs, be sent by the degree-granting institution(s) to the MU Graduate Admissions Office.

    3. Goal Statement

    Applicants must develop an original goal statement that is written independently. AI-powered writing enhancement tools may be used to help with spelling, grammar, syntax, and stylistic errors. The essay must be 750-1,000 words and address the following topics and program goals:

    • personal strengths that will contribute to your success in the CI Ed.D. program;
    • professional experiences that provide a basis for your contributions to the program;
    • role of the Ed.D. in your professional growth plan;
    • discussion of your preliminary research interests; and
    • further information you deem relevant to the admissions process and decision.
    4. Resume or Curriculum Vitae
    Applicants must provide a current resume or curriculum vitae that includes educational and professional experience, and may also include, but is not limited to, prior or current experience in areas such as:

    Applicants must provide a current resume or curriculum vitae that includes educational and professional experience, and may also include, but is not limited to, prior or current experience in areas such as:

    • Academic service: educator, peer mentor, team leader, program coordinator, curriculum development team member or leader, etc.
    • Scholarly and/or research endeavors:thesis publication, researcher, publication in a refereed journal, presenter or similar role, program/grant reviewer, etc.
    • Academic honors and/or awards: National Board Certification, teacher of the year, recipient of other awards or honors, etc.
    • Other: certifications, grant awards, etc.

Once these items are received, all application materials submitted up to this point (application, transcripts, goal statement, and resume/CV) will be forwarded from the Graduate Admissions Office to the CI Ed.D. Admissions Committee for review.  The CI Ed.D. Admissions Committee will invite the most qualified applicants to participate in a virtual interview with faculty.

Submit these materials by invitation only

The CI Ed.D. Admissions Committee will invite the most qualified applicants to complete a scheduled electronic writing prompt assessment (at no additional cost to the applicant) and to participate in a virtual interview with program faculty. 

    5. Writing Prompt Assessment
    Applicants will respond to a timed, online writing prompt that will be evaluated by the CI Ed.D. Admissions Committee. The online writing prompt will be evaluated using a rubric based on content quality, organization, evidence/examples, and mechanics.

    6. Interview

    Applicants will participate in a virtual interview with faculty. Interviews are guided by a prepared set of questions designed to further gauge an applicant’s readiness for doctoral studies. The interview also provides applicants the opportunity to meet faculty and ask questions to learn more. Being invited to the interview does not guarantee admission.

The CI Ed.D. Admissions Committee will make final recommendations regarding admission and applicants will be notified as soon as possible.