Curriculum and Instruction (PhD)

The Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction provides the knowledge and skills to individuals concerned with the research, design, teaching, assessment, and professional development related to P-20 education. The program is designed for educators who aspire to lead the development of curriculum for the 21st century.

Graduates will demonstrate real-world and scholarly knowledge to improve the performance of educational institutions.

Program Mission

The mission of the PhD in Curriculum and Instructional Leadership (CIL) program is to prepare innovative and ethical scholars and practitioners who advance the field of curriculum and instruction through innovative research, critical analysis, and practical application. In this program, students develop skills to design inclusive and effective learning environments by integrating evidence-based practices that meet the individual needs of learners. The program emphasizes reflective analysis, ethical decision-making, and scholarly communication, equipping professionals to design transformative curricula, assess student learning, and lead educational innovation.

Program Goals

• Students will integrate best practices and theory to design effective instructional environments that meet the needs of individual learners.
• Students will develop skills to meaningfully communicate and lead in a variety of organizational learning environments.
• Students will design and apply effective assessment methods to analyze instruction and curriculum initiatives.
• Students will contribute as scholar-researchers in the field of curriculum and instruction to advance the body of knowledge.

Applicants desiring to enter Keiser University must submit an application to the Admissions Office well in advance of the start date. This permits proper scheduling and ensures availability of classroom space. Applications for Winter, Spring, Summer, or Fall semesters should be made as early as possible, as these entry dates are normally the time of greatest enrollment.

Keiser University may accept transfer credits from a college or university recognized by the by the U.S. Department of Education (USDE). Coursework must be equivalent in content, level, and credit hours to the corresponding Keiser University course/s.

Qualified, accepted doctoral degree seeking students may transfer a maximum of 18 graduate level credits, but no more than two-thirds of the total credit hours (whichever is less), required for the program unless otherwise specified by a programmatic accreditor.

Acceptable courses will be equivalent to a B grade or higher unless otherwise specified by programmatic requirements.

Keiser University requires that, at a minimum, a student complete at least one third of the credit hours required for any graduate or post-baccalaureate professional degree through instruction offered by Keiser University.

To receive a Doctor of Philosophy in Curriculum and Instruction degree, students must earn 60 graduate semester credit hours as described below. The length of this program is approximately 44 months.

NOTE: Courses in the PhD program are eight-weeks in length and students are scheduled for one or two courses concurrently. Dissertation courses are eight-weeks in length and students are scheduled for two dissertation course per semester.

Keiser University charges tuition and education fees per semester, based on scheduled credit hours. Each semester is 16 weeks. The rates below are the university’s published Tuition and Fee Disclosure for the Graduate School, effective Fall Semester 2026, and are subject to annual review.

An education fee of $750.00 per semester is charged for all graduate-level programs. One-time charges on enrolment are an application fee of $55.00 and a registration fee of $145.00.

Doctoral students are charged $8,628.00 for the four-credit dissertation and $1,000.00 for each of the two on-campus residencies.

Career Pathways in Curriculum and Instruction

Graduates of Keiser University’s PhD program prepare to pursue leadership roles within education, including positions at accredited institutions, government agencies, and educational organizations. This doctoral degree supports current educators and educational researchers by enhancing their ability to conduct dissertation research, apply curriculum theory, evaluate teacher education programs, and address complex challenges across various aspects of the education system from early childhood through higher education.

• Curriculum specialist for school districts
• Instructional coordinator
• Educational leadership positions in K-12 settings
• Curriculum education administrator
• University professor teaching courses in curriculum development
• Director of curriculum and instruction
• Instructional consultant
• Educational researcher for government agencies
• Program evaluation specialist
• Mentor for teachers and teacher preparation programs
• Chief academic officer
• Dean of curriculum and instruction
• Director of professional development
• Education system policy analyst

Keiser University’s doctoral programs in education prepare experienced professionals for advanced career opportunities through rigorous PhD study. With flexible online options, our curriculum and instruction program aligns with your educational leadership goals and career paths. Whether you aim to become a university professor, lead curriculum development initiatives, or work as an educational researcher, Keiser provides the advanced education and research methods needed to make lasting contributions to student learning and the broader education system.