Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) in Educational Program Development
USF’s Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) in Educational Program Development prepares experienced professionals to lead meaningful, sustainable innovation across educational and community settings. This hybrid, cohort-based program emphasizes inquiry, ethical leadership, innovation, and reflective practice, empowering graduates to tackle complex problems of practice. Grounded in the principles of the Carnegie Project on the Education Doctorate (CPED), the program focuses on applying research to real-world challenges while strengthening professional agency and leadership capacity.
What you will learn
Students gain advanced knowledge and skills in applied research, program evaluation, change leadership, stakeholder collaboration, and inquiry-as-practice. You’ll learn to design and implement educational innovations, lead evidence-based improvement efforts, and communicate findings effectively to professional and public audiences. The program’s structure—including critical friends groups, advisor support, and scaffolded research development—ensures candidates grow as reflective practitioners capable of stewarding the profession and addressing complex educational issues.
Career Opportunities
Graduates of the Ed.D. program are prepared for high-level leadership and specialized roles across diverse settings, including:
- K–12 and higher education leadership
- Government and public service agencies
- Nonprofit and community-based organizations
- Corporate or workforce development settings
- Educational consulting and program evaluation
- Research and innovation roles across sectors
What to Expect
This three-year, hybrid program follows a cohort model that fosters strong professional networks and supportive peer learning communities. Classes are offered through weekend sessions, hybrid formats, and online learning to accommodate working professionals. Students receive consistent mentorship from expert faculty, engage in applied research, and complete a Dissertation in Practice—which may take the form of an applied thesis, a book, or a major research and development project. The flexible structure allows candidates from education, business, nonprofits, government, youth services, and related sectors to continue their careers while advancing their professional expertise.
