Extend your impact as a leader with a Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction
Mercer University’s Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Curriculum and Instruction prepares current educators to become scholars, researchers, and leaders in curriculum and instruction at the local, state, and national levels. Through our program, you will gain a deeper understanding of the foundations of planning and implementing curriculum, and how to employ data and critical analysis of research to design and evaluate instruction as you advance in your career.
Our flexible courses, embedded dissertation process, and supportive cohort model facilitate ongoing collaboration with peers and faculty mentors.
Completion of the curriculum and instruction degree and a passing score on the Georgia Assessments for the Certification of Educators (GACE) Content Assessment for Curriculum and Instruction leads to eligibility for a Level 7 Service certification upgrade.
Format: Blended (combination of online and on-campus instruction) • Start Term: May • Application Deadlines: Priority | January 15; Final | April 1 • Course Length: 8 and 16 weeks • Completion Time: 3.5 years across 11 semesters in summer, fall, and spring |
Your Mercer Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction program experience
Mercer’s Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction is offered in a convenient blended format that combines synchronous and asynchronous online meetings with three Saturday in-person sessions per semester at Mercer’s Atlanta campus.
Become a leader in education with a Ph.D. that prepares you for the evolving needs of the field. Mercer’s doctoral-level curriculum and instruction degree develops the credentials and expertise to succeed in high-demand education roles.
Explore Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction courses
Core courses for the curriculum and instruction Ph.D. explore the historical, philosophical, and theoretical components of curriculum.
Students learn contexts for curriculum design, as well as implementing and evaluating curriculum and formulating strategies and techniques that incorporate critical analysis of current research and pedagogical approaches.
Courses you may take include:
- Curriculum Theory
- Learner-Center Pedagogy
- Student Cognition and Motivation
Your advanced curriculum and instruction degree also introduces you to both quantitative and qualitative research approaches, including advanced methods and design. The Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction culminates in dissertation seminars on scholarly writing, literature, reading, and your proposal.
View course descriptions and program requirements for Mercer’s Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction.
Open doors in the public and private sector with your curriculum and instruction degree
Mercer’s Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction students graduate ready to pursue opportunities in a growing and rewarding field. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the job outlook for this field is expected to grow by 12% by 2031, which is faster than average.
Graduates of Mercer’s Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction may pursue roles leadership positions in curriculum design, development, and implementation at the district and state levels of P–12 education, and faculty positions in colleges of education.
Learn more about our Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction
Ready to take the next step?
Schedule your personalized admission appointment or contact the Office of Graduate Admissions at 678.547.6062 or MercerEducation@mercer.edu for more information.
The doctoral program has given me a broader view into the political, theoretical, and conceptual aspects of education. This has helped me develop new understandings about what we do as educators, how we do it, and why. This has influenced my teaching practice and made me more of an advocate for social justice.
I feel confident I can be an effective leader by engaging in reflective and collaborative practices in my local, state, national, and global school communities. I transformed from a teacher to a teacher leader as a Mercer student.
Mercer has prepared me for a successful career by helping me build my self-esteem. When I started the Ph.D. program, I was not confident in my skills as an educator or graduate student. Over the course of three years, I was able to see that my faculty believed in my work as an educator as well as my strength as a Ph.D student.
Learn from experienced faculty
Mercer’s faculty are experienced educators with diverse teaching backgrounds and focuses such as multicultural and urban education, who are also active in publishing and research.
Advance your career with a curriculum and instruction degree from Mercer
Take the next step toward extending your influence as a leader in curriculum and instruction with Mercer's Ph.D. program. Schedule your personalized admissions appointment, or contact the Office of Graduate Admissions at 678.547.6084 or MercerEducation@mercer.edu to learn more.
Professional licensure
All of Mercer’s programs that lead to licensure are designed to meet the educational requirements of regulatory authorities in the State of Georgia. If you intend to seek licensure or certification outside of Georgia, please review Mercer’s professional licensure disclosure for more information.