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Career and Technical Education (Ed.D.)

Ed.D. in Curriculum and Instruction

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(Ed.D. in Curriculum and Instruction)

This program is no longer accepting new students. Current students are not affected by this decision.

Program Overview

Doctor of Education in Curriculum and Instructions (CTE)

This program is no longer accepting students. This page is for current student informational purposes only.

The doctoral program in Career and Technical Education (CTE) is designed to provide a rigorous and intellectually stimulating experience compatible with the graduate student’s needs and goals and the requirements of career and technical education in the future. The program of study provides the student with competence in areas such as foundations, research, and leadership. 

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Why choose this program?

  • Our graduates of the program have assumed leadership positions and have followed professional careers in education, government, and the private sector.
  • The VT CTE program has achieved a 100% placement rate for its’ graduates for the past 10 years!
  • Career promotion opportunities include being a school administrator or a university professor. Early Field Experience in Career and Technical Education

What You'll Study

The graduate student may develop a program of study leading the Doctor of Philosophy degree. For either program, at least 60-semester credits of post-master’s degree courses are required. The five components included in the program of study for either degree include:

  • Professional education studies,
  • Applied area of study in CTE,
  • Research and evaluation studies,
  • Cognate studies, and
  • Dissertation research

Doctoral students have two types of degrees from which to choose, Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.). or Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) in Career and Technical Education.

  • Ph.D.: Theory-based, emphasizes theoretical research, intended for individuals wishing to work in the college and university arena
  • Ed.D.: Practitioner’s degree, intended for individuals wishing to work in PreK-12 education (public or private) or industry workforce development
  • A master’s degree awarded by an accredited college or university (minimum 3.0 GPA).
  • A record of prior successful educational achievement and future potential for graduate study at the doctoral level as evidenced by transcripts and three letters of recommendation.
  • A stated career goal of becoming a teacher educator in the field of career and technical education or a professor at a small college/university related to the content of a given CTE program area
  • A demonstrated record of past experience related to the individual's career goal (Note: Applicants with a teacher education career goal must have at least two years of teaching experience at the secondary level and/or community college level in one of the fields included in CTE.) Applicants with a collegiate professional, postgraduate professional, technical professional, or equivalent teaching license in a CTE field is preferred. Provisional or alternative licenses are not equivalent. 
  • Clear evidence of potential for the development of superior communication skills in the areas of listening, writing, and speaking.
  • Recommendations for admission by a two-person interview team.

Learn more 

There is a discount for in-state K-12 teachers; use this application form in order to receive the reduced costs. Otherwise, as with on-campus students, we refer you to the VT Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid for information on financial assistance. Generally, distance learners may qualify for federal loans if they take 5 or more credit hours per semester.

Find out what loans are available as a graduate student and other opportunities.

Domestic Application

  • Spring: January 1
  • Summer I: May 1
  • Summer II: June 1
  • Fall:  August 1

International Application

  • Spring: September 1
  • Summer I: January 1
  • Summer II: February  1
  • Fall: April 1

Dr. Joseph Mukuni
Program Leader
Public Safety Building, Suite 201
330 Sterrett Drive
540-231-0919
mjoseph7@vt.edu

Nancy Nolen
Enrollment Services Assistant
402 Wallace Hall (0565)
540-231-5348
nanolen@vt.edu

Questions?

Dr. Joseph Mukuni
Program Leader
Public Safety Building, Suite 201
330 Sterrett Drive
540-231-0919
mjoseph7@vt.edu

Faculty Experts in Career and Technical Education