With the present climate of accountability, there is a significant demand for educator among administrative ranks and in the classroom who have a high degree of expertise in school improvement, research, and professional learning. The Columbus State University College of Education and Health Professions is committed to the development of educators with this level of expertise. The development of professional educators with the research skills necessary to improve student achievement in schools is critical given the need for leadership frameworks, curriculum models, and instructional practices that are supported by research. Rigorous testing demands investigation of multiple variables affecting, and affected by, the implementation of a practice. Once the practice is tested, those conducting research may choose to modify the practice to meet the needs of a specific situation. This program develops educators with the skills to meet these demands. Graduates will: Develop a high degree of expertise in school improvement, research, and professional learning. Develop and implement leadership frameworks, curriculum models, and instructional practices that are supported by research. Develop research models similar to those implemented to test the efficacy of specific treatments in the field of medicine. Identify problems in the schools, employ research strategies, analyze data, and make appropriate program revisions that positively impact student learning and achievement. Identify practices, rigorously test those practices, and ascertain best practices to implement in a specific environment.

With a Doctorate in Curriculum and Leadership, you obtain a more competitive degree for job positions in educational leadership. Careers such as assistant school principals, school principals, school district superintendents, and college presidents are all available to doctorate degree holders. You have a higher level resume with a doctorate degree in all of these careers, but with careers such as school district superintendents and college presidents it is almost required to have a doctorate level degree. There is an expected 25% rise in the assistant principal positions before the end of the decade. Therefore, this is the right time to further your degree.