UF
College of Education
Computer Science Education Prospective Students Online Ed.D.

Online Ed.D.

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Program Overview

The Ed.D. in Curriculum and Instruction with an emphasis in computer science education is specifically designed for practicing educators who are passionate about making a real impact in their classrooms, schools, and districts. This program allows educators to advance their knowledge and skills and earn an online doctorate in computer science education without needing to leave their current positions. The GRE is not required for this program.

As part of a close-knit community of learners, you will delve into computer science education fundamentals and explore theory and research to enhance your teaching and leadership abilities. Our online doctorate in computer science education emphasizes practical, positive change, equipping you to address the challenges and opportunities in today’s educational landscape.

While this program is not geared toward preparing educators for faculty roles in research-intensive universities, it is ideal for those who want to lead in the field of computer science education. You’ll work alongside fellow educators and draw on the expertise of UF faculty to tackle pressing issues in the field. The program is designed to develop research-informed, theory-driven teacher-leaders who are committed to providing equitable and robust computer science learning experiences for K-12 students, guiding school and district-level curriculum initiatives, and delivering impactful professional development for future computer science educators.

As a cohort-based program, you’ll join a community of practice, collaborating with peers to solve shared and individual challenges in computer science education. Together, you’ll emerge as leaders ready to inspire and innovate in this essential field.

Have questions? Check out our FAQ or contact us.

Our next cohort will start in Summer 2025. The deadline for completed applications is January 20, 2025. All applications will be reviewed after the deadline.

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    Ed.D. Program Curriculum

    The online Ed.D. in computer science education was inspired by the five pillars serving as an overall philosophy and asdesign objectives. Our primary goal is to enact our vision of the future of computer science educators with high-quality online learning experiences. Harnessing our reputation and expertise as leaders in online learning, we created this program with careful attention to the current challenges and opportunities in computer science education and the affordances provided by online learning:

    1. Rigorous and relevant content knowledge in computer science taught using effective pedagogy and modeling
    2. Carefully aligned pedagogical knowledge and experiences inspired by research-based practices
    3. Research method and data analysis training using authentic computer science research problems, examples, and datasets
    4. Job-embedded coursework on teacher leadership, coaching, and professional development
    5. An active online community of practice centered on educational issues in computer science education

    This program and all UF doctoral degrees require a minimum of 90 graduate credits. These are credits earned after the bachelor’s degree. Students typically take a minimum of three years to complete our online doctorate. 

    • The online cohort program requires a minimum of 42 credits, along with 6 elective credits and the option to transfer up to 30 credits from a Master’s degree
    • Students typically complete 6 credits per semester (Fall, Spring, and Summer) with their cohort during the first two years, which includes online courses, seminars, and synchronous sessions. For more details, refer to the program and course schedule flowchart
    • Degree completion is contingent upon the student’s ability to meet program requirements at a level consistent with doctoral-level work

    Required Courses

    • Core Curriculum and Instruction Course (3 hours)
      • EDG 6226: Foundations of Research in Curriculum and Instruction
    • Computer Science Pedagogical Coursework (9 hours)
      • ETE 6141: K-12 Computer Science Pedagogy I
      • ETE 6142: K-12 Computer Science Pedagogy II
      • EDG 6931: Issues and Trends in Computer Science Education
    • Computer Science Content Coursework (9 hours)
      • EDG 6805C: K-12 Computer Programming Foundations I
      • EDG 6806C: K-12 Computer Programming Foundations II
      • EME 6209: Designing Integrated Media Environments II
    • Professional Development and Teacher Leadership Coursework (9 hours)
      • EDG 6047: Teacher Leadership and School Change
      • EDG 6348: Instructional Coaching for Enhanced Student Learning
      • EDG 7359: Professional Development and Teacher Learning
    • Research Design and Analysis Coursework (12 hours)
      • EME 6651: Learning Analytics Concepts and Techniques
      • EDG 6648: Research Design in Curriculum and Instruction
      • EDG 6229: Qualitative Research in Curriculum and Instruction
      • EME 6480: Quantitative Research Methods in Educational Technology Research
    • Approved Elective Coursework (6 hours)
    • Dissertation Coursework (12 hours)
      • EDG 7980: Dissertation Research
    course schedule and five pillar philosophy of the program

    Note:
    Year 1 Fall semester: K-12 Programming Foundations I can be waived for students with AP CSA or equivalent Java Programming experiences.

    Program Requirement

    • A master’s degree from an accredited U.S. college or university, or a degree deemed equivalent by the University of Florida Office of Admissions.
    • An acceptable grade point average for previous graduate work.
    • No GRE requirement.

    Program Highlight

    Entry: Summer of odd-numbered years
    Typical Course Load: 6 credits per semester
    Full-Time/Part-Time: Part-time
    Application Deadline: January of odd-numbered years
    Program Completion: 3-4 years