Elevate your professional practice and lead with impact through our Ed.D. in Curriculum and Instruction, specializing in ESOL/Bilingual Education. This program is specifically designed for practitioner-scholars who wish to bridge the gap between advanced theory and classroom or district-level application, fostering innovation in multilingual settings.

Program Overview

Our Ed.D. in ESOL/Bilingual Education focuses on the practical application of research to solve complex problems in education. While sharing the same foundational excellence as our Ph.D. track, the Ed.D. is tailored for those who want to lead change within schools, community organizations, or industry. Students must meet the rigorous standards of the School of Teaching & Learning and the University of Florida Graduate School.

Program Highlights

A standout component of our doctoral study is the Language, Education & Technology Course Pathway. This interdisciplinary track prepares leaders to evaluate and implement cutting-edge tools—including GenAI, LLMs, AR, and VR—to enhance language acquisition and literacy in diverse environments.

Participants in this pathway benefit from the expertise of an advisory committee drawn from both ESOL/Bilingual and Educational Technology faculty. This collaboration ensures you are equipped to lead in an increasingly digital and globalized educational landscape.

Course Requirements

The curriculum is grounded in core courses that provide a comprehensive understanding of linguistics, culture, and pedagogy. In consultation with an academic advisor, you will tailor your elective choices to align with your specific professional goals.

Core Foundation

  • FLE 6165: Bilingual and Bicultural Education
  • FLE 6167: Cross-Cultural Communication for Educators
  • TSL 6145: Curriculum and Materials Development for ESOL K-12
  • TSL 6245: Principles of Language for ESOL Teachers
  • TSL 6373: Methods of Teaching English as a Second Language
  • TSL 6440: ESOL Testing and Evaluation
  • EDF 6812: Comparative and International Education

 

Language, Education & Technology Pathway (15 Hours)

Specializing in tech-integration requires:

  • TSL 6385: Technology for Language and Reading Education
  • EME 5054: Foundations of Educational Technology
  • 9 Credits of approved electives (EME, FLE, LAE, RED, or TSL prefixes) focused on literacy or educational technology.

Professional Transformation

Embark on a journey that transforms your expertise into leadership. Through the Ed.D. in ESOL/Bilingual Education, you will gain the credentials and the confidence to advocate for multilingual learners at the highest levels.

Ready to lead? Applicants are encouraged to apply by January for admission to the following fall semester. Ensure all materials are submitted to meet the School of Teaching & Learning deadlines.

Please Note

Students seeking admission to any graduate program must meet the requirements of the School of Teaching & Learning and of the University of Florida Graduate School. The ESOL/Bilingual Education program area follows the School of Teaching & Learning deadlines posted here: School of Teaching & Learning Admissions

Applicants are encouraged to apply by January for admission the following fall semester. Applicants to the Ph.D. program who wish to be considered for scholarships and/or fellowships should apply no later than mid-December of the year prior to admission (e.g. the following fall semester).

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    Ed.D. Program Requirements

    • Must meet all admission requirements of the School of Teaching & Learning and the University of Florida Graduate School.
    • Candidates without prior coursework in K-12 ESOL are expected to complete program core courses as a foundation.
    • Course selection and doctoral seminars are decided in collaboration with an academic advisor to ensure professional alignment.
    • Typical application deadline is January for fall admission.
    • Degree awarded is an Ed.D. in Curriculum and Instruction with a specialization in ESOL/Bilingual Education.

    Program Highlights

    Entry: Fall
    Typical Course Load: Varies
    Program Completion: ~4–5 years
    Credit Hours: 90+
    Online-to-Campus Ratio: 10–20% online
    Thesis Required: Yes (Dissertation)