This 100% online Ed.D. in Educational Practice and Innovation with a concentration in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Education is designed to prepare STEM Education leaders across varying educational settings (school, district, and state). Designed to support research-practitioners, this program focuses on investigating problems of practice in STEM Education. As part of the program, candidates will explore theory, history, and concepts within STEM education settings in order to engage in research of practice. During the dissertation process, candidates will engage in action research related to STEM Education.
This online program is designed for professional educators who seek to:
- Enhance their knowledge related to STEM Education.
- Engage in and learn about action research related to STEM teaching and learning.
- Solve significant problems of practice within educational settings related to STEM fields.
- Engage with faculty at an R1 institution immersed in STEM education and STEM content
research.
What will I study?
Courses will explore theories, practice, and research across integrated science, technology, engineering, and mathematics curricula. You will learn research methods in STEM education and engage in high-quality action research related to STEM teaching and learning, including:
- Action research methods related to applied teaching and learning
- Current research-based practices for teaching and learning in STEM.
- Current problems of practice related to STEM Education
- Optional areas of focus:
- Project-based learning
- Online Teaching
- STEAM educational teaching
Special Tuition Rates
South Carolina certified teachers pay a reduced tuition rate.
Out-of-state students admitted to this program pay regular South Carolina resident
tuition rate:
| Tuition Rates | South Carolina Certified Teachers | All Other Applicants |
|---|---|---|
| Per Credit Hour | $515* | $572.25 |
| Estimated Total Program Tuition including Fees | $33,898* | $37,333 |
*This rate applies for SC resident certified teachers completing fewer than 12 hours per semester.
These fees and rates are subject to change and are effective for the 2025-2026 Academic Year. See Specially Priced Online Degree Programs information on the fee schedule and the Graduate One Rate estimated cost to attend based on averages across all university programs.
Financial Aid
Most students in this program receive assistance through loans and other forms of aid. Complete your FAFSA to be considered for these aid programs.
Coursework
Courses are offered online in a convenient 8-week format.
Sample Program of Study (courses may vary)
60 Credit Hours
12 Credit Hour Core: Curriculum Studies (EDCS), Educational Technology (EDET) and Educational Leadership (EDLP) courses as determined by program of study.
15 Credit Hours in the Concentration: Teacher Education (EDTE) and Educational Technology (EDET) courses as determined by program of study.
9 Cognate Hours (Possible Cognate Focus listed below)
- Project-Based Learning
- Online Teaching
- STEAM Education
- Other Cognate based on advisor approval
12 Credit Hours in Research
12 Credit Hours in Dissertation Preparation and Writing
What is the application process like?
- Official Transcripts
- 2 Letters of Recommendation – Submit 2 letters of recommendation from people who can speak to your ability to matriculate into this doctoral program and complete a dissertation.
- Personal Statement - Describe how the Ed.D. in Educational Practice and Innovation
and your selected area of concentration is a good fit for you. The statement should
include:
- specific details describing how this program is a good fit for you
- how the program supports your professional goals
- an identified Problem of Practice for the Dissertation in Practice
- any evidence of research methods, including action research, expertise.
- CV or Resume
- Recent Scholarly Writing Sample (e.g., graduate level paper from previous coursework or publication) with applicant as sole author and using American Psychological Association (APA) citations and references