Ed.D. Program: Design of Learning Environments Concentration

Students who complete this 60-credit program will exit with an understanding of the process of design and how it applies specifically to the design of learning environments. Led by expert faculty, they will engage in design projects, review theoretical and empirical literature, and examine cycles of study and intervention in the student’s own professional context. In doing so, students will gain knowledge of the theoretical foundation and empirical support for common learning environments approaches and features, understand how to conduct design-based research, and come to be able to design, evaluate, and revise existing learning environment designs. 

For more information about the courses in this program, please visit the course catalog and online schedule of classes.

*The number of credits to complete this program has recently been reduced from 72 to 60 and this change is still pending final university level approvals.

This program typically takes just over 3 years to complete and requires:

• 60 Graduate Course Credits
  • 6 Credits – Completed in the 1st Summer
  • 6 Credits – Completed in the 1st Fall
  • 6 Credits – Completed in the 1st Spring
  • 6 Credits – Completed in the 2nd Summer
  • 6 Credits – Completed in the 2nd Fall
  • 6 Credits – Completed in the 2nd Spring
  • 6 Credits – Completed in the 3rd Summer (Dissertation)
  • 6 Credits – Completed in the 3rd Fall (Dissertation)
  • 6 Credits – Completed in the 3rd Spring (Dissertation)
  • 6 Credits – Completed in the 4th Summer (Dissertation)
• Dissertation 
  • The Ed.D. Program culminates with a yearlong capstone/dissertation experience. The dissertation requires students to identify and investigate a problem of practice systematically using current literature, and inquiry methodology. Students are to write a final report that is presented publicly that may include a conference presentation, journal article or book chapter, or presentation to a local community. Students will have the option of working on their dissertation projects individually or in groups organized around key topics of interest.

Clark A. Chinn
Ravit Golan Duncan
Janice Gobert
Carolyn A. Maher
Angela M. O’Donnell
Rob Zisk
Keith Weber

Graduates of the Ed.D. program who pursued the Design of Learning Environments concentration are prepared to be change agents in the educational communities they serve. Educators working in traditional school settings who complete the program may go on to pursue roles including school superintendent, school principal, and other leadership roles at the school, district, or state level. The program may also position graduates for advanced roles in higher education, such as professor, provost, dean, or school executive. Other opportunities exist outside traditional school settings, including nonprofit, government, and corporate education-focused roles such as consultant, advisor, and chief learning officer. 

• Personal Statement
• Current Resume or Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• Academic Writing Sample
• Official Undergraduate Transcripts
• Official Graduate Transcripts
• 1-2 Letters of Recommendation (optional)

Click here for more information on the Ed.D. Program Admissions Requirements.

1. Collect the materials required for admission
2. Submit your application online at http://gradstudy.rutgers.edu/
3. Submit supporting materials online
4. Any supporting materials that cannot be submitted electronically should be mailed to Graduate Admissions’ New Brunswick office. Their mailing address can be found here: https://gradstudy.rutgers.edu/about/contact-us

Tuition: 

For tuition and fees information please visit the tuition landing page.

Financial Aid:

While students are encouraged to apply for federal student aid using the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), there are a number of other merit- and need-based support options, including loans and college work-study programs within and external to Rutgers. For more information, please visit the Office of Financial Aid website.

Scholarships, Fellowships & Assistantships:

Generous GSE alumni, friends, and community members have established and continue to donate to more than one dozen fellowships and scholarships to help deserving students reach their goals. These awards are granted on the basis of academic achievement and or financial need. While these awards are competitive, interested students are encouraged to apply for consideration and submit the required materials. Students must also submit a FAFSA application to be eligible.  

To review all current awards and learn more about the donors that established them, please click here.