Important: This degree plan is effective for those starting this degree program in fall 2026 through summer 2027. This degree plan will remain in effect for students who do not break enrollment or who do not change degree programs, concentrations, or cognates.

This is a non-licensure degree and is not a state-approved program. Completion of this degree will not lead to the eligibility of a VA state teaching license or a teaching license or certificate in any other state. 

Course List

Code	Title	Hours
Program Courses
Education Theory Courses
EDUC 701	Advanced Learning Theory and Research	3
EDUC 703	Theories of Historical and Social Foundations of Education	3
Curriculum & Instruction Courses
Choose 12 credit hours from the following:		12
EDUC 730	Issues & Trends in Learning Technologies
EDUC 735	Issues and Trends in Curriculum and Instruction
EDUC 771	Curriculum Theory
EDUC 871	Investigations in Curriculum Change
EDUC 872	Research in Curriculum Design and Development
Research & Evaluation Courses
EDUC 750	Survey of Educational Research 1	3
EDUC 816	Applied Research	3
EDUC 850	Literature Review for Applied Research	3
EDUC 880	Applied Research Concepts & Methodology 2,3	3
Applied Research Courses
EDUC 887	Applied Doctoral Research I	5
EDUC 888	Applied Doctoral Research II	5
EDUC 889	Applied Doctoral Research III	5
EDUC 890	Applied Doctoral Research IV 4	0
Total Hours		45

¹

A minimum of 20 Doctoral credit hours must be earned prior to enrollment in EDUC 750.

²

EDUC 880 must be the final course taken before enrolling in EDUC 887.

³

Once the students enters the Applied Research phase (after completion of EDUC 880), they must maintain continuous enrollment (Fall, Spring, and Summer semesters) until all degree requirements are completed.

⁴

Enrollment in EDUC 890 is contingent on School of Education approval.

Course List

Code	Title	Hours
Special Education Cognate
EDUC 721	Issues and Trends in Exceptionality	3
Choose two of the following courses:		6
EDSP 722	History and Future of Special Education
EDSP 724	Collaboration and Communication in Special Education
EDSP 725	Assessment and Evaluation in Special Education
EDSP 726	Disability and Learning
Total Hours		9

Additional Major Requirements

• Successful completion of Applied Research Courses

All applicable prerequisites must be met

Graduation Requirements

• Complete 54 hours
• A maximum of 50% of a post-graduate and doctoral degree may be transferred if approved and allowable, including credit from an earned degree from Liberty University on the same academic level
• 3.0 GPA
• No grades lower than a B- may be applied to the degree
• Degree must be completed within 7 years
• Submission of Degree Completion Application must be completed within the last semester of a student's anticipated graduation date

Program Offered in Online Format

Plan of Study Grid

First Year
First Semester		Hours
EDUC 701	Advanced Learning Theory and Research	3
EDUC 703	Theories of Historical and Social Foundations of Education	3
Curriculum and Instruction Elective 1		3
Special Education Elective 2		3
	Hours	12
Second Semester
EDUC 721	Issues and Trends in Exceptionality	3
Curriculum and Instruction Elective 1		3
Curriculum and Instruction Elective 1		3
Special Education Elective 2		3
	Hours	12
Second Year
Third Semester
EDUC 750	Survey of Educational Research	3
EDUC 816	Applied Research	3
Curriculum and Instruction Elective 1		3
	Hours	9
Fourth Semester
EDUC 850	Literature Review for Applied Research	3
EDUC 880	Applied Research Concepts & Methodology	3
	Hours	6
Third Year
Fifth Semester
EDUC 887	Applied Doctoral Research I	5
	Hours	5
Sixth Semester
EDUC 888	Applied Doctoral Research II	5
	Hours	5
Fourth Year
Seventh Semester
EDUC 889	Applied Doctoral Research III	5
	Hours	5
Eighth Semester
EDUC 890	Applied Doctoral Research IV	0
	Hours	0
	Total Hours	54

¹

Choose 3 credits from EDUC 730, EDUC 735, EDUC 771, EDUC 871, or EDUC 872.

²

Choose 3 credits from EDSP 722, EDSP 724, EDSP 725, or EDSP 726.

All applicable prerequisites must be met