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The Elementary Education Program faculty provides doctoral degree options in Curriculum and Instruction. Students can pursue either a Ph.D. or Ed.D. with specializations in: (a) PK-6 Elementary Education, (b) Reading/Literacy Studies, and/or (c) Teacher Preparation. These programs equip graduates for academic careers in teaching and research at universities, colleges, and educational districts. The doctoral programs emphasize theoretical foundations, research methodologies, practical applications, innovative approaches, scholarly inquiry, and equitable practices. Virginia Tech delivers these Elementary Education doctoral programs at its Blacksburg campus. The Ph.D. requires a two-year campus residency. Neither the Ed.D. nor Ph.D. in Curriculum & Instruction with an Elementary Education focus are granted based solely on coursework. Graduation necessitates conducting original research, resulting in a dissertation that addresses a relevant elementary education challenge approved by the student's dissertation committee. This culminating project showcases the candidate's research capabilities through development, presentation, and defense.