Online PhD in Education Degree Programs

Accredited Doctoral Programs in Education by Distance Learning

An online PhD in education degree or doctoral programs in education focus on the history of academic management and theories of improving the educational process, from academics to student and learner services, academic research, policy making and more.

There are a number of myths associated with online education or distance learning. Some individuals are under the misconception that online PhD in education programs are for those who may have had difficulty in learning in a traditional brick and mortar classroom setting. Nothing could be further from the truth!

In all actuality, many of the credible online universities offer education PhD programs that students self report are just as, if not more rigorous than pursuing a PhD in education in a traditional setting.

The convenience of being able to access the virtual classroom 24 hours a day 7 days a week at one's convenience is a great benefit and advantage to online learning; however, prospective students should not misunderstand convenience for ease.

When considering an education PhD program online, you should make sure the program has received some level of regional or national accreditation such as with the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education and/or the US Department of Education and the Council for higher Education for the preparation of P-12 instructions and other professional school personnel. Learners who graduate from programs with this level of accreditation are highly recognized in the industry by teaching professionals, licensing authorities and innumerable school districts.

Doctor of education - curriculum and specializations

The majority of colleges and universities that offer the graduate degree of an online PhD in education ensure the curriculum is unique and meets the needs of the student body and the demands of the marketplace. Although no two programs are alike, when pursuing a PhD or doctor of education program, you can expect to encounter the following as a part of the core curriculum:

• Teacher Supervision and Evaluation
• Principles of Educational Administration
• Statistics for Educational Research
• Diversity: teaching and learning
• Instructional assessment
• Curriculum mapping
• Advanced research methodology and theoretical application

When you elect to pursue an online PhD in education, you should also consider the area of concentration or specialization you would like to pursue; especially as it relates to possible career options or advancement in the students current career. This is a conversation that you should be had early on with the student’s academic advisor. There are a number of specializations to choose from including:

• Special education
• Higher education
• Adult education Leadership
• Leadership Policy
• Educational Technology
• K-12 Educational Leadership
• Instructional Leadership
• Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment

PhD in education program expectations

Generally, a master's degree in a related field is required before pursuing an online PhD degree in education. You can expect successful completion of the online PhD in Education coursework and dissertation to take between 4 and 7 years for completion.

Some of the education graduate programs taken through distance learning require colloquium attendance as a part of the doctorate program, where students have an opportunity to physically engage in scholarly discourse with professors, leaders in the industry and fellow colleagues. In that way, students receive all the benefits and convenience of online instruction, while taking advantage of interactions with instructors and colleagues offered by brick and mortar institutions.

Prior to graduation, most colleges require students to demonstrate proficiency in research methodology, analysis and critical thinking by completing an individualized dissertation that serves to add to the discipline’ scholarly literature. By successfully participating in education PhD programs, you build a professional portfolio that demonstrates doctoral competencies and applicability within the industry.

Colleges with Online PhD & Doctoral Programs in Education

Walden University is an accredited graduate institution offering under-graduate and graduate education degrees online. Walden offers the following online doctorate education and online PhD in education degree programs:

• PhD in Education - Course-based - Assessment Evaluation and Accountability
• PhD in Education - Course-based - Educational Technology
• PhD in Education - Course-based - Leadership, Policy & Change
• PhD in Education - Course-based - Learning, Instruction, and Innovation
• PhD in Education - KAM-based
• PhD in Education - KAM-based - Adult Education Leadership
• PhD in Education - KAM-based - Community College Leadership
• PhD in Education - KAM-based - Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment
• PhD in Education - KAM-based - Early Childhood and Primary Education
• PhD in Education - KAM-based - Higher Education
• PhD in Education - KAM-based - K-12 Education Leadership
• PhD in Education - KAM-based - Self-Designed
• PhD in Education - KAM-based - Special Education
• PhD in Education - Mixed-Model
• PhD in Education - Mixed-Model - Adult Education Leadership
• PhD in Education - Mixed-Model - Community College Leadership
• PhD in Education - Mixed-Model - Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment
• PhD in Education - Mixed-Model - Early Childhood and Primary Education
• PhD in Education - Mixed-Model - Higher Education
• PhD in Education - Mixed-Model - K-12 Education Leadership
• PhD in Education - Mixed-Model - Self-Designed
• PhD in Education - Mixed-Model - Special Education
• PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision and Supervision
• Doctor of Education - Administrator Leadership for Teaching & Learning
• Doctor of Education - Curriculum, Instruction & Assessment (K-12)
• Doctor of Education - Higher Education & Adult Learning
• Doctor of Education - Higher Education Leadership
• Doctor of Education - Special Education
• Doctor of Education - Teacher Leadership
• Doctor of Nursing Practice (D.N.P.) - General
• Ed.S. in Administrator Leadership for Teaching and Learning
• Ed.S. in Curriculum, Instruction and Professional Development
• Ed.S. in Educational Leadership & Administration (Principal Preparation)
• Ed.S. in Educational Technology
• Ed.S. in Special Education - General
• Ed.S. in Teacher Leadership

Northcentral University offers the following accredited online doctoral programs in education and online PhD in education degree programs:

• PhD in Education - Athletic Administration
• PhD in Education - Curriculum and Teaching
• PhD in Education - Early Childhood Education
• PhD in Education - Educational Leadership
• PhD in Education - English as a Second Language (ESL)
• PhD in Education - Exceptional Student Education
• PhD in Education - Global Training and Development
• PhD in Education - Higher Education Leadership
• PhD in Education - Education Technology and E-Learning
• PhD in Education - Instructional Leadership
• PhD in Education - Organizational Leadership
• Doctor of Education (EdD) - International Education
• Doctor of Education (EdD) - Early Childhood Education
• Doctor of Education (EdD) - Higher Education Leadership
• Doctor of Education (EdD) - Instructional Leadership
• Doctor of Education (EdD) - Education Technology and E-Learning
• Doctor of Education (EdD) - Educational Leadership
• Doctor of Education (EdD) - Curriculum and Teaching
• Doctor of Education (EdD) - Athletic Administration
• Doctor of Education (EdD) - Organizational Leadership
• Doctor of Education (EdD) - Exceptional Student Education
• Doctor of Education (EdD) - Global Training and Development
• Doctor of Education (EdD) - English as a Second Language (ESL)

Capella University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and is also a member of the North Central Association Commission on Accreditation and School Improvement (NCA CASI). You can earn your online PhD in education degree program from Capella in any of the following specializations:

• PhD - Counselor Education and Supervision
• PhD - Curriculum and Instruction
• PhD - Educational Psychology
• PhD - Information Technology Education
• PhD - Instructional Design for Online Learning
• PhD - K-12 Studies in Education
• PhD - Leadership for Higher Education
• PhD - Leadership in Educational Administration
• PhD - Nursing Education
• PhD - Postsecondary and Adult Education
• PhD - Professional Studies in Education
• PhD - Special Education Leadership
• PhD - Training and Performance Improvement

Argosy University Online is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and is a member of the North Central Association Commission on Accreditation and School Improvement (NCA CASI). Argosy University Online offers the following online doctoral programs in education:

• Doctorate in Education - Counseling Psychology
• Doctorate in Education - Pastoral Community Counseling
• Doctorate in Education - Community College Executive Leadership
• Doctorate in Education - Higher Education
• Doctorate in Education - Higher and Post-Secondary Education
• Doctorate in Education - K-12 Education
• Doctorate in Education - Teaching and Learning

University of Phoenix is accredited by North Central Association Commission on Accreditation and School Improvement (NCA CASI) and is the largest online school with over 100,000 students. UOP is a true innovator in distance education, offering a rolling schedule with classes that start once a week. Financial aid programs are also available, and students with previous training and education may qualify for college credits. UOP offers the following online doctorate degree in education programs:

• Doctorate in Education - Educational Leadership
• Doctorate in Education - Curriculum and Instruction
• Doctorate in Education - Educational Leadership - Educational Technology
• Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Higher Education Administration
• Educational Specialist (Ed.S)

Grand Canyon University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and is a member of the North Central Association Commission on Accreditation and School Improvement (NCA CASI) and offers the following online PhD in education degree programs:

• Doctor of Education(Ed.D) in Organizational Leadership - Behavioral Health
• Doctor of Education(Ed.D) in Organizational Leadership - Education and Effective Schools
• Doctor of Education(Ed.D) in Organizational Leadership - Higher Education Leadership
• Doctor of Education(Ed.D) in Organizational Leadership - Instructional Leadership
• Doctor of Education(Ed.D) in Organizational Leadership - Organizational Development

Careers options for graduates of doctoral programs in education

The students who successfully complete a doctor of education or a PhD in education degree are strategically positioned to meet the challenges of educating future generations. Often they remain in academia. They may be involved in setting the curriculum for elementary or high schools, or they may run a department at a university.

Most recent graduates tend to occupy middle-management positions at schools, though advancement is possible as the head of a division or eventually the head of a school. In addition, doctoral degree holders may remain as university professors to continue to research hot issues in the field of education. Other options include consulting for think tanks and the government.

Return to the top of Online PhD in Education Degree Programs