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PhD in Education
Request InformationGain an elite credential and make your mark in the ever-changing field of education. Be a catalyst for change in your institution, organization, or community.
Next start dates
- Course-Based Courses with a set schedule March 01, 2021
Transfer Credits
- Up to 43 Credits
Earn your PhD in Education from a university ranked No. 1 doctoral research degree graduates.¹
Whether through research or practice, you’re passionate about making a difference for the future of education. Start your doctoral journey with Walden’s PhD in Education program. The PhD in Education is designed for education professionals who desire to advance the practice of education and strengthen the field’s scientific, theoretical, and technological foundations.
Learn from the leader
Earning your doctoral degree is no small feat, but you can put your trust in Walden. We are No. 1 in doctoral research degrees.1
world-class community of education leaders
Optimize your professional network within Walden’s thriving global collective of scholars and practitioners, including more than 150 state teachers of the year.
Personalized support
Choose your own research topic to focus on your area of interest or to contribute new knowledge to a pressing issue in your field.
personalized support at every step
From doctoral peer mentors to research coaches, we’re here to help you stay on track toward completion.
face-to-face networking
In-person residencies allow you to discuss your research interests, gain valuable insights, and form lifelong bonds with faculty and peers.
Tailor your program to the career you want
Choose from 11 specializations to customize your coursework, including a Self-Designed option for Higher Education Leadership and Policy.
Program Savings
Speak with an Enrollment Specialist to learn about our current tuition savings.
Get Started NowCurriculum, Instruction, Assessment, and Evaluation
Gain skills to effectively design, modify, and evaluate curriculum and assessment practices using a systems approach.
Early Childhood Leadership and Advocacy
Explore the latest research to understand complex family, cultural, societal, and developmental influences that affect child development and learning.
Early Childhood Special Education
Prepare to conduct continued research on best practices for early intervention and advance in the growing special education field.
Educational Policy, Leadership, and Management
Build your leadership and management skills to develop strategies and navigate the education spectrum from preschool through higher education.
Educational Technology and Design
Learn to create innovative technological solutions to learning challenges and develop instructional design skills.
Higher Education Leadership, and Policy (Self-Designed)
Deepen your understanding of current practices in higher education institutions and examine law, policy, and governance as a leader within higher education settings.
Higher Education Leadership, Management, and Policy
Learn and apply effective leadership and management skills and strategies to facilitate positive social change.
Learning, Instruction, and Innovation
Prepare to help learners translate creativity into innovative learning experiences utilizing authentic, engaging practices and assessments.
Organizational Research, Assessment, and Evaluation
Gain skills to create a culture of continuous improvement within programs and organizations.
P–20 Education (Self-Designed)
Design your course of study by choosing from a wide range of electives that focus on issues critical to P–20 education.
Reading, Literacy, Assessment, and Evaluation
Explore best practices in reading, literacy, curriculum design and instruction, teacher professional development, and program evaluation and assessment.
A Program Designed With You in Mind
Finding a balance between work, studies, and your personal life is important. That’s why we’ve built a program with busy educators like you in mind. Although you’re learning online, you’re never in it alone. From start to finish, get access to a wealth of exceptional student resources designed to move you forward, from writing support to on-demand webinars.
Earning your doctoral degree is the ultimate intellectual challenge, and Walden’s online learning environment is designed to help all educators succeed. You bring your curiosity, drive, and determination. We’ll help you reach the finish line, step by step.
What’s the difference between a PhD in Education and Doctor of Education (EdD) degree? Learn more about the advantages of each program to decide which is best for you.
More and more, school districts, learning institutions, and government policymakers are turning to experts to help them address systemic issues in education. Walden’s online PhD in Education program prepares you with the advanced expertise needed to address these challenges and lead transformative change.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the following administrative and teaching occupations in education are projected to grow at healthy rates:2
- Education administrators, postsecondary: 4%
- Postsecondary teachers: 9%
- Instructional coordinators: 6%
- Training and development managers: 7%
Jobs for Postsecondary Teachers are expected to grow
11%
through 2028—faster than the national average.2What Can I Do With a PhD in Education?
A PhD in Education opens doors beyond teaching and research careers. With your doctorate, you can work in a range of settings and fields, including museums, government, engineering, technology, or healthcare/medical organizations.
Potential job roles for candidates with a PhD in Education include:3
- Director of education
- Research director
- Associate professor of education
- Assistant professor of education
- Adjunct instructor
- Principal
- Lecturer
Career options may require additional experience, training, or other factors beyond the successful completion of this online PhD in education degree program.
Enhance Your Earning Potential
A PhD in Education from Walden could potentially lead to higher earnings. According to the BLS, the annual median wage for certain PhD-level education jobs as of May 2019 are as follows:4
- Education administrators, postsecondary: $95,410
- Postsecondary teachers $79,540
- Instructional coordinators: $66,290
- Training and development managers: $120,960
Testimonials
Career advancement would not have been possible without earning my degree at Walden University.
Reagan Ferragamo Romali PhD in Education Graduate
I earned my PhD in Education 29 years after earning my master’s degree.
Latrice Tollerson PhD in Education Graduate
Perseverance was the key to completing my dissertation. It was important to read and write every day.
Vaughn Bradley PhD in Education Graduate
Resource Articles
What Are My Career Options With an Online PhD in Education?
Resource Articles
PhD in Education: Careers Outside the Classroom
FAQ About Walden’s Online PhD in Education Program
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One of the key benefits of earning your PhD in Education at Walden is the opportunity to focus your program in a way that suits you. The specialization you choose can better qualify you for positions within a particular area of interest, increasing your ability to guide your career into the roles you are most passionate about. Walden’s PhD in Education program offers a wide variety of specializations, including Curriculum, Instruction, Assessment, and Evaluation; Educational Technology and Design; Early Childhood Leadership and Advocacy; Higher Education Leadership, Management, and Policy; and Learning, Instruction, and Innovation.
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The benefits of earning your PhD in Education are numerous. A PhD is a terminal degree in education research, which means earning your doctorate will put you among the most educated in your field. The program is designed for education professionals who wish to contribute to and advance the practice of education. With a PhD in Education, you will be positioned to strengthen the field from scientific, theoretical, and technological standpoints. The degree can be an important part of your résumé and can help demonstrate to potential employers that you have the education and skills necessary to succeed at a high level. Whether you want to work in an early childhood, K–12, or a higher education setting, earning your PhD in Education can put you a step ahead when applying for positions.
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Thanks to online learning, earning your PhD is more manageable than ever. Online education degree programs make it possible to complete the majority of your coursework from home on a schedule designed to let you continue working full time. That’s why enrolling in an online university is such a popular choice for education professionals looking to advance the practice of education. Walden offers its PhD in Education in a traditional online format as well as a Fast Track option for those who can devote more time to their studies in order to complete the program sooner.
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A PhD is an academic degree focused on original research, data analysis, and the evaluation of theory. A professional doctorate focuses on applying research to practical problems, formulating solutions to complex issues, and designing effective professional practices within your field.
A professional doctorate is designed for working professionals with practical experience in their field. Professional doctoral research focuses more on applying existing theories and knowledge to address real-world problems.
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When it comes to finding the best online academic institution, reputation is key. Walden University—the Educator of Educators™—has been leading adult learning and developing distance education programs for 50 years. Now more than ever, education professionals need online access to an accredited university that enables them to achieve success and receive the support they need, from enrollment through graduation. At Walden, students and graduates receive ongoing assistance as they work to earn their degree, advance their career, and effect positive social change.
Questions about our PhD in Education?
Fill out the form and we will contact you to provide information about furthering your education.
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