PhD in Education
Gain 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.
Gain 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.
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.
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.
The P–20 Education (Self-Designed) specialization gives you maximum flexibility to create a highly customized online PhD in Education program that is unique to your personal and professional goals. Design your course of study by choosing from a wide range of electives that focus on issues critical to P–20 education.
Work toward your online PhD in Education in a way that fits your schedule. Walden offers completion options that provide you the flexibility to progress at a pace that’s right for you:
After the first course, you can take one course at a time or earn your degree faster by taking two courses at once. You can also choose a combination of the two throughout the program to fit your changing needs.
Earning the title “Dr.” in front of your name can transform your world in ways you never thought possible. Become a sought-after expert and thought leader and shape the change you want to see with Walden’s PhD in Education program. Develop the ability to understand the complexities of higher education, think bigger, and frame novel solutions to real-world problems in your field. Expand your influence and define a brighter future for your organization, institution, and community.
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
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
Career options may require additional experience, training, or other factors beyond the successful completion of this online PhD in education degree program.
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 2018 are as follows:2
Find detailed information for this program, including possible occupations, completion rate, program costs, and median student loan debt.
I am a first-generation college graduate. By earning my degree, I’ve set a positive example for my son. I know I’ve shown him that he can do anything.
My degree from Walden has certainly opened doors for me and created opportunities I might not otherwise have had.
Now that I’ve earned my EdD from Walden, I can really effect positive social change and build bridges between mothers and healthcare professionals. I love what I do.
1Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). U.S. Department of Education. Washington, D.C.: National Center for Education Statistics. Retrieved August 2017 from https://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/datacenter/login.aspx?gotoReportId=7
2Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics. Occupational Outlook Handbook: Postsecondary Education Administrators, Postsecondary Teachers, Instructional Coordinators, Training and Development Managers.
3Source: Data for this analysis of job postings for professionals with a PhD in Education from January 1, 2018, to December 31, 2018, was retrieved using Burning Glass Technologies: Labor Insight™. Results for industry sectors and job titles are at the national level and may not reflect local and/or short-term job conditions and are subject to change.
Note: Time to completion and cost are not estimates of individual experience and will vary based on individual factors applicable to the student. Factors may be programmatic or academic, such as tuition and fee increases; transfer credits accepted by Walden; program or specialization changes; unsuccessful course completion; credit load per term; part-time vs. full-time enrollment; writing, research, and editing skills; use of external data for the doctoral study/dissertation; and individual progress in the program. Other factors may include personal issues such as the student’s employment obligations, caregiving responsibilities, or health issues; leaves of absence; or other personal circumstances.
Note on Teacher Licensure or Certification
This program does not lead to teacher licensure or certification. Teachers are advised to contact their individual school districts as to whether this program may qualify for salary advancement.
Prospective Alabama students: State Authorization to provide a program related to the preparation of teachers or other P-12 school/system personnel does not indicate eligibility for an Alabama professional educator or professional leadership certificate. Applicants who complete an educator preparation program at a non-Alabama institution must apply for an Alabama professional educator or professional leadership certificate through the Alabama Certificate Reciprocity Approach. Current requirements may be found at www.alsde.edu.
