Develop critical skills in research, analysis, and communication to not only gain a deeper understanding of the education field, but also help shape it.
FOCUS ON YOUR PASSION
Research what interests you the most and work toward your personal and professional goals by choosing one of 10 specializations.
LEARN FROM EXPERT FACULTY
Learn from doctoral scholar-practitioners who are working in their field , preparing you to make an impact.
MOVE PAST ABD
If you have finished everything but your dissertation, our completion program can get you on track to finishing your PhD.
PROGRAM DETAILS
Take a Closer Look
The online PhD in Education program features rigorous coursework and 11 specializations that allow you to align your studies with your interests and goals.
STREAMLINED ADMISSION
Walden has simplified the online PhD in Education admissions process. When you’re ready to apply, you’ll pay no application fee—and you won’t have to write an essay, either.
SIMPLE CREDIT TRANSFER
We've made the process of transferring credits easy, allowing you to potentially save time and money. Talk to an Enrollment Specialist about specific guidelines for the PhD in Education program.
MPhil ALONG THE WAY
To mark how far you’ve come, you will be eligible to be awarded a Master of Philosophy (MPhil) degree upon completion of PhD in Education requirements, prior to completion of your dissertation.
Doctoral Experience
How will I learn?
YOUR DOCTORAL JOURNEY
Earning a PhD is not easy—it takes dedication, hard work, and persistence. Knowing what to expect can help you make a confident enrollment decision.
DOCTORAL DEGREE COACHTM
Map and track your PhD in Education milestones, meet weekly targets, connect with faculty, and find support when you need it.
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.
Tuition and Scholarships
We believe you can achieve your goals—and we are here to support you along your journey. Request information to learn more about scholarships and financial aid for those who apply and qualify.
Tuition Breakdown
Cost matters when you’re exploring PhD in Education degree programs. Walden helps make your goals more attainable with several ways to reduce your tuition:
Experience-based credits
Special tuition savings
Grants
Program Savings
Program Savings
Receive up to a $5,000 grant when you start an eligible PhD program.
| Curriculum | Requirements | Cost | Total * | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tuition-Coursework | 66 quarter credits | $775 per quarter hour for coursework credits | $51,150^ | |
| Tuition-Doctoral Study/Project | 20–120† quarter credits | $775 per quarter hour for dissertation credits | $15,500–$93,000* | |
| Program Fee | $185 per quarter | $2,220–$5,920* | ||
| Residency Fee | Four Residencies | $1,420 each (virtual) $1,520 each (in-person: travel, lodging and other expenses are additional) | $5,680–$6,080 | |
| Estimated Range: | 3-Year | 8-Year | ||
| $74,550 | $156,150*+ | |||
| (assuming completion in a 3-year timeframe) | (assuming completion in an 8-year timeframe) | |||
These are ranges of what a student can expect in terms of time and tuition cost to complete a degree. It does not include other fees, nor is it adjusted for tuition increases over time. Walden faculty has concluded that generally students who do not complete their program in eight years are unlikely to complete and only allow students to exceed that time frame when a student petitions for an extension and provides good reason for the delay and assurances that obstacles to completion can be overcome. Time is calculated using the time allowed for each semester or unit that the student completes. Students are encouraged to work continuously during the program so as not to extend the time needed to complete the degree as work can become stale and students lose focus. Students who earn two grades of “Unsatisfactory,” who repeatedly drop a course before a semester or unit has been completed, or are unable to complete in the eight year time frame, should expect that they may be dismissed from the program. Walden believes that it is in the best interest of a student who is unable to complete the degree in the stated ranges to strongly consider withdrawal or obtaining a lesser degree.
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 and/or the student’s transfer credits accepted by Walden; program or specialization changes; unsuccessful course completion; credit load per term; writing, research and editing skills; use of external data for their doctoral study/dissertation; and/or individual progress in the program. Other factors may include personal issues such as the student’s employment obligations; care giving responsibilities or health issues; part-time vs. full-time enrollment; leaves of absence; and/or other personal circumstances.
Tuition and fees are subject to change. Books and materials are not included. Students may incur additional costs for remedial writing assistance, if necessary.
^This assumes students successfully complete their coursework on the first attempt.
† Based on a 3-year minimum completion requirement and an 8-year maximum timeframe as outlined in Walden academic policy.
*Tuition and fees will be higher if students petition to extend the 8-year maximum timeframe or choose to take more expensive elective courses.
+Tuition and time to complete may be reduced if transfer credits are accepted, or if you receive grants, scholarships or other tuition discounts. For a personalized estimate of the number of your transfer credits that Walden would accept, call an Enrollment Specialist at 844-642-0198.
| Curriculum | Required Quarter Credits (min) | Required Quarter Credits (max) | Cost per Quarter Hour | Total (min) | Total (max) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tuition-Coursework | 5 | 5 | $775 | $3,875 | $3,875 |
| Tuition-Doctoral Study/Project | 20 | 55 | $775 | $15,500 | $42,625 |
| Program Fee | $185 | $925 | $2,220 | ||
| Estimated Range: | 15-months | 36-months | |||
| $20,300 | $48,720 |
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.
Career Opportunities
With a PhD in Education degree, you’ll be ready to make a positive impact in areas like teaching and administration.
Postsecondary Teachers
Teach at colleges and universities; conduct research and publish scholarly papers and books.
Expected growth: 8%1
Estimated annual wage: $39,670–$98,1301
Postsecondary Education Administrators
Oversee student services, academics, and faculty research at colleges and universities.
Expected growth: 4%2
Estimated annual wage: $62,970–$137,2302
No guarantee is made that a person who enrolls in the (include applicable program) program will obtain a job or will earn the stated salaries. Wage estimates are based on the 10th - 75th percentile.
1Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics | Job outlook | Estimated wage (as of May 2023)
2Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics | Job outlook | Estimated wage (as of May 2023)
Learning Outcomes
Graduates of this online PhD in Education program will be prepared to:
Synthesize content knowledge grounded in a specific educational discipline.
Critically analyze education-related issues.
lign research methodologies to questions and hypotheses addressing problems in the discipline of education.
Communicate ideas to a variety of audiences related to the profession using oral and written scholarly formats.
Synthesize content knowledge grounded in a specific educational discipline.
Practice ethically as a scholar in the field of education.
Integrate a focus on global diversity and multiculturalism into solving problems in education.
Evaluate the role of education in advancing social justice and positive social change.
Meet Your Academic Team
Below are some of the accomplished faculty members who bring a passion for educational excellence to the Walden community.
You Might Also Be Interested In
Browse other Walden online doctoral programs.
PhD in Education FAQ
The benefits of earning your PhD in Education are numerous. A PhD is a terminal degree in education research, which means earning a doctorate will put you in an elite category in your field. Walden’s PhD in Education online program is designed for education professionals who wish to contribute to and advance the practice of education. With a doctoral degree, you will be positioned to strengthen the field from scientific, theoretical, and technological standpoints. This credential can help your résumé stand out and show potential employers you have the knowledge and skills necessary to succeed at a high level. Whether you want to work in early childhood, K–12, or higher education settings, a PhD in Education can help prepare you to reach your professional potential.
One of the key benefits of earning your PhD in Education at Walden is the opportunity to focus your program on your interests and goals. The specialization you choose can help you build expertise within a particular area of interest, increasing your ability to pursue your passion. Walden’s PhD in Education degree 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.
Thanks to online learning, earning your PhD is more manageable than ever. Walden’s PhD in Education degree program makes it possible to complete the majority of your coursework from home, on a schedule that doesn’t interfere with work and family commitments. Enrolling in an online university like Walden is a common choice for driven education professionals looking to impact the practice of education from a higher level.
A PhD is an academic degree focused on original research, data analysis, and the evaluation of theory. A professional doctorate—called the Doctor of Education (EdD) in education—focuses on applying research to practical problems, formulating solutions to complex issues, and designing effective professional practices within your field. Walden University offers both an online PhD in Education program and an online EdD program.