Program Overview
The PhD in Education is a research-focused doctoral program developing scholars capable of conducting original research contributing to educational theory and practice. Students master advanced research methodologies, educational theories, and analytical techniques while investigating critical educational issues. The program emphasizes scholarly inquiry, theoretical development, and empirical research addressing challenges in teaching, learning, leadership, and policy. Graduates are prepared for academic appointments, research leadership, senior educational policy positions, and executive roles in educational organizations requiring doctoral expertise.
To cultivate educational scholars who advance knowledge through rigorous research, develop innovative educational solutions, influence policy through evidence, and contribute to improving educational systems and outcomes through scholarly excellence and research leadership.
- Total Credit Hours: 60 (post-master’s)
- Advanced Coursework: 24 credit hours
- Research Methods: 12 credit hours
- Dissertation: 24 credit hours
- Delivery: 100% Online with research mentorship
- Duration: 24-36 months
- Format: Research seminars and independent research
Program Educational Objectives
Within 3-5 years of graduation, PhD Education graduates will:
- Conduct independent educational research addressing critical issues
- Publish research findings in peer-reviewed educational journals
- Teach education courses at colleges and universities
- Lead educational research projects and secure funding
- Develop theoretical frameworks and research methodologies
- Influence educational policy through research evidence
- Hold faculty or senior leadership positions in educational institutions
Program Curriculum
Course Code | Course Title | Credit Hours |
Advanced Coursework (24 Credit Hours) | ||
PhD 801 | Advanced Educational Theory | 3 |
PhD 810 | Educational Leadership Theory | 3 |
PhD 820 | Curriculum Theory and Development | 3 |
PhD 830 | Learning Theory and Cognition | 3 |
PhD 840 | Educational Policy Analysis | 3 |
PhD 850 | Comparative Education Systems | 3 |
PhD 860 | Technology in Education Research | 3 |
PhD 870 | Advanced Seminar in Education | 3 |
Research Methods Courses (12 Credit Hours) | ||
RES 901 | Philosophy of Educational Research | 3 |
RES 910 | Quantitative Research Methods | 3 |
RES 920 | Qualitative Research Methods | 3 |
RES 930 | Mixed Methods Research Design | 3 |
Dissertation (24 Credit Hours) | ||
DIS 950 | Dissertation Proposal Development | 6 |
DIS 960 | Dissertation Research I | 6 |
DIS 970 | Dissertation Research II | 6 |
DIS 980 | Dissertation Defense | 6 |