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PhD in Education
Request InformationBecome an impactful education leader with Walden’s engaging and supportive online PhD in Education program.
Next start dates
- Course-Based Courses with a set schedule May 30, 2022
Transfer Credits
- Up to 43 Credits
Choose a university ranked No. 1 in doctoral research degree graduates.¹
You were meant to accomplish great things in the field of education. Walden’s online PhD in Education program can empower you to lead the change you want to see.
As the Educator of Educators®, we understand the unique needs of distance PhD students. That’s why each step of your doctoral journey purposefully integrates tools, resources, and guidance to support your success. Join a community of scholar-practitioners who are as passionate about educational transformation as you are—and take your career to places you never imagined.
A PhD program offers educators the opportunity to advance the practice of education as postsecondary teachers, researchers, or school administrators.
Why Choose Walden?
Learn from the leader
We’re No. 1 in education professional doctoral and PhD graduates in the U.S.¹, with over five decades of distance learning expertise.
Focus on Your Passion
Receive support choosing a research topic that reflects your interests and helps you use findings to create meaningful change.
Move Ahead With Confidence
Our comprehensive suite of doctoral services empowers you to conduct sound research and successfully defend your dissertation.
Program Savings
Receive up to a $5,000 Walden Live & Learn Grant if you reside in the U.S. and start this program on May 30, 2022. Contact one of our Enrollment Specialists to learn more.
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.
Earn Your Master of Philosophy Degree Along the Way
Walden understands the rigors involved with preparing for your doctorate. To signify how far you’ve come on your journey, you will be eligible to be awarded a Master of Philosophy (MPhil) degree upon completion of program requirements, prior to completion of your dissertation.
Walden is one of a few universities that offer this advanced research master’s degree. Highlight your academic achievement and show employers and others that you possess comprehensive knowledge in your field of study.
Admission Requirements
Program Admission Considerations: A master's degree or higher.
General Admission Requirements: Completed online application and transcripts. Please note that the materials you are required to submit may vary depending on the academic program to which you apply. More information for international applicants.
At Walden, we’ll guide you every step of the way with a comprehensive suite of support resources designed to help you confidently pursue the finish line, including our Doctoral Degree CoachTM. Are you ready to reach a higher level in your field?
A Personalized Guide to Completing Your Doctorate
Earning your PhD in Education requires commitment, perseverance, and hard work. You can do it, and Walden is here to help—with our Doctoral Degree Coach™.
- Map and Track Milestones: Break your research down into manageable, sequential steps. See where you are, what’s ahead, and what you’ve already accomplished—all in one place.
- Meet Weekly Targets: No more guesswork. Set prompts based on your to-do list and receive reminders and updates directly to your inbox.
- Connect With Faculty: Stay on the same page and keep your progress on track. With shared access to your dashboard, your chair can easily guide you through your checklists, goals, and timelines.
- Access Helpful Resources: Quickly find support from the right person at the right time. Our comprehensive resource guide points you in the right direction—no more frustrating searches.
A PhD Degree Program With a Personal Feel
Whether you want to address challenges facing public schools or advance your expertise in curriculum and instruction, our online PhD program in education lets you focus your studies with one of 11 specializations. In-person residencies empower you to share your research interests, gain valuable insights, and form lifelong bonds with faculty and peers. At every step of your program, Walden’s doctoral peer mentors and research coaches are here to help you stay motivated and on track.
Increasingly, school districts, learning institutions, and government policymakers are turning to experts to help them address systemic issues in education. Earning your online PhD in Education prepares you with the advanced expertise needed to address these challenges and lead transformative change.
A PhD in Education degree can prepare you to pursue career options such as:2
- Faculty/professor
- Director
- Researcher
- Chair
Overall employment of postsecondary teachers is projected to grow
9%
through 2029.3A PhD in Education degree can prepare you to work in settings such as:
- Schools/school districts
- Community colleges/colleges
- Universities
- Research institutions
Career options may require additional experience, training, or other factors beyond the successful completion of this degree program.
Program Learning Outcomes
- Synthesize content knowledge grounded in a specific educational discipline.
- Critically analyze education-related issues.
- Align 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.
- 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.
Testimonials
I am passionate about advancing the field of education by ensuring that every student receives high-quality teaching, particularly in higher education.
Martha Bless PhD in Education Graduate
When I go to our state Senate for hearings, having the ‘Dr.’ in front of my name will give me a deeper level of credibility.
Megan Hall 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 more than 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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