Online PhD education once was considered impossible, but now it’s a reality. In fact, it’s more accessible than ever thanks to modern innovation. The phenomenon of virtual learning is changing the world of education for the better. As we move into the next phase of the educational landscape in a changed world, experts are needed to help guide our educational systems to work in present world realities. Because of this, now is a great time to burnish your credentials to be one of the leaders by enrolling in one of the best online PhD programs in education.
Article Navigation: PhD vs EdD | Degree Overview | Online PhD Education Program List | Program Selection | Licensure & Certification | Salary & Careers | Conclusion
Doctoral Programs in Education: PhD vs EdD
For those considering a doctoral degree in education, there is the choice between a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) and a Doctor of Education (EdD). Both are terminal degrees, and either one of these doctoral degrees will be life-changing and advance a person’s career. Although, deciding between one or the other can be challenging. Fortunately, we have information here to make choosing easier.
When considering a doctorate, ask yourself what career do I want? Both are pretty interchangeable. If your ambition is to teach or write academic articles, then an EdD could prepare you but a PhD is more suitable. Perhaps you want to become a superintendent or director of a department at a university. PhD’s can work, but an EdD is more geared towards this kind of goal.
In terms of qualifications for jobs, if you want to teach at a university, then the PhD is generally more accepted. Additionally, if your goal is to become an expert in a certain subject, then a PhD is ideal. The PhD will have a bit more of a research focus, but most PhD programs in education still focus on applying that research to real-world problems in the field. Outside of teaching, a PhD opens many doors in the world of academic research.
Individuals who want to pursue educational leadership positions would benefit from an EdD because an EdD is more practice-orientated. Student coursework emphasizes finding solutions to problems in the educational field. Additionally, an EdD can be applied to numerous industries including education, business, and government. For instance, some common careers include instructional coordinators, senior-level professionals, or school administrators in K-12 or at the post secondary level.
GetEducated's Picks
- William Carey University Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership
- Grand Canyon University Doctor of Education in Organizational Leadership / Behavioral Health (Qualitative Research)
- St. John's University Doctor of Philosophy in Literacy
Online PhD Programs in Education: What to Expect
Common Coursework of Online PhD Programs in Education
The course catalogs for online doctoral degree in education vary with each program. This depends on the school and specialization a PhD student pursues. However, students can typically personalize their doctorate by choosing a combination of core classes and others that meet their specialization requirements.
Core courses advance skills in areas like research and methodology. For example, classes include Introduction to Educational Research, Advanced Qualitative Research, and Education and Policy Analysis.
Specialization courses have a wide scope. For example, students pursuing a PhD in Educational Leadership can get credits with classes like Professional and Ethical Leadership (Northwest Nazarene University) or Educator as a Change Leader (Notre Dame of Maryland University). In addition, students preparing for a PhD in Library and Information Management may have courses in Instructional Design Technology or Information Systems (Emporia State University).
Besides foundational and specialization classes, online education PhD programs also have classes to prepare students for their dissertation. A dissertation is the culmination of everything a PhD candidate has learned. Sample classes in PhD online education include Dissertation Research, Dissertation Seminar, as well as Dissertation Writing and Defense.
Online PhD Education Specializations
Think about which specialty you want to focus on. Some programs are tightly focused on one specialty, but more general programs may also allow you to do your research in the area that you are most interested in. For most people, their previous work experience may lead to a specialty, such as special education or higher education leadership, but you can also use the PhD to broaden or refocus your expertise to a new area within education.
The most common specialties are leadership, higher education, instructional design and technology, curriculum and instruction, and organizational leadership. You will also find some online PhD programs in education that allow you to concentrate on education law, literacy, or that have a curriculum that emphasizes a Christian worldview.
PhD programs in education will transform candidates into experts of a certain field. Many PhDs are broad and can have a balanced curriculum that reaches many areas of education. Some however, do allow students to select a specialization. Therefore, choosing the right specialization is paramount. As a matter of fact, it’s a very personal decision and should align with a student’s career goals. Before applying to a program, ask yourself how you plan to use your PhD education online.
For example, if your plan is to become an educational administrator like a principal or superintendent, then a specialization in leadership makes sense. Perhaps your dream is to teach at the university level or be an instructional coordinator. In that case, a PhD in curriculum and instruction or literacy may be suitable. On the other hand, scholars with goals of bringing positive change to the rules that govern our education systems may choose an education policy specialization.
Dissertation
As you begin your journey in online PhD education, it’s likely you’ll find the word “dissertation” in a program’s description. What is a dissertation? In short, a dissertation is a scholarly piece that a student writes on a topic related to their field of research. This is the final and most vital step before earning a doctorate.
First, a student must decide on a research topic. This is often the hardest step. The topic must be specific and be something that is meaningful to the student. If the university approves of the topic, then the student is assigned a faculty chairperson. With help from their chairperson and a committee, the student then submits a thesis defense proposal. This outlines the topic, thesis, and data that is expected to be found. After in-depth research and analysis, students draft a manuscript and finally defend their thesis in front of a dissertation committee. A successful defense awards the student with doctoral status.
The dissertation process is rigorous and can often take up to two years to complete. A dissertation is important because it improves a student’s ability to research and analyze information. It also demonstrates that a candidate can work and think independently. A student combines the knowledge as well as the skills acquired during their studies into one immersive project. Consider it an academic marathon that requires dedication and time management in addition to goal setting. However, this step can be the most challenging yet rewarding part of a doctorate.
What Accreditation is Best for Online PhD Programs in Education?
If you are considering an online PhD program in education, then make sure it has accreditation. Accreditation is important for multiple reasons. Firstly, it provides assurance that the material you are learning meets industry-accepted levels of quality. Secondly, it is considered a stamp of approval and recognized by other industry professionals. Thirdly, you can expect to be prepared to succeed with accredited online PhD degrees in education.
In addition, accreditation is a common requirement for licensure in many fields. For example, many education administration roles may require a school administration license or teacher’s license. School districts require a credential to be from an accredited program. Additionally, other education roles such as school psychologists require degrees with accreditation.
Are Online PhD Programs in Education Legitimate?
Not all online phd degrees in education are equal. There are, however, many education PhD programs that not only are legitimate but are really good. For instance, these online PhD program in education are from some known educational institution like; Texas Tech, SUNY at Albany, and the University of Toledo.
A key indicator of a program’s legitimacy is whether it is accredited or not. Accreditation serves as proof that a PhD’s coursework meets a certain quality standard. Organizations like the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) are issuing authorities of accreditation.
Thanks to advances in technology, students can receive an excellent education regardless of whether it’s online or in-person. A growing number of advanced degree programs online now are accredited.
15 Best Online PhD Education Programs Under $40,000
Now it is time to compare the PhD in education programs that you can study online to find the one that fits with your life goals, your current responsibilities, and is within your budget.
Emporia State University
Total Cost (In-State): $20,975.12
Emporia State University (ESU) offers an online Doctor of Philosophy in Library & Information Management. The Office of Graduate Studies and Research as well as the School of Library and Information Management (SLIM) administer the program. The goals of this doctoral program are to prepare scholars to: become leaders in information organizations and libraries; work as teachers; perform meaningful research that contributes to library and information sciences.
This program accepts new higher education PhD online candidates every two years. The curriculum is structured as a five-tier process, starting with foundational coursework and ending with a dissertation. Combined, students will complete 56 credit hours. Classes are fully online and with a cohort model. Each semester will have some important synchronous sessions. Moreover, ESU is one of five universities that partners with the American Library Association (ALA) Spectrum Doctoral Fellowship Program. This fellowship selects students from different cultural backgrounds to work on improving racial equality and social justice in library and information science programs.
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Doctor of Philosophy in Library & Information ManagementUniversity of Missouri-Columbia
Total Cost (In-State): $21,441
The Information Science & Learning Technologies PhD by University of Missoula-Columbia (MU) is nationally recognized. In fact, the US News and World Report voted it as one of the best online programs in 2023. Doctoral students will take classes through the School of Information Science & Learning Technologies (SISLT). This PhD online education prepares scholars to work in higher education, public policy, or research in numerous public or private fields.
Students have the option of taking classes 100% online with the iSchool or on-campus. Although, online students must participate in a virtual residency, where they join in activities like teaching, professional service, and research. These are opportunities to connect with other students while also deepening skills as a researcher. Full-time students can expect to complete the required 72 credits for the PhD program in four or more years. Coursework will advance student’s research, writing, system design and system development skills as well as their teaching skills. Included with classes are seminars on topics like Human Computer Interaction and Human Information Behavior.
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Doctor of Philosophy in Information Science & Learning TechnologiesNorthwest Nazarene University
Degree: Doctor of Philosophy in Educational Leadership
Total Cost (In-State & Out-of-State): $26,200Northwest Nazarene University (NNU) offers an affordable fully online education PhD. This doctorate is designed for people who want to grow in educational leadership roles. Their Doctor of Philosophy in Educational Leadership is perfect for people with inconsistent schedules. The program has flexible scheduling. Consequently, full-time scholars can expect to finish in around 26 months. It offers experienced doctoral faculty, a cohort model and minimal residency. There is a two-week summer session on campus for students to engage with colleagues, participate in research activities, and work on their dissertation. During this time students will take a condensed course, Professional and Ethical Leadership. Doctoral students will gain advanced research and study experience. October 1st of each year is the deadline to apply to the program. For consideration, applicants must hold an educational specialist degree, its equivalent, or have taken prior coursework at the doctoral level.
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Doctor of Philosophy in Educational LeadershipNational University (formerly Northcentral University)
Total Cost (In-State): $26,520
National University (NU) gives education professionals an abundance of PhD education programs online to choose from. With 16 specializations available, NU offers advanced degree opportunities for all kinds of educators. This online education PhD is for those who want to teach in higher education or focus their work towards educational research. Doctoral students have the flexibility to customize their program in accordance to their professional goals. Each program consists of 60 credit hours which require approximately 37 months to complete. Foundational courses are 8-weeks long, while dissertation classes are 12-weeks. Admissions are on a rolling basis and new classes begin each week. All courses and the final dissertation are completely online. No residency is required. Graduates will leave with a more profound knowledge of educational systems, theory interpretation, professional standards of their field, and be able to positively contribute to their body of work.
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Doctor of Philosophy in Education / Curriculum & Teaching
Doctor of Philosophy in Education / E-Learning
Doctor of Philosophy in Education / Early Childhood Education
Doctor of Philosophy in Education / English Language Learning
Doctor of Philosophy in Education / General Education
Doctor of Philosophy in Education / Instructional Leadership
Doctor of Philosophy in Education / Leadership in Higher Education
Doctor of Philosophy in Education / Learning Analytics in Higher Education
Doctor of Philosophy in Education / Learning Analytics K-12 Education
Doctor of Philosophy in Education / Organizational Leadership
Doctor of Philosophy in Education / Social Emotional Learning
Doctor of Philosophy in Education / Special Education
Doctor of Philosophy in Education / Trauma-Informed Educational Practices
Doctor of Philosophy in Educational Leadership
Doctor of Philosophy in Instructional DesignNotre Dame of Maryland University
Total Cost (In-State): $27,225
Notre Dame of Maryland University offers the online PhD in Higher Education Leadership for Changing Population with a values-based curriculum focusing on social justice. With a unique emphasis on the changing demographics in higher education, this program prepares students to manage and organize diverse university and college communities. The coursework is 100% online, and NDMU offers rolling admissions and multiple start dates for this affordable doctoral program. Students come to the campus for one weekend to take their comprehensive exams before embarking on the dissertation. Tech support for those new to studying online is available 24/7, and the school offers personal success coaches in addition to the opportunity to work closely with faculty members. The PhD online education from NDMU is a perfect choice for those who seek to make a difference in their communities by pursuing a world-class, but very reasonably priced, advanced degree in education leadership.
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Doctor of Philosophy in Higher Education Leadership for Changing Populations
Doctor of Philosophy in Higher Education Leadership for Changing Populations / Occupational TherapyTexas Tech University
Total Cost (In-State): $27,702.50-$34,396
For an affordable online education PhD, the online PhD in Curriculum and Instruction at Texas Tech allows students to choose from multiple different specialty tracks. Most of the programs have application deadlines in July for a fall start, while a few concentrations allow students to start in any semester. Applicants need a completed master’s degree in education or relevant subject, GRE scores, and timelines for admission decisions vary by program. Most programs are 100% online, but some have minimal in-person requirements. Financial aid, scholarships, and graduate assistantships are available, but tuition, especially for in-state students, is very low. Texas Tech PhD in education programs are great choices for students who are interested in one of the concentrations, some of which are not offered by many other universities.
Texas Tech also has an excellent Education Leadership Policy program. The program offers training in areas like leadership, organization, advocacy, and policy theory. It includes 51 credit hours of coursework and 12 hours for a dissertation. The curriculum is theory-to-practice which allows students to gain exceptional experience. Graduates will leave prepared for leadership roles in settings such as school districts, universities, and government agencies.
Students also may consider the Family & Consumer Sciences Education program. This is a one-of-a-kind degree, meaning it isn’t offered anywhere else in the nation. Candidates for PhD education programs online receive extensive coursework in family and consumer education, research, electives, and dissertation preparation. Graduates often seek faculty and professional leadership positions.
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Doctor of Philosophy in Curriculum & Instruction / Curriculum Studies & Teacher Education
Doctor of Philosophy in Curriculum & Instruction / STEM
Doctor of Philosophy in Curriculum & Instruction / General
Doctor of Philosophy in Curriculum & Instruction / Language, Diversity & Literacy Studies
Doctor of Philosophy in Educational Leadership Policy
Doctor of Philosophy in Family & Consumer Sciences EducationIndiana State University
Total Cost (In-State): $28,344
Indiana State University has one PhD online: Higher Education Leadership. The HE degree accepts students from the US and Canada. The program operates on a cohort model, with a new group of students starting each fall and progressing through the program together. The program has five semesters of coursework, including one summer semester, before students progress to the dissertation phase. Students typically finish the dissertation in 18-24 months, but are allowed to take up to six years for this process. The programs require three or four weekend on-campus intensives along with the online coursework, as well as some campus residency in the summer. Much of the online coursework is asynchronous, but there are some required live online class times. The Indiana State PhD program is great for scholar/practitioners who want an affordable PhD and who are able to travel to the on-campus sessions.
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Doctor of Philosophy in Educational Administration / Higher Education LeadershipTexas Woman’s University
Total Cost (In-State): $29,339-$30,405
Texas Woman’s University (TWU) offers two dynamic online PhD programs education; Reading Education and Education, Leadership & Organization (ELO). The PhD in Reading Education offers a synchronous online option for students or in-person. Scholars benefit from small class sizes. In addition, synchronous instruction allows for more collaboration. It instills a sense of community between professors and students. This program is for people who want to become literacy leaders in different environments. Because of this, a major focus of this online PhD is education equity among marginalized populations. Graduates can receive specializations in early childhood education, early literacy intervention and literacy leadership. TWU also has a renowned Reading Recovery trainer program.
TWU’s Education, Leadership & Organization PhD in education is fully online. It for working professionals who need a flexible class schedule. Doctoral students can choose between three leadership tracks: Superintendency, Higher Education, or Interdisciplinary Nonprofit. Faculty mentorship opportunities are plentiful. Students can participate in writing seminars to receive expert feedback from peers as well as professors. As the title of this Ph.D. in education online degree suggests, graduates will be equipped to lead in public education, higher education, a nonprofit organization, or in a business environment.
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Doctor of Philosophy in Reading Education
Doctor of Philosophy in Education, Leadership & OrganizationClemson University
Total Cost (In-State): $29,832-$35,989
Clemson University (CU) offers a series of advanced online degrees. Their PhD in Literacy, Language, and Culture (LLC) is available in-person or with online synchronous instruction.This degree is ideal for people who want to work as a scholar, researcher, university faculty, or leaders in an education environment. Focus areas of this program are Language and Diversity, Digital and Disciplinary Literacies, Literacy Leadership, as well as Early Literacy. This student-centered program is meant to create a community feel for students.
The PhD in Teaching & Learning is designed for the scholar who wishes to become an expert investigator. This program will help students analyze, interpret, and teach information that they learn. In fact, this PhD provides expert faculty and a multitude of specializations to choose from. Examples are Science Education, Equity Oriented Education, and Instructional Coaching. Students will develop expertise in their given field of study. They can choose from in-person or online synchronous instruction.
The Doctor of Philosophy in special education helps students to become researchers, educators, and leaders in a special education setting. Scholars learn skills to meet the needs of students of different cultural and developmental backgrounds. Classes are either in-person or through online synchronous instruction.
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Doctor of Philosophy in Literacy, Language & Culture
Doctor of Philosophy in Teaching & Learning
Doctor of Philosophy in Special EducationUniversity of Kentucky
Total Cost (In-State): $30,383
Students who wish to receive advanced leadership and research training would benefit from the University of Kentucky’s (UK) PhD in Educational Leadership. This 100% online degree consists of 46 credit hours and consequently takes 4-6 years to complete. Each student has a four credit hour residency requirement. UK students have access to experienced faculty and extensive mentorship opportunities. For instance, doctoral students can participate in a week-long cohort called Doc Week each summer. Here students collaborate, build relationships, and receive feedback on their dissertations or other scholarly pieces. This online PhD program prepares students for a wide range of future careers. The coursework is broad scoped. Scholars, policy experts, research scientists, and future faculty members can benefit from this program.
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Doctor of Philosophy in Educational LeadershipOld Dominion University
Total Cost (In-State): $32,553 – $36,170
Community colleges increasingly fulfill the role of workforce development in our communities. If you are a leader in this setting, then the PhD in Community College Leadership from Old Dominion University may be the perfect program for you. The 54-credit degree assumes students have prior coursework in statistics, student and workforce development, and leadership theory. Classes meet “live” on video in the afternoon or evening, allowing students the opportunity to interact in real-time with their peers and instructors. The program usually takes about three and a half years to complete. Additionally, students will need to attend two-week on-campus intensives in June of their first and second years. For those with a background in statistics and instructional technology, the PhD in Instructional Design & Technology from Old Dominion University prepares students to perform advanced work in education, military, healthcare, and other settings.
Admission is competitive, but the program may accept students without prior statistics or ID preparation by requiring extra coursework. A minimum undergraduate GPA of 2.8 and graduate GPA of 3.25 are recommended. Students may start in the fall, spring, or summer semesters. ODU is a great choice for those who value spending lots of face time with their colleagues and appreciate the small class sizes of approximately 16 students in each cohort. The very reasonably priced tuition is only slightly higher for out-of-state students, making this a great budget choice for students from anywhere.
Old Dominion also offers a PhD in Occupational & Technical Studies. This doctoral program uses research and statistics to prepare students for the complexities of education and business environments. Its focuses are technology education, human resources, and career and technical education. This helps graduates make better data-based decisions.
Another doctorate worth considering is a PhD in Educational Leadership.This concentration is for professionals who wish to make positive changes in educational organizations. Courses include Leadership for Social Justice and Accountability and Organizational Improvement. It prepares graduates for roles in PK-12 administration and supervision, higher education, and state and national policy.
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Doctor of Philosophy in Community College Leadership
Doctor of Philosophy in Education / Occupational & Technical Studies
Doctor of Philosophy in Instructional Design & Technology
Doctor of Philosophy in Education / Educational LeadershipLiberty University
Total Cost (In-State): $37,543
Liberty University offers an online education PhD with an emphasis on scripture and a Christian worldview. The different concentrations available are education law, higher education administration, curriculum and instruction, instructional design and technology, education policy, special education, and organizational leadership. The three year program allows you to work on your dissertation while completing your coursework. There are optional on-campus intensives and students may transfer in up to 15 credits of the 60 credit degree. There are generous tuition discounts for current or former military members and spouses, first responders, small business owners, and courses are offered in short 8-week formats. The classes are 100% online and there are multiple start dates per year. Liberty University’s online education PhD programs are perfect for students who need a flexible format and prefer a biblically-oriented curriculum. The bargain prices for military members make this particularly attractive to budget-minded veterans or active duty military.
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Doctor of Philosophy in Advanced Educational Studies / Curriculum & Instruction
Doctor of Philosophy in Advanced Educational Studies / Educational Leadership
Doctor of Philosophy in Advanced Educational Studies / Instructional Design & Technology
Doctor of Philosophy in Advanced Educational Studies / Special Education
Doctor of Philosophy in Education / Curriculum & Instruction
Doctor of Philosophy in Education / Educational Law
Doctor of Philosophy in Education / Instructional Design & Technology
Doctor of Philosophy in Education / Organizational Leadership
Doctor of Philosophy in Education / Special Education
Doctor of Philosophy in Educational Leadership
Doctor of Philosophy in Higher Education Administration / Education Leadership
Doctor of Philosophy in Higher Education Administration / Student Affairs
Doctor of Philosophy in Music EducationUniversity of Toledo
Total Cost (In-State): $38,122
The online PhD in Curriculum & Instruction from University of Toledo has a focus on special education. Applicants need to have a 3.0 GPA on previous undergraduate and graduate work with a completed master’s degree. The GRE is optional for application, but higher scores may improve chances of acceptance as admission is competitive. Evidence of at least two years of professional experience is required.
The program allows students to start in fall or spring semesters and takes four to five years to complete. Expect a rigorous curriculum that will prepare graduates to lead in special education at the local, regional, state, or national level. The online resources for students are extensive, including face-to-face meetings with faculty, tutoring, tech support, as well as library access. The University of Toledo PhD is great for special education professionals who want to apply research to real-world problems and incorporate evidence-based practices into their work helping disabled students and their caregivers.
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Doctor of Philosophy in Curriculum & Instruction / Special EducationSUNY at Albany
Total Cost (In-State): $38,189.88 – $39,788.15
State University of New York at Albany offers the online PhD in Literacy for students who want to work in research and teaching, policy and government, or in P-12 school districts. Applications need to be submitted by January 30 for the fall start of the program, and working students can enroll part time or full time to accommodate their work and life responsibilities. Tuition costs for out-of-state online students are slightly higher than residents of New York State, and students may need to do field work experience to complete the degree.
SUNY Albany also has a PhD in Curriculum and Instruction that offers online options and many concentrations including learning sciences and technology, science and mathematics education, TESOL, as well as teacher education. The SUNY Albany PhD program in Literacy is the perfect choice for students who want to focus on literacy in schools and across the lifespan, while the curriculum and instruction PhD offers other areas of specialization.
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Doctor of Philosophy in Curriculum & Instruction / Language & Technology
Doctor of Philosophy in Curriculum & Instruction / Learning Sciences & Technology
Doctor of Philosophy in Curriculum & Instruction / Learning, Teaching, & Teacher Education
Doctor of Philosophy in Curriculum & Instruction / Literacy, Language, & Culture
Doctor of Philosophy in Curriculum & Instruction / Science & Mathematics Education
Doctor of Philosophy in Curriculum & Instruction / TESOL & Second Language Acquisition
Doctor of Philosophy in LiteracyAdams State University
Total Cost (In-State): $39,124.80
Students whose goal is to work as either a counselor educator, counselor supervisor, or researcher would benefit from a PhD in Counselor Education & Supervision from Adams State University. This program’s coursework is fully online. Although, there are four one-week summer residencies. Core study areas include Counseling, Supervision, Teaching, Research & Scholarship, and Leadership/Advocacy. Students benefit from a program that is Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) accredited. Accreditation from this esteemed organization means that coursework meets the highest standards for counseling education. In addition, there are many opportunities for academic support via resources like the Writing Center. Eligible students may become members of the Adams State chapter of Alpha Sigma Chi (International Counseling Academic and Professional honor Society). Members can participate in forums, be part of an academic community, and have access to professional development.
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Doctor of Philosophy in Counselor Education & Supervision
Choosing the Best Online PhD Education
The best online PhD programs in education have many similar qualities, so how do you pick the best one for you?
To get a PhD in education salary, you need to choose one of the accredited online PhD degrees in education. Many programs can be quite expensive, but the programs listed here are some of the most affordable programs that are also highly respected.
If you need the degree to count towards any licensure in your state, then make sure that your state board accepts the program that you choose.
Other considerations include scheduling, preferred format for classes, and cost. Most of the online education PhD programs on this list are going to be around $35,000, but you will find some a bit lower and some a bit higher, but check on discounts, education programs from the military or your employer, and scholarships to see if you can bring the cost down on the program you choose.
Admission Requirements
Admission requirements for online PhD education programs vary with each university. However, the foundational piece to apply for any school is possession of a master’s degree in education. Although, the discipline of the degree does not always have to be in education. Many schools accept applicants with master’s degrees in any field of study.
In addition to a master’s degree, qualified applicants often need to submit official transcripts, multiple letters of recommendation, plus a resume. Certain programs may also require a graduate level minimum grade point average (GPA). Additionally, applicants may be asked to submit Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores.
An essential element for admission to a PhD in education online is submitting a letter of intent. It is here where prospective students can highlight their accomplishments, qualifications, career goals, as well as their reasons for applying. Similar to a letter of intent, applicants may also be asked to submit a written statement addressing a topic or issue related to the higher education PhD online. This may serve as a precursor to an eventual dissertation.
Time & Cost
Most programs that grant the online PhD in education take three or four years to complete, with the consideration that you usually have two or more years of coursework and then research and writing on a dissertation. Many online PhD programs in education have fully online courses, but require a short intensive face-to-face meeting on campus once a year or more, usually on weekends or in the summer. Some programs emphasize “live” video classes, which means you will have to schedule in the class meeting times, but others will allow you to complete your work around your own schedule. Consider the in-person requirements for the program you choose, as this can be harder to arrange around a busy work schedule.
Another consideration as you compare programs is cost. This guide shows you PhD programs in education online that will cost you less than $40,000 overall, but within that, many programs can cost as little as $27,000. We have only listed accredited online PhD programs in education, so you know that your money is going towards a worthwhile and accepted degree. Online PhD education needs to be rigorous and well respected, and the education PhD programs we highlight all have well-regarded universities behind them, with quality faculty and comprehensive curriculums.
How Long Does It Take to Complete an Online PhD in Education?
A PhD in education online can take around 3-4 years to complete. However, part-time learners could take longer to finish their doctorate. Many PhD candidates are already working professionals with varied schedules. Because of this, the duration of someone’s PhD education online is up to the individual. Students must also factor in time needed to research and write their dissertation. A dissertation usually takes at least a year to finish. The majority of programs consist of around 60 credit hours, including coursework for a dissertation.
Is a PhD in Education Worth It?
Despite being a large financial and time investment, a PhD in education has many benefits. Holding a doctorate will make your resume jump above the rest of employment applicants. It symbolizes dedication, discipline, intelligence, as well as expertise. Not only does it create the image of a qualified individual, it truly will make you an industry expert.
A PhD in education opens the doors to many rewarding careers. For example, some of the titles a doctorate can bring are Academic Affairs Vice President, Academic Dean, Admissions Director, College President, Dean, Financial Aid Director, Principal, Provost, and Professor. These positions have the capability to bring positive change to their respective organization.
Postsecondary education administrators earned an average $96,910 per year in 2022. The projected job growth over the next ten years is 7%, which means that this field is stable. Certain roles, like college presidents, earned over $200k a year that year!
Licensure & Certification
At the PhD level, there are certain careers that require either a license or some sort of certification. These would be subsequent to obtaining an advanced degree. Keep reading to learn about a few examples.
University Professor
People with aspirations of teaching at the post secondary level will need to be licensed in their state. This is a teacher’s license or credential. However, licensing requirements are different in each state. For example, some states, like New York, a teacher license is referred to as a certification.
K-12 School Administration
Similar to professors, a common requirement to work in the administration of a K-12 school is a credential. This is often because prior teaching experience is necessary. The license must be from the same state where you are employed. In states like California, there is a two-tier credential system for people who work in school administrative roles. Firstly, a candidate must earn a preliminary teaching credential. Next, they will receive an Administrative Services Credential.
Education Consultant
Perhaps your goal is to work for yourself with a private education consulting business. A PhD in education and experience in school settings is an excellent starting point. There are many Educational Consultant Certification programs available to help people learn necessary skills to start their business. These include marketing, public relations, and counseling techniques.
PhD in Education Salary & Careers
Many jobs in education don’t require a PhD, but to get to the top of the field of education leadership, whether in school or university administration, or policy and government, a terminal degree like an online PhD education is needed to get you there. If you want to teach about education in a university setting, or to do research to help shape education policy, then a terminal degree is required. The demand for strong leadership is going to be great as the educational landscape shifts, so getting the top credential makes sense for many education professionals. And the best part is that an online PhD education in any specialty can be easy to arrange around your current job and family responsibilities.
Many jobs in educational administration, like school principal, pay quite decently with an average salary of $98,420 per year. Training and development managers, who work in corporations and organizations, do even better at an average salary of $120,130. But PhD in education salary averages can be much higher when you start to look at positions like college president, with an average of $316,000 per year, and some make closer to half a million dollars a year.
Positions in educational policy and research can be very highly rewarding as well as highly compensated. But many types of careers in education will pay much higher salaries once you have your doctorate. More doors open up, especially if you want to take your classroom or administrative experience and turn it into leadership gold with a terminal degree. You can definitely benefit from a PhD in education salary, as you can often get a raise in your current position or find a whole new and more interesting job to apply your advanced knowledge.
Start Your Online PhD in Education Today!
Online learning makes obtaining a terminal degree—the Doctor of education—a much more affordable goal, both in money and time. You can keep your current job while you work towards a higher degree that will allow you to make a PhD in education salary, which will likely mean that you will not only be able to achieve your career goals, but your financial goals as well. Take the time to consider your options for a cost-effective education PhD, and get out there and apply!
How we researched and created this article:
Sources:
- https://www.ets.org/gre.html
- https://www.acswasc.org/about/acs-wasc-overview/
- https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/postsecondary-education-administrators.htm
- https://www.highered.nysed.gov/tcert/certificate/rightpathway.html
- https://www.ctc.ca.gov/credentials/leaflets/admin-services-credential-california-(cl-574c)
- https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/elementary-middle-and-high-school-principals.htm
- https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/training-and-development-managers.htm