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Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Education

School of Education

K–12 Studies in Education specialization

Create an individualized doctoral program that fits your unique K–12 research interests. This specialization is part of Capella’s Professional Education Unit, which has been accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE). Your course work includes advanced research, educational philosophy, advanced learning theory, and K–12 history and politics. You can choose electives in such areas as adult learning, mathematics, science, educational leadership, virtual school instruction and assessment strategies. Throughout the program you will build a professional portfolio that will enable you to demonstrate your doctoral competencies to current and future employers. People who choose this specialization, which was built around nationally recognized teaching standards, are often licensed K–12 teachers and administrators interested in career advancement, consulting positions, or higher education faculty positions.

This program is not designed for certification, licensure or endorsement. For more information about educator licensing, please see our Education Licensure Resource site.

National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE)- Accredited
NCATE

NCATE-accredited programs are recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation for the preparation of P-12 teachers and other professional school personnel. Graduates of these programs are highly regarded by many school districts, licensing authorities, and teaching professionals.

Read the news release announcing our NCATE accreditation.

Learn why NCATE accreditation is important.

Read what others have to say about this specialization, or leave your own comment, and be sure to check back often to converse with others about their Capella experiences.

Total Program: 120 quarter credits
Up to 48 quarter credits may be transferred into this specialization
Next Start Date: March 5, 2012
Quarter - Coursework: $4,530
Up to 3 courses per quarter
Quarter - Comps/Diss: $4,062

Many of our learners receive aid.

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Residency requirements: Three 4-day weekend experiences

Learn about the residential colloquia experience.
In addition to your online courses, you will complete 3 residential colloquia, each of which includes a 4-day weekend experience, at specific stages in your program. These energizing residencies provide you with insights and knowledge that will be valuable during your PhD studies and beyond.

Doctoral colloquia each have 3 steps:

Step 1: Colloquium Courseroom (opens approximately 2 weeks prior to Weekend Experience)
Step 2: Weekend Experience (4-day residency)
Step 3: Colloquium Courseroom—Assessment and evaluation (completed the week after the Weekend Experience)

What is the cost to attend?

The price for each colloquium is $1,495 (pricing is subject to periodic adjustment), but doesn’t include costs for evening meals or travel. You’ll be responsible for making your hotel reservations and travel arrangements.
  • Learn more about residency requirements.
  • Get more detailed information and learn how the residency experiences will enrich your learning at Capella University. Speak with an enrollment counselor at 1.888.227.3552.

Core Courses (each course 4 quarter credits unless noted)

  • ED8007 - Leading Innovation
  • ED8112 - Educational Research Methods
  • ED8117 - Advanced Qualitative Research Methods*
  • ED8515 - Advanced Action Research for Teacher-Leaders
  • ED8122 - Statistics for Educational Research I*

Specialization Courses (each course 4 quarter credits unless noted)

  • ED8111 - The Historical and Social Foundations of Education
  • ED7310 - Evaluating the Effectiveness of the Educational Process
  • ED7542 - The Politics of P–12 Education
  • ED8502 - Advanced Learning Theory and Instructional Practice
  • ED7701 - Educational Philosophy and Change
  • ED8100 - The Future of Educational Institutions: Topics and Trends
  • ED9919 - Doctoral Comprehensive Examination*
  • ED9920 - Dissertation Courseroom* - non-credit
  • ED9921 - Dissertation Research 1* - 5 quarter credits
  • ED9922 - Dissertation Research 2* - 5 quarter credits
  • ED9923 - Dissertation Research 3* - 5 quarter credits
  • ED9924 - Dissertation Research 4* - 5 quarter credits

Thirteen Elective Courses (each course 4 quarter credits unless noted)

  • Recommended elective courses
  • ED5516 - Adult Learning and Professional Development
  • ED5523 - Inquiry-Based Curriculum and Resources for Elementary Science Teachers
  • ED5508 - Research and Best Practices in Mathematics Instruction
  • ED5513 - Middle-Level Issues
  • ED5528 - Technology Skills for the Virtual School Teacher
  • ED5511 - Teaching Algebra for Understanding
  • ED5514 - Educational Leadership for Teacher-Leaders
  • ED5522 - The Art of Planning Science Instruction: Creating the Engaged Science Student
  • ED5524 - Inquiry-Based Curriculum and Resources for Secondary Science Teachers
  • ED5526 - Student Assessment and Work Analysis in Science Instruction
  • ED5506 - Standards and the K–12 Mathematics Curriculum
  • ED5507 - The Art of Planning Mathematics Instruction
  • ED5529 - Instructional Strategies for the Virtual School Teacher
  • ED5530 - Assessment Strategies for the Virtual School Teacher
  • ED5533 - Curriculum Mapping: Reflection and Practice (recommended elective for all K–12 teachers)
  • ED8123 - Statistics for Educational Research II*
  • OR
  • Choose any graduate courses.
* This course has a prerequisite. Contact an enrollment counselor for more information.

Course Descriptions

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Learn more about our related specializations:

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The Capella K-12 Leadership Program- Great for NYC and New Jersey

July 8, 2010Carole I graduated in 2009, with my K-12 Leadership PhD. I am proud of my accomplishemtns, and I am now the Executive Director for a newly proposed Charter School in Staten Island, New York. I am a former Region 10 Supervisor for the NYC DoE, and majored in Physical and Health Education.

My time as a doctoral student

July 8, 2010Carolyn I was in the program when it was K-12 Advanced Teaching and Learning. I loved everything about the experience and all my instructors. What I appreciated most was that my instructors let me tailor the curriculum around my desired interest of homeschooling. They were all fabulous for that. My time was well spent and worth every penny. Dr. Carolyn McKeon

My doctoral experience

July 11, 2010Grace I am currently in the doctoral program and will begin the research phase of my dissertation in the next two months. Capella has offered a flexible schedule allowing me to meet the demands of my job and complete a doctoral program simultaneously. I have recommended Capella to others who are on their way to earning their doctorate as well.

Capella PhD Program Prepared Me

July 30, 2010Dr. Daniel S. King I graduated from Capella in 2005 with a PhD in Education specializing in Teaching and Learning. My experience at Capella was excellent. The courses provided the rigor and challenge I expected and the professors were always supportive and hepful. I feel the doctoral program prepared me well for my transition from an elementary school teacher to a professional development specialist. I work for a state agency supporting school districts and teachers with mathematics coaching, facilitating school reform initiatives, and providing professional development focused on mathematics content, formative assessment, and professional collaboration. The PhD program at Capella also prepared me well for my role as an adjunct professor at a community college where I teach mathematics and science education classes. I recommend Capella University for any educator serious about furthering their education as the experience will bring much new growth and many new opportunities to them. Dr. Daniel King
Image of enrollment counselor from the team that specializes in Capella's education degrees online and online education degree programs
Image of enrollment counselor from the team that specializes in Capella's education degrees online and online education degree programs

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