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Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Education

School of Education

Professional Studies in Education specialization

This online PhD program in education is designed for experienced educators or administrators working in a variety of teaching or training situations. The flexible program provides optimal opportunity for you to build upon previous knowledge and experience, and choose course work and research topics most interesting or relevant to your current position or career aspirations. In addition to earning a PhD, you will have the option to earn a Post-Master's Certificate in Enrollment Management (along with a professional Enrollment Management certificate from Noel-Levitz) or a Post-Master's Certificate in College Teaching as part of your program. People who choose this specialization are often pursuing postsecondary faculty or P–12 master teacher positions, or consulting or leadership positions in a variety of educational settings, including higher education, business, nonprofit organizations, the military, health care, or government.

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

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

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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)

  • ED8002 - Foundations of Theory and Practice in Doctoral Studies
  • ED8112 - Educational Research Methods
  • ED8117 - Advanced Qualitative Research Methods*
  • ED8122 - Statistics for Educational Research I*

Specialization Courses (each course 4 quarter credits unless noted)

  • ED7701 - Educational Philosophy and Change
  • ED8100 - The Future of Educational Institutions: Topics and Trends
  • ED8222 - Professionalism in the 21st Century
  • ED7700 - Learning Theory and the Educational Process OR
  • ED7311 - Theory and Methods of Educating Adults
  • 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

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

  • Recommended elective course
  • ED8123 - Statistics for Educational Research II*
  • OR
  • Choose any graduate courses.
* This course has a prerequisite. Contact an enrollment counselor for more information.

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I Agree: Capella Is Life-Changing

July 30, 2010Dr. Vivian Corll A seasoned high school English teacher with B.A. and M.A. degrees in English, I decided to enroll in Capella to pursue a Ph.D. in Education, with major in Professional Studies in Education. It was one of the best decisions I ever made. I loved my studies. The faculty were all supportive and encouraging. When I completed my Ph.D. I attended the commencement ceremonies held in Minneapolis at the site of Capella University. What a joy! Capella does everything first class! So--how did my studies at Capella change my life? Before Capella, my teaching attitude was this: Just give me my students; let me shut the door; don't bother me; I don't care what else is going on in the school. After Capella, my teaching attitude is this: We the faculty are all inter-connected; we have problems, so let me help solve them; the knowledge I've gained at Capella certainly speaks to the issues we now face in education. In short, I love Capella. Vivian

A good decision.

August 1, 2010Christine Going with a professional studies degree was a hard decision, but it allowed me to combine my two real passions and graduate with the best course combination for me. I am happy with my decision. I love learning online so this was the perfect choice for me. It wasn't easy, every night after work and every weekend it was just me and the computer, but now it's done and totally worth it!

Re-Energized

August 3, 2010Eli This was my first experience as a distance education student. I found this program to be a great learning experience. I discovered much important material in the field of education. I also discovered much about myself in my ability to achieve the Ph.D. at age 67. I now find myself frustrated trying to expand my acquired knowledge to the powers that be in my college. It is a slow process. However my ability to get into the mix of the discussion has been enhanced by the Ph.D. from Capella. Eli J. Weissman, Ph.D. Prof. of CIS DeVry College of New York

Godsend!

July 8, 2010daspokesman When I started my PHD process I was not sure how this online process would work. To my surprise Capella has been a life changer!

I love Capella

July 8, 2010Carson Capella has delivered on every aspect of the educational experience they promised at the forefront of enrolling in the program. I have completed all of my coursework and successfully passed the comprehensive exams and working on my dissertation. As a Dean with a private University working 50-60 hours a week, it has been great to get my degree at Capella. The coursework was challenging and most importantly, helpful with life application. On many occasions, I had the opportunity to take content learned in the classroom and apply to my work life. I am honored to have attended Capella University and “highly recommend” it to anyone. Trust me you will not make a mistake by enrolling at Capella it will be life-changing! Carson Castleman- (Ph.D. Candidate School of Education)

Best option for me

July 8, 2010Dwight I'm full time administration at a private college, and being able to pursue my Ph.D. on MY time was essential. I was able to apply the course work to my position, and my dissertation will benefit my college. Couldn't ask for more.

Professional Studies

July 8, 2010Dr Kimberly Cypher Capella was a great experience for me. They are very helpful and will guide you through all the processes. I found the curriculum to always be up-to-date and excellent. I chose PS because I wanted my PhD in Special Education and they did not have it yet so PS allowed me to gear my program to SPED. Thank you, Capella!

Thank you Capella!

July 8, 2010Edmund I really appreciate the vision and organization of Capella. They have a vision to build and run a quality completely online university. From my experience, they have succeeded. I found the program reliable in that things were well planned and went according to plan. I found classes and the method of asynchronous discussion of assignments very stimulating. I found the administration very responsive and helpful to student needs. I found the professors very communicative and encouraging. The conferences were also all very encouraging and helpful as well as refreshing. Best of all I was able to graduate in reasonable time. Thank you Capella administration!

I am Proud to Wear Capella's Colors!

July 12, 2010Robin Before enrolling at Capella University, I was concerned about receiving a degree from an on-line program. I was not sure if the PhD would be credible. I did not want to invest time and money into a program that may not be recognized as valuable by outside agencies. Therefore, I did my homework first. Yes, the degree was recognized. The program is accredited and has a good reputation. I had never experience on-line education prior to my Capella experience. While I had learned so much from my traditional education, I never knew how much more I could learn with self-directed learning. I finished my program and began working in my field. My education prepared me to work side-by-side with well versed and high-powered professionals. I am proud to have my Doctoral Degree from Capella, and have recommended Capella to numerous Masters prepared educators who are considering a terminal degree.

Seize your opportunity to shape the future of education!

July 12, 2010Paul Capella offers a highly rigorous and challenging opportunity for you to perform research and develop theory leading to best practices in education. This has allowed me to contribute to the body of knowledge accordingly, in order to benefit academic and corporate educators as well as their students. If you are considering the pursuit of a terminal degree and would also like to further the study of leading edge educational theory and practice, such as that involving new forms of virtual learning, please seriously consider enrolling in this program and specialization. Paul Patti, Ph.D. Nashua, NH
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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