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Build advanced skills to pursue your career goals with a PhD in Education
Funnel your passion for education into expanding your expertise with our online PhD in Education program. Specializations help prepare you to meet high-level challenges as an educator, featuring in-depth coursework, expert guidance and research.
PhD in Education program overview
The PhD in Education program is for experienced educators who want to develop specialized leadership and problem-solving skills used in K–12 or higher education learning environments.
As a PhD in Education student, you’ll begin with core courses to lay the foundation for your program and develop skills in key areas of educational leadership. From there, you’ll move into specialized coursework to grow your expertise and work toward your dissertation.
Capella University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Accreditation and recognitions provide assurance that we meet standards for quality of faculty, curriculum, learner services and fiscal stability. See all our accreditations and recognitions.
Applicants to the PhD in Education program must provide the following information for admission:
- A master’s degree from an institution accredited by an agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education or from an internationally recognized institution
- Your official master’s transcripts, with a minimum grade point average of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale
- A valid, government-issued form of photo identification
GRE and GMAT are not required for admission.
International applicants will be subject to additional admission requirements.
View full admission requirements for PhD in Education specializations: Leadership for Higher Education, Leadership in Educational Administration
International student requirements
If you completed your most recent academic coursework, degree, or credential at an institution outside the United States, regardless of your citizenship or where you currently live, you are considered an international applicant.
In addition to the above admission requirements, you will need to submit these materials:
- Minimum score on acceptable test for proof of English proficiency
- Transcript evaluation
Learn more about international student admissions.
The total cost of your PhD program will depend on your specialization, scholarships and finances, transfer credits, academic performance and other factors.
View detailed tuition information and cost scenarios for PhD in Education specializations: Leadership for Higher Education, Leadership in Educational Administration
Choosing a PhD in Education specialization
Every doctoral journey is different. Your chosen specialization can help you leverage your unique passions and interests to build advanced expertise for the next phases of your career as an educational leader.*
- Learning outcomes
- Career exploration
Leadership for Higher Education
- Learn to lead and manage change in higher education organizations
- Develop and manage resources of higher education organizations
Leadership in Educational Administration
- Learn to lead the development of a culture of learning
- Learn to manage effective learning environments
Leadership for Higher Education
- Advanced skills and knowledge in this field can help you prepare for roles in a range of educational settings
- Research roles such as president, provost and full-time faculty of education courses
Leadership in Educational Administration
- Employment settings to explore include K–12 schools, state education departments, school district offices and universities
- Research roles such as superintendent and director for student services
*Capella cannot guarantee any specific job, promotion, salary increase or other career outcomes. You will need to conduct your own research to understand what opportunities may be available to you. Note that some career paths may prefer or even require previous experience, licensure, certifications or other designations along with a degree.
Why choose the PhD in Education at Capella University?
Virtual residency program
Make progress toward your dissertation with virtual residencies and credit-bearing doctoral project development seminars blended into your coursework.
Extensive doctoral support
Experts will support you throughout your degree to help you meet doctoral challenges and reach your short- and long-term goals.
Maximize transfer credits
You may be able to reduce tuition and time to complete your degree with up to 16 transfer credits.
Professionally aligned curriculum
Every assignment, course and program is designed to deliver the knowledge and expertise required for success.