An online doctoral degree in education may equip individuals with skills needed to conduct advanced research to advance the practice of education. In this three to five-year program, students may learn how to develop teacher assessment plans, conduct research that positively impacts educational teaching methods, and design instructional practices. Popular areas of concentration may include adult education leadership, educational technology, and reading and literacy.

Upon graduation, students may seek employment in their chosen area of concentration. Doctoral-level graduates may seek employment in educational settings such as universities, school district departments, and state education departments.

Program Overview

• Prerequisite: Bachelor’s Degree at minimum
• Program Length: Three to five years to complete
• Post-Grad Options: Employment
• Projected Employment Growth: 17% (2010-2020)*

Program Concentrations

A doctoral-level education degree may include a combination of dissertation research classes, core courses, and education-focused specialization classes. Students may take courses such as social change in education, learning and instruction, and innovation and change in education. Possible concentration areas for an education doctoral degree may include the following:

• Adult Education Leadership
• Early Childhood Education
• Educational Technology
• Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment
• Reading and Literacy
• Adult Education Leadership
• Global and Comparative Education

Career Options

Doctoral-level graduates may gain employment in universities, adult education programs, government education departments, school district departments, and continuing education programs. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, post-secondary teaching employment is projected to increase by 17% from 2010-2020.*

Possible careers include:

• College Instructor
• Curriculum Specialist
• School Superintendant
• Director of Education
• Reading Specialist

*U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook