can you get a phd in high school

Can a PhD teach high school? [Answered]

Many PhD students and graduates toyed with the idea of becoming a teacher in a high school. After getting to the end of the PhD many PhD graduates struggle to find a job in academia and many turn to education as a potential career path. However, can a PhD teach in a high school without further education?

A PhD cannot teach in a high school without undergoing further education such as a master’s in education or other postgraduate qualification.

Even though a PhD graduate has many skills, a PhD alone does not prepare someone for teaching in a high school.

There are many more skills that you need to learn and, in my experience, you really don’t want to enter the teaching profession without being fully prepared for rooms full of rowdy teenagers.

Why PhDs can’t teach in high schools

In most countries, PhD graduates are not able to teach in high schools because a PhD is not enough training to deal with the new skills required of a high school teacher.

From learning tricks to deal with the most troublesome students to understanding the current mandated curriculum and best teaching pedagogy, teaching in a high school requires many more skills and experience than that gained during a PhD.

Classroom management

One of the biggest components of learning to become a teacher is how to manage a classroom to allow for maximum learning.

We all remember high school, and I’m sure that you will be familiar with how complicated behavioural problems can be in even the best of schools.

Learning to control a rowdy classroom and help students get into the zone of proximal learning.

Today’s classrooms are full of differentiated curricula for students with various learning difficulties.

Behavioural challenges can derail the most well-planned lesson. Ensuring that you are well prepared for entering a room full of students is only something that further training and experience can provide you with.

Teaching pedagogy

The modern teacher must stay up-to-date with the research and outcomes of the best way to educate young people.

Continual professional development is often a part of a modern teacher’s workload and understanding the best practices for keeping your students engaged, learning, growing, and happy is a vital part of becoming a teacher.

Further education will help you understand the best teaching practices for high school students and it is something that a PhD does not prepare you for.

Curriculum changes

As a PhD graduate and student you are at the forefront of your field. Conversely, high school students are learning the fundamentals of any given subject area. Teaching the fundamentals of a subject area can be difficult when you are so familiar with the cutting edge.

You will need to get familiar with what students need to know and, importantly, what they do not need to know to pass their high school exams.

Also, the important components of a curriculum and the deliverables change over time.

Ensuring that you are fully aware of the full curriculum for your teaching area and how it changes over time will require further education and understanding of how curriculum develops.

In a fast changing subject area, such as social sciences, ensuring that your students are well prepared for university and further education will require you to be 100% up-to-date with the current curriculum.

Finally, PhD graduates lack any real-world experience in a high school education setting.

Becoming a teacher is far more than knowing the best pedagogy and curriculum. Experience in dealing with various classroom situations, school politics, and leadership demands can catch early career teachers by surprise.

As part of your teacher training, you will get a soft introduction to classroom teaching supervised by an experienced teacher so that you can slowly build your confidence and experience.

Where can PhDs teach?

Perhaps you do not want to get an extra qualification to teach. There are a number of places where PhD graduates can teach without having to get further education.

I have taught in a university (doing various lecturing and demonstrating teaching activities) and I have also done my fair share of private tutoring as a side hustle.

Getting a PhD allows you to teach in a university setting.

It always amazes me that PhD graduates can teach in a university setting without any further qualifications in teaching.

I guess this is why there are tons of bad lecturers in a university. Essentially, they have been able to get their position through their research credentials rather than how good they are at teaching.

However, universities in Australia and other countries are slowly introducing “teaching-focused” roles. This is where the primary duty of the academic is to teach undergraduate students.

There are also other opportunities to teach in a university setting including:

• undergraduate laboratories
• undergraduate workshops
• lecturing modules in a course

If this interests you, as it did me, speak to the Dean of your department and your supervisor to ask if you can start building up qualifications and experience lecturing at a university level.

Private Tutoring

As a PhD graduate, I have also done a fair amount of private tutoring.

I have advertised my services on various tutoring marketplaces and charge up to AU$75 an hour for private chemistry tutoring.

Many of my students were undergraduate chemistry students who needed help passing exams and grasping key and core concepts.

Can you teach during your PhD?

During your PhD you may want to build up some skills and experience in teaching.

In the sciences, you are often able to demonstrate in undergraduate laboratories and practicals. In other fields, you may be able to take workshops and tutorials.

I really loved balancing my research with undergraduate teaching. I would approach my supervisors and ask them if there were any opportunities to teach classes and workshops.

Even though it is not strictly teaching, I also volunteered as a “scientist in schools”. This was a program that was run by the Australian government to primary schools and secondary schools motivate their students to pursue a career in science.

I worked closely with a teacher and help develop lesson plans which, helped me understand the requirements of a high school and primary school teacher.

It was a very valuable experience.

Becoming a teacher after your PhD

if you would like to become a teacher after your PhD there are often a number of options for you. The most common options are to do a master in education or further education at a university.

In some countries, there is a significant teacher shortage which means that there are some fast-track programs to get PhD-educated graduates into high school teaching.

Whichever route you take, you’ll have to learn many new skills and jump through the appropriate hoops to become a qualified and practising teacher.

In many places this includes getting your qualification, registering with the appropriate educational authorities, and maintaining your teaching license by undergoing a certain number of professional development activities throughout the year.

Wrapping up

This article has been through everything you need to know about whether or not PhD graduates can teach in high schools.

Unfortunately, many countries require a person to undergo further education in teaching pedagogy in a high school setting.

Nonetheless, it can be a very rewarding career path for those who want to help mould the minds of the next generation and share their passion for their field.

Classroom teaching can be very difficult as you are dealing with complicated behavioural issues and the normal teenage behaviour found in high school.

Getting experience, building classroom management skills and doing placements in a school is the only real way to prepare for becoming a teacher.

Dr Andrew Stapleton has a Masters and PhD in Chemistry from the UK and Australia. He has many years of research experience and has worked as a Postdoctoral Fellow and Associate at a number of Universities. Although having secured funding for his own research, he left academia to help others with his YouTube channel all about the inner workings of academia and how to make it work for you.

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Home > Blog > Academic Degrees > Education Degree News > Considering a PhD in Education? Here’s What You Need to Know

Academic Degrees , Education Degree News

Considering a PhD in Education? Here’s What You Need to Know

Updated: June 19, 2024

Published: December 17, 2018

For anyone looking to pursue a career in education in academia or research, a Ph.D. in education is the degree to seek. A doctorate degree in education is a terminal degree in the field, which means it is the highest level degree you can get. So the natural next question is, “What can you do with a Ph.D. in education?

Here, we will share Ph.D. in education jobs, as well as answer all your big questions surrounding a doctorate degree in education.

What is a Ph.D. in education?

A doctor of philosophy (Ph.D.) in education is a graduate degree that is well-suited for anyone who wants to focus their career on academics or research. Just like a Ph.D. in education is a terminal degree, so is a Doctor of Education (EdD) degree.

Although it can be confusing when faced with two terminal degrees in the same field, it helps to clarify when we understand what each of their focus is. An EdD in education is more hands-on and practice-oriented, which means that it’s of use to those who want to work in education, for the government, or in a non-profit organization.

A Ph.D. in education is theoretically-focused and more study-based, in comparison. For this reason, it’s best for anyone looking to work in research or academia at the university level.

There are more differences between the two, including:

• A Ph.D. in education takes four years to complete, while an EdD takes two.
• A Ph.D. requires doing a dissertation, while an EdD doesn’t.
• A Ph.D. focuses on developing new research. EdD students, on the other hand, use existing research to guide decisions about issues within their area of study.
• A Ph.D. requires taking 90 credits, whereas an EdD requires 60.

Why Earn a Ph.D. in Education?

There are many reasons why a Ph.D. in education is valuable and worthy of your effort. Here’s why:

1. It’s one of the most highly respected credentials in education, and as mentioned, it is a terminal degree (which means its the highest level that you can achieve in this field).

2. You’ll use research-based methods to solve problems and identify gaps in your specialization of choice.

Plus, you will have the expertise and credentials to publish in professional journals and/or present your findings at conferences around the world.

3. You’ll be advancing in an area of education in which you’re passionate.

Are you fascinated by childhood development? Or do you have a passion for classroom management? If you have a desire to advance a particular field in education, a Ph.D. is an excellent way to do so.

4. You’ll earn respect in your field and gain personal satisfaction.

Since a Ph.D. in education requires doing a dissertation, that alone is not an easy feat! Accomplishing it will surely give you a rewarding feeling. Plus, being called Doctor isn’t so bad either. Just like any degree, a Ph.D. in education involves a certain skill set . Some learned along the way, and some you may have naturally. These are some skills involved in a Ph.D. in education:

Technical skills:

Analysis and problem-solving, project management and organization, research and information management, and written and oral communication are all important in such a research-based degree.

Soft skills:

Interpersonal and leadership skills, self-management and work habits, concentration, and patience are all important personal skills to have when you’re spending lots of time on one specific topic.

The Doctorate in Education Salaries You Can Expect

Did you know that in America, Ph.D. graduates will earn $1.3 million more than BA holders in their working lifetimes? There are all kinds of career options for Ph.D. education graduates.

Here are some examples of typical careers for Ph.D. in education holders, as well as their average salaries in the US:

• Clinical, Counseling and School Psychologists: $79,820
• Education Teachers, Postsecondary: $80,56 0
• Survey Researchers: $59,870 
• Sociologists: $86,110
• Training and Development Specialists: $62,700

Many PhD in education graduates want to become professors. Here’s what the average annual salaries look like around the globe for professors in the top-paying countries (in their equivalent USD):

Denmark: $109,600

Switzerland: $185,000

UK: $110,000

US: $102,400

Finland: $95,000

Canada: $93,000

Germany:$92,000

France: $82,000

There are other career options as well, such as school administrator, superintendent, curriculum coordinator, and principal.

What are the Requirements?

Considering that a Ph.D. in education is the highest level you can achieve in education, it means that you will already have a bachelor’s under your belt, and in most cases, a master’s degree, as well. In other words, you probably like being a student. There are lots of years of studying that get dedicated to earning a Ph.D. If you plan on doing a doctorate in education, earning a master’s degree in education can be the right first step.

Another important thing to know is that almost all Ph.D. candidates have background experience in research. So if education is your field of interest, getting a Ph.D. will mean coming to the table with previous research experience from your undergraduate (and potentially graduate) degrees.

Every institution may differ on their prerequisites for enrolling in their Ph.D. in education program. Be sure to consult directly with your school of choice to find out what they are.

Where Can I Earn My Ph.D. in Education?

There are many schools that offer Ph.D. in education programs. Just like most subjects, there are going to be online /on-campus options as well as throughout the world. Some are even fully funded.

Online programs

University of the People has a Master’s in Education (M.Ed) degree. This could be a great choice for those of you who may be aiming for a Ph.D. in education but only have a BA. The next step is getting that MA. So, why not choose a tuition-free program ?

Liberty University, Walden University, University of Colorado, and the University of Nebraska are just a few popular universities that offer a Ph.D. in Education. Here’s a look at some of the most affordable online Ph.D. programs.

Studying in Europe

Studying in Europe can be both exciting and low-cost . Germany, Sweden, Norway, and Finland offer free doctorate tuition for university students, regardless of their nationality! France offers low-cost Ph.D. tuition fees. If you want to see some specific schools in these countries, look at this list.

Fully-funded Programs

Fully-funded sounds wonderful, and it is! But, it doesn’t mean there are no costs associated. Fully-funded actually means that your tuition is covered, but you’ll still have to cover costs for textbooks and supplies, living expenses, and other fees.  no cost. That said, it’s still an awesome option. One condition: it has to be on campus. Why? Because you need to pay with your time — by teaching and performing research.

University of Michigan School of Education, Vanderbilt Peabody College, and Steinhardt School at NYU all offer tuition-free on-campus Ph.D. in education programs.

Online vs On-campus

You might be wondering what it’s like to get your Ph.D. online, as compared to on-campus institutions. Like all degrees, there are advantages and disadvantages to earning your degree entirely online. In regards to a Ph.D. in education, you will need to consider a few things.

Online Ph.D. programs are best suited to students who work better solo. They are also great for those who have worked in the field for some time and want to advance in their area of study. And, of course, it’s the best option for those who work and are raising families. On the other hand, you aren’t in the presence of peers and professors that can be a valuable resource in the research-driven program of a Ph.D.

Earning a Ph.D. on-campus has its pros and cons, too.. While they’re generally more expensive than online programs, on-campus Ph.D. programs allow you to communicate face-to-face with your professors, supervisors, and other students.

What You Can Expect to Study in a Ph.D. in Education

Completing a Ph.D. means doing your dissertation, or research thesis. Naturally, it is going to be based on the field of study that you are most interested in. You can specialize in a certain area. Some common specialization options for a Ph.D. in education are:

• Early Childhood Education
• Special Education
• Adult Education
• Teacher Leadership
• Curriculum and Pedagogy
• Educational Psychology

Aside from the research involved in planning and executing your thesis, you will also have professional development activities and coursework relevant to your area of study. They’re designed to help give you the skills needed to succeed in your research and your future career in education.

While the curriculum is going to vary according to your specialization, there are some general core courses that most PhDs in education involve. You will likely take the following: group psychology, leadership, learning models, ethics, education and globalization, and analytics courses as part of your curriculum.

Is a Ph.D. in Education for Me?

If you choose to study for a Ph.D. in education, chances are you’re passionate about teaching and learning, and everything in between. Even if you’re not looking to stand in front of a lecture hall and teach, you may wish to improve upon the field of education as a whole through research and other means. With a Ph.D. in Education, you open the door to that possibility and many more.

How you choose to earn your degree is up to you. Whether you conclude upon enrolling online or on-campus, prepare yourself for lots of reading, writing, researching, and communicating. Whatever you chose, we’re sure you’ll give it your best shot. Here’s to reaching the top in the field of education!

At UoPeople, our blog writers are thinkers, researchers, and experts dedicated to curating articles relevant to our mission: making higher education accessible to everyone. Read More

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Articles & Advice > Majors and Academics > Blog

Why and How You Can Get Into Research in High School

Conducting a research project in high school can give you a huge leg up on college applications. Here's why it's important and how to find opportunities.

by Stephen Turban Director, Lumiere Education

Last Updated: May 30, 2024

Originally Posted: Mar 9, 2022

As standardized tests are becoming optional for many major colleges and universities, admission teams are looking for new ways to distinguish between strong candidates. Qualitative opportunities like research projects have grown in popularity for students applying to college. These projects showcase passion and help provide proof of depth of a student’s abilities. Many students may be interested in doing research but often face the problem of how to get started. Where do you find research opportunities in high school? What should you look for? Here’s why research experience is so important for students and college admission, plus different ways to get into it.

Why do research in high school?

Research is becoming increasingly common for high school students. It’s a great way to explore areas of interest more deeply and develop academic passions—and not just in STEM fields. As a director of the Lumiere Research Scholar Program , I’ve seen students gain a truly world-class level of knowledge in fields they’re interested in through independent research. Students have investigated the strongest machine learning algorithm to detect cell nuclei, novel ways to detect ocean health in the high seas, and comparisons of 14 th -century Japanese and 19 th -century Impressionist art. In each project, students leave with a unique, deep understanding of the area they explored.

Research experience also has benefits when students apply to colleges and universities. In a recent survey of students who did research in high school, 99% of them used their experience in some way in the application for early admission. In addition, students who had done research were 26% more likely to be accepted to an Ivy League school for Early Action or Early Decision admission than the average applicant. As researchers, we want to be careful not to draw a causal link between these two. But what is true is that students who get into top schools are more likely to do research.

Related: Easy Ways to Find Research Experience in High School

How to find research opportunities

If research is so valuable, how do you find opportunities to do it? Unlike in college, where research universities often provide opportunities for students to get involved, high schools rarely provide chances for research in the curriculum—AP Research or the IB extended essay being notable exceptions. With this in mind, there are two main ways to get research experience in high school.

Research programs

Your first option is to find a research program designed for high school students. This could range from highly competitive national programs like MIT’s Research Science Institute to programs that are only available for local populations. There’s also been an increase in online research programs that provide opportunities for students to work with researchers, like this list of 24 research programs that are available this upcoming summer that students could consider. 

Cold-emailing professors and networking

Another way to pursue research is to try contacting a college faculty member directly. This can be a great way to find a research mentor and get involved in a project. If you have any connections to faculty members through family or your school, this is probably the most effective first step. This usually means there will already be some level of trust between the faculty member and you as the student, making it more likely for the researcher to take you on. If you don’t have any personal connections, try cold-emailing faculty members. To do this, you need to create an example email that shows why you’re interested in working with the faculty member and what you would add to the project. Here’s an example email to a professor who has done research on open offices:

Subject: Helping your research—Rock Bridge High School junior

Hi Professor Smith,

This is Stephen—a rising junior at Rock Bridge High School. I recently read your research paper on open offices in the Harvard Business Review , was fascinated, and wanted to reach out. Would you have 15 minutes to discuss how I could help your research?  

For a bit of background, I’ve spent the past three years working on my skills in Python and data analysis. I know that your research involves a lot of quantitative work, so I wanted to see if I could help out with that—or anything else that needs some work!

Long-term, I’m hoping to become researcher like you. So, I’d love the opportunity to work with a researcher that I admire like yourself!  

Yours, Stephen

The key here is to cast a wide net—you should try reaching out to at least 25 faculty members or PhD researchers—and show the value you can add to their work. Note how in this email I talk about how I have skills with Python that I could use to help Professor Smith’s research. I also try to draw a connection between him and myself by talking about my long-term ambitions to be a researcher. The key to email is keeping it short and to the point as well as making sure to follow up. Researchers are busy people, so they might miss your first email. Don’t be afraid to send a follow-up message. They’ll appreciate the persistence that shows!

Related: How to Write a Strong Professional Email People Will Read

How to showcase research experience on college applications

So let’s say you’ve done research—now what? How do you show it to potential schools? There are numerous ways to showcase your research in your college applications , from including it on your activities list to writing about it in some of your supplemental essays. In our most recent survey of Early Decision admits, we found that students who were accepted Early Decision and Early Action were 33% more likely to ask their research advisor for a letter of recommendation. The key is to make your research one data point in a broader story about you and your interests. It should connect to what you want to study and the other activities you’ve done. For example, one student who did research with us completed a project related to astrophysics. In her essay, she wrote about working as a stocker at a local grocery store and how some of these same astrophysics concepts related to the movement of customers in the store. The key is to make the research a proof point connected to other proof points of the type of student you are.

Does research need to be published to showcase?

A question I often get is whether you need to publish your research for colleges to take notice. The short answer is no—very few college students, much less high school students, will ever get their research published. There are some selective high school research publications you could consider. If a student gets published, it does give an added level of legitimacy to their research, but it’s certainly not necessary. The key is that the research process itself is rigorous and that you’re able to write about it clearly on your applications.

Related: Unique Ways to Stand Out on Your College Applications  

Research is hard but worthwhile. If you’re excited by a subject and would like to explore it more deeply, then research could be a great opportunity for you. It won’t be easy, and some papers can take years to finish!  But if you’re interested in it, you can join the emerging number of students who are doing research in high school!

Looking for research powerhouses to add to your college search? Check out our list of Excellent Research Universities   that are members of the American Association of Universities!

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About Stephen Turban

Stephen Turban is one of the founders of Lumiere Education  and a Harvard University graduate. He founded the Lumiere Research Scholar Program as a PhD student at Harvard Business School. Lumiere is a selective research program where students work 1-on-1 with a research mentor to develop an independent research paper.

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How Long Does It Take to Get a Ph.D. Degree?

Earning a Ph.D. from a U.S. grad school typically requires nearly six years, federal statistics show.

How Long It Takes to Get a Ph.D. Degree

Caiaimage | Tom Merton | Getty Images

A Ph.D. is most appropriate for someone who is a "lifelong learner."

Students who have excelled within a specific academic discipline and who have a strong interest in that field may choose to pursue a Ph.D. degree. However, Ph.D. degree-holders urge prospective students to think carefully about whether they truly want or need a doctoral degree, since Ph.D. programs last for multiple years.

According to the Survey of Earned Doctorates, a census of recent research doctorate recipients who earned their degree from U.S. institutions, the median amount of time it took individuals who received their doctorates in 2017 to complete their program was 5.8 years. However, there are many types of programs that typically take longer than six years to complete, such as humanities and arts doctorates, where the median time for individuals to earn their degree was 7.1 years, according to the survey.

Some Ph.D. candidates begin doctoral programs after they have already obtained master's degrees, which means the time spent in grad school is a combination of the time spent pursuing a master's and the years invested in a doctorate. In order to receive a Ph.D. degree, a student must produce and successfully defend an original academic dissertation, which must be approved by a dissertation committtee. Writing and defending a dissertation is so difficult that many Ph.D. students drop out of their Ph.D. programs having done most of the work necessary for degree without completing the dissertation component. These Ph.D. program dropouts often use the phrase " all but dissertation " or the abbreviation "ABD" on their resumes.

According to a comprehensive study of Ph.D. completion rates published by The Council of Graduate Schools in 2008, only 56.6% of people who begin Ph.D. programs earn Ph.D. degrees.

Ian Curtis, a founding partner with H&C Education, an educational and admissions consulting firm, who is pursuing a Ph.D. degree in French at Yale University , says there are several steps involved in the process of obtaining a Ph.D. Students typically need to fulfill course requirements and pass comprehensive exams, Curtis warns. "Once these obligations have been completed, how long it takes you to write your dissertation depends on who you are, how you work, what field you're in and what other responsibilities you have in life," he wrote in an email. Though some Ph.D. students can write a dissertation in a single year, that is rare, and the dissertation writing process may last for several years, Curtis says.

Curtis adds that the level of support a Ph.D. student receives from an academic advisor or faculty mentor can be a key factor in determining the length of time it takes to complete a Ph.D. program. "Before you decide to enroll at a specific program, you’ll want to meet your future advisor," Curtis advises. "Also, reach out to his or her current and former students to get a sense of what he or she is like to work with."

Curtis also notes that if there is a gap between the amount of time it takes to complete a Ph.D. and the amount of time a student's funding lasts, this can slow down the Ph.D. completion process. "Keep in mind that if you run out of funding at some point during your doctorate, you will need to find paid work, and this will leave you even less time to focus on writing your dissertation," he says. "If one of the programs you’re looking at has a record of significantly longer – or shorter – times to competition, this is good information to take into consideration."

He adds that prospective Ph.D. students who already have master's degrees in the field they intend to focus their Ph.D. on should investigate whether the courses they took in their master's program would count toward the requirements of a Ph.D. program. "You’ll want to discuss your particular situation with your program to see whether this will be possible, and how many credits you are likely to receive as the result of your master’s work," he says.

How to Write M.D.-Ph.D. Application Essays

Ilana Kowarski May 15, 2018

Emmanuel C. Nwaodua, who has a Ph.D. degree in geology, says some Ph.D. programs require candidates to publish a paper in a first-rate, peer-reviewed academic journal. "This could extend your stay by a couple of years," he warns.

Pierre Huguet, the CEO and co-founder of H&C Education, says prospective Ph.D. students should be aware that a Ph.D. is designed to prepare a person for a career as a scholar. "Most of the jobs available to Ph.D. students upon graduation are academic in nature and directly related to their fields of study: professor, researcher, etc.," Huguet wrote in an email. "The truth is that more specialization can mean fewer job opportunities. Before starting a Ph.D., students should be sure that they want to pursue a career in academia, or in research. If not, they should make time during the Ph.D. to show recruiters that they’ve traveled beyond their labs and libraries to gain some professional hands-on experience."

Jack Appleman, a business writing instructor, published author and Ph.D. candidate focusing on organizational communication with the University at Albany—SUNY , says Ph.D. programs require a level of commitment and focus that goes beyond what is necessary for a typical corporate job. A program with flexible course requirements that allow a student to customize his or her curriculum based on academic interests and personal obligations is ideal, he says.

Joan Kee, a professor at the University of Michigan with the university's history of art department, says that the length of time required for a Ph.D. varies widely depending on what subject the Ph.D. focuses on. "Ph.D. program length is very discipline and even field-specific; for example, you can and are expected to finish a Ph.D, in economics in under five years, but that would be impossible in art history (or most of the humanities)," she wrote in an email.

Kee adds that humanities Ph.D. programs often require someone to learn a foreign language, and "fields like anthropology and art history require extensive field research." Kee says funding for a humanities Ph.D. program typically only lasts five years, even though it is uncommon for someone to obtain a Ph.D. degree in a humanities field within that time frame. "Because of this, many if not most Ph.D. students must work to make ends meet, thus further prolonging the time of completion," she says.

Jean Marie Carey, who earned her Ph.D. degree in art history and German from the University of Otago in New Zealand, encourages prospective Ph.D. students to check whether their potential Ph.D. program has published a timeline of how long it takes a Ph.D. student to complete their program. She says it is also prudent to speak with Ph.D. graduates of the school and ask about their experience.

Online Doctoral Programs: What to Expect

Ronald Wellman March 23, 2018

Kristin Redington Bennett, the founder of the Illumii educational consulting firm in North Carolina, encourages Ph.D. hopefuls to think carefully about whether they want to become a scholar. Bennett, who has a Ph.D. in curriculum and assessment and who previously worked as an assistant professor at Wake Forest University , says a Ph.D. is most appropriate for someone who is a "lifelong learner." She says someone contemplating a Ph.D. should ask themselves the following questions "Are you a very curious person... and are you persistent?"

Bennett urges prospective Ph.D. students to visit the campuses of their target graduate programs since a Ph.D. program takes so much time that it is important to find a school that feels comfortable. She adds that aspiring Ph.D. students who prefer a collaborative learning environment should be wary of graduate programs that have a cut-throat and competitive atmosphere, since such students may not thrive in that type of setting.

Alumni of Ph.D. programs note that the process of obtaining a Ph.D. is arduous, regardless of the type of Ph.D. program. "A Ph.D. is a long commitment of your time, energy and financial resources, so it'll be easier on you if you are passionate about research," says Grace Lee, who has a Ph.D. in neuroscience and is the founder and CEO of Mastery Insights, an education and career coaching company, and the host of the Career Revisionist podcast.

"A Ph.D. isn't about rehashing years of knowledge that is already out there, but rather it is about your ability to generate new knowledge. Your intellectual masterpiece (which is your dissertation) takes a lot of time, intellectual creativity and innovation to put together, so you have to be truly passionate about that," Lee says.

Curtis says a prospective Ph.D. student's enthusiasm for academic work, teaching and research are the key criteria they should use to decide whether to obtain a Ph.D. degree. "While the time it takes to complete a doctorate is an understandable concern for many, my personal belief is that time is not the most important factor to consider," he says. "Good Ph.D. programs provide their students with generous stipends, health care and sometimes even subsidized housing."

Erin Skelly, a graduate admissions counselor at the IvyWise admissions consulting firm, says when a Ph.D. students struggles to complete his or her Ph.D. degree, it may have more to do with the student's academic interests or personal circumstances than his or her program.

"The time to complete a Ph.D. can depend on a number of variables, but the specific discipline or school would only account for a year or two's difference," she wrote in an email. "When a student takes significantly longer to complete a Ph.D. (degree), it's usually related to the student's coursework and research – they need to take additional coursework to complete their comprehensive exams; they change the focus of their program or dissertation, requiring extra coursework or research; or their research doesn't yield the results they hoped for, and they need to generate a new theory and conduct more research."

Skelly warns that the average completion time of a Ph.D. program may be misleading in some cases, if the average is skewed based on one or two outliers. She suggests that instead of focusing on the duration of a particular Ph.D. program, prospective students should investigate the program's attritition and graduation rates.

"It is worthwhile to look at the program requirements and the school's proposed timeline for completion, and meet current students to get their input on how realistic these expectations for completion are," Skelly says. "That can give you an honest idea of how long it will really take to complete the program."

Searching for a grad school? Access our complete rankings of Best Graduate Schools.

Tags: graduate schools , education , students

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What Can You Do with a PhD in Education?

Key Takeaways

• Graduates with a PhD in education can pursue academic and teaching positions, leadership roles within educational institutions, and research opportunities.
• Doctorate in education graduates have the potential to impact education policy, budget, administration, education reform, advocacy, or professional development initiatives.
• A doctorate in education can open up job opportunities for positions as school principal, superintendent, college professor, curriculum developer, among others.

Lack of knowledge of career paths after completing a PhD in education can lead to a potential mismatch between qualifications and job aspirations. Our team of educators, researchers, and industry professionals brings this multifaceted perspective on the top career choices for education PhD graduates.

Featured Programs

With a PhD in Education, professionals can pursue academic and teaching positions, leadership roles within educational institutions, and research opportunities. Additionally, you can dive into curriculum and coursework development. Doctorate holders in this field also have the potential to impact education policy, budget, administration, education reform, advocacy, or professional development initiatives.

Academic Influence draws upon a wealth of knowledge and experience to offer credible insights into the various roles and industries that are accessible with a doctor of philosophy in education. We evaluate the latest trends and developments in higher education to guide you in exploring the diverse career options available for PhD in education.

Career Paths with a PhD in Education

Earning a PhD in Education can open doors to various professional opportunities. We leverage extensive research and insights from our top experts to provide comprehensive guidance for your educational and professional journeys. These paths include academic roles, leadership positions, research jobs, and more, both within educational institutions and beyond.

Academic and Teaching Positions

Among the most common career paths for professionals with a PhD in education is to become a professor or college instructor. Professors teach courses, mentor students, and conduct research. These positions also:

• Develop and deliver lectures, design curriculum, and engage students in higher education.
• Contribute to academic journals and present findings at conferences.
• Guide graduate students through their studies and research projects.

Leadership Roles

Diving into leadership roles is a common job pathway for PhD holders in education. These positions often involve making strategic decisions to improve educational systems, including:

• Overseeing school districts, managing budgets, and implementing policies.
• Leading a college or university, focusing on strategy and fundraising.
• Managing departments, developing programs, and guiding faculty and staff.

Education Policy and Budget

Budget allocation is among the biggest challenges in American schools, and analyses of finance metrics recommend a funding overhaul . Your doctorate education can help you find new methods to oversee and improve educational systems through policy development and budget management.

• Develop and evaluate policies to enhance educational systems.
• Allocate funds to various programs, guaranteeing financial efficiency.
• Manage operational aspects of educational institutions, including staffing and facilities.

Research Opportunities

A doctor of philosophy in education is a research-driven program. Getting into research  is another thing you can do with your education PhD, letting you analyze educational trends and outcomes, so you can:

• Conduct studies to improve educational practices and policies.
• Work for companies developing educational products or services.
• Evaluate and promote educational initiatives in various communities.

Curriculum and Coursework Development

An education PhD provides in-depth knowledge of learning theories, instructional design, and educational technology. Specialists in curriculum and coursework development design educational programs that meet current academic standards.

• Create lesson plans, materials, and assessment tools.
• Make sure curricula align with educational standards and policies.
• Advise schools or companies on effective curriculum design.

Education Reform, Advocacy, or Professional Development

Throughout history, education advocacies fought for  children’s access to education, budget cuts, safety in schools, and canceling student debt . Your PhD can lead to roles that focus on improving and advocating for education at various levels.

• Promote policies and practices that improve education.
• Develop and implement strategies for educational change.
• Provide training and development for educators to enhance their skills.

Areas of Specialization for PhD Holders in Education

Specializing in a particular area  of education enables you to develop deep expertise, which is highly valued by employers seeking top talent. As we collect data on the top specializations in the education workforce, we’ve observed how excelling in an area lets professionals become invaluable. This may lead to better job security, growth opportunities, and income potential.

To maximize career success, we suggest identifying the intersection of personal interests and exceptional performance and concentrating efforts on becoming the best in that specific domain. Education PhD career avenues offer various areas where you can focus your expertise, leading to diverse career paths.

Based on job market trends and demand, we assess these specializations where you can target specific educational needs and develop valuable skills for making impactful changes.

Educational Leadership

Educational leadership focuses on preparing you to take on administrative and leadership roles in educational settings. Your advanced degree equips you with skills in strategic planning, policy analysis, and organizational improvement.

• Shape educational policies and practices
• Lead schools and educational institutions
• Manage and mentor teaching staff
• Develop and enforce school policies

Curriculum and Instruction

A PhD in education with a concentration in curriculum and instruction equips you with the expertise to design, develop, and evaluate curricular materials, instructional strategies, and assessment methods that align with educational standards and best practices. This specialization emphasizes innovative teaching techniques suited to diverse learning environments.

• Design effective curricula
• Integrate new teaching methods
• Evaluate educational programs
• Improve classroom instruction techniques

Educational Technology

Suppose your PhD in education focuses on educational technology . You can lead the integration of innovative technologies into educational settings. This specialization involves understanding and implementing digital tools and resources to improve educational outcomes.

• Develop digital learning tools
• Implement technology in classrooms
• Train educators to use new technologies
• Research the impact of technology on education

Special Education

With a PhD in Education specializing in special education , you can contribute to the field by researching and advocating for policies supporting students with diverse learning needs. This specialization includes strategies for teaching students with disabilities and creating inclusive educational environments.

• Create individualized education plans (IEPs)
• Work with students with disabilities
• Develop inclusive classroom strategies
• Advocate for special education policies

Early Childhood Education

A PhD in education with a concentration in early childhood education  prepares you to advance knowledge and practices in this critical developmental stage. This specialization covers child development theories, early learning standards, and effective teaching practices for young learners.

• Develop programs for young children
• Understand child development stages
• Implement early learning standards
• Cultivate family and community engagement

Adult Education and Literacy

Earning a PhD in education with a focus on adult education and literacy qualifies you to design and implement programs that support lifelong learning. This specialization addresses the unique needs of adult students, including literacy and workforce development.

• Design adult education programs
• Enhance adult literacy initiatives
• Support workforce training programs
• Develop materials for adult learners

Jobs You Can Get with a Doctor of Philosophy in Education

Only two percent of the U.S. population are PhD  holders, making it a rare degree level. Earning a PhD in education opens up a myriad of career paths in the academic and educational sectors. These are the various employment options for professionals with a doctor of philosophy in education.

K-12 Principal

With a PhD in Education, you can leverage your advanced knowledge and research skills to lead and manage a K-12 school. This is among the most common jobs we see among PhD graduates who want to drive instructional excellence, foster a positive learning environment, and implement effective strategies to improve student achievement.

• Oversee day-to-day school operations
• Manage teachers and support staff
• Implement district policies and curriculum standards

School District Superintendent

Do you want to be responsible for setting the vision, developing policies, and leading strategic initiatives to improve educational outcomes? A doctoral degree in education  equips you with the expertise to oversee and guide an entire school district to provide high-quality education for students within the district.

• Develop and implement district-wide strategies
• Manage educational budgets
• Maintain compliance with state and federal regulations

College Professor

Another way to take advantage of your PhD in education is to become a college professor. You can share your profound understanding of educational theories, practices, and research with aspiring educators, shaping the minds of future teachers and educational leaders.

• Teach and mentor undergraduate and graduate students
• Conduct and publish academic research
• Participate in academic committees

College Academic Dean

Utilize your PhD in education to take on a leadership role as an academic dean, overseeing academic programs and faculty development to uphold the integrity of an institution’s educational offerings.

• Oversee academic programs and departments
• Maintain academic quality and standards
• Manage administrative duties within the college

College President or Higher Education Administrator

With a PhD in education, you can rise to the highest administrative position in a college or university. This demanding yet fulfilling job lets you provide strategic vision, foster academic excellence, and guide the institution’s mission and goals.

• Set and implement the strategic vision for the institution
• Engage in fundraising and community relations
• Oversee administrative and academic policies

Provost or Chief Learning Officer

You can also use your education PhD to become a provost or chief learning officer. The combination of field experience and research lets you serve an institution through curriculum development and innovation integration in teaching and learning.

• Oversee the development of academic policies
• Collaborate with deans and department heads
• Promote high academic standards

Education Researcher or Consultant

Do you have research expertise and a deep understanding of educational theories and practices? As an education consultant or researcher with a PhD in education, you can contribute to the advancement of knowledge in educational institutions and organizations.

• Conduct educational research studies
• Analyze data to improve teaching methods
• Provide consultation to educational institutions

Curriculum Developer

You can also use a doctor of philosophy in education to thrive as a curriculum developer. This job involves aligning curriculum with educational standards, incorporating best practices, and meeting the diverse needs of learners.

• Design and develop instructional materials
• Collaborate with teachers and administrators
• Assess and improve curricular content

Instructional Designer

With an education PhD, you can excel as an instructional designer, combining your deep understanding of learning theories, instructional strategies, and educational technology. You’ll have the expertise to design innovative curricula, develop interactive multimedia resources, and implement instructional solutions that cater to diverse learner needs across various educational or corporate settings.

• Create educational programs and courses
• Work with subject matter experts
• Use technology to enhance learning experiences

Training and Development Manager

Do you want to develop and implement effective training programs for organizations across various industries? Apply your doctorate-level knowledge of adult learning theories, instructional design, and educational technology as a training and development manager.

• Plan and oversee professional development programs
• Making sure training meets organizational needs
• Assess and improve training effectiveness

Education Policy Analyst

A PhD in education equips you with the research skills and specialized knowledge to analyze and evaluate educational policies, programs, and initiatives at the local, state, or national level. As an education policy analyst, you can specialize in the impact of educational equity, funding, standards, and student success.

• Study and evaluate educational policies
• Work with government or advocacy groups
• Provide data-driven policy recommendations

Related Questions

What is the highest paid job with a phd in education.

One of the highest-paid jobs with a PhD in education is that of school district superintendent with $178,415  as the average yearly income. They work closely with schools to manage budgets and implement district-wide strategies.

What Are the Benefits of Doing a PhD in Education?

A doctorate of philosophy in education allows you to contribute new research to the field. You gain deep knowledge and expertise in education theories and practices, making you a sought-after expert. This degree opens up opportunities for high-level roles in academia, research institutions , and policy-making bodies.

What Credentials Can I Gain from Studying a Doctorate in Education?

Studying for a PhD in education provides several key credentials, including becoming an expert in your chosen area, often leading to opportunities to publish research and present at conferences. You may also earn certifications or endorsements in specialized areas of education . Additionally, having a PhD adds significant weight to your CV.

From leadership roles to research opportunities, there are many jobs you can do with a PhD in education. As you embrace the knowledge of what you can achieve with this advanced degree, you can improve your potential as an educator, contribute to the education field, and positively impact the lives of learners and communities.

Best Accredited Online Ph.D. Programs 2024

AccreditedSchoolsOnline.org is committed to delivering content that is objective and actionable. To that end, we have built a network of industry professionals across higher education to review our content and ensure we are providing the most helpful information to our readers.

Drawing on their firsthand industry expertise, our Integrity Network members serve as an additional step in our editing process, helping us confirm our content is accurate and up to date. These contributors:

• Suggest changes to inaccurate or misleading information.
• Provide specific, corrective feedback.
• Identify critical information that writers may have missed.

Integrity Network members typically work full time in their industry profession and review content for AccreditedSchoolsOnline.org as a side project. All Integrity Network members are paid members of the Red Ventures Education Integrity Network.

Explore our full list of Integrity Network members.

A Ph.D., or doctor of philosophy, is the highest level of academic degree that you can attain. Consisting primarily of research, a Ph.D. prepares you for a career in academia or research in the field you study.

Students who choose to pursue a Ph.D. online will find it can be completed in less time. Online students also get the added benefit of being able to complete their work from the comfort of home. The overall cost may also be less compared to an in-person program.

We’ve compiled a list of the best accredited online Ph.D. programs to help you start your search.

Top Schools for Online Accredited Ph.D. Programs

Capitol technology university.

• Campus + Online
• In-State $25,830
• Out-of-state $25,830
• In-State $11,340
• Out-of-state $11,340
• Retention Rate 75%
• Acceptance Rate 47%
• Students Enrolled 796
• Institution Type Private

Clemson University

• In-State $14,118
• Out-of-state $37,110
• In-State $10,600
• Out-of-state $22,050
• Retention Rate 94%
• Acceptance Rate 49%
• Students Enrolled 27,341
• Institution Type Public

Keiser University

• In-State $20,800
• Out-of-state $20,800
• In-State $29,632
• Out-of-state $29,632
• Retention Rate 72%
• Acceptance Rate 96%
• Students Enrolled 19,861

Mississippi State University

• In-State $9,110
• Out-of-state $24,790
• Retention Rate 81%
• Acceptance Rate 76%
• Students Enrolled 23,086

Nova Southeastern University

• In-State $33,510
• Out-of-state $33,510
• In-State $21,153
• Out-of-state $21,153
• Retention Rate 78%
• Acceptance Rate 93%
• Students Enrolled 20,898

Old Dominion University

• In-State $7,029
• Out-of-state $26,664
• In-State $10,207
• Out-of-state $29,851
• Students Enrolled 23,494

Saybrook University

• In-State N/A
• Out-of-state N/A
• In-State $20,856
• Out-of-state $20,856
• Retention Rate N/A
• Acceptance Rate N/A
• Students Enrolled 915

Texas Tech University

• In-State $8,935
• Out-of-state $21,204
• In-State $6,956
• Out-of-state $15,136
• Retention Rate 85%
• Acceptance Rate 68%
• Students Enrolled 40,542

How We Rank Schools

Accredited Schools Online uses a custom ranking system to evaluate schools on their quality, affordability, and reputation.

We rank schools using factors like graduation rate, admission rate, tuition costs, financial aid, and program offerings. All our ranked schools hold institutional accreditation .

For this page, we created a directory of online accredited Ph.D. programs that meet our criteria. The list is organized alphabetically rather than ranked.

Learn more about how we create school rankings on our methodology page .

Are Online Ph.D. Programs Worth It?

An online Ph.D. program is an ideal choice if you want to balance your career and family responsibilities along with your education.

While there are some preconceived notions that online programs aren’t legitimate, as long as the program you choose is accredited, the degree is the same as one earned in person.

While the annual tuition cost to earn a Ph.D. online averages $12,596 for a public institution and $28,017 for a private university, doctoral graduates enjoy a lower unemployment rate and higher weekly salary than those with less education, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).

Did You Know…

• According to the BLS , workers with a doctoral degree earned a median of $616 more per week than workers with a bachelor’s degree in 2023.
• Doctorate-holders boast some of the lowest unemployment rates at 1.6%.
• In 2019, research found that 39.8% of graduate students were enrolled in online learning.
• The number of doctorates awarded between 2020 and 2021 dropped by 5.4%.
• Not all Ph.D.-holders end up working in academia.

Does Accreditation Matter for Online Ph.D. Programs?

A college is accredited after being recognized by an independent institution that verifies the school’s courses and programs meet set quality standards.

The school you choose must be accredited in order for your Ph.D. to be recognized by employers , earn professional licensures, and qualify you for federal financial aid.

Legitimate accreditors are recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and/or the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).

How Much Does an Online Ph.D. Cost?

In general, you can expect to pay around $13,000-$30,000 per year in tuition and fees for your online Ph.D.

Several factors affect how much your Ph.D. program will cost, including:

• Whether the program is fully funded
• Whether your school is public or private
• Whether you’re an in-state or out-of-state student
• How long your program lasts (most Ph.D. programs take 5-7 years to complete)
• How much financial aid you get

While many in-person and online doctoral programs in the U.S. are fully funded, these tend to be highly competitive.

One way to save money on your online Ph.D. is to attend a program that offers in-state tuition to residents. Make sure you submit the FAFSA each year so you can secure federal financial aid .

You may also need to budget for occasional travel to and from campus and research sites, especially as you work on your dissertation.

What’s the Difference Between a Ph.D. and a Doctorate?

While a Ph.D. and a doctoral degree, or doctorate, both signify the same level of education completed, their uses are different.

Doctorate is the broader term — a Ph.D. is a type of doctorate. Specifically, a Ph.D. is an academic degree that prepares you for a career in research or teaching in your field of study (such as science, English, or economics).

Besides a Ph.D., other types of doctorates include a doctor of medicine (MD), a doctor of education (Ed.D.), and a doctor of psychology (Psy.D.). These degrees are typically used in either an academic or professional setting.

Online Ph.D. Programs That Don’t Require a Dissertation

A dissertation is a final written project culminating in a student’s original research at the end of their Ph.D. program. A dissertation is typically presented and defended by its author. It’s typically required for degrees with an academic or research focus.

Not all Ph.D. programs require a dissertation. For example, some Ph.D. programs in humanities, education, business administration, and criminal justice require simple or no dissertations for a quicker completion time .

What Jobs Can You Get After Earning an Online Ph.D.?

Once you finish your online doctoral program, you can explore a variety of career paths both within and outside academia.

Many Ph.D. graduates, especially those who studied the humanities, go on to become professors. Other popular roles include administrator, scientist, and psychologist.

Graduates of online Ph.D. programs earn a relatively high average base salary of $108,000 a year, according to Payscale .

Frequently Asked Questions About Online Ph.D. Programs

What is the quickest ph.d. to get.

The quickest Ph.D. to earn are those that award professional degrees and don’t require extensive research projects or dissertations at completion. These Ph.D. programs can include accounting, business, education, and media.

To finish your degree faster, you can also look for accelerated programs that quicken the pace of a program and shorten the time it takes to complete.

Are online doctoral programs legit?

If the online doctoral program is accredited, it is legitimate. Accreditation ensures that the program meets the rigorous educational standards of other comparative doctoral programs.

With accreditation, employers and other institutions of higher learning will recognize your degree. As more universities turn toward online programs to serve a more diverse student population, there are a growing number of legitimate, accredited online Ph.D. programs.

How long are online Ph.D. programs?

Online Ph.D. programs, like any other doctoral program, can vary in length but typically take 5-7 years to complete. A doctoral degree balances coursework with research. Usually, students must meet a certain number of course requirements before they can start original research.

While coursework may take only a year or two, writing a dissertation that meets the program requirements varies from candidate to candidate.

Can I earn my Ph.D. entirely online?

Yes, many accredited colleges and universities offer 100% online Ph.D. programs. That said, some programs may require on-campus experiences, such as library research and a dissertation defense.

What do employers think of online doctoral programs?

It takes a high level of discipline and persistence to obtain a graduate degree, no matter the context. Most employers will recognize and value the hard work it takes to get a Ph.D., whether you completed your doctorate online or in person.

Make sure you research potential programs. If you’re attending an accredited, well-regarded school, employers will value your online Ph.D. just as much as a traditional one.

Online Ph.D. programs provide students with flexible schedules and affordable tuition. Check out the top-ranked programs in this comprehensive guide.

Best Accredited Online Master’s Programs 2024

Best Accredited Online Bachelor’s Degree Programs 2024