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Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Education

School of Education

Postsecondary and Adult Education specialization

Enhance your qualifications in adult education and college teaching, one of the fastest growing occupations in the country. The curriculum focuses on theories of adult learning and distance education, critical analysis and research skills, best practices in postsecondary adult instruction, and the application of theory and research to develop effective learning environments for individuals from diverse backgrounds. The Postsecondary and Adult Education specialization is also designed to allow you to concurrently enroll in Capella's Post-Master's Certificate in College Teaching and earn two valuable credentials at the same time. People who choose this specialization are often pursuing faculty positions or education leadership positions in a variety of adult learning settings, including higher education institutions, businesses, nonprofit organizations, and the military.

This specialization is not designed to satisfy licensure requirements for P–12 public school teachers or administrators.

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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)

  • ED7311 - Theory and Methods of Educating Adults
  • ED7312 - Teaching Adults
  • ED7712 - Classroom Assessment in Education
  • ED7590 - Critical Thinking in Adult Education
  • ED7314 - International and Mulitcultural Perspectives in Postsecondary and Adult Education
  • ED7310 - Evaluating the Effectiveness of the Educational Process
  • ED7716 - Faculty Leadership
  • ED8444 - Higher Education Curriculum Development and Teaching Strategies
  • 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

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

  • Recommended elective courses
  • ED7690 - Critical Skills for Facilitating Online Learning
  • ED7700 - Learning Theory and the Educational Process
  • ED7703 - Student Development, Challenges, and Successes
  • ED7713 - Student Advising and Retention
  • ED8111 - The Historical and Social Foundations of Education
  • ED7800 - Grant Writing for Higher Education
  • ED5317 - Foundations of Adult Education*
  • ED8123 - Statistics for Educational Research II*
  • ED8600 - Effective Online Course Design, Delivery, Facilitation, and Assessment
  • OR
  • Choose any graduate courses.
* This course has a prerequisite. Contact an enrollment counselor for more information.

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Learn more about our related specializations:

PhD

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Experience in Capella's Doctoral Porgram

July 8, 2010Alice I spent the last 5 years at Capella as a doctoral student in the specialization of Post Secondary and Adult Education. I have found the experience challenging, rewarding and most of all transforming. From the on line discussions and classroom mentor feedback, to the colloquia and dissertation process, Capella has found a way to engage and support the adult learner in the journey of pursuing higher education. I could not have completed my degree without the mentors and advisors I have had the privilege to study under. I am proud to be a PhD graduate of such a fine institution. Anyone who is looking for a program that supports success, while providing high quality education, look no further. Alice Myers, PhD, MSN, RN

A Wonderful Educational Experience

July 8, 2010Barbara Having been a student as well as an adjunct instructor in brick-and-mortar institutions, I was able to compare my prior learning and teaching experiences to those obtained while enrolled at Capella University. I found my Capella experience to be superior in many ways to my prior educational exchanges. As a Capella student I was encouraged to exercise time management, critical thinking abilities, and written communication skills all while developing sound research methodologies. The exchanges with professors and fellow learners were challenging and thought provoking. I graduated confident in my ability to apply the material learned to various areas of my professional responsibility. I recommend Capella University to the serious adult learner who is seeking a rewarding non-traditional learning experience.

Capella offers a PhD that you must work to get

August 4, 2010F. Anybody who wants to be somebody can earn a PhD at Capella so long as you understand that you must work for it. The faculty and staff will give you all the support you need to get through. They are interested in helping you succeed.

Educational Experience at Capella in the Post Secondary/Adult Education Doctoral Program

July 8, 2010Renee Capella has been an outstanding university from the inception, and has provided the much needed guidance to fulfill the degree requirements in a timely manner. I have been impressed by the caring and supportive faculty in the School of Education who are constantly encouraging the student to think analytically, and to initiate problem-solving skills to address the course objectives. If this cannot be done by the student, the faculty is willing to assist the student in obtaining or strengthening these capabilities by incorporating additional courses to enhance one's deficits. As a doctoral student also a nurse, my history as a nursing student was primarily being a Practitioner-Scholar. However, Capella has transformed my educational goals into becoming a Scholar-Practitioner with a research interest in Peer Mentorship and Faculty Retention in nursing. In conclusion, I will always be grateful to Capella for my outstanding and goal-directed education!!!

I am still at it

July 9, 2010f. I am currently enrolled as PhD student in post Secondary and Adult Education. I find that one has to train the physical as well as the mental attributes of the whole being because your mind will only work if your body can support it. The work is demanding but it is very much achievable with motivation that comes from within. This is not too difficult because your classmates serve as a fountain of strength that will help the faint-hearted to keep up the pace. The only way your star at Capella will shine is by making sure you do not let any unworthy affection to tempt you aside.

Good prep for the future

July 13, 2010Gardner As higher education becomes more accessible online, the need to understand the online environment is important. Capella provided an excellent platform to fully experience a top-notch online learning environment. I can take my experience as a learner and apply it directly to my profession.

An amazing experience!

August 31, 2011Kelli I have completed my program, and recently attended graduation. The program is challenging and will broaden your knowledge of learning environments and the theories that strengthen them. The faculty is the best I have ever encountered - they are supportive and knowledgeable in their fields. While it is an online - there is never a feeling of completing this degree alone. I am not disappointed with any experience I have had with Capella University. I strongly recommend any program they offer!

Truly considers you as a working adult.

July 8, 2010Musa Capella Instructors are more than considerate of your life and life experiences. They work diligently to assist you in the completion of your degree.

Wonderful Experience!Hard and Challenging!

July 8, 2010Carolyn Taking classes at Capella University was very challenging and wonderful. Many people say that an online degree is not the same as a traditional university. It is not true! I took PhD coursework at both and felt that Capella was the best match for me. I am very proud to have received my degree from Capella University.
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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