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 10 fastest growing occupations in the country. You will earn two valuable credentials as part of this specialization—a PhD in Education with a specialization in Postsecondary and Adult Education and a Post-Master's Certificate in College Teaching. The curriculum focuses on theories of adult learning and distance education, critical analysis and research skills, best practices in postsecondary adult instruction, and application of theory and research to develop effective learning environments for individuals from a variety of backgrounds. People who choose this specialization are often pursuing postsecondary faculty positions or education leadership positions in a variety of adult learning settings, including higher education institutions, businesses, nonprofit organizations, and the military.

The residential colloquia experience

As a doctoral learner, you will attend three one-week colloquia at specific stages in your program, in addition to your online courses. These energizing residencies provide you with insights and knowledge that will be valuable during your doctoral studies and beyond.

• Interactive guide to becoming doctoral at Capella colloquia
• A preview of the doctoral colloquium experience
• Colloquia schedules and other details

All credits listed below are quarter credits.

Core Courses

• ED8002 - Foundations of Theory and Practice in Doctoral Studies - 4 quarter credits
• ED8113 - Advanced Study in Research Methods - 4 quarter credits
• ED8119 - Advanced Practicum in Research Design* - 4 quarter credits

Specialization Courses

• ED7701 - Educational Philosophy and Change - 4 credits
• ED8100 - The Future of Educational Institutions: Topics and Trends - 4 credits
• ED7590 - Critical Thinking in Adult Education - 4 credits
• ED7310 - Evaluating the Effectiveness of the Educational Process - 4 credits
• ED7311 - Theory and Methods of Educating Adults - 4 credits
• ED7107 - Teaching and Learning with Diverse Populations - 4 credits
• ED9919 - Doctoral Comprehensive Examination* - 4 credits
• 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

Fifteen Elective Courses

• Recommended elective courses
• ED7580 - Theory and Development of Multiple Intelligences - 4 credits
• ED7690 - Critical Skills for Facilitating Online Learning - 4 credits
• ED5312 - Strategies for Building Online Learning Communities - 4 quarter credits
• ED7700 - Learning Theory and the Educational Process - 4 quarter credits
• ED7703 - Student Development, Challenges, and Successes - 4 quarter credits
• ED7711 - Course Design and Development - 4 quarter credits
• ED7712 - Classroom Assessment in Education - 4 quarter credits
• ED7713 - Student Advising and Retention - 4 quarter credits
• ED7716 - Faculty Leadership - 4 quarter credits
• ED8111 - The Historical and Social Foundations of Education - 4 quarter credits
• ED7800 - Grant Writing for Higher Education - 4 quarter credits
• ED5310 - Intellectual Development and Learning Styles Across the Lifespan - 4 quarter credits
• ED5311 - The Collaborative Nature of Adult Education - 4 quarter credits
• ED8115 - Advanced Quantitative Research Methods* - 4 quarter credits
• ED8117 - Advanced Qualitative Research Methods* - 4 quarter credits
• ED8444 - Higher Education Curriculum Development and Teaching Strategies - 4 quarter credits
• ED8600 - Effective Online Course Design, Delivery, Facilitation, and Assessment - 4 quarter credits
• OR
• Choose any graduate courses

Course Descriptions

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Learn more about our related specializations:

PhD

• Educational Psychology
• Professional Studies in Education

Master's degree

• Evaluation, Research, and Measurement
• Postsecondary and Adult Education
• Professional Studies in Education

Certificate

• Post-Master's Certificate - College Teaching

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