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PhD program highlights
State-approved program
This specialization is state-approved, a requirement for principal or superintendent licensure in many states.
ELCC recognized
This specialization is nationally recognized by the Educational Leadership Constituents Council (ELCC).
CAEP-accredited program
Capella University Educator Preparation Provider (EPP) is accredited based on the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) Standards through 2024.
Our unique doctoral structure
Our PhD in Education, Leadership in Educational Administration
program is designed to remove roadblocks for you and demystify the
dissertation process. This unique approach centers on supporting you
in three ways: through program structure, a dedicated faculty and
support team, and online resources. To help generate momentum toward
graduation, you’ll begin your dissertation early in the program. Our
faculty, support team, and online resources will help guide you every
step of the way.
“My degree, along with the work I’ve done, opened that door for me. It gave me credibility. That credibility makes me proud to hear the words, Dr. Graham with a PhD from Capella University.”
D.A. Graham*
PhD in Education
*Actual Capella student who agreed to appear in our promotional materials.
Cost & learning format
Online education isn’t one-size-fits-all. We know you’re busy—you
need a learning experience tailored to your life, not the other way
around. Capella has learning and tuition formats to suit you, however
you learn.
Our original learning format offers extra structure for those who
want it. We'll set the schedule, you meet the deadlines.
- Based on the quarter system; 1-3 courses per 10-week quarter
- 1 semester credit = 1.5 quarter credits
- Weekly assignments and courseroom discussions
- Pay for what you take, price varies by courseload or term
$730 per credit,
92 total quarter credits,
8 max transfer credits
Get the details
Speak with an enrollment counselor to get a personalized cost estimate for what you can expect to pay.
Accredited & recognized
Capella University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Accreditation and recognitions provide the assurance we meet
standards for quality of faculty, curriculum, learner services, and
fiscal stability. See all of our accreditations and recognitions.
Capella University's Educator Preparation Provider (EPP) is accredited based on the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) Standards through 2024. CAEP is the only recognized national accreditor for educator preparation. CAEP, 1140 19th St NW, Suite 400 Washington, DC 20036 (202) 223-0077.
Ways to save
At Capella, we believe your education is an investment in your future. It’s also an investment within your grasp. Your goals are achievable—there are more ways to save than you might think.
Transfer credits
We can accept many transfer credits from regionally accredited schools.
Grants
There are a variety of need-based federal grants available to help pay for tuition and costs.
Federal work study
Part-time jobs sponsored by the U.S. government are available to help you reduce loan debt.
PhD in Education sample courses
The online PhD in Education, Leadership in Educational Administration
curriculum focuses on the research, leadership, management, and
problem-solving skills needed for principals and superintendents in
today’s competitive K-12 environment. The program includes dissertation research seminars which allow you to
get an early start on your dissertation.
| ED7820 |
Principles of Educational Administration
This course presents an overview of principles of P–12 education
leadership theory and practice aligned with five Educational
Leadership Constituents Council (ELCC) standards. The course
incorporates multimedia, including embedded simulations, to enhance
presentation and understanding of concepts and issues in school or
district leadership and administration. Learners also examine business
and public administration models and explore theoretical constructs
from various disciplines.
This course requires interaction with practicing school or
district administrators and access to a P–12 classroom and/or
educational stakeholders in a P–12 school or district. Cannot be
fulfilled by transfer.
|
4 quarter credits |
|---|---|---|
| ED7541 * |
Teacher Supervision and Evaluation
Learners in this course examine current theories and best practices
of teacher supervision and evaluation. In particular, learners focus
on instructional leadership and professional development as part of a
systemic plan to improve student learning.
This course requires access to a P–12 classroom and/or
educational stakeholders in a P–12 school or district.
Prerequisite(s): ED7820. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer.
|
4 quarter credits |
| ED7822 * |
The Funding of Educational Institutions
Learners in this course examine a variety of public education funding
issues. In particular, learners examine the effect of litigation and
politics on present and future funding patterns and school finance
reform. Learners also identify the ways politics have affected the
allocation of resources at all levels of government.
This course requires access to a P–12 classroom and/or
educational stakeholders in a P–12 school or district.
Prerequisite(s): ED5320 or ED7820. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer
or prior learning assessment.
|
4 quarter credits |
| ED7014 |
Leading Diverse Schools
In this course, learners evaluate approaches to creating an inclusive
school environment that demonstrates respect and value for diverse
staff and student populations. Learners assess communication and
collaboration strategies that leverage the strengths of diversity to
create an effective learning environment and examine the
institutional, political, and legal factors that influence the ways
schools address diversity issues.
This course requires access to a P–12 classroom and/or
educational stakeholders in a P–12 school or district. Cannot be
fulfilled by transfer.
|
4 quarter credits |
What you’ll learn
The right education can change everything. Gain leadership skills that can help you influence and improve education.
- Help your organization develop a shared vision of learning.
- Collaborate and communicate effectively with multiple stakeholders.
- Lead the development of a culture of learning and manage effective learning environments.
- Apply self-management skills to the completion of required paperwork, assignments, activities, and clinical hours.
- Advance the field of education through your influence.
- Use information technology effectively to improve learning, productivity, and professional practice.
Education Leadership career insights
The Difference Between an EdD and PhD in Ed
Choosing to pursue a PhD or EdD depends on your career goals and whether applied or original research most interests you.
Quick Guide to EdS, EdD, and PhD Degrees
Compare advanced degree options for K-12 educators, including Doctor of Education and Education Specialist degrees.
Prepare for licensure
Our program features a rigorous combination of online coursework and
face-to-face experiences that help you expand on what you’re learning
in the courseroom, so you can hit the ground running in the real
world.
Dedicated support
Our licensure team supports you through the license application process, and is here for you even beyond graduation.
Specialize your learning
Emphases let you hone in on your specific area of interest that can get you even closer to your exact career goals.
School leadership
Choose this emphasis if you’re interested in preparing to be a school principal who can provide vision, guidance, and oversight within a school.
District leadership
Prepare for leadership as a superintendent by evaluating the cultural, social, economic, political, and legal contexts of district leadership.
Leadership and Educational Administration professional paths
Here are just some of the career options you could explore with our
online leadership in educational administration doctoral degree.
Related job titles to explore*
- District or school leadership
- Adjunct or part-time faculty
- Assessment and compliance coordinator
- Assistant superintendent
- Curriculum director
- Director for student services
- Director of instructional technology
- District program director
- Full-time faculty
- Superintendent
- Principal
Related employment settings to explore
- Alternative school
- Charter school
- Land-based or online college or university
- K-12 public or private school
- School district office
- State education department
*These are examples intended to serve as a general guide. Some
positions may prefer or even require previous experience, licensure,
certifications, and/or other designations along with a degree. Because
many factors determine what position an individual may attain, Capella
cannot guarantee that a graduate will secure any specific job title, a
promotion, salary increase, or other career outcome. We encourage you
to research requirements for your job target and career goals.
Other programs to explore
Is this program close to what you need, but maybe not a perfect fit?
The programs below might be interesting. Check them out to find one
that suits your academic and professional goals.