Online PhD in Education

Reduce your tuition

Student loans can help you finance your education – but they must be repaid. Before you apply for a loan, explore the many options for discounts, tuition assistance and other ways that may help reduce your tuition.

Previous learning

Get the credit you deserve. You may be able to save time and money on your Capella degree by transferring graduate-level credits from an accredited university.

All transfer and Credit for Prior Learning (CPL) credit must be completed prior to starting any program in the FlexPath format. Any professional certification or external courses taken concurrently with FlexPath enrollment cannot be recognized in the Capella degree program.

Military benefits

Capella offers a tuition discount to active-duty service members, Guard and Reserve members, veterans, their spouses and dependents.

Employer benefits

Tuition discounts and scholarships are available for eligible employees of our partner organizations.

Scholarships & grants

Capella scholarships and federal grants are funds that you don’t have to pay back.

• Capella Progress Rewards $5,000 doctoral scholarships: These scholarships are not need-based – they’re simply our way to support your commitment to your education.*

•       Student/Alumni Referral Scholarship: Capella students and alumni can refer eligible friends, family or colleagues to Capella to pursue a degree with a scholarship.*

*Eligibility rules and exclusions apply. Connect with us for details.

Program specializations

Various factors impact your time and cost to complete your degree, such as your program specialization. For more information, visit the PhD in Education specialization pages.

PhD in Education specializations

• Leadership for Higher Education
• Leadership in Educational Administration

Expert advisory board

The School of Public Service and Education Advisory Board members provide industry and practice-relevant insights to school leaders and faculty in the development of our programs and curricula to further the mission of the school. In addition, the Advisory Board also focuses on areas such as diversity, advocacy and social justice; student and alumni success; and community engagement and partnerships.

Alumni Outcomes Survey, 2022–2023 

Distinguished faculty

While teaching and guiding you through a curriculum designed to help prepare you for your chosen career, our faculty brings a wealth of experiences that translate the courseroom material to the real world. You’ll learn the skills you need and gain insights into your chosen profession.

PhD in Education outcomes

The PhD in Education program expands previous learning within a discipline and fosters the critical-thinking, research and problem-solving skills that practicing professionals need to excel as scholar-practitioners and emboldened leaders in a global society.

PhD in Education specializations

• Leadership for Higher Education
• Leadership in Educational Administration

PhD in Education services and resources

Education isn’t one-size-fits-all – that’s why support is available to you at every step. From choosing your program and starting classes to coursework assistance and graduation, our support teams are here for you.

Academic support

• One-on-one enrollment and advising support
• Writing Center, online library and tutoring services
• Expert faculty with real-world knowledge 

Financing support

• Assistance with the financial aid process
• Scholarships, transfer credits and credit for prior learning

Career support

• Resume help, interview prep and employer database of job listings
• One-on-one career coaching
• Learner and Alumni Networking Platform to connect in your field

Personal support

• Disability services
• Student communities and peer-to-peer mentoring
• 24/7 tech support

Alumni association

As a graduate, you’ll have a community of Capella students, alumni and faculty you can tap into for career advice and networking.

Alumni Outcomes Survey, 2022–2023 

Career Development Center

Explore your career options, navigate your job search and move toward your goals with help from our Career Development Center. We offer a variety of resources, including one-on-one career coaching. Start planning early.

PhD or professional doctorate

There are two kinds of doctoral degrees: PhDs and professional doctorates. Deciding which is right for you depends, in part, on how you want to use your education, and the standards in your professional field. The kind of research that most interests you should also play a part in your decision.

Final deliverable: dissertation or project?

PhD students present their research in a five-chapter document called a dissertation. They must defend their work in front of a faculty committee. The dissertation is ultimately published and shared with other scholars in the field and the general public.

Alumni Outcomes Survey, 2022–2023 

Research focus: original or applied?

PhD students are expected to create, expand and contribute knowledge, research and theory in their field of study. This kind of discovery is often called original research.

Professional doctorate students are expected to expand and apply knowledge and research to existing problems in their professional field. This is often referred to as applied research.

Professional doctorate students present their research in one of a variety of forms including projects, portfolios, journal articles or even dissertations. In some instances, students are required to defend their work in front of a faculty committee.