A PhD in Elementary Education is a terminal degree for professionals who want to contribute to the development of elementary education.
Elementary education PhD programs cover the most advanced pedagogies for elementary-aged learners and give you the opportunity to contribute original research to the field. Many graduates go on to work as researchers, professors, and education administrators and leaders.
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So, if you’re looking to make a difference in your field, you might consider advancing your knowledge and qualifications through a PhD program in elementary education.
PhD in Elementary Education Programs Online
Much like with an online masters in elementary education, pursuing a Ph.D. in Elementary Education online can help you develop theoretical perspectives on elementary education as well as practical ways of affecting the classroom. As a student in one of these doctoral programs, you will take many classes dealing with the facets of elementary education, and you’ll also look at research in the field.
Some of the courses that you may take when earning degrees in education online or on campus include:
- Statistics
- Education research
- Educational psychology
- Human and child development
- Sociology
- Philosophy
- History
You may have the opportunity to specialize within certain areas of elementary education, like literacy and reading, early childhood education, or child psychology. In addition, since the degree you are completing is a PhD, you will likely be required to complete a dissertation.
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A dissertation is a work of original research that you will develop throughout your education and ultimately defend in front of your professors. After graduating with your doctoral degree, there are many careers and opportunities that you may consider. Common career paths include:
- Postsecondary teacher
- Educational researcher
- Postsecondary education administrator
- Elementary school principal
- Instructional coordinator
Those who complete a PhD are often eligible to teach at the college and university level. Some graduates also become education researchers. If that does not appeal to you, you might choose to return to the classroom as an elementary school teacher. Those with a PhD may also pursue education administration positions, such as an elementary school principal.
Some graduates may become district superintendents and manage the operations of multiple schools. You might also consider working as an instructional coordinator, developing educational curriculums for elementary students.
Others work as educational consultants or training managers to help teachers develop professionally. They may create training programs in specific areas of teaching.
Elementary Education Careers & Salaries
Earning a PhD in Elementary Education could help you grow your expertise and expand your career opportunities. Many PhD graduates pursue positions in research and higher education, either as teachers or administrators.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, overall employment for education, training, and library occupations is expected to increase by 7% over the next ten years.
| Careers | Annual Median Salaries |
| Chief Executives | $189,520 |
| Training and Development Managers | $120,000 |
| Elementary, Middle, and High School Principals | $101,320 |
| Postsecondary Education Administrators | $99,940 |
| General and Operations Managers | $98,100 |
| Postsecondary Education Teachers | $66,930 |
| Instructional Coordinators | $66,490 |
| Elementary School Teachers | $61,690 |
| Kindergarten Teachers | $60,490 |
| Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors | $60,140 |
Some graduates want to continue teaching at the elementary school level. Others work in leadership positions, such as school superintendents or elementary school principals.
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You might even consider developing and overseeing training for teachers as either a training manager or a training specialist. Another career possibility is to develop and evaluate curriculums as an instructional coordinator.
Elementary Education PhD Curriculum & Courses
PhD programs in elementary education will have unique curriculums, but they’ll typically cover the same core topics. Course offerings could be affected by faculty specialty and availability as well as curriculum and university policies.
Some course examples include:
- Statistics: This class teaches basic statistical methods, which you’ll utilize in research.
- Education Research: This class looks at how to conduct educational research, including its procedures and methodology.
- Case Studies in Education: This class instructs students on designing case studies for their educational research projects.
- Data Analysis: This class focuses on how to interpret collected data from experiments and observations.
- Educational Psychology: This class instructs students in advanced concepts of educational psychology.
- Human Development Psychology: This class specifically looks at the development of the human brain throughout a lifetime.
- Child Development: This class looks at how elementary-aged children develop.
- Educational Philosophy: This class teaches students many of the current philosophical schools of elementary education.
- History of Elementary Education: This class looks at the development of elementary education from its origins to the present.
- Educational Sociology: This class focuses on the subfield of educational sociology, which is the study of how both institutions and individuals shape education.
In addition to core coursework, you may also take courses dedicated to the dissertation process.
Admissions Requirements
Each university and program will set its own admissions requirements, but here are some common criteria for applying to PhD programs in elementary education:
- Letters of recommendation. These can be from professors or supervisors that know you well.
- Statement of purpose. You can explain your interests in the program and your career goals.
- GRE scores. These are not required by all schools.
- Resume. You can show relevant work experience and any volunteering experience you have.
- Masters degree. Most PhD programs prefer your masters to be in a related field.
It’s helpful to verify the specific admissions requirements of your prospective schools.
Accreditation
Regional accrediting agencies evaluate the quality of institutions based on established educational measures. Regional accreditation helps ensure that the degree you earn is valued by potential employers and other universities, as it shows you’ve received a rigorous education.
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Attending an accredited school can also be a precondition for certain forms of financial aid. To see whether the schools you are applying to are accredited by credible organizations, you can visit the Council for Higher Education Accreditation’s website.
Financial Aid and Scholarships
Most doctoral students apply for financial aid and scholarships to help cover the costs of their advanced degree. Federal aid in the form of student loans is one of the most common types of aid.
To determine your eligibility, you can visit the Federal Student Aid’s website to make an account and complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Individual states may have their own government aid programs for residents. In addition to government aid, you can also see if you’re eligible for various scholarships awarded by your prospective school and private organizations.
If you’re currently working, you can also see if your employer offers tuition benefits for workers who are furthering their professional development.
What Can You Do with a PhD in Elementary Education Degree?
A PhD in Elementary Education can help you qualify for careers in research and academia. As such, many graduates go on to work as postsecondary teachers or educational researchers. A doctoral degree can also help prepare you for leadership positions.
If you like working in primary education, you may pursue work as an elementary teacher, an elementary school principal, or a district superintendent. Within these positions, you may be able to apply the skills and concepts you gained from your education to improve student learning. Another possibility is to work as an instructional coordinator who develops elementary curriculums.
How Long Does It Take to Get a PhD in Elementary Education Online?
The amount of time it takes to complete your degree will depend on a variety of factors, including your program’s curriculum and your own circumstances.
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A PhD generally takes 3 to 5 years to complete, depending on the number of required credit hours. The length of time can also depend on how long it takes to complete the dissertation component of the program. If no dissertation is required, then you may be able to complete the doctoral program within 3 years if you study at a full-time pace.
What’s the Difference Between a PhD in Early Childhood Education vs. Elementary Education?
Though they both deal with education, early childhood education is different than elementary education in some key ways.
| PhD in Early Childhood Education | PhD in Elementary Education |
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The type of degree that’s right for you will likely depend on the level of education you want to focus your studies and research on.
What’s the Difference Between an Elementary Education PhD vs. EdD Degree?
Though they may look alike, here are some key differences between a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Elementary Education and a Doctor of Education (EdD) in Elementary Education.
| PhD in Elementary Education | EdD in Elementary Education |
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If you want to conduct original research in elementary education or teach at the postsecondary level, then earning a PhD may be more suitable.
Is a Doctorate in Elementary Education Worth It?
Yes, a doctorate in elementary education is worth it for many students. There will continue being a need for qualified educators who are willing to take on new challenges to ensure that young minds are nurtured and developed for the future.
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For example, the Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 8% job growth for postsecondary education teachers over the next ten years, which is faster than average. Steady growth is also projected for elementary school principals, elementary teachers, instructional coordinators, and postsecondary education administrators.
Universities Offering Online Doctorate in Elementary Education Degree Programs
Methodology: The following school list is in alphabetical order. To be included, a college or university must be regionally accredited and offer degree programs online or in a hybrid format.
Ball State University offers an online program for a Doctor of Philosophy in Education. Concentrations include Elementary Education, Early Childhood Education, and Literacy and Reading Education. The program requires the completion of 91 to 97 credit hours. Common courses include Advanced Educational Psychology, Statistical Methods in Educational Research, and Child Development.
Ball State is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Brenau University offers an EdD program online. Concentrations include Elementary Education, Middle Education, Higher Education Leadership, Higher Education Teaching, and Special Education. The program may be completed entirely online in 3 years of full-time study. The writing of a dissertation is typically optional.
Brenau University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Liberty University offers a Doctor of Education in Elementary Education program online. The program is designed to help prepare for pursuing advanced administrative, teaching, research, or curriculum development roles. Classes are typically 8 weeks long each, and on average, the 54 required credits are completed in 2.5 years when attending full-time.
Liberty University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Pepperdine University offers an Ed.D. in Educational Leadership in a hybrid format. The PreK to grade 12 concentration is designed to prepare educators to serve as leaders in early and elementary-level educational settings. This program utilizes a blend of online and in-person learning methods, and the program’s 51 required credit hours may be completed in 3 years.
Pepperdine University is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior College and University Commission.
The University at Buffalo offers an online program for a Doctor of Philosophy in Curriculum, Instruction, and the Science of Learning. Concentrations include Elementary, English, Literacy, Math, Science, and Social Studies Education. The program is designed to help prepare for entry into roles such as curriculum specialist, educational consultant, university professor, research specialist, or instructional coordinator.
The University at Buffalo is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
Valdosta State University offers an Ed.D in Curriculum and Instruction program online with a specialization in preschool to grade 12. Several sub-concentrations are available, designed for the tailoring of the degree to professional goals. Classes meet primarily online, though in-person learning experiences may be available. The curriculum consists of 55 total credit hours.
Valdosta State University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Getting Your PhD in Elementary Education Online
If you are passionate about elementary education, a PhD in Elementary Education could help you develop your expertise, conduct original research, and grow your professional qualifications in the field.
Some doctoral degree programs also let you choose a specialization. This allows you to tailor your studies and research to a particular part of the field that’s of interest to you. Many organizations—including elementary schools, government agencies, universities, and educational services companies—look to hire elementary education professionals with advanced credentials.
If you’re ready to take this next step in your professional journey, you could start by comparing online PhD programs in elementary education from accredited schools.
