If you’re passionate about science education and are looking to earn an advanced, research-based degree, then you might consider pursuing a PhD in Science Education.
This degree path is especially beneficial for students and professionals who are looking to contribute scholarly research in the field or to teach science at the postsecondary level.
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Whether you’re looking to pursue a teaching, research, administrative, or leadership role in the field of science education, this degree could help advance your expertise and expand your career opportunities.
PhD in Science Education Programs Online
Online PhD programs in science education are designed to prepare graduates to conduct scholarly research or serve as faculty members at a college or university. Because of this, students in this doctoral program typically complete advanced coursework in experimental and observational research, in-field research, and more.
Students are also exposed to teaching and learning processes and models as well as existing theories and issues in science education.
Topics of study may also include:
- Educational practice and cognitive processes
- Teaching models and analysis frameworks
- Qualitative and quantitative research methods
- Academic writing and cultural studies in science
You can also study advanced topics in science education curriculum development. This could include the study of issues that affect curriculum design, such as policy and guidelines.
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Learning the ins and outs of leading research projects, publishing in academic journals, and applying research could also be a large component of this PhD program. Because of this, a large portion of your coursework could involve methods of data analysis and implementation, especially during dissertation preparation. While not all doctoral programs require a dissertation, most PhD programs do.
To help prepare graduates to become educators for both university students and science teachers, these programs also cover teaching and learning theory, bioethics, and leadership ethics. Students may also dive into the history of science education as well as sociocultural patterns and their effects on the teaching and learning process.
Science Education Careers and Salaries
Graduates with a doctoral degree in science education are often prepared for a variety of rewarding careers in the field of education.
Since this is a research-heavy degree, some graduates pursue scholarly research careers, where they conduct original research and lead developmental projects. Many become faculty members at a research-oriented university, where they can conduct and publish research and teach science education. Other graduates pursue teaching careers at community colleges or even K-12 schools.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, here are some potential careers related to the field of science education, along with their median salaries.
| Careers | Annual Median Salaries |
| Training and Development Managers | $120,130 |
| Top Executives | $98,980 |
| K-12 Education Administrators | $98,420 |
| Postsecondary Education Administrators | $96,910 |
| Postsecondary Teachers | $79,640 |
| Instructional Coordinators | $63,740 |
| High School Teachers | $61,820 |
| Kindergarten and Elementary School Teachers | $61,350 |
| Middle School Teachers | $61,320 |
| Museum Curators | $60,110 |
Graduates may also help instruct other science teachers, where they can share science education research and instruction methods. Others focus on becoming leaders in the field of science education, where they may help develop or influence science curricula and policies or even work in administration.
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Leadership positions could provide the opportunity to practice applied research in order to help facilitate richer learning experiences and enhance outcomes.
PhD in Science Education Curriculum & Courses
While many science education PhD programs can vary, specific courses may be similar. Your program may include courses like the following:
- STEM Education Trends and Issues: This course overviews current trends in STEM education, including literacy issues, legislation, policy, and funding.
- Analysis of Educational Concepts: This course overviews the contemporary philosophy of education in order to analyze learning methods, content, and educational aims.
- Education and Anthropology: This course focuses on how sociocultural patterns affect the teaching and learning process.
- Advanced Topics in Teacher Education Curriculum: This course is dedicated to the intensive study of research methods and issues that affect curriculum, such as approaches, models, accreditation, guidelines, and more.
- Ethnographic Methods in Education: This course focuses on applications, theoretical bases, procedures, and issues in ethnographic methods for data collection and analysis.
- Foundations of Education Research and Evaluation: This course overviews research and evaluation in education, and it explores the application of these skills in research and evaluation models.
- Academic Writing for Qualitative Educational Research: This course focuses on writing for conference proposals, manuscripts, fellowship applications, and book reviews, with a concentration on how writing operates in higher education.
- Issues in Bioethics: This course focuses on the identification and analysis of ethical issues in various studies, including environmental, medical, and ecological.
- Advanced Topics in Cultural Studies of STEM-H: This course may include variable topics in science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and health sciences in relation to technology and identity, theories of language, and more.
- Constructivism and Education: This course focuses on the foundations of constructivism, including philosophical, empirical, and theoretical.
Some programs may also include fieldwork in their curriculum. This type of PhD program will likely require a final dissertation as well.
Admissions Requirements
While PhD in Science Education programs can vary in their admissions requirements, some similar requirements for doctoral programs include:
- Official undergraduate and graduate transcripts
- Letters of recommendation
- CV or resume
- Academic writing sample
- Statement of intent
A growing number of schools no longer require the submission of GRE or GMAT scores during the application process. You can check with your prospective schools to determine what you need to submit.
Accreditation
Determining whether your potential school is accredited is an important step to take before applying. In essence, regional accreditation is a type of quality assurance that your university meets professional standards of education.
Earning a graduate degree from an accredited institution can be necessary to meet the requirements for licensure or certification. Plus, many financial aid opportunities are only available for accredited institutions. Only select organizations can provide regional accreditation to schools.
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You can view recognized accreditors and verify a school’s accreditation status by visiting the Council for Higher Education Accreditation’s website.
Financial Aid and Scholarships
Many students require financial assistance to complete a science education doctoral program. Fortunately, there are many types of aid available, including federal aid, state aid, scholarships, grants, and more.
A variety of scholarships and grants exist for qualifying graduate students based on need, location, and area of study. You can also see if you qualify for student loans from the federal government or from your own state government. To apply for government aid and determine your eligibility, you can fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
If you’re currently working, you can also see if your employer has any benefits in place to assist with employee education.
What Can I Do with a PhD in Science Education?
Many students and professionals who earn a PhD in Science Education want to pursue research careers or teach a science discipline at the postsecondary level.
Graduates with this PhD may become faculty members at a research-oriented university or even become science education administrators. Science education professionals may also choose to pursue teaching or administration positions at the elementary and secondary levels.
They might also work as instructional coordinators or other roles in curriculum development, helping shape science curricula and instructional methods in schools and universities. This could involve contributing original research on science education methodology as well.
How Long Does It Take to Get an Online PhD in Science Education?
Generally, a PhD can take 3 to 5 years to complete with full-time enrollment. Completion time depends on a number of factors, including the number of credit hours required and how long it takes you to complete your dissertation.
If no dissertation is required, a doctoral program can generally be completed in 3 years with full-time study, which includes enrollment during the summer. If you are enrolled part-time at any time, this will likely increase the time it takes to complete a doctoral degree in education online.
What’s the Difference Between a Science Education PhD vs. EdD Degree?
Here are some of the differences between a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Science Education and a Doctor of Education (EdD) in Science Education.
- PhD in Science Education: This degree is focused mainly on research and teaching careers at the postsecondary level. Graduates often aim to contribute new research to the field and form new hypotheses.
- EdD in Science Education: This is an applied degree, so graduates often want to become educational leaders in a variety of positions.
Overall, an EdD focuses on applying knowledge in schools and government agencies, while a PhD focuses on research in the field.
Is a Doctoral Degree in Science Education Worth It?
Yes, a doctoral degree in science education is worth it for many students. Much like an online masters in science education, a doctoral degree can help you grow your professional qualifications and advance your career opportunities in the field of science education.
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Many PhD graduates go on to pursue careers in research and academia. Most science education professionals work as science teachers, curriculum specialists, or education administrators in elementary, secondary, or postsecondary, schools. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, overall employment of postsecondary teachers is expected to grow 12% over the next ten years, which is considered much faster than the average.
Universities Offering Online Doctorate in Science 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.
Clemson University offers a Doctor of Philosophy in Learning Sciences. This program may be an excellent next step for individuals planning to pursue careers as professors, researchers, developers, practitioners, or instructional designers. Classes meet synchronously online or in-person. The program requires the completion of at least 61 credit hours.
Clemson University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Indiana University offers a Doctor of Education in Curriculum and Instruction. The Science Education concentration is designed to help educators learn effective teaching techniques and develop a thorough understanding of science concepts. The program requires the completion of 60 total credits and culminates in a final oral exam, a portfolio, and a dissertation. Incoming students may begin in fall or spring terms.
Indiana University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Kansas State University offers a Doctor of Philosophy in Curriculum and Instruction. Available emphases include Technical Education, Curriculum Studies, Educational Technology, Language Education, Literacy, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, and Teacher Education. The program requires the completion of at least 90 credit hours. Classes meet through a blend of online and on campus attendance models.
Kansas State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
The Doctor of Philosophy in Curriculum and Instruction at Texas Tech University offers a track in STEM Education. This program is intended for educators who have already obtained a master’s degree in a related field. The curriculum consists of 63 total credit hours. Graduates often pursue careers as K-12 teachers, university professors, or research scientists.
Texas Tech University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
The University at Albany offers a Doctor of Philosophy in Curriculum and Instruction with a specialization in Science and Mathematics Education.
The program boasts flexible online learning options, a research-rigorous curriculum, and career counseling services. The curriculum covers concepts like disciplinary thinking and practices, computer science, mathematics, integration of technology, computing education, and classroom discourse.
UAlbany is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
The University of Colorado – Denver offers a Doctor of Philosophy in Education and Human Development in Science Education. The curriculum is designed to teach educators how to deliver evidence-based, engaging science curriculum. This program utilizes a hybrid learning model. On average, the program’s 75 required credits can be completed in 8 years of part-time attendance or 4 years of full-time attendance.
The University of Colorado – Denver is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
The University of Massachusetts – Lowell offers a Doctor of Education in Leadership in Schooling. The STEM option may be an ideal fit for educators pursuing teaching or research roles in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics. Classes meet primarily online. Potential courses include Strategic Partnering with Families and Communities, Systems Leadership, and Education Reform in STEM.
The University of Massachusetts Lowell is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education.
The University of Miami offers a Doctor of Education in Applied Learning Sciences. Courses cover topics like educational research, human development and learning, assessment, and organizational learning. Classes are typically 7 weeks long and housed online. On average, the program’s required 15 courses and cumulative project can be completed in 2.5 years.
The University of Miami is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
The University of Mississippi offers a Doctor of Philosophy in Secondary Education. This program is intended for educators who have already completed a master’s program, hold a current teaching license, and have at least two years of teaching experience. The program offers specializations in English, Mathematics, Science, and Social Studies. Some classes meet online.
The University of Mississippi is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
The University of North Dakota offers a Doctor of Philosophy in Earth Science and Policy. Graduates often pursue careers in settings like K-12 schools, community colleges, universities, and research institutions.
The program utilizes an online learning format, delivering coursework through recorded lectures, simulations, and lesson modules. Online students have access to academic coaching, career counseling, and tutoring resources.
The University of North Dakota is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
The University of Pittsburgh offers a Doctor of Education in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics.
Graduates often pursue careers as K-12 teachers, curriculum supervisors, university professors, or district STEM leaders. The program requires the completion of 84 credits and can typically be completed in 3 years of part-time study. Classes meet primarily online, though occasional in-person residencies may be required.
The University of Pittsburgh is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
The University of South Carolina offers a Doctor of Education in STEM Education. Potential courses include Introduction to Project-Based Learning, Advanced Study of Diversity and Curriculum, and Applications of Learning Principles. Classes meet online and are usually 8 weeks long. Incoming students are admitted twice each year in fall and spring terms.
The University of South Carolina is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley offers a Doctor of Education in Curriculum and Instruction. The program offers specializations in Bilingual Studies, Educational Technology, Curriculum and Pedagogy, Literacy, Mathematics, Science, and Special Education. Classes are taken through a 100% synchronous online learning model. The completion of at least 66 credit hours is required to graduate.
UTRGV is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
The University of the Southwest offers a Doctor of Education in STEM Education. The curriculum focuses on leadership foundations, organizational dynamics and change, strategic planning, and research. All classes are housed conveniently online. Many graduates pursue careers as university faculty, instructional leaders, curriculum developers, or assessment specialists.
The University of the Southwest is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Western Michigan University offers a Doctor of Philosophy in Science Education. Available specializations include College Science Teaching, College Science Teaching with Discipline-Specific Research, and K-12 Science Curriculum and Instruction.
The curriculum covers instruction of biological sciences, chemistry, geosciences, physical geography, and physics. The program can typically be completed in 4 years of full-time study.
Western Michigan University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Getting Your PhD in Science Education Online
Getting your PhD in Science Education online can be a convenient way to earn a terminal degree while maintaining your work and life responsibilities.
Earning a doctorate in science education online allows you to contribute original research in the field and grow your professional qualifications for leadership positions. Many professionals who choose to earn a PhD want to qualify for postsecondary teaching or research opportunities. Others use their credentials for leadership, administration, or curriculum development roles in K-12 schools or higher education.
You can take the next step in your educational and professional journey today by researching online science education PhD programs from accredited universities.
