If you’re passionate about making STEM education more effective, inclusive, and accessible, then earning a STEM PhD may be the next step in your professional journey.
Whether your focus is on science, technology, engineering, or mathematics, earning a STEM PhD can help you gain the skills needed to teach and contribute research on STEM education.
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A STEM PhD program can be beneficial for professionals who are looking to take their careers in education to the next level, whether in an administrative, research, or teaching capacity.
STEM PhD Programs Online
Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education PhD programs are designed to prepare students for cutting-edge research, teaching, and administrative careers in STEM education.
Students in this program focus on methods to make STEM education more effective and inclusive for both students and educators.
In this program, you’ll study a range of topics, such as:
- Advanced evaluation models and survey methods
- Learning, development, and teaching theory
- Sociocultural foundations of education
- Executing empirical studies
Research in this program is also heavily focused on optimizing learning and teaching methods, so there may be a significant amount of cognitive and anthropological coursework. You could also learn about content-specific and sociocultural challenges currently present in teaching and then design study models that analyze these challenges.
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In addition, a STEM PhD can help you develop the necessary skills to present to and collaborate with professional research communities as well as submit manuscripts to peer-reviewed publications. Most PhD programs in STEM education also offer various degree specializations, allowing you to focus your studies and research within a specific discipline.
Graduates with an online doctorate in STEM may go on to become research scientists, faculty members at a university, or even directors of program development. It’s also common for graduates to be educators or administrators at K-12 or postsecondary schools.
Some graduates move into instructional design, where they help develop STEM curricula. Others go on to work as policy directors at the local, state, or national level.
Common Online STEM Education PhD Specializations
While online doctoral programs in STEM education have a core curriculum, students are encouraged to choose a specialization that reflects their research interests.
These specializations may include:
- Educational Technology. This specialization focuses on current and emerging educational technologies used both in classrooms and in online learning environments.
- Science Education. This specialization focuses on science and environmental education in K-12 and higher education settings, and it also emphasizes science teacher education and the design of science curricula.
- Mathematics Education. This specialization focuses on mathematics teacher preparation, improving math curricula and pedagogy, and practice-based teacher training.
- Engineering Education. This specialization explores methods of introduction of engineering concepts, how they are taught, and how to integrate engineering curricula.
- Agricultural Specialization. This specialization prepares students for corporate or faculty leadership roles in education, resource management, and other careers in life sciences and agriculture.
Different programs may have more or less specializations available. So, before applying to a school, it’s helpful to find out what concentrations they offer.
STEM Careers & Salaries
As a research-focused program, a STEM PhD can help prepare graduates for a variety of careers within the academic world.
Many graduates of this program choose to enter research positions, where they contribute to the body of knowledge regarding STEM education and learning methods. Others become faculty members at universities or community colleges, where they teach STEM education or work as administrators.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, here are the median salaries of potential career paths related to the STEM education field.
| Careers | Annual Median Salaries |
| Training and Development Managers | $120,000 |
| Postsecondary Engineering Teachers | $103,550 |
| K-12 Education Administrators | $101,320 |
| Postsecondary Education Administrators | $99,940 |
| Postsecondary Computer Science Teachers | $84,760 |
| Postsecondary Biological Science Teachers | $81,650 |
| Postsecondary Mathematical Science Teachers | $77,420 |
| Postsecondary Education Teachers | $66,930 |
| Instructional Coordinators | $66,490 |
| Secondary School Teachers | $62,360 |
Some professionals with a STEM PhD become directors of program development or policy directors, where they help implement policies and curricula direction in STEM subjects.
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Graduates with this PhD may also work as instructional coordinators, helping design learning environments and curricula within STEM subjects. Educators with this degree also choose to teach STEM subjects or work as administrators in K-12 schools.
STEM Doctorate Curriculum & Courses
While curriculums can differ depending on the school, many courses in online STEM PhD programs cover similar topics. Below are several types of courses you may take:
- Foundations of Learning, Cognition, and Academic Intervention: This course overviews foundational theories of learning and cognitive development as well as research-based academic interventions.
- Advanced Intellectual Development of Young Children: This course focuses on theories and research surrounding intellectual development in children, and it explores strategies for applying development research to learning environments.
- Technological Tools for Thinking and Learning: This course overviews current and emerging learning technologies that may enhance thinking and learning in classrooms.
- Theory and Research in Science Education: This course covers foundational theories and research in science education, ranging from historical to modern methods.
- Mathematics Learning Environments: This course overviews learning environments for mathematics, with a focus on classroom environment, cultural environment, and the use of technology to create an immersive learning environment.
- Anthropology and Sociology of Schooling: This course focuses on schooling from an anthropological and sociological perspective, highlighting traditional schooling methods and cultural influences on learning.
- Educational Research Methods: This course overviews education research methods, including qualitative, survey, correlational, experimental, and more.
- Advanced Statistics: This course covers advanced concepts in statistics as well as the practical application of statistical analysis.
- Problems in Research: Methods and Design: This course explores problems in research methodology and design, including topics like theoretical frameworks, research limitations, and more.
- Theory and Research in Engineering Education: This course emphasizes foundational theories and research analysis and methodology in engineering education.
You might also be able to complete elective courses, which could consist of topics like curriculum development, cognition, bilingual students in US schools, and more.
Admissions Requirements
While admission requirements can vary depending on your school, here are some common requirements for doctoral programs:
- All official college transcripts
- Resume or CV
- Personal statement
- Letters of recommendation
- Writing sample
Some programs may also require an interview prior to admission. A growing number of schools no longer require the submission of GRE or GMAT scores for admissions. It’s beneficial to check the specific requirements of your prospective school.
Online STEM Programs Accreditation
Confirming whether a prospective school is accredited or not is an essential step to take before applying. Many forms of financial aid are only available to students who attend accredited schools.
In addition, employers, especially those in academia, often require applicants to have received an accredited education. Regional accreditation is considered the most widely recognized type of accreditation, and it acts as quality assurance that your school meets high-quality standards for postsecondary education.
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You can verify any prospective school’s accreditation status through the Council for Higher Education Accreditation’s website.
Financial Aid and Scholarships
Many students looking to complete STEM doctoral degrees require financial aid to help cover upfront tuition costs.
It’s common for graduate students to apply for student loans from the federal government. Aid may also be available at your state level, depending on where you live or where your school is located. To determine your eligibility for federal aid and other forms of need-based aid, you can fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
You might also be eligible for grants and scholarships from various private institutions, including your prospective school. These financial aid opportunities exist for many situations, so it could be beneficial to explore these options. If you’re currently employed, your employer may also be a resource. Many employers offer benefit programs designed to fund employee education.
What Is a STEM PhD Degree?
A science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) PhD degree is designed to increase competence in education in a specific STEM field. Students in this PhD program are provided with the skills needed for advanced research, teaching, supervisory, and administrative positions in STEM higher education.
The cutting-edge research skills gained in this program may allow graduates to make STEM education more effective and inclusive. Students also have the opportunity to contribute original theories in education. Most PhD in STEM Education programs also offer degree specializations that allow you to tailor your studies and research to a particular STEM discipline.
What Can I Do with a STEM PhD Degree?
Graduates with a STEM doctoral degree often pursue career opportunities in research, teaching, and education administration.
Many of these degree holders choose to enter research or faculty positions at universities or community colleges, where they can teach or conduct and publish original research. Others may become directors of STEM education or policy directors at the local, state, or national level.
Some STEM education professionals become curriculum developers or instructional coordinators and help design curricula and optimize STEM learning environments. Educators may also want to continue teaching STEM subjects at the K-12 level.
How Long Does It Take to Get a PhD in STEM Education Online?
Generally, a PhD can take 3 to 5 years to complete with full-time enrollment. This depends not only on the number of credit hours required but also how long it takes to complete your dissertation.
If no dissertation is required, STEM doctoral programs can generally be completed in 3 years with full-time study.Of course, if you enroll part-time at any time, this may extend the overall time it takes to complete your program.
Is a PhD in STEM Education Worth It?
Yes, a PhD in STEM Education is worth it for many students. Many graduates with a STEM PhD pursue administrative, research, or teaching careers in K-12 schools or higher education institutions.
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If you want to make an impact on future STEM education, you might consider earning this terminal degree. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of postsecondary teachers is forecast to grow 12% over the next ten years, which is much faster than average.
Universities Offering Online Doctorate in STEM 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.
American College of Education offers a Doctor of Education in Leadership. Several concentrations are available, including Curriculum and Instruction, Higher Education, Instructional Technology, STEM Education, and Literacy. The courses are housed fully online. On average, the program’s 64 required semester credits can be completed in 36 months of full-time study.
American College of Education is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Drexel University offers a Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership and Management. This program may be an ideal fit for educators pursuing career advancements or current administrators hoping to deepen their expertise. The program can typically be finished in 5 years of part-time study or 3 years of full-time study. Classes can be attended entirely online.
Drexel University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
Montana State University offers a Doctor of Philosophy in Education, Curriculum, and Instruction. Potential courses include Higher Education History, Leading Social Justice, Advanced Quantitative Research, and Program Evaluation. The program utilizes a blend of online and in-person class offerings. It requires the completion of 66 credits.
Montana State University is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.
Texas Tech University offers a Doctor of Philosophy in Curriculum and Instruction. Educators teaching primarily in sciences, technology, engineering, or mathematics may find an excellent fit in the STEM Education emphasis. The program requires the completion of 63 credit hours. While classes meet primarily online, periodic on-campus intensives may be required in summer terms.
Texas Tech University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
The University of Kentucky offers a Doctor of Philosophy in Education Sciences – STEM Education. The curriculum is designed for researchers and educators who wish to have scholarly expertise in the field of STEM Education. The program may be attended in a hybrid online format. It requires the completion of 45 credit hours to graduate.
The University of Kentucky is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
The University of Massachusetts – Lowell offers a Doctor of Education in Leadership in Schooling. Individuals who teach science, technology, engineering, or math may find an ideal fit in the STEM concentration. Classes meet entirely online throughout the year, but there are summer residency requirements in summer. The program can typically be completed in 3 years.
The University of Massachusetts – Lowell is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education.
The University of Pittsburgh offers a Doctor of Education in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. The curriculum is designed to help educators gain advanced theoretical and practical knowledge in their field of teaching. The program is housed primarily online, though monthly in-person sessions are required. The program is usually attended part-time and can typically be completed in 3 years.
The University of Pittsburgh is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
The University of South Carolina offers a Doctor of Education with an emphasis in STEM Education. Potential courses include Principles of STEM Integration, Advanced Study of Diversity and Curriculum, Educational Policy Analysis, and Research in STEM. Classes meet 100% online and are 8 weeks long. The program requires the completion of 60 credit hours.
The University of South Carolina is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
The University of Southern Mississippi offers a Doctor of Philosophy in STEM Education. It is intended for individuals who have completed a previous degree in a STEM-content area while maintaining a 3.0 GPA or higher. The program requires the completion of 66 semester hours. Students can complete their coursework online or at one of two campuses.
The University of Southern Mississippi 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. A master’s degree and three years of industry experience are required to apply. The curriculum emphasizes four key aspects: leadership foundations, organizational change, strategic planning, and research. While classes meet online, the two required residencies may be completed on campus.
The University of the Southwest is accredited by Higher Learning Commission.
Getting Your STEM PhD Degree Online
Getting your STEM PhD degree online could be a convenient way to earn a doctoral degree while balancing your current career responsibilities.
If you’re passionate about making an impact in one of the STEM subjects or STEM education as a whole, then this research-focused PhD may be the next step in your professional journey. Whether you’re looking to enter an administrative, teaching, or research position, this degree can help you advance your expertise and qualifications in the STEM education field.
Comparing online PhD in STEM Education programs from accredited schools could help you determine which ones best align with your research interests and career goals.
