Email Print Share

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Education

School of Education

Postsecondary and Adult Education specialization

Enhance your qualifications in adult education and college teaching, one of the 10 fastest growing occupations in the country. You can earn two valuable credentials as part of this specialization—a PhD in Education with a specialization in Postsecondary and Adult Education and a Post-Master's Certificate in College Teaching (apply for each separately; additional requirements will apply). The curriculum focuses on theories of adult learning and distance education, critical analysis and research skills, best practices in postsecondary adult instruction, and application of theory and research to develop effective learning environments for individuals from a variety of backgrounds. People who choose this specialization are often pursuing postsecondary faculty positions or education leadership positions in a variety of adult learning settings, including higher education institutions, businesses, nonprofit organizations, and the military.

Residential colloquia

As a PhD learner, you will attend three five-day residential colloquia at specific stages in your program. Learn about the residential colloquia experience.

Total Program: 120 quarter credits
Up to 48 quarter credits may be transferred into this program
Next Start Date: December 7, 2009
Quarter - Coursework: $4,485
Quarter - Comps/Diss: $3,945

78% of our learners receive aid.

Photo of Capella University learner or alum Photo of Capella University learner or alum

Core Courses (each course 4 quarter credits unless noted)

  • ED8002 - Foundations of Theory and Practice in Doctoral Studies
  • ED8113 - Advanced Study in Research Methods
  • ED8119 - Advanced Practicum in Research Design*

Specialization Courses (each course 4 quarter credits unless noted)

  • ED7311 - Theory and Methods of Educating Adults
  • ED7312 - Teaching Adults
  • ED7712 - Classroom Assessment in Education
  • ED7590 - Critical Thinking in Adult Education
  • ED7313 - Global Issues in Adult Education
  • ED7310 - Evaluating the Effectiveness of the Educational Process
  • ED7716 - Faculty Leadership
  • ED8444 - Higher Education Curriculum Development and Teaching Strategies
  • ED9919 - Doctoral Comprehensive Examination*
  • ED9920 - Dissertation Courseroom* - non-credit
  • ED9921 - Dissertation Research 1* - 5 quarter credits
  • ED9922 - Dissertation Research 2* - 5 quarter credits
  • ED9923 - Dissertation Research 3* - 5 quarter credits
  • ED9924 - Dissertation Research 4* - 5 quarter credits

Thirteen Elective Courses (each course 4 quarter credits unless noted)

  • Recommended elective courses
  • ED7580 - Theory and Development of Multiple Intelligences
  • ED7690 - Critical Skills for Facilitating Online Learning
  • ED5312 - Strategies for Building Online Learning Communities
  • ED7700 - Learning Theory and the Educational Process
  • ED7703 - Student Development, Challenges, and Successes
  • ED7711 - Course Design and Development
  • ED7713 - Student Advising and Retention
  • ED8111 - The Historical and Social Foundations of Education
  • ED7800 - Grant Writing for Higher Education
  • ED5315 - Adult Development and Learning
  • ED5311 - The Collaborative Nature of Adult Education
  • ED8115 - Advanced Quantitative Research Methods*
  • ED8117 - Advanced Qualitative Research Methods*
  • ED8600 - Effective Online Course Design, Delivery, Facilitation, and Assessment
  • OR
  • Choose any graduate courses.
* This course has a prerequisite. Contact an enrollment counselor for more information.
Course Descriptions

Receive via email a full description of all Capella University courses.


Learn more about our related specializations:

PhD

Master's degree

Certificate




Image of enrollment counselor from the team that specializes in Capella's education degrees online and online education degree programs

Contact an Enrollment Counselor

Email Us

1-866-933-5981

Request a University Guide Start your admission application