Online and Distance Learning

With a PhD elementary education qualification you can seek a career as a teacher, curriculum developer, education program director or other senior administrator.  This page provides information on what is studied and where you can study these programs.

Why do you need a PhD elementary education?

Elementary education, which usually incorporates at least the first five grades of compulsory education in the US, is changing. Recently, schools have been trialling various arrangements which break from the one-teacher, one-class mould. 

So a leader in elementary education needs an understanding of change, as well as educational theory and knowledge of best practice.

A PhD in elementary education provides the theory, research, and practice for teachers and educational administrators who wish to enter leadership positions in this sector of education.  

This page is specifically about online doctoral education programs.  If you want to study an on campus program, go to the on campus programs page. 

Finding the schools and degrees you want

Browse this list of selected PhD elementary education programs (and other relevant online PhD education programs) available and the schools offering them, or use the search form to the right.

• Capella University
  • PhD in Education - K-12 Studies in Education specialization

• Northcentral University - Graduate
  • Doctor of Education (EdD) - Early Childhood Education
  • Doctor of Philosophy in Education - Early Childhood Education

• Walden University
  • PhD in Education - Early Childhood and Primary Education

What do the degrees cover?

PhD elementary education programs may  include taught courses in pedagogy in chosen core subject areas (mathematics, science, language arts, or social studies), curriculum development, classroom management, assessment, pedagogy and classroom methodology, administrative techniques, leading innovation, human development and educational psychology, and research methodology.  In addition, students must prepare and defend a thesis based on original research. 

As with any other online PhD education program, there may be some residential attendance required.

What jobs do the programs prepare you for?

Education is one of the largest industries and there are many elementary education career options.  Elementary education usually incorporate at least the first five grades of compulsory education in the US.  Teaching tends to focus on developing basic reading, writing, mathematics, and social skills. 

As a PhD elementary education graduate you can seek a career as a teacher, curriculum developer, education program director or other senior administrator in elementary or early childhood learning environments.  In addition, it is possible to find teaching positions in elementary education in a college or university, but the competition is tough.

For more information about PhD elementary education online programs

Use this link to find programs and schools near you.

Use the search facility on this site to find more PhD elementary education programs.

Remember to compare the admission requirements and course content of several schools before you choose a program.

Campus Programs

For those students who feel that online learning and distance education is not for them, the web site also has a section on campus programs. 

You can also search for a program or a school near you.