PhD in Education

Why a PhD in Education at SOLES?

We prepare scholars who are equipped to study education in its full complexity and to contribute meaningful research to the field. Anchored in respect for human dignity, the program supports the development of researchers who critically examine educational systems, generate new knowledge, and contribute to conditions in which individuals and communities can thrive.

100%

Online Program

4-5

Years to Complete

Research Dissertation Required

1st Graduating Cohort in 2023

Note: Due to regulations from the U.S. Department of Education, the University of San Diego is currently authorized to enroll students in its online programs except the following states: Alabama, Arkansas, the District of Columbia, Georgia, Iowa, Kentucky, Minnesota, Mississippi (pending approval), New Jersey, North Carolina, Rhode Island or Wisconsin. Students residing in these states and the District of Columbia are invited to apply for our in-person instruction program offerings.

Program Learning Outcomes

Upon completing this program, students will be prepared to make a meaningful impact on their communities by:

Candidates will articulate, apply, and align theory through critical lines of scholarship to analyze, generate inquiries, and critique pressing educational issues to address the complexities of social justice.

Candidates will recognize and affirm diverse positionalities to bring their personal and professional voices, views, and work to bear on issues of educational opportunity and justice specific to underrepresented populations.

Candidates will analyze current and foundational educational research to formulate, design and conduct methodologically sound studies informed by clear commitments to specific critical theoretical and/or conceptual frameworks to use appropriate research techniques.

Candidates will demonstrate clear, well-organized academic writing skills and multiple literacies (visual, verbal, aural/sonic, material, somatic, etc.) to communicate to scholarly and practitioner audiences audiences.

Candidates will understand historical, social, and political contexts of education and transform systems of power, privilege, and oppression through critical perspectives.

Candidates will critically examine how language, culture, and identity shape educational theory, policy, and practice to advance equity and social transformation.

Who is the

PhD in Education for?

Whether you're an educator, nonprofit leader, policymaker, or organizational coach, this fully online program offers the flexibility to balance your career while diving deep into social justice education.

This program is ideal for...

Those who want to explore unique research interests in areas such as K-12 education, higher education or community-based contexts.

Those who want to create transformative change

Professionals who hold a bachelor's degree and a master's and are ready to take their expertise to the next level.

Financing Your Education

All students have a right to an education, regardless of income or circumstance. Over 60% of our students rely on financial assistance to cover part of their educational expenses.

The tuition rate is for the 2026–27 academic year. Tuition and fees are subject to change.

Units

$1,800

Tuition per unit

$97,200

Estimated total tuition

Financial Aid

In addition to external funding resources, students at SOLES may be eligible for various forms of financial assistance, including scholarships, grants, fellowships, and discounts

Explore Financial Aid and Scholarships

Accreditation

SOLES is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC), Senior College and University Commission.

We regularly evaluate our academic programs to ensure that they provide students with a high-quality education and adhere to the standards of our accrediting bodies.

This program really changes you.

"It makes you a better translator of what social justice actually is."

Looking back on his transformative experience in the PhD in Education program, Dominic Cooper how the program reinforces his commitment to social justice in education.

Program Foundations

Advancing Education through Research and Impact

The program is grounded in the scholarship of thinkers such as John Dewey, Paulo Freire, W. E. B. Du Bois, and bell hooks, whose work examines the role of education in shaping democratic life, expanding human potential, and addressing enduring inequities. Their contributions provide a foundation for rigorous inquiry into how education influences individuals, communities, and society.

Teaching to Transgress

b.hooks

To educate as the practice of freedom is a way of teaching that anyone can learn. That learning process comes easiest to those of us who teach who also believe that there is an aspect of our vocation that is sacred; who believe that our work is not merely to share information but to share in the intellectual and spiritual growth of our students. To teach in a manner that respects and cares for the souls of our students is essential if we are to provide the necessary conditions where learning can most deeply and intimately begin.
_{hooks, b. Teaching to Transgress (p. 13)}

Cultural Action and Conscientization

P. Freire

The dependent society is by definition a silent society. Its voice is not an authentic voice, but merely an echo of the voice of the metropolis — in every way, the metropolis speaks, the dependent society listens.
_{Freire, P. Cultural Action and Conscientization, Harvard Educational Review (p. 46)}

The Miseducation of the Negro

C. G. Woodson

The problem of holding the Negro down, therefore, is easily solved. When you control a man’s thinking you do not have to worry about his actions. You do not have to tell him not to stand here or go yonder. He will find his "proper place" and will stay in it. You do not need to send him to the back door. He will go without being told. In fact, if there is no back door, he will cut one for his special benefit. His education makes it necessary.
_{Woodson, C. G. The Miseducation of the Negro (p. xiii)}

Teaching to Change the World

J. Oakes, M. Lipton, L. Anderson, & J. Stillman

We define rigorous, authentic learning experiences as those involving curriculum, teaching, and assessment that allow students to construct and use knowledge in ways that transform their thinking- promote their intellectual development, and over, time, prepare them as knowledgeable citizens, capable workforce participants, contributing members of families and communities, and empowered agents of change in their lives and the lives of others.
_{Oakes, J., Lipton, M., Anderson, L. & Stillman, J. Teaching to Change the World, (p. xv)}

Pursue a PhD in Education online

5 Essential Traits of a Top Online PhD in Education Program

Check out this guide to make an informed decision when pursuing a graduate degree online.

Get to know SOLES PhD in Education

Meet our faculty & student ambassadors

Committed to uplifting and providing a better quality of life for our community.

Meet Faculty Meet Ambassadors

Dean

Kimberly White-Smith

With over 25 years of urban schooling and educator development experience, Dr. White-Smith endeavors to foster academic justice for Black, Indigenous, Queer, Latinx, and neurodivergent students through enhanced learning environments, policies, and practices. She has authored publications on teacher and student learning, equity, leadership, and Black Mother Scholars.

Meet Dean White-Smith

Associate Dean and Associate Professor

Sarina Molina

Dr. Sarina Chugani Molina serves as Associate Dean and Professor of Education in the Department of Learning and Teaching at the University of San Diego. She has over 25 years experience working with marginalized and under-served communities of students such as migrant, immigrant, refugee, language learners, and international students in multiple settings from international schools abroad to private schools, community colleges, community-based programs, and institutes of higher education in the United States.

Meet Sarina Molina

Academic Program Manager

Sergio Rodriguez

Sergio joined the University of San Diego in 2006. His professional experience includes academic and administrative management, student affairs, curriculum and enrichment development, and admissions. Sergio is a native of California, raised in the heart of California's Central Valley. He earned his undergraduate degree from UC San Diego and his master’s in Leadership Studies from USD.

Meet Sergio Rodriguez

Professor

Maya Kalyanpur

Maya Kalyanpur, Ph.D., received her Ph.D. in Special Education from Syracuse University. She started her career as a teacher of children with intellectual disabilities in India. She has conducted research on the intersections of culture and special education and international development and disability studies in India, the US and Cambodia, with a specific focus on international inclusive education policy and practice, and families of children with disabilities from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.

Meet Maya Kalyanpur

Associate Professor

Suzanne Stolz

Suzanne Stolz, EdD serves as an Associate Professor of Special Education, working with onsite and online students. A former high school English teacher, administrator, and leader of disability programs, she has expertise in online instruction, curriculum design, school culture, inclusive education, and disability studies.

Meet Suzanne Stolz

Careers in Education

A PhD in Education prepares students to embark on exciting career paths that present opportunities to make a meaningful impact. Some of the roles that graduates choose to pursue with this degree include:

Note: Salary estimates sourced from salary.com in January 2025. Estimates are subject to change over time based on updates to available data.

Questions?

Connect with SOLES admissions

You can connect with the SOLES Admissions and Outreach team in a number of ways for more information about our degree programs and certificates

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