What Can I Do with A
PhD in Education
Program Curriculum Designed to Complete Research
4 or 5
Years to complete
Research Dissertation Required
Online + Asynchronous + Synchronous sessions
Career Pathways
Requirements for the Degree
A grade of less than “B-” is not acceptable for credit in this program, and the courses in which the grade was earned will not count toward the doctoral degree. USD's policy on repetition of courses will be enforced.
I. Core Requirements
(Successful completion of the EDSJ Orientation Courses is also required: EDUC 661 Intro to Doctoral Study Year I, EDUC 662 Doctoral Study Year II, EDUC 663 Doctoral Study Year III)
EDUC 601 | Critical Social Theory and Education | 3 |
EDUC 602 | Educational Research & Methods | 3 |
EDUC 603 | History of Education for Social Justice | 3 |
EDUC 604 | Education and Globalization | 3 |
EDUC 605 | Language, Race, and Culture in Education | 3 |
EDUC 606 | Educational Politics & Policy | 3 |
EDUC 607 | Quantitative Research Methods and Design in Education I | 3 |
EDUC 609 | Qualitative Research Methods and Design in Education I | 3 |
EDUC 610 | Qualitative Research Methods and Design in Education II | 3 |
EDUC 611 | Social Justice Praxis in Educational Organizations | 3 |
EDUC 612 | Disability, Access, Assets, and Intersectionality in Education | 3 |
EDUC 650 | Doctoral Seminar I | 3 |
EDUC 651 | Doctoral Seminar II | 3 |
EDUC 652 | Doctoral Seminar III | 3 |
EDUC 695 | Dissertation | 9 |
EDUC 5XX | SOLES Global Course (Consult your Advisor) | 3 |
Total Units | 54 | |
Doctoral candidates must maintain continuous enrollment until the dissertation is completed. Average completion for the degree is estimated at 4 to 5 years. | ||
II. International Experience
Consult your advisor for International Course course/program selection.
At SOLES, all master's and doctoral students participate in an international experience designed to support the growth of cultural competency. Our goal is to inform best practices in working with culturally diverse populations locally, nationally and globally. International experiences are approved by each student's faculty advisor.
III. Advancement to Candidacy - Part A
Complete Part A: Qualifying Exam (Paper).
IV. Advancement to Candidacy - Part B
Student Advance to Candidacy in EDUC 651 Doctoral Seminar II where they prepare to present at their dissertation proposal colloquium. After successful completion of the colloquium, the candidate will receive the advancement to candidacy letter.
V. Dissertation
Successful written and oral defense of the dissertation is required for graduation.
After completing all required units of EDUC 695, candidates must register for 1 unit each semester to maintain candidacy until the final, approved dissertation is submitted to the Office of the Registrar. This requirement will exceed the minimum program units of 54-semester units.
Additional resources to help you excel
Questions?
Connect with the Office of Admissions and Outreach team to learn more information about SOLES master's and doctoral programs. Additional information for international applicants is also available.