Ph.D. in Educational Studies

FULLY ONLINE PROGRAM AVAILABLE

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The Department of Teacher Education and Higher Education (TEHE) at UNC Greensboro houses two vibrant Ph.D. in Educational Studies programs, one with a concentration in Higher Education (HED) and another with a concentration in Teacher Education and Development (TED). This program is designed to develop scholar-researchers, scholar-teachers, and scholar-activists who generate, understand, and apply usable new knowledge related to the education of novice and experienced teachers. Such scholarship connects research with practice, is informed by our mutual belief in socio-cultural and constructivist theories of how people learn, promotes the advocacy of excellence and equity in education for all learners, and facilitates the development of teachers as leaders.

ph.d. in educational studies Program Distinctions

UNCG’s School of Education has been consistently rated as one of the “Top Graduate Schools of Education” by U.S. News & World Report.

Rather than following a rigid curriculum, students develop a personalized plan of study with faculty advisors and dissertation committees that align with their research interests and career aspirations.

The program features two specialized pathways for distinct career goals:

• Teacher Education and Development (TED)
• Higher Education (HED)

More About the Educational Studies Concentrations

The Teacher Education and Development concentration features a strong focus on preparing scholar-researchers, teacher educators, and educational leaders who connect research directly to educational practice and improvement. This concentration can be completed as either a full-time or part-time student. Courses are offered primarily online in the evenings, to accommodate working professionals. The program is typically takes 4-5 years to complete, but can vary based on individual goals and circumstances.

The Higher Education concentration combines the flexibility of a fully online format with rigorous research training, faculty mentorship, and a strong commitment to advancing higher education research and transforming practice to build more equitable postsecondary environments. Students gain opportunities to teach, publish, present at conferences, and collaborate with nationally-recognized faculty while preparing for leadership roles across colleges, universities, and higher education organizations. This is one of only two Higher Education Ph.D. programs in North Carolina.

Your Experience As an educational studies Ph.D. Student

The program emphasizes producing scholar-researchers, scholar-teachers, and scholar-activists who connect rigorous research with meaningful improvements in educational practice rather than research for its own sake.

Coursework and research are grounded in socio-cultural and constructivist perspectives, preparing graduates to address issues such as educational equity and access across K-12 and higher education settings. Both concentrations require a minimum of 60 credit hours to complete.

Doctoral students are encouraged to collaborate on faculty research, present at regional and national conferences, publish scholarly work, and participate in professional organizations throughout their program.

After Graduating with a ph.d. in educational studies

Graduates of the program will possess the skill required and will be well-prepared for continued success as higher education administrators, researchers, and educators.

Graduates from UNCG’s Ph.D. in Teacher Education & Development program hold impactful professional positions such as:

• Curriculum and instructional materials developers.
• University, teacher educators, or higher education faculty.
• Educational researchers.
• School, district, and statewide leadership positions.
• Leadership and research positions in federal and state government, post-secondary institutions, research organizations, and governmental /non-governmental agencies.
• Analysts and consultants with private companies, political advocacy groups, education or research think tanks, and professional associations.
• Vice presidents and senior administrators.
• Academic affairs leaders.
• Student affairs professionals.
• Academic advising and international education directors.