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.
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 mainly has links to online doctoral education programs. If you want to study an on campus program, go to the on campus programs page.
Browse this list of selected elementary education doctoral programs (and other relevant online PhD education programs) available and the schools offering them, or use the search form.
What does a Phd elementary education degree cover?
Elementary education PhD 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.
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.
Browse the schools below to find a suitable school and program. Request information from several schools and compare the admission requirements and course content before you choose a program.
This week's featured online schools are:
This week's featured program is:
This week's featured on-campus schools are:

Edited by:
Wanjira Kinuthia, Georgia State University
Stewart Marshall, The University of the West Indies
This book integrates research, action research, best practice and case studies detailing how some educators have embraced the opportunities afforded by mobile learning. [... read more ...]
Military friendly colleges welcome military applicants - those who are serving, or have served, in the Army, Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, or National Guard.
Find out about military friendly colleges ...
MBAs are the most popular programs. They are ideal for people in management and administration wishing to upgrade their qualifications.
Click here to choose an MBA Program
Recommended online schools for students living outside US: