Online Doctoral Degrees

Capella University is one of the only regionally accredited online universities in the nation to achieve state approval for this PhD specialization. Completing a state-approved program at an accredited institution may qualify you for licensure examination depending on requirements in your home state.

Specializations:

Curriculum and instruction experts at the building and district level are in high demand. In this online doctoral specialization, licensed teachers can gain key competencies through theoretical study and collaboration with seasoned practitioners. This specialization focuses on tools and techniques to prepare learners for leadership curriculum and instructional improvement using instructional models and assessments increase student achievement.

Residency Requirements: As a doctoral learner you will attend residential colloquia in addition to your online courses. At specific milestones in your program, you will attend three colloquia, each one week in length.

In this online PhD specialization in instructional design, you will gain the knowledge and skills to lead and manage instructional challenges in a variety of online settings. You will apply current instructional theory to organize, design, teach, and evaluate course work according to tested principles for online education.

Residency Requirements: As a doctoral learner you will attend residential colloquia in addition to your online courses. Taken during specific milestones in your program, you will attend three colloquia, each one week in length.

The K–12 studies in education specialization is designed for K–12 career-oriented professionals who wish to excel as scholar-practitioners. You will study current issues in education with a focus on research-based competencies. The flexibility of this specialization allows you to create an individualized doctoral program that fits your unique interests, from the instruction of specific subjects to broad topics such as leadership.

Residency Requirements: As a doctoral learner you will attend residential colloquia in addition to your online courses. Taken during specific milestones in your program, you will attend three colloquia, each one week in length.

The leadership for higher education specialization prepares learners for senior positions in community colleges, universities, or other postsecondary institutions. The curriculum will prepare you to be a bold, innovative, and ethical leader. You will develop key problem-solving and research skills that will transfer to the leadership challenges you will face in positions such as department chair, academic dean, provost, or president.

Residency Requirements: As a doctoral learner you will attend residential colloquia in addition to your online courses. Taken during specific milestones in your program, you will attend three colloquia, each one week in length.

The leadership in educational administration specialization is aligned with nationally recognized school leadership standards including the Interstate School Leaders Licensure Consortium (ISLLC). Throughout your course work and research, you will develop leadership and problem-solving skills that will help you become a confident, innovative, and successful administrative leader. This PhD specialization is state-approved in Minnesota and may lead to principal or superintendent licensure depending on the requirements in your home state.

Residency Requirements: As a doctoral learner you will attend residential colloquia in addition to your online courses. Taken during specific milestones in your program, you will attend three colloquia, each one week in length.

The postsecondary and adult education specialization will enhance your ability to teach in a variety of settings. The curriculum focuses on major theories of adult learning and distance education and on the application of theory to develop effective learning communities. You will develop critical analysis and research skills and gain the knowledge necessary to develop best practices in postsecondary instruction. This program places special emphasis on creating productive learning environments for individuals from a variety of backgrounds.

Residency Requirements: As a doctoral learner you will attend residential colloquia in addition to your online courses. Taken during specific milestones in your program, you will attend three colloquia, each one week in length.

This PhD specialization is designed for experienced educators who wish to excel as teachers, consultants, or researchers. This online degree program provides optimal opportunity to focus on areas of study that interest you most where you will develop advanced critical thinking, problem solving, and research skills.

Residency Requirements: As a doctoral learner you will attend residential colloquia in addition to your online courses. Taken during specific milestone in your program, you will attend three colloquia, each one week in length.

This online PhD specialization will help you combine practice with theory and advanced skills in critical thinking, research, and problem solving. The program will deepen your understanding of strategic and tactical issues that are critical to the success of performance improvement interventions. The training and performance improvement curriculum is based on the Human Performance Model developed by the American Society of Training and Development (ASTD).

Residency Requirements: As a doctoral learner you will attend residential colloquia in addition to your online courses. Taken during specific milestones in your program, you will attend three colloquia, each one week in length.