GRADUATE Programs CORVALLIS
Doctor of Philosophy in Education
The Doctor of Philosophy in Education is designed for students to develop their research skills and make meaningful change in the field of education. This in-person program offers three option areas and can be taken part-time or full-time.
Advance knowledge and transform education
Our Doctor of Philosophy in Education program is an in-person, research-oriented degree based in Corvallis, Oregon. In this program, you’ll have unique opportunities to develop your research skills alongside world-class faculty whose expertise aligns with your interests.
Upon completing this program, you’ll be prepared to influence important educational issues across local, national, and international contexts. This might include becoming an educational researcher or a faculty member in colleges, universities, or community settings.
Equity-based doctoral study
We are committed to equity in education with expertise in cultural and social aspects of education across all contexts. Faculty draw on diverse theoretical perspectives, community engagement and policy work at the community, state, and national levels.
Choose your option area
The Ph.D.-Edu program offers three option areas for students: Agricultural Education; Language, Equity and Educational Policy, and Science/Mathematics Education.
You can choose to take coursework across two or more of the options’ content courses if desired. With an average class size of ten students, every step of your coursework is supported by our advisors and faculty.
Frequently Asked Questions
No, you don’t have to attend full-time! Many students enroll part-time throughout their PhD program.
Yes, you can work and get your Ph.D. A number of our students work full or part-time while they are pursuing their degree. The program attempts to schedule required coursework on only a few days a week and often in later afternoons in order to accommodate those who are working.
The Ph.D.-Edu program at Oregon State is a synchronous on-campus program located in Corvallis, Oregon. We do not offer online or hybrid courses. Students should plan to attend all classes in person.
No, our program does not require a GRE.
OSU Office of Graduate Education makes that determination based on transcripts and other application materials that are submitted with an application. Information is available on the graduate admissions website. Exceptions to English language testing for a number of English speaking countries are listed.
Students are accepted into the program one time per year, for matriculation the following fall term. The applications portal opens mid-September for the admission for the following Fall. The priority deadline to be considered for admission and funding is December 1. The final deadline for admissions decisions is August 1.
We do not require you to have a faculty sponsor during the admissions process because the decisions are made collectively by the faculty. If one of our faculty’s research areas resonates with you, you should focus on that connection in your admission application essay. You can also name potential faculty mentors in your application, but faculty still assign Major Professors after admission.
The College of Education offers a few graduate teaching and research assistantships based on a number of factors, such as what funding is available, if the student has research interest in an area that aligns with one of our faculty, faculty advising capacity, grant funding parameters, among other things. GA placements are determined by the faculty once students are accepted into the program. Other GA positions are often available through an application process with administrative units throughout the university.
To be considered for a graduate research or teaching assistantship or a fellowship, please submit an application by December 1. (The final deadline for applicants not seeking an assistantship or fellowship is January 5). Only those applications with all the required documents at the deadline will be considered by the faculty. If your application is missing a reference letter or transcript, the faculty will not review it.
Yes, the Graduate School may approve up to 39 credits to be transferred towards your Education PhD degree, depending on the option you are focusing on (AgEd, LEEP, Sci/Math Ed) and a number of other factors. Review the Graduate School’s information on transfer credits for more information.
The Ph.D.-Edu program offers a practicum course where students can choose from options such as helping supervise student teachers, work with faculty on teaching courses, or run educational programs. Students gain research experience with college faculty or around the OSU campus.
Are you ready to take your next steps?
Get in touch with our team to learn more about the College of Education.