Top 10 Part-Time PhD in Education Degree Programs 2025

A Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in education is a terminal degree that prepares students for high-level careers in academia and research. While many learners enroll in these programs full-time, individuals with busy schedules often need more flexible options. Fortunately, schools nationwide offer accredited part-time PhD in education degrees. Read on to learn about these programs and where to find them.

Can You Earn a PhD in Education Part-Time?

Yes, it's possible to earn a PhD in education part-time. Some institutions offer standalone part-time programs, while many others enable learners to choose from part-time and full-time enrollment. When studying part-time, learners usually take half the course load of a full-time student. Some schools offer courses on weekends or in the evening for greater flexibility.

Can I Earn My Part-Time PhD in Education Online?

Yes, some schools offer online part-time education PhD degrees. You might encounter programs with fully online coursework and no campus visits or hybrid/blended programs that deliver some coursework online and some in person. For select programs, a brief residency or internship might be required.

How Long Does It Take to Finish a Part-Time Education PhD?

The timeframe to complete a part-time PhD in education varies by school. However, part-time programs usually take longer than full-time programs � possibly upwards of five years. If you want to graduate sooner, consider pursuing an accelerated degree. These programs offer shorter course terms, multiple start dates, and generous transfer policies, which can speed up degree completion.

Best Part-Time PhD Programs in Education

A part-time PhD in education prepares students for top careers in the field. Explore the list below to discover some of the nation's best accredited programs.

1. University of North Carolina at Greensboro

The PhD in educational leadership with a concentration in higher education at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro is a 60-credit online program with full-time and part-time enrollment options. Part-time learners take one to two classes per semester and graduate in five years.

Courses in this program explore equity in higher education and critical theory, preparing students for roles as administrators, researchers, and faculty members in higher education.

• Estimated tuition cost: $298.61 per credit (in-state); $597.22 per credit (out-of-state)
• Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)

2. University of Georgia

The University of Georgia's PhD in education, offered at the Athens campus, is designed for students seeking advanced positions in college student affairs administration and graduate student affairs preparation programs. Alongside coursework, all students (part-time and full-time) must complete at least one teaching internship, meet weekly for a doctoral seminar, and partner with faculty as a part of a research team.

• Estimated tuition cost: $427 per credit - part-time (in-state); $1,287 per credit - part-time (out-of-state)
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

3. University of Toledo

The University of Toledo is home to a 60-credit PhD in curriculum and instruction with a concentration in special education. This 100% online program offers flexible learning options, including full-time and part-time enrollment and asynchronous and synchronous class instruction.

Students learn the latest in research, theory, and practice, and can focus their studies in areas such as early intervention, preschool special needs, and severe disabilities.

• Estimated tuition cost: $571 per credit
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

4. Lehigh University

At Lehigh University, students can pursue a PhD in special education with part-time and full-time options and classes held in the late afternoon or evening. Learners enrolled part-time typically finish in five years.

Designed for students with a master's degree in special education or a related area, learners explore coursework in research design, multicultural perspectives, and statistics. They can gain practical experience through the school's Autism Services.

• Estimated tuition cost: $660 per credit
• Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)

5. Liberty University

Liberty University offers an online PhD in education with part-time and full-time enrollment options and specializations that include:

• curriculum and instruction
• educational law
• instructional design and technology
• organizational leadership
• special education

Admission requirements for this program include submitting master's degree transcripts with a 3.0 GPA. After graduating, learners will be ready to work as curriculum specialists, instructional supervisors, and college professors.

• Estimated tuition cost: $675 per credit (part-time)
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

6. University of New Hampshire

In the PhD in education program at the University of New Hampshire, learners study curriculum and instruction, leadership and policy studies, and children and youth in communities in preparation for careers in academia, policymaking, research analysis, and K-12 education.

To earn this degree, which offers part-time or full-time enrollment options, students must complete integrative coursework, a qualifying paper, and a dissertation.

• Estimated tuition cost: $820 per credit (in-state); $1,430 per credit (out-of-state)
• Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)

7. University of Rhode Island

The University of Rhode Island's campus-based PhD in education enables part-time learners to finish in five to seven years when taking two classes per semester and enrolling during the summer. In this program, which includes mostly in-person and some hybrid classes, students complete foundational and research methods courses and a dissertation.

Learners can also focus their studies in areas like adult education and TESOL/BDL.

• Estimated tuition cost: $918 per credit (in-state); $1,788 per credit (out-of-state)
• Accreditation: NECHE

8. University of Pittsburgh

The University of Pittsburgh offers a 72-credit on-campus PhD in higher education open to full-time and part-time students. Depending on course load, learners finish this program in three to five years.

The curriculum prepares students to advance their practice, research, and scholarship in higher education through major courses, first-year seminars, electives, writing workshops, and the completion of an original dissertation.

• Estimated tuition cost: $1,079 per credit (in-state); $1,933 per credit (out-of-state)
• Accreditation: MSCHE

9. Springfield College

Students seeking a part-time PhD in physical education can find a reputable program at Springfield College. This 64-credit campus-based degree starts every September and offers part-time and full-time enrollment options.

Coursework explores qualitative research methodology, athletic administration, and finance in athletics, and requires completion of a dissertation. Admission requirements include a master's degree, a resume, and an essay.

• Estimated tuition cost: $1,212 per credit
• Accreditation: NECHE

10. Drexel University

The PhD in education at Drexel University is a campus-based program preparing part-time students for careers in research and academia in five years (full-time students finish in four years). Admission requirements include a master's degree in a related field with a GPA of at least 3.25. Once enrolled, learners complete foundational education courses, research and core focus courses, electives, and dissertation research.

• Estimated tuition cost: $1,525 per credit
• Accreditation: MSCHE

How We Rank Schools

Our team rigorously vetted the institutions in this ranking list to verify that each has met the following criteria for delivering a quality academic experience:

• Accreditation: The schools above are accredited by nationally recognized organizations, such as the NECHE.
• Program flexibility: These institutions offer flexible part-time learning formats.
• Program reputation: Schools in this list deliver reputable programs with quality graduate outcomes.

FAQs About Flexible PhD in Education Programs

Are you interested in pursuing a PhD in education? Review the FAQs below to learn more about flexible program options.

How Much Does a Part-Time PhD in Education Cost?

The amount students pay to earn a part-time PhD in education depends on factors like residency and learning format. If you're looking for low-cost options, programs are available at rates lower than $600 per credit.

Is a Part-Time PhD Program in Education Worth It?

Yes, a part-time PhD in education is worth your effort and time. These programs offer flexibility for busy learners while providing the same quality learning experiences as full-time options.

How Long Does a Part-Time PhD in Education Take?

Part-time PhD programs in education generally take longer to complete than full-time programs. Depending on the school, students usually graduate in five or more years.

Are Online PhDs Taken Seriously?

Yes, employers take online PhD programs seriously since most are accredited and many come from brick-and-mortar institutions with great reputations.

Discover Online Doctoral Degrees

Take the next step toward a rewarding journey in higher education by exploring degree programs on Learn.org. Contact schools today to learn how they can help you reach your goals.