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Doctor of Philosophy in Education (PhD)

Numerous faculty positions at colleges and universities go unfilled each year due to a lack of qualified candidates. In fact, there is a need for quality teacher education programs at the university level nationwide. SPU is helping to address both these needs through its Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree in Education, a research-based program designed to prepare students to serve as college- and university-level educators.

Who Should Pursue This Degree

If you are an experienced educator and are interested in becoming a college- or university-level educator who is able both to teach effectively and to conduct publishable research and other scholarly work, then this program is for you.

Designed for working professionals, the PhD program offers most classes on weekday evenings (usually 4:30–7:05 p.m.) and on some Saturdays. In summer, classes may be offered during the day.

Benefits

A PhD in Education is the preferred degree for teaching in higher education. Seattle Pacific’s program is designed to provide the appropriate blend of rigor, best practice, and original research to prepare you for a university career. The program emphasizes teaching and learning theory, research design, and university teaching. Distinctives of the program include:

  • Small, focused classes with personalized instruction
  • An excellent faculty with proven expertise and a strong desire to help students succeed in the program
  • A sense of community that helps students develop supportive relationships
  • A comprehensive research component that prepares students to explore and understand both quantitative and qualitative research designs
  • Opportunities for involvement in undergraduate and graduate teacher preparation programming

Program Outline

The program outline includes a description of program components, program schedule, course requirements, suggested course sequence, and prerequisite coursework. The official degree requirements for this graduate program are stated in the SPU Graduate Catalog in effect when you are accepted to this program.

Admission Information

What is required for admission to the PhD program? Find information about admission requirements and procedures. The official admission requirements for this graduate program are stated in the SPU Graduate Catalog in effect when you are accepted to this program.

Faculty Contact

Andrew Lumpe

Professor, Associate Dean of Graduate Programs, Director of Doctoral Programs

Email: lumpea@spu.edu
Phone: 206-281-2369
Office: Peterson Hall 305

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Did You Know?

Help IconThe SPU School of Education offers an EdD, as well.

Arthur K. Ellis

Why I Teach at SPU

Arthur K. Ellis, Professor of Education; Director of the Center for Global Curriculum Studies

"I teach at SPU because this is the place where I help improve education for teachers and administrators throughout Washington. Over the years, I have come to realize that educating and caring for my students has an exponential effect on the lives of young people across Washington, and even across the nation. I could not imagine being anywhere else – or doing any other work – as important as this."

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