Ph.D. in Education

Empower your academic journey with a personalized, research-intensive program that prepares you to lead and innovate in diverse educational settings.

Why a Ph.D. in Education at Chapman University?

Advance your expertise, collaborate with leading scholars, and prepare to shape the future of education with Chapman’s Ph.D. in Education.

Fully Funded Support Opportunities Available

All priority-deadline Ph.D. applicants are considered for multiyear (renewable) tuition fellowships and graduate assistantships.

Flexible, Rigorous Curriculum

Late afternoon/evening classes that meet once a week and are designed to accommodate working professionals.

Professional Growth Opportunities

Work with internationally acclaimed faculty on publications, presentations, grant proposals, and travel study experiences.

Expert Faculty Mentorship

Work closely with nationally and internationally recognized scholars throughout your doctoral journey.

Career Preparation

Prepare for careers in both K-12 and higher education, research and leadership across the educational spectrum, nonprofit organizations, policy institutions, and the private sector throughout the United States.

Specialized Emphases to Strengthen Expertise

Cultural and Curricular Studies (CCS)

Disability Studies (DS)

Leadership Studies (LS)

Educational Psychology (EP)

Teacher Education (TE)

Duration

Full-time: 3.5 – 4 years

Part-time: 4.5 – 5 years

Application deadline(s)

Priority Deadline:

December 1, 2025

Regular Deadline:

February 2, 2026

Late Deadline:

March 16, 2026

Grants

Travel and Research Grants ($1K/yr)

Format

In-person classes held on our Orange campus.

Start semesters

Fall Semester

Cost per credit

$1750.00

Fellowships

Equity Scholars Fellowship: Fully covered full-time tuition ($103K over 4 years)

Graduate Assistantship opportunities ($24K/yr)

Attallah College of Educational Studies

We prepare educators, counselors, leaders, and researchers to create lasting impact in schools, nonprofits, and higher education. Supported by expert faculty, professional accreditations, and 12,000+ alumni worldwide, we are shaping a more just and equitable future.

Hear from our Students/Alumni

Mirvais Aminy

Ph.D. in Education '27

Chapman’s Ph.D. in Education program strikes the perfect balance of rigor and support. The faculty are approachable, collaborative, and treat students like future colleagues. What we learn in class can be applied immediately in our professional roles.

Dr. Maryann Krikorian

Ph.D. in Education ’16; Clinical Assistant Professor, Dept. of Teaching and Learning, Loyola Marymount University

My time at Chapman positions me well to advocate for learners as integrated whole beings, creating space for healing and humanity for the generations to come.

Dr. Rodney Hume-Dawson

Ph.D. in Education ’17; Lecturer, Cal Poly Pomona

It was not just an academic experience; it was a spiritual rebirth. The program gave me the tools and confidence to pursue my passion for social justice in education and to become a voice for those who are often unheard.

Faculty Spotlights

Our distinguished faculty bring research expertise and a commitment to mentorship, guiding students to connect theory with real-world impact.

Dr. Keith Howard

Professor

Expertise: K-12 Computer Science; Equity in Access to STEM Education; National Longitudinal Dataset Analyses; K-12 Program Evaluation; Career and Technical Education Research

Dr. Whitney McIntyre Miller

Associate Professor

Expertise: Peace Leadership; Community Development; Postconflict Societies; Student Philanthropy

Request More Information

Take the next step toward becoming a leader in education. Complete the form to learn more about Chapman’s Ph.D. in Education, funding opportunities, faculty mentorship, and the pathways our graduates pursue in higher education, K-12 leadership, nonprofits, and policy. Our team will connect with you to guide you through the application process and answer your questions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there any information sessions offered?

Attallah College of Educational Studies offers monthly graduate information sessions. Please fill out the form and we will reach out to you with dates for the upcoming information sessions.

What is the program tuition?

The Ph.D. in Education program admits a select number of fully funded students each year. Funded students receive tuition coverage along with additional support through assistantships, research opportunities, and other benefits.

The program requires 57 credits at a cost of $1,750 per credit. It can typically be completed in 3.5–4 years of full-time study or 4.5–5 years on a part-time basis.

To learn more about funding options and opportunities specific to you, please fill out the request for information form.

Is financial support available?

All priority deadline Ph.D. applicants will be considered for multiyear (renewable) tuition fellowships and graduate assistantships.

These options include:
Graduate Student Instructor (GSI): GSIs primarily teach undergraduate courses in a classroom setting.

Graduate Research Assistantships (GRA): GRAs are selected based on merit, relevant experience and skills, and compatibility with a project’s research goals.

Graduate Teaching Assistantships (GTA): GTAs shadow a faculty member, support in grading papers, and earn qualifications to teach the course.

Chapman Equity Scholars Fellowship: Fully funded support opportunity to cultivate knowledge, theories, and practices to address inequities where they exist in K-12 and higher education settings, and to influence and inform educational policies around equitable access to learning.

Where is Chapman University located?

Chapman University is located in the City of Orange, California, near historic Old Towne Orange. Our beautiful campus is centrally located in Orange County, a short distance from the 5, 55, 22, and 91 freeways.