Course Overview!

The online PhD in Elementary Education at Ball State University caters to students aiming for professorial roles in higher education. The program emphasizes advanced research skills, teaching, and service, contributing to the advancement of the field. It offers flexibility through a fully online format with customizable specializations in areas like literacy, reading, and early childhood education. Graduates often pursue postsecondary teaching or leadership positions as administrators, policymakers, or education specialists. Students with an online master's in elementary education may transfer up to 27 credits. The program boasts experienced faculty, small class sizes, and a strong reputation built on Ball State's history as a Teachers College. The curriculum includes challenging coursework and opportunities for field experience, fostering in-depth knowledge in the chosen specialization.

Course Structure

The PhD program comprises 91-97 graduate credits, with at least 48 from Ball State University. A minimum 40-credit major is required, including a 10-credit dissertation. Students choose from two 15-credit cognates or one 24-credit cognate. One 15-credit cognate or the 24-credit cognate must focus on research and include quantitative and qualitative research coursework. Basic required courses include statistical methods, intermediate statistics, research colloquium, and choices within behavior and humanistic studies. Specialized coursework (30 credits) focuses on elementary education, early childhood education, or literacy/reading education. The program also includes a doctoral seminar in elementary education and a dissertation research project.