University of San Diego

What you'll study

This PhD is designed to develop rigorous researchers and scholar-practitioners. Core work combines advanced research methods with substantive specialisms such as educational leadership, curriculum and instruction, special education, learning sciences, educational policy and equity. Students undertake coursework in advanced quantitative methods, advanced qualitative methods, mixed methods, and statistical modelling, alongside seminars in theory and contemporary issues in education.

• Research methods and statistics: advanced quantitative analysis, multilevel modelling, longitudinal data analysis, qualitative methodologies, and mixed-methods design.
• Theory and foundations: philosophy of education, sociocultural theories of learning, history of education, and critical perspectives on equity and access.
• Specialist seminars: options typically include educational leadership and administration, curriculum development, special and inclusive education, teacher education, assessment and evaluation, policy analysis, and educational technology.
• Practicum and fieldwork: sustained research placements with local school districts, community organisations or research centres to support applied study and data collection.
• Qualifying examinations and dissertation: after completing coursework, students pass qualifying or comprehensive assessments and develop an original doctoral dissertation under faculty supervision that contributes new knowledge to the field.

Entry requirements

Applicants are typically expected to hold a relevant master’s degree or equivalent with a strong academic record. Typical application materials include transcripts, a current curriculum vitae, a statement of research interests and goals, a writing sample (such as a master’s thesis or research paper), and academic or professional references. Admissions decisions also consider relevant professional experience in education, a clear research agenda, and fit with faculty expertise. Some applicants may be invited to interview as part of the selection process. International applicants should demonstrate English language proficiency in accordance with the university’s requirements.

Career prospects

Graduates of the PhD in Education pursue careers across academic, policy and applied settings. Common career paths include:

• University faculty positions in colleges and schools of education, teaching and supervising new teachers and conducting original research.
• Research roles in independent research centres, think tanks and non-profit organisations focused on education policy, assessment and program evaluation.
• Leadership and administrative roles in K–12 districts and higher education institutions, including director-level and policy leadership positions.
• Consultancy and specialist positions in curriculum development, instructional design, assessment, and inclusive education.
• Positions in government agencies and intergovernmental organisations working on education reform, accountability and equity initiatives.

Why study at University of San Diego

The University of San Diego’s doctoral education pathway is housed in the School of Leadership and Education Sciences (SOLES), which emphasises research grounded in practice and a commitment to social justice. Students benefit from small cohort sizes, close faculty mentorship, and opportunities to collaborate with local school districts and community partners across the San Diego region. The university’s Jesuit, Catholic mission foregrounds ethical leadership and equity in education, while the campus’s location provides access to a diverse range of educational settings for fieldwork and applied research. Doctoral students also have opportunities to engage in interdisciplinary scholarship across health, social sciences and policy fields through university-wide centres and initiatives.