The Education Doctoral Programs prepare scholars who advance education research and practice and maintain the integrity and vitality of the profession. Our graduates are stewards of the discipline, individuals entrusted with preserving, creating, and applying knowledge in education and with communicating educational knowledge to others.

North Dakota State University offers both the Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) and Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) degrees in Education, with an emphasis in Adult and Community Education, Institutional Effectiveness, or Organizational Learning and Leadership. The Ph.D. emphasizes the study and synthesis of theory and research. The purpose of the Ph.D. is to produce dedicated scholar-researchers committed to the advancement of knowledge and scholarship in the field and scholar-practitioners with a strong depth in research preparation for practice. The Ed.D. degree focuses on translating theory and research into practice, and has the larger goal of preparing scholar-practitioners who will be well-informed, credible leaders in the field.

Adult & Community Education

The Adult & Community Education curriculum was designed to provide the knowledge, skills and experiences necessary for understanding the nature, function, and scope of adult learning both inside and outside of formal educational settings. This option area focuses on preparing individuals to engage in lifelong learning, working with adults of all ages and in all settings including the workplace, military training and education, universities, adult literacy programs, adult basic education, community education, libraries, museums, and social service agencies.

More information on the Adult & Community Education emphasis in Education can be found here.

Institutional Effectiveness

The Institutional Effectiveness curriculum was designed to provide the knowledge, skills and experiences necessary for understanding institutional performance both inside and outside of formal education settings. This option area focuses on the role of assessment, evaluation, and other research and analysis techniques in supporting institutional planning, policy formation, and decision-making. The Institutional Effectiveness option at NDSU was the first program in the nation with this focus at the doctoral level.

More information on the Institutional Effectiveness emphasis in Education can be found here.

Organizational Learning & Leadership

The Organizational Learning and Leadership curriculum was designed to provide the knowledge, skills and experiences necessary for understanding leadership both inside and outside of formal education settings. This option area focuses on exploring leadership in multiple contexts and from various perspectives, with an emphasis on integrating disciplinary knowledge with theories and practices of leadership.

More information on the Organizational Learning & Leadership emphasis in Education can be found here. here.