Programs leading to the doctor of philosophy (PhD) degree are offered in counselor education, educational leadership, higher education administration, educational psychology, educational research, elementary education, kinesiology, instructional leadership, school psychology, secondary education (music education is available as a teaching field within secondary education), and special education.

A masters degree from an accredited institution is required for admission into most of the EdD or PhD program in the College of Education. Some program areas, however, will consider applicants with only a bachelor’s degree for admission into a 90 hour doctoral degree program. Other objective and subjective criteria are employed to select students whose success can be reasonably predicted. Some doctoral programs have further prerequisites for admission such as a professional teaching certificate and/or certain experience in teaching or a related activity. Those who wish to pursue doctoral study in the College of Education should communicate directly with the head of the department to ensure they meet the prerequisites for the area in which they wish to study.