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Interested in our online doctoral programs in elementary education? Our program faculty and student success staff will present an overview of the programs, the admission requirements and deadlines, and more, with time for you to ask questions. Just by registering, you can apply for free.
The doctorate of education (EdD) in elementary education was designed for busy school professionals interested in advanced development, those who seek leadership roles, and who want to provide a greater service to their profession. Many of our graduates teach at the college or university level. Others have leadership positions such as administrators, policy makers, and education specialists.
In this flexible, fully online program, candidates can focus on a variety of areas within elementary education, such as diversity, literacy/reading, early childhood education, curriculum development and assessment, technology, and more. As one of the few fully online EdD programs in the Midwest, our program is customizable to meet each candidate's specific goals.
Students who have completed or will complete the online master's in elementary education (MAE in elementary education) can apply up to 27 credits from their master’s degree toward the EdD requirements as a head start in their course work.
If your career goal is to become a professor in the elementary education field, the 100% online PhD in Elementary Education can help you achieve that goal.
Program Benefits
Ball State has a long history and excellent reputation as a teacher's college. You'll develop an in-depth knowledge in your area of interest through program activities that include in-service training, research and publication, college teaching, curriculum development, clinical or laboratory work, and graduate courses in your major and related subjects.
We have an accomplished faculty who have received recognition for their work on the national and international levels. Our small class sizes mean you will consistently interact with your professors, allowing for mentoring and careful monitoring of your progress.
You'll develop an in-depth knowledge in your area of interest through program activities that include in-service training, research and publication, college teaching, curriculum development, clinical or laboratory work, and graduate courses in your major and related subjects.
All of our courses are offered 100 percent online. The flexibility of our online format gives you the convenience to complete weekly course work at a time and place that best fit into your work, family, and extracurricular schedules. Many of our students are busy school professionals who continue working full-time while pursuing their degree. Students can choose from three start dates – Fall, Spring, or Summer – to help accommodate their schedules.
Summer Job Leads Alissa M. to Career in Early Childhood
“One year I was presenting at a conference in Indianapolis, and Dr. Taylor was waiting outside of the room to meet me face to face,” says Alissa. “That was probably the most meaningful thing that happened to me during my program.”
READ HER STORY
Course Requirements
This doctorate program consists of 91 graduate credits, of which at least 48 credits must be completed at Ball State University. The program includes a 40-credit (minimum) major (of which 10 credits are for the dissertation), and a 24-credit (minimum) cognate field. The 24-credit cognate must include a minimum of 12 Ball State University credits. Candidates must also complete a 10-credit dissertation project that addresses a problem of practice.
The Teachers College is accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation. Learn more.
Basic Required Courses
- EDPS 641 Statistical Methods in Educational and Psychological Research (3 credits)
- EDPS 642 Intermediate Statistics (3 credits)
- ID 705 Research Colloquium (2 credits)
- One course in Behavior Studies (3 credits)
- One course in Humanistic Studies (3 credits)
Prerequisite
EDPS 640 Methodology of Educational and Psychological Research, or its equivalent, is a prerequisite for the doctoral program. Graduate students who enter without this credit, must meet the requirement as a deficiency rather than as part of the program.
Area of Specialization
Doctorate of education candidates will complete 27 credits of course work in an area of specialization. Students determine courses for their specialization with their doctoral committees. Candidates will select one of the three following areas of specialization:
- Elementary Education (EDEL)
- Early Childhood Education (ECYF)
- Literacy/Reading Education (EDRD)
Cognate Area
EdD candidates will complete one 24-credit cognate. Students determine courses for their cognate with their doctoral committees.
*EdD candidates who pursue the research cognate must meet the following requirements:
- a minimum of two quantitative research courses
- a minimum of two qualitative research courses
- additional research courses approved by the committee
Additional Requirements
- Doctoral Seminar in Elementary Education (10 credits)
- EDEL 694 Internship in Elementary Education (3 credits)
- EDHI 710 Advanced Research Seminar in Higher Education (3 credits)
- Dissertation (10 credits)
For a complete list of courses and their descriptions, see the course catalog.
View Catalog
Ball State has joined the Federal Academic Alliance and is offering reduced tuition rates for all eligible, non-Indiana resident Federal Government Employees (civil servants), spouses, dependents, and retirees who enroll in online graduate-level programs and courses through Ball State’s Teachers College. Learn more.
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Are you interested in pursuing this degree? Then you will need to meet our admissions criteria and apply.
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Ball State is authorized by the U.S. Department of Education to accept online students from all U.S. states. However, if you are considering a program that leads to professional licensure, some states may have additional regulations. Review our state authorization website if you live outside of Indiana and contact us if you have questions.
More Information
For additional information about the doctoral program, please fill out the online information form, or reach out by email or phone to program advisor Becky Druetzler.