PhD in Education

Consider this — our society relies on educators to help us learn and grow, and in turn, change the world for the better. But who do our educators rely on ? A logical thought would be the supervisors above them, their mentors, or their fellow educators who work in the field with them day in and day out.

While all correct answers, ultimately educators and supervisors alike rely heavily on the latest scientific research in the field of education to inform their methodologies and practice. Solid, data-proven research drives education policy and affects how educators operate in their interactions with students, parents, and fellow educators, so it is imperative that new research is continually being performed.

To address this need, SMU houses a Ph.D. in Education program that is designed primarily to encourage and produce scientific research in the field of education and cultivate academics in this area. This resource aims to demonstrate the value of that research, explore current research occurring in the field, and exemplify how SMU offers high-caliber research opportunities to its doctoral candidates.

Why earn a Ph.D. in Education?

Albert Einstein may not have been speaking of the challenges of our current day, but his words ring true nonetheless. Serious issues within education today such as creating and implementing educational models for children with learning and other disabilities, developing accurate ways to measure student success, and studying the impact of paying for higher education — all these problems must be addressed through evidence-based methods of research.

For these changes in teaching methodology, policy, and educational practices to occur, proper and thorough research must first be conducted to inform educators and administrators of the most effective applications. This research must then be followed by a translation of research to practice.

The goal of a Ph.D. in Education program is to cultivate scholars — those who are passionate about conducting and publishing research. Education is ideally an “evidence-based” practice, centered on scientific inquiry. High-caliber, cutting-edge, and quality research is essential for improving educational practice in our world today.

SMU's Moody School of Graduate and Advanced Studies is proud to offer doctoral and master’s degrees in a wide variety of fields across four different colleges and schools: the Dedman College of Humanities and Sciences, the Lyle School of Engineering, the Meadows School of the Arts, and the Simmons School of Education and Human Development. These programs help students to pursue their passions and make significant contributions to both academia and industry.

• 32 Doctoral degrees
• 120+ Masters degrees
• 47 Fully-funded Ph.D. fellows

Thinking about studying at SMU? Welcome!

Southern Methodist University is a private, research-driven institution focused on providing innovative, interdisciplinary, and impactful studies. Located in the international city of Dallas, TX, our graduate students get to live and learn in one of the 10 best business locations in the U.S. according to Fortune magazine.

The Moody School of Graduate and Advanced Studies, in partnership with five of SMU's Colleges and Schools, offers 32 doctoral degrees and over 120 master's degrees in addition to several professional degrees. These programs help our students pursue their passions and make significant contributions in their academic fields and beyond.

Diversity at SMU

Southern Methodist University is committed to nurturing an inclusive, respectful, and intellectually challenging environment for all of our graduate students.

We believe that a supportive community embracing individual viewpoints and backgrounds leads to a more rigorous academic environment and a more fulfilling experience for all.