• Chapman University graduates pose at commencement ceremony in their regalia
Attallah College of Educational Studies

» Ph.D. in Education

The Ph.D. in Education program at Chapman University’s Attallah College of Educational Studies is intended primarily for individuals seeking a career in higher education or in other research-oriented leadership fields.

Chapman's Ph.D. program focuses on the formulation of new ways to think about issues and solve problems in the field of education. The Ph.D. in Education offers five emphases: 

  • Cultural and Curricular Studies
  • Disability Studies
  • Leadership Studies
  • School Psychology (not accepting at this time)
  • Teacher Education

Why Attallah College?

  • Faculty mentorship of students
  • A rigorous core of philosophy, foundations and research methods courses
  • Small cohort model with entry each fall 
  • Designed for working professionals with classes offered once a week at 4 p.m. or 7 p.m.
  • Internationally and nationally recognized faculty 
  • Low student-to-faculty ratio, with close collaboration between peers and doctoral faculty on publications, presentation and grant proposals
  • Travel study opportunities and summer classes available

Fully Funded Support Opportunities

The Attallah College of Educational Studies invites aspiring scholars interested in pursuing a PhD with a focus on racial equity in education to apply for a Chapman Equity Scholars Fellowship

This fully funded support opportunity seeks to cultivate knowledge, theories, and practices to address inequities where they exist in K-12 and higher education settings, and to influence and inform educational policies around equitable access to learning. The successful applicant will conduct research using quantitative or mixed methods (quantitative and qualitative combined) research approaches, and will support efforts toward securing external grant funding for this research during their doctoral studies.

Our Students and Alumni

Chapman Ph.D. in Education alumni are well positioned for a range of careers, including: higher education, K-12 education, education nonprofits, the private sector and beyond. Although nearly 45% of Ph.D. alumni become either higher education faculty or administrators, our alumni also serve as school psychologists and K-12 administrators as well as leaders within the education policy, nonprofit and private sectors. Learn more about career outcomes for our Ph.D. in Education graduates.
Alumni Highlight
Courtney Matz, Ph.D. '14
“Chapman has afforded me many opportunities through obtaining my Ph.D. in School Psychology. I truly appreciated the supportive staff and the coursework that helped guide my current career trajectory. I continue to adopt the steward of the discipline philosophy in all that I do.”
Alumni Highlight
Ashley McAdams, Ph.D. '16
“Chapman University has had an incredible impact on the leader that I am today. The professors encouraged me to engage in critical thinking to further understand research and educational principles. I even had the opportunity to study abroad in Spain as part of my doctoral studies and have many cherished memories from that enlightening experience.”

More Information


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Contact Us


Keith Howard, Ph.D.
Director of the Ph.D. in Education Program
(714) 628-2868
khoward@chapman.edu

Questions?


Ph.D. in Education
educationphd@chapman.edu

Graduate Financial Aid
gradfinaid@chapman.edu
(714) 628-2730

Application Deadlines (Fall Start)


Priority Application Deadline: February 1, 2025

Regular Application Deadline: March 14, 2025

Please note: To be considered for fellowship opportunities, prospective students must submit their application by the priority deadline date.