Binghamton University offers the PhD of Educational Theory, Research and Practice as a full-time degree delivered on campus at its main campus in Binghamton, United States of America. Taught in English and completed over 4 years, the program equips students with the theoretical knowledge and practical skills required for educational theory, research and practice and related professional fields. The next available intake begins on August 22, 2027.

About PhD in Educational Theory, Research and Practice

Our Department of Teaching, Learning and Educational Leadership (TLEL) offers a practitioner-based Doctorate of Education (EdD) in Educational Theory and Practice. The program encourages individuals to become leaders in educational theories and practices and is designed for experienced educators seeking to integrate theory, knowledge, research and practice to increase understanding and improve teaching and learning in a wide range of educational settings and related fields.

The program seeks to provide a broadening experience in the following areas:

Reflective professional practice – critical analysis of actions, goals and ethics
Instructional leadership – the understandings, skills and dispositions needed for the democratic transformation of schools and related settings
Inclusive and multicultural education – the understandings, skills and dispositions needed to promote sensitivity to and affirmation of cultural and other differences among students, teachers, staff and parents
Social analysis – the critical assessment of the dominant paradigms, institutional patterns and power inequities that shape education

Within this broadened perspective, specialized study occurs through assignments in core courses, a flexible electives requirement, independent study and dissertation research.

This track can also be paired with the Certificate of Advanced Study in Educational Leadership, which is a post-master's program designed to train future principals and superintendents.

Changing demographics and values inevitably cause us to rethink how our children are educated, and what the best methods are to produce capable and conscientious adults. Research comparing and contrasting modern strategies can help to illuminate new directions and better integrate broader perspectives on learning. Our program focuses on both quantitative and qualitative measures of student success, and considers the historical, philosophical, and practical challenges facing education reform in the modern world.

Requirements and Admission Criteria for PhD in Educational Theory, Research and Practice at Binghamton University

Entry Requirements

Provide a complete set of your undergraduate (and, if applicable, graduate) transcripts showing one of the following:
- You have earned a bachelor's degree (or its equivalent) from a nationally or regionally accredited college or university
- You are within one academic year of earning a bachelor’s degree (or its equivalent) from a nationally or regionally accredited college or university
- You are eligible to apply as part of a memorandum of understanding between your current institution and Binghamton University
Have earned, at minimum, one of the following:
- A 3.0 GPA over your entire undergraduate career
- A 3.0 GPA during the last 60 semester credits or 90 quarter credits of your undergraduate degree, with most courses graded regularly (not as "pass/fail")
- A 3.0 GPA in a graduate degree, with most courses graded regularly (not as "pass/fail")
- In consideration of the different grading scales used around the world, each academic department evaluates international transcripts to determine on a case-by-case basis whether they demonstrate one of the above requirements.

English Requirements

PTEMin 53
IELTSMin 6.5
TOEFLMin 80

Career Opportunities after Completing PhD in Educational Theory, Research and Practice

Alumni teach at institutions around the country, as well as serve in administrative capacities and as educational directors. The program emphasizes a balance of theoretical and applied knowledge, allowing for a wide array of potential careers at all levels of education. The most recent graduating class have enjoyed an 100% placement rate in full-time employment. Graduates of this program have gone on to notable positions at institutions such as Weber State University, Cazenovia College, Georgia College and SUNY Plattsburgh.

Tuition and Fee Information for PhD in Educational Theory, Research and Practice at Binghamton University

Application Fee 70

How to Apply for PhD in Educational Theory, Research and Practice at Binghamton University

Submit the online application and all required application materials.

You will need a valid email address to create an online application.
- For best performance, we recommend using Google Chrome to apply.
Upload all required application materials for your program to the online application.

Scan and upload the files with care, making sure they are clear, legible and complete. The graduate admissions committee will receive the files you scan and upload.
Preferred file format is PDF. Other accepted file formats include .doc, .docx, .rtf, .jpg and .tif.
Do not mail hard (paper) copies of any application materials unless specifically requested by the Office of Graduate Admissions.

Pay the $75 (USD) non-refundable graduate degree program application fee.
- You can use a Visa, MasterCard, Discover or American Express credit card. Your credit card bill serves as your receipt.
- We are happy to be able to grant application fee waivers to CSTEP, EOP, HEOP, LSAMP Program, Project 1000, SEEK Program or TRIO Program (McNair Scholars Program, Student Support Services, Upward Bound, etc.) students. Please provide a certified letter from your program official attesting to your participation. Documents can be uploaded directly on the application or by emailing [email protected].
- We are happy to be able to grant application fee waivers to GEM Fellowship applicants. Please submit a copy of your GEM interface homepage indicating that your overall application status is complete. Documents can be uploaded directly on the application or by emailing [email protected].
- United States Armed Forces veterans and active duty service members are also eligible for an application fee waiver. Please submit a copy of your Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty (DD Form 214) or your Status Report Pursuant to Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (as downloaded from https://scra.dmdc.osd.mil). Documents can be uploaded directly on the application or by emailing them to [email protected].
- Please note that a request for an application fee waiver may take 2 to 3 business days to process. Please wait for an email stating that your request has been approved before submitting your application. If you have any questions about this process, please contact us at [email protected].
Submit the online application and all required application materials by your program's application deadline.

Review these reminders before you apply:

We recommend you begin the application process at least one month before your program's application deadline.
You may apply to more than one program at a time. If you receive an admission decision for more than one program, you can only confirm your intent to enroll for one program at a time. Any remaining applications will be automatically withdrawn once you have confirmed your intent to enroll by paying your admission deposit. Exceptions will be made for individuals applying to approved dual- and double-degree programs.
Take care when selecting your program. The Office of Graduate Admissions cannot make any changes to your program once we receive and begin review of your application.

If you are a former Binghamton University student (undergraduate, graduate or non-degree/non-matriculated) and have changed your name, file an official name change form with the Office of Financial Aid and Student Records before submitting an application.
If you are an international student, review the additional admission requirements for international students before submitting an application.
If you are interested in transferring graduate credits from another institution to Binghamton University, review the policies regarding the transfer of graduate credits before submitting an application. The application process is the same for students who are planning to transfer graduate credits as it is for those who are not.