Ph.D. in Education Sciences (Higher Education Administration, Educational Leadership, Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment, Charter/Private/Independent School Administration)
Coastal Carolina University is recruiting applicants for the
Fall 2026 doctoral cohort
in the
Ph.D. in Education Sciences
.
This is a
hybrid/low-residency doctoral program
designed for full-time working professionals. Students take synchronous online evening/weeknight classes and attend three Saturday campus sessions each academic year in Conway, South Carolina.
Specializations available:
Higher Education Administration; Educational Leadership; Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment; Charter, Private, and Independent School Administration.
Research and study focus:
education sciences, educational leadership, higher education policy and administration, curriculum design, instructional innovation, assessment systems, school administration, research foundations, qualitative research, quantitative research, mixed methods research, cognate study, and dissertation research.
Eligibility highlights:
applicants need a master’s degree in education or a related field and at least three years of experience in an educational setting. Additional preparation is required for some tracks: P–12 teacher preparation and state licensure for Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment; P–12 service/leadership preparation and state principal certification for Educational Leadership. International applicants must meet CCU’s international graduate admission requirements.
Application materials:
online graduate application, unofficial transcripts, resume with professional and leadership experience, three recommendations, and a statement of intent/research interest (max 1000 words). The statement should explain how the Ph.D. at CCU fits your academic/professional trajectory, why you want a Ph.D. and CCU, why you chose your specialization, and your research interests.
Funding and costs:
the program page references graduate assistantships, scholarships, and graduate student financial aid, but no guaranteed funding package is stated. The graduate application page notes a non-refundable $45 application fee.
Deadline:
applications are open for Fall 2026; priority review is February 10, and the final deadline is July 1, 2026.
Contact:
Sheena Kauppila, Assistant Professor and Coordinator of the Ph.D. in Education Sciences, Coastal Carolina University.
