5 Scholarships for Doctoral Degree in Education
Pursuing a Ph.D. or EdD in education can be financially demanding, but fortunately, there are various doctoral scholarships available to alleviate the burden and make these programs more affordable. A doctoral degree in education typically entails four to six years of full-time graduate study, often preceded by a master’s degree in education. Aspiring doctoral students should begin by selecting a specialization and then proceed with the following steps:
- Completion of advanced coursework
- Participation in internships
- Successful completion of comprehensive exams
- In-depth dissertation research
It is worth noting that EdD programs generally have a lesser emphasis on research compared to Ph.D. programs. Individuals with a Ph.D. in education typically find employment in higher education institutions as educators or pursue administrative roles in education supervision and policy-making.
To assist you in identifying noteworthy funding opportunities, presented below are five outstanding scholarships for doctoral degree in education provided by various organizations, all dedicated to fostering leadership in education.
- AERA Minority Dissertation Fellowship Application
Deadline: November 2nd
The AERA Minority Dissertation Fellowship, offered by the American Educational Research Association (AERA), grants $20,000 to doctoral students belonging to the following ethnic backgrounds: Black, Indigenous, Asian, Hispanic, or Pacific Islander. This scholarship is intended for students initiating their dissertation research on education-related topics, such as STEM development, high-stakes testing, curriculum design, or bullying. AERA Fellows also have the opportunity to present their research at the AERA Annual Meeting.
Click here to apply: Scholarship Link
- Carmelita K. Williams Graduate Scholarship Application
Deadline: December 15th
Established to honor the legacy of former IRA president Carmelita K. Williams, the Carmelita K. Williams Graduate Scholarship awards $2,500 to students enrolled in master’s or doctoral programs focusing on reading education.
Applicants must be active members of the Virginia State Reading Association (VSRA) for at least one year, hold a state teaching license, work in a K-12 position with a focus on reading instruction, and demonstrate a commitment to professional development by seeking additional reading endorsements.
- Finis E. Engleman Scholarship Award Application
Deadline: October 15th
The Finis E. Engleman Scholarship Award provides $2,500 per year to an exceptional scholar pursuing a graduate degree in educational administration. This scholarship aims to support students who aspire to become school superintendents.
Applicants are required to submit three essay responses, two letters of endorsement, and official transcripts. The American Association of School Administrators (AASA) also offers other doctoral scholarships in education, including the Forrest E. Connor Award and the Paul B. Salmon Award.
- NAEd Spencer Dissertation Fellowships Application
Deadline: October 1st
Annually, the National Academy of Education (NAEd) awards 35 Spencer Dissertation Fellowships, each amounting to $27,500. These prestigious fellowships support exceptional scholars conducting research on the history, theory, analysis, or practice of formal education.
Eligible applicants must have fulfilled all pre-dissertation requirements, be enrolled in a graduate school in the United States, submit a research proposal, and secure two reference letters. Candidates should also demonstrate their dedication to a career in education research.
- Ruth Crymes TESOL Fellowship for Graduate Study Application
Deadline: November 1st
The Ruth Crymes TESOL Fellowship offers $1,500 to members of the TESOL International Association pursuing a master’s or doctoral program focused on English Language Learning (ELL) interventions. This fellowship aims to support ELL-related research projects. To apply, candidates must submit a 1,250-word project proposal, a letter of recommendation, and a brief personal statement.
Exploring Additional Funding Sources for Doctoral Studies
While federal government support for doctoral degrees is often limited, it is recommended to investigate potential funding options through research grants and research assistantships offered by your chosen institution. Graduate schools of education may provide financial assistance in the form of research grants, which can help cover tuition fees and living expenses.
Additionally, consider teaching positions at the institution where you plan to pursue your doctorate, as teaching at the undergraduate level can often lead to discounted or even free tuition for doctoral studies.
Choosing the Right School for Your Doctoral Degree
When selecting a school to pursue your education degree, it is crucial to consider several factors. Apart from financial aid opportunities and living expenses, location plays a significant role. Given the financial challenges that teachers often face, opting for a college situated in an area with a lower cost of living can be beneficial.
Moreover, if financial aid is scarce, consider applying to teach at the same school where you plan to pursue your doctorate. Teaching at the undergraduate level with a master’s degree can often lead to reduced or waived tuition fees for doctoral studies. Additionally, ensure that the research areas of your prospective school align with your interests and inquire about available research grants and financial support.
Choosing a Doctoral Subject: Same or Different from Your Master’s?
The choice of pursuing a doctorate in the same subject as your master’s degree or selecting a different subject largely depends on your goals and aspirations. If your aim is to engage in curriculum research or educational research, opting for a program in curriculum design would be suitable.
On the other hand, if you aspire to become a principal or college administrator, an educational leadership program would be more appropriate. In the field of education, your master’s degree does not significantly limit your options for doctoral programs.
By employing the strategies discussed earlier, you can access sufficient financial assistance, minimizing any potential drawbacks of choosing a different area of study. Ultimately, the decision should be based on whether you wish to explore a different area of education or delve deeper into your existing expertise.
Student Health Insurance for Doctoral Students
Graduate students, including those pursuing doctoral degrees, generally have access to student health insurance coverage. The specific coverage available to you may vary depending on your status as an employee or solely as a student. Graduate students working as teaching assistants or professors often qualify for employee insurance.
Conversely, students who are not employed in such roles usually have access to student health insurance, which may be mandatory depending on the school’s requirements. To obtain accurate information regarding student health insurance options, it is advisable to consult your respective institution.
Conclusion
Pursuing a doctoral degree in education is a substantial commitment that can be financially demanding. However, there are several funding options available, such as scholarships, fellowships, research grants, and teaching positions. Exploring these opportunities and selecting the right school and subject for your doctoral studies can help make your educational journey more manageable and fulfilling. Now that you have scholarships for doctoral degree in education, click on anyone up there to apply.