Career & Technical Education, PhD
Level:
Doctorate Degree
Credits required:
60 credits
Cost per credit:
$518 *
Next start date:
January 5, 2026
Become an Educational Leader in Career and Technical Education
The online Ph.D. program prepares you for an academic career in formal and nonformal settings that demand research expertise and an understanding of the theoretical foundations. As an accepted applicant, you will work collaboratively with faculty and other students to improve research, program development, and teaching abilities. Because the coursework is online, you will have the opportunity to implement research findings and new skills and knowledge to your career.
You are required to participate in a weeklong in-person seminar for three consecutive summers. These seminars provide networking opportunities and will help you complete additional professional competencies that you can add to your CV.
The First Step is a Conversation. Talk to Michael.
Michael Pate
Graduate Program Director
(435) 797-0989
michael.pate@usu.edu
College: Agriculture & Natural Resources
Department: Applied Sciences, Technology and Education
Find Your Fit
Take a few minutes to determine how a USU Online program can help you meet your education and career goals.
Learn from Experts
Our faculty experts play a crucial role in addressing major challenges in career and technical education, spanning agriculture, business, family and consumer science, technology and engineering education, and communication.
Becky Lawver
Department Head, Professor
"Graduate education is not just about acquiring knowledge but is also crafting meaning and forging real-world connections that are relevant in today's world - and your career! The CTE Ph.D. program is a place where you can unravel the insights of research and apply them to the real-world issues and create tangible impacts."
Emily Ruesch
Instructor, Program Alumna
"When I was looking for a Ph.D. program, I couldn’t find any others that were online. I know there were other doctorate programs (i.e. Ed.D.) that I could find, but none that were Ph.D.s. I didn’t want a purely education or industry focused program, and I appreciated that this was a good mix. There were good classes on program theory and evaluation that offers opportunities to seek industry-based jobs. Additionally, I was able to take classes that focused on curriculum development and build myself as an educator."
Student Feedback
We strive to create a community where co-curricular experiences strengthen and broaden student learning inside and outside of the classroom.
The CTE Ph.D. program has been a catalyst for my growth as an educator and researcher, equipping me with the skills, knowledge, and mindset necessary to excel in both realms of academia. The knowledge and skills acquired through the program have empowered me to consistently enhance my teaching methodologies, incorporating evidence-based approaches and staying at the forefront of technological advancements in design education. The program's interdisciplinary nature allowed me to explore the dynamic relationship between design strategies, culture, and innovation, laying the groundwork for my ongoing research projects in aesthetic interpretation and machine learning. The experiences and accomplishments gained during this program have not only shaped my current role but have positioned me as a dynamic and forward-thinking professional in the field of design education.
The Career and Technical Education Ph.D. program was highly enriching and instrumental in shaping my professional skills. As an Extension professor, the program's robust framework significantly enhanced my expertise in program design, planning, and evaluation. The accessibility of professors and their willingness to engage in one-on-one interactions greatly facilitated a deeper understanding and application of theoretical concepts. This experience was further augmented by the flexibility offered through its distance learning format, which allowed me to balance my career progression alongside academic pursuits. As a result of this program, I have successfully published in scholarly journals, honed my skills in statistical analysis, and secured federal and state funding for my Extension programs. Moreover, the knowledge and skills acquired have led to multiple national awards in my field, underscoring the program's substantial impact on my professional achievements.
Career Outlook
With your Ph.D. in Career and Technical Education, you are prepared as an educational leader who can conduct and interpret research, educate future teachers, manage educational teams in formal and nonformal settings, or direct curriculum development.
This degree is designed to prepare professionals and scholars who are seeking to become:
- Curriculum specialists
- Coordinators and supervisors in public or private school systems
- Educators or administrators in higher education
- Leaders working in communications or as educators in formal and nonformal settings
- Educational evaluators or researchers in various settings
Skills You'll Learn
- Communication
- Data analysis
- Educational theories and strategies
- Grant writing
- Research methods
- Policy development
Potential Employers
Career and Technical Education, Ph.D. Curriculum Preview
Required courses for your doctorate program will build on and expand your current research and academic skillsets. Your dissertation will provide additional opportunities to apply these skills into real-world settings. You can see the full curriculum here.