doctoral programs in education online accredited

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Online Doctor of Education (EdD) Programs

Become a leader of distinction in education with one of our online doctoral programs in education.

Reach the pinnacle of your profession and impact the field of education with Liberty University’s online Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) degree. In our online Ed.D. programs, you’ll study education administration, curriculum development, learning theory, and the latest research to gain the advanced knowledge you need to positively influence the world of education. Check out our available online EdD programs !

Per Credit Hour

For full-time Ed.D. in Education online students

With flexible 8-week courses and no set login times

Credit Hours

So you can earn your online Ed.D. in just 2.5 years

Additionally, you’ll conduct your own research in order to provide practical solutions to challenges in the field of education with a capstone project. Liberty’s online doctorate in education is a model of high academic standards and leadership in education. With a degree like this, you can become better equipped to become an effective educational administrator, university faculty member, senior-level educational leader, or educational policymaker.

• By pursuing your doctorate at Liberty, you can better prepare for careers or career advancement in various school and administrative settings within the field of education.
• As you continue your studies with Liberty’s School of Education, you can be confident that you are receiving a quality education based on the principles of God’s Word.
• You can learn to be a positive influence in the lives of young people in your school and community and make an impact for Christ!

We are recognized by multiple institutions for our academic quality, affordability, and accessibility . Our commitment to excellence also helped us rank in the top 10% of Niche.com’s best online schools in America .

We've frozen tuition rates for the majority of our undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs for the past 9 years - and counting., faqs for liberty’s online ed.d. programs, why should i get a doctorate in education, what does a doctorate in education entail, what is the difference between an edd and a phd in education, is a doctorate in education worth it, what can liberty’s doctoral programs do for me, why should you get a doctorate in education.

Through Liberty University’s online EdD programs, you will have the opportunity to engage with knowledgeable education professionals who want to mentor and help you to become an advanced educator, administrator, and researcher. Our doctorate in education offers a robust, theoretical framework that can advance your teaching methods and theories to a higher order of application, allowing you to evaluate and address teaching challenges in K-12 institutions and at the university level.

Student Testimonial

When the superintendent of his local public school system retired, Liberty University graduate Dr. Richard J. Ney of New Jersey submitted his application for the position:

“ After an intense round of interviews where I competed against a number of other qualified candidates, I was appointed superintendent and chief school administrator [in New Jersey]. I do not believe that I would have succeeded without having completed my doctoral studies at Liberty University.” – Dr. Richard J. Ney | Doctor of Education (Ed.D.)

Liberty’s online doctoral programs in education allow you to focus on your coursework at home as well as connect with your professors and classmates from across the country. Additionally, unlike many doctoral programs, Liberty’s EdD degree online integrates your capstone project research into your course material so that you can complete a comprehensive demonstration of your expertise in education more quickly and efficiently.

What Does a Doctorate in Education Entail?

The core content of our online EdD programs is designed to enhance your understanding of essential educational concepts while giving you practical classroom management tools. The online doctorate in education can help advance your skills in quantitative and qualitative methods of research, advanced learning theory, research skills, and provide many other essential competencies for advanced educators like yourself.

While completing a Liberty University doctoral program, you can choose specialized tracks to further equip you for an administrative role. We offer tracks in leadership, higher education, and curriculum and instruction, so you can pick the degree that gives you the right tools to achieve teaching excellence.

What is the Difference Between an EdD and a PhD in Education?

The biggest difference between an EdD and a PhD in education is the scope of the degree itself. While a PhD is primarily concerned with producing original research in the form of a dissertation, our EdD is designed so that you can complete exemplary research in the education field. As more of a practitioner’s degree, the EdD blends praxis and scholarship so that you can be better prepared to impact the field of education wherever you go. If you are more interested in producing original research to further the field of education, you may be interested in our PhD in Education .

Is a Doctorate in Education Worth It?

Yes – we think so! You can be better prepared to take advantage of the increased market demand for leaders in education

• With an online doctorate in education, you may be eligible for higher pay than those who hold a master’s degree alone.
• Throughout the program, you can network with your peers and professors while developing your writing and research for the final capstone project phase.
• Completing an online EdD gives you a terminal educational credential that shows employers you have reached the pinnacle of your field’s achievement.

What Can Liberty’s Doctoral Programs Do for You?

Gain the credentials you need to expand your career horizons! Not only can your doctorate in education better prepare you to serve in your current classroom, but this program can also prepare you to pursue the following positions:

• Curriculum specialist
• Elementary educator
• Gifted-student instructor
• Instructional supervisor
• Middle school educator
• School administrator
• Secondary school educator
• Special education instructor
• University professor

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Liberty University Online Ed.D. Programs

We know that you have specific goals. With a wide offering of Ed.D. programs, you can be confident in partnering with Liberty as you continue your educational journey.

Administration and Supervision – Educational Leadership

Liberty University’s online Doctor of Education in Administration and Supervision – Educational Leadership degree is designed to provide studies and training in the management of education organizations to help prepare you for licensed school administration.

Upon successful completion of Liberty University’s Virginia state-approved administration and supervision – educational leadership program, you may apply for advanced licensure in another state through reciprocity, which may or may not result in additional requirements based on your state’s Department of Education   regulations .

What will you learn from your doctorate in education?

• Educational law and policies
• Issues and trends in learning technologies
• Leadership principles and ethics
• School district finance and organizational management

Potential Career Options

• K-12 school administrator
• School district leader
• School principal/assistant principal
• School superintendent

View the   Degree Completion Plan .

Apply Now   Request Information  

Liberty University’s online Doctor of Education in Curriculum and Instruction degree can help you build on your foundational knowledge and further master all aspects of education. This education doctorate gives you the flexibility and freedom to mix and match elective courses so you can create a personalized degree program that fits your passions and interests.

• Curriculum design and development
• How to conduct educational research
• Theories of advanced learning, educational leadership, and historical and philosophical foundations

View the   Degree Completion Plan.

Curriculum and Instruction – Educational Psychology

Liberty University’s online Doctor of Education in Curriculum and Instruction – Educational Psychology degree covers theories of physical, cognitive, emotional, and social development across the lifespan – enabling you to meet your students right where they are and provide the support they need to thrive. Through this program, you can become equipped to improve teaching and learning processes in your school using a fundamental understanding of how people learn and retain information.

• Advanced learning theory and research
• Cognitive processes involved in learning
• Important aspects of human growth and learning processes
• Psychological foundations of teaching and learning
• College/university administrator
• School administrator*

*Please note: This is a non-licensure program.

Curriculum and Instruction – Elementary Education

Liberty University’s online Doctor of Education in Curriculum and Instruction – Elementary Education degree is designed to equip you for a variety of teaching roles – including general education and community classroom settings. You will study various theories, models, and strategies as a practical guide to solve problems. In addition, you will explore research and instructional approaches for managing student behaviors effectively with an emphasis on individualized, classroom, and school-wide behavior support.

• Effective curriculum for elementary students
• Instructional methods for behavior and learning
• The foundation and theories of literacy instruction

Curriculum and Instruction – Instructional Design and Technology

Liberty University’s online Doctor of Education in Curriculum and Instruction – Instructional Design and Technology degree is designed to equip you for the modern classroom. By incorporating new technology and methods of instruction into the classroom, you can engage students in new and exciting ways. Your experience can also be valuable in settings outside of the classroom including corporate training, curriculum design, and as a leader in the educational technology field.

• Integration of technology into the classroom
• Methods of engaging students in online learning settings
• Trends and issues with technology and education
• Director of e-learning
• Distance learning senior director
• Educational technology director
• Professor (higher education)

Curriculum and Instruction – Middle Grades Education

Liberty University’s online Doctor of Education in Curriculum and Instruction – Middle Grades Education degree is designed to strengthen your teaching ability through individualized and collaborative professional development opportunities. You will study curriculum development, usage, and evaluation. Additionally, you will apply considerations of preadolescent physical, social, emotional, and intellectual development to various school processes and teacher interaction with middle school students and families.

• Effective curriculum for middle school students
• Issues and trends in curriculum and instruction

Curriculum and Instruction – Online Teaching and Learning

Liberty University’s online Doctor of Education in Curriculum and Instruction – Online Teaching and Learning degree covers a variety of advanced educational topics, specifically those that can prepare you for roles in online programs. In this degree, you will study trends in learning technologies and curriculum and instruction. You will also study curriculum theory, applied research methods, and much more!

• Effective methods for developing and delivering online courses
• The process of conducting educational research

Curriculum and Instruction – Secondary Education

Liberty University’s online Doctor of Education in Curriculum and Instruction – Secondary Education degree addresses curriculum function, development, and evaluation. Our program is designed to provide you with a detailed overview of technology usage in the classroom as it relates to student learning, the effectiveness of administrative processes, and service to students and parents. You will also study various theories, models, and strategies as a practical guide to solving problems.

• Effective middle school science, social studies, math, and literacy lessons

Curriculum and Instruction – Special Education

Liberty University’s online Doctor of Education in Curriculum and Instruction – Special Education degree is designed to help you analyze processes for assessing students with special needs. Additionally, you will develop ways of effectively using various technology for communication and collaboration as you improve classroom instruction. You can learn to use different theories, models, and strategies as a practical guide to solving problems.

• How to conduct educational assessments for students with special needs
• The organization and design of gifted education programs

Educational Leadership

Liberty University’s online Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership degree is designed to train you on best practices in education and technology to help you enhance student learning, become a competent administrator, and best serve your students and their parents. This program focuses on translating classroom theory into real-world application and is designed to provide you with the skills and knowledge you need to effectively lead and manage in an educational environment.

Please note: Students enrolling in Educational Leadership programs after April 1, 2020, will not be eligible to receive Georgia Tier I or Tier II Educational Leadership Certification.

• Educational leadership principles, ethics, and public relations
• Foundations of educational law
• Organizational analysis and problem-solving

Higher Education Administration – Assessment and Evaluation

Liberty University’s online Doctor of Education in Higher Education Administration – Assessment and Evaluation degree covers research-based approaches to analyzing student learning, curricula, academic programs, student services, and institutional structures. In this program, you’ll explore how to help colleges and universities maintain high standards of quality and accreditation so that their students receive the best education possible .

• Evaluation and measurement tools used to assess the effectiveness of academic programs and co-curricular departments
• How to record, articulate, and submit reports documenting institutional compliance
• Major evaluation theories and advanced measurement models
• The importance of compliance in accreditation
• The role of assessment in student achievement, program development, and educational systems
• Assessment coordinator
• Evaluation coordinator
• Higher education faculty/professor
• Instructional coordinator
• Program evaluation and assessment specialist

Higher Education Administration – Educational Leadership

Liberty University’s online Doctor of Education in Higher Education Administration – Educational Leadership degree can help you strengthen your leadership skills and advance your career in postsecondary education administration. You will analyze the major challenges facing today’s educational leaders and explore methods for helping colleges and universities thrive.

• College and university administration
• Historical and economic perspectives of higher education
• Issues and trends in educational leadership
• Policy analysis and conflict resolution
• Topics in assessment and accreditation
• Academic dean
• Admissions director
• Chief academic officer
• College/university president
• Education researcher

Higher Education Administration – Organizational Leadership

Liberty University’s online Doctor of Education in Higher Education Administration – Organizational Leadership degree is designed to provide training in university administration and advanced business topics. You can develop essential skills in business management and use your business knowledge to help your college or education-related organization thrive.

• Applied research concepts and methodologies
• Best practices in business, management, and leadership
• The foundations of higher education in America
• The role of administrative members in handling various responsibilities
• Corporate director
• Policy analyst
• Program director
• University administrator
• Vice president of organizational development

Higher Education Administration – Student Affairs

Liberty University’s online Doctor of Education in Higher Education Administration – Student Affairs degree can help you learn how to support college students’ personal, professional, and academic development. That way, you can help them develop essential skills for navigating challenges in school – and in life.

• Applied research concepts and methodology
• Current issues and trends in student affairs
• Historical perspectives of higher education
• Leadership and administration in student affairs
• Legal issues and policies in student affairs
• Higher education faculty
• Program coordinator
• Student affairs administrator
• Training and development specialist

Instructional Design and Technology

L iberty University’s online Doctor of Education in Instructional Design and Technology investigates the intersection of education, technology, and creativity. You can gain the necessary knowledge and skills to become a leader in designing and implementing effective educational strategies using cutting-edge technology.

• Ethical and social considerations related to the use of technology
• Implementation and assessment of multimedia learning tools
• Instructional design theory
• Instructional systems design and models for instructional design and technology
• Principles of human performance technology
• Educational consultant
• Instructional designer
• K-12 educational technology director

Liberty University’s online Doctor of Education in Special Education degree can help you learn how to manage and construct educational programs geared for those students with additional educational needs. You can have a profound impact on the lives of your students with the concepts you can master in this program.

• Analysis of pedagogical concepts and approaches 
• Assessment of educational theories
• Evaluation of the process of designing a curriculum and implementing instructional practices
• How to design and conduct original research that adds to the knowledge base of the discipline
• Integration of a biblical worldview when defending ethical and moral decision-making within the field of education
• Education instructor

Providing World-Class Education to Military Students Across the Globe

Liberty University is dedicated to providing world-class educational experiences to military students across the globe. Whether you are a current service member, discharged or retired from service, or the spouse of a service member or veteran, we are here to support you every step of the journey.

As a thank-you for your dedication and service to our country, Liberty is honored to serve and support you in your pursuit of online education by offering the following benefits:

• Tuition discounts – $275 per credit hour for graduate courses
• Additional discount for veterans who serve in a civilian capacity as a First Responder (less than $625 per course)
• 8-week courses, 8 different start dates each year, and no set login times (may exclude certain courses such as practicums, internships, or field experiences)

Admission Requirements for Liberty’s Online Doctoral Programs in Education

A regionally or nationally accredited master’s degree with a 3.0 or above GPA is required for admission in good standing. Please visit our  admission requirements page  for more detailed admissions-related information.

• Admission application
• Application fee*
• Official college transcripts
• Proof of English proficiency (for applicants whose native language is other than English)

* There is no upfront application fee; however, a deferred $50 application fee will be assessed during Financial Check-In. This fee is waived for qualifying service members, veterans, and military spouses – documentation verifying military status is required.

Learn More  

Transfer Policies

At Liberty, we want to help you make the most of your prior education by allowing you to transfer in previously earned college credit. That’s why you can transfer in up to 50% of your total credits for a master’s or doctoral program!

Some restrictions apply. Please visit our   Transfer Policy   page for more information.

*Some restrictions may occur for this promotion to apply. This promotion also excludes active faculty and staff, military, Non-Degree Seeking, DGIA, Continuing Education, WSB, and Certificates.

Apply FREE This Week*

Other programs you may be interested in

Doctor of Philosophy (PHD)

Next Start Date: May 13, 2024

Doctor of Education (EDD)

Higher Education Administration

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You have to have a lot of self-motivation and self-discipline when you are going to school online, but the amazing thing is at Liberty you do not need to do it by yourself. You really do have resources like someone who is going to school on campus.

– Janae Fleming ’15, B.S. in Education

Education (Online), EdD

School of education.

To address the dramatically changing landscape of education in the 21st century, which includes new research on the science of learning, advances in technology, and the emergence of a for-profit education sector, the Johns Hopkins School of Education offers an innovative online Doctor of Education degree program. This EdD program is designed to prepare an exceptional corps of educational practitioner-scholars, both nationally and internationally, who can set a high standard for transformational leadership in education, apply evidence-based practices to improve educational outcomes, and meet the vast challenges associated with improving learning outcomes in both public and private educational environments.

For more information about the EdD program, please visit  https://education.jhu.edu/academics/edd/ . If you have any questions about the EdD program, please contact  [email protected] .

Admission Requirements

At minimum, applicants to the EdD program should hold a master’s degree from an accredited college or university. Previous degrees must document high academic achievement (a minimum GPA of 3.0) in an area of study closely associated with the objectives of the program. If the earned degree or credit is from an educational institution abroad, the candidate’s academic record must be evaluated by a credential evaluation agency before consideration for admission. Applicants must submit the online admission application form, application fee, official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attended, a curriculum vitae (résumé), online interview, and two letters of recommendation signed by each recommender. These letters should include the following:

• A professor with whom the applicant worked in their master's program who can speak to the applicant's competency to conduct rigorous scholarly work, and
• A colleague/supervisor from the applicant’s professional context/industry who can attest to the applicant's qualifications to pursue a doctorate, the applicant's impact on the recommender’s  professional practice, and knowledge of and support for the applicant's proposed area of research/Problem of Practice.

Additionally, applicants will submit a personal statement including responses to the following:

• Describe a significant Problem of Practice relevant to your current context/industry of professional practice.
• Indicate the importance of this problem within the applicant’s industry and/or their specific context of professional practice.
• Discuss the potential underlying causes for or contributing factors related to this Problem of Practice.
• Discuss the ways in which this problem aligns with at least one or two areas of interest.

All applicants who meet the entrance requirements will be asked to submit video and written responses to question prompts.

International students must fulfill the general requirements for admission and complete additional requirements—see  https://education.jhu.edu/admission-financial-aid/admissions/international-applicants/ .

Note: This program is not eligible for student visa sponsorship .

Students who enter the program will be required to successfully complete a series of pre-orientation modules prior to enrollment in the program. All students are expected to show competence in the content areas of these modules.

Please note that for the online EdD program, an offer of admission is for the specific cohort to which an application is submitted. Students may accept or decline the admission offer only; deferring to a future cohort is not an option.

Program Requirements

Program structure and requirements.

Program requirements include a minimum of 90 graduate credits. Students must enter the program with a master’s degree with a minimum of 36 graduate-level credits, which will be transferred into the EdD program. If a student does not have the required 36 master’s credits, the student will be admitted on a conditional basis and must complete the additional graduate-level credits at an accredited college or university. Students with post-master’s graduate credit in related education content completed prior to admission to the EdD program may petition to transfer in an additional six credits of equivalent coursework with appropriate documentation and with the approval of the EdD program director. Thus, students must complete between 48 and 54 credits at the doctoral level at JHU. The program includes the following required coursework components (subject to change):

• Foundations of Education (15 credit hours)
• Applied Research & Evaluation (12 credit hours)
• Areas of Interest / Electives (15 elective credit hours)
• Doctoral Dossier Research (12 credit hours)*

In addition to successfully completing all the coursework requirements, candidates must also satisfy written assessments and an oral comprehensive examination that document attainment of competencies. They must also complete either an Applied Dissertation or a Dossier Style Dissertation research project, depending upon the year the candidate was admitted to the program as per the following table:

Students who extend their program of study may be required to enroll in additional independent study credits.

With permission, students admitted between Fall 2013 and Fall 2020 may opt into the Dossier Style Dissertation if they choose not to do an intervention.

Problems of Practice and Doctoral Dossier

Students examine a Problem of Practice (POP)—an area of concern they have observed within their professional context—that becomes the focus of the student's Doctoral Dossier, which consists of three main projects described below.

As part of our commitment to social justice, the EdD program does not privilege one form of communication over another. Thus, all components of the Doctoral Dossier can be communicated in a modality of the student’s choosing: video, oral, scholarly writing, or public-facing writing. The Doctoral Dossier is embedded within the EdD program coursework, providing students the unique opportunity to examine an issue important to their field.

To begin their Doctoral Dossier process, students will spend their first year working on a Scholarship of Integration project (Project 1) that focuses on exploration and identification of underlying causes of and factors associated with their chosen POP. Using systems thinking, which includes perspective-taking, and the research literature, students will document their exploration in an introductory narrative that provides the rationale and supporting evidence for their decision to further pursue their research topic throughout their doctoral journey.

During the second year, following completion of the Scholarship of Integration project, students will choose one of the following two options for Project 2:

1. Scholarship of Application: Demonstrate the application of the research to practice. The purpose of this project is to a) consider how the research perpetuates and/or disrupts oppression, b) critique relevant systems, structures, and institutions, and c) determine avenues to effectively disseminate evidence to a wider audience and stakeholder group.

Example projects include: historical analysis of a topic, curriculum creation, community organization, autoethnography, instructional pedagogy, and others.   

2. Scholarship of Teaching: Development and improvement of pedagogical practices. Students examine teaching processes and assessments improve practice.

Example projects include : autoethnography of one’s teaching, innovative teaching materials, curricula, development of new courses, or development of a new pedagogical framework.   

During the third year, following completion of Project 2, students will choose one of the following:

• The scholarship option NOT chosen for Project 2, or
• Scholarship of Discovery: Search for new knowledge. Students conduct evidence-based research that leads to knowledge creation.    

Example projects include: written, oral, or other modalities of research, scholarly publications, empirical study, working paper, or book chapters.                

During the fourth year, students will complete Project 3, write an Executive Summary that ties their three projects together, and write a final reflection of their doctoral journey. The Doctoral Dossier will be presented and assessed during the fourth year.

Students are expected to complete four years of coursework and independent research concurrently. This program is cohort-based, thus if students require a leave of absence for any reason, they will return in the appropriate course sequence with the next cohort the following year.

Problems of Practice and Dossier Style Dissertation (for students admitted Fall 2021 and Fall 2022*)

Students examine a Problem of Practice (POP), which is an area of concern that they have observed within their professional context. This POP becomes the focus of the student's Dossier Style Dissertation. The Dossier Style Dissertation is embedded within the EdD program coursework, which provides students with a unique opportunity to examine an issue important to the organization in which they are employed.

During the first year in the program, students synthesize research literature to understand factors relevant to the POP from a broader systems perspective. During the second year of the program, students conduct an empirical project to investigate their POP within their professional context. Students are expected to collect and analyze data to further understand and refine their identified problem. Based on the evidence in the literature review and empirical project, students will engage in a final project that may further explore an aspect of their POP or articulate a potential solution.

Students will demonstrate mastery of first- and second-year competencies through written and oral comprehensive assessments, which will serve as indicators of readiness for conducting their applied research. Students will then evaluate the effectiveness of this solution as their Applied Project (Year 3). Characteristics of the Dossier Style Dissertation that make it unique to this program include:

• Written assignments within courses that focus on the student's POP.
• Coursework that leads students to consider applications that hold the potential for significant change or impact within their organization and/or have implications for policy.
• Dossier Style Dissertation components that are embedded within coursework and distributed across the three years of the program.

Although somewhat different from a traditional dissertation in its completion and focus, students are nevertheless expected to demonstrate mastery of the relevant literature, to obtain extant and/or collect additional data, and to interpret the results in light of previous studies. The Dossier Style Dissertation will be presented at a final oral defense before a Dossier Style Dissertation Panel.

Typically, we expect that students would complete three years of coursework and independent research concurrently. It is possible that some students may need more than three years to complete their research, in which case they will be required to enroll in at least one credit hour per semester after completion of the required 90 credit hours.

*Students admitted Fall 2021 can choose to complete either the Dossier Style Dissertation or the Applied Dissertation described below. Fall 2022 students may only complete the Dossier Style Dissertation.

Problems of Practice and Applied Dissertation (for students admitted Fall 2013-2021*)

Students examine a Problem of Practice (POP), which is an area of concern that they have observed within their professional context. This POP becomes the focus of the student's Applied Dissertation research. The Applied Dissertation is embedded within the EdD program coursework, which provides students with a unique opportunity to examine an issue important to the organization in which they are employed.

During the first year in the program, students examine their articulated POP to identify underlying causes and associated factors. During the second year of the program, students develop a potential solution, such as an intervention or policy change, and a plan to study the implementation of this intervention as well as proximal outcomes. Students will demonstrate mastery of first- and second-year competencies through written and oral comprehensive assessments, which will serve as indicators of readiness for conducting their applied research. Students will then evaluate the effectiveness of this solution as their Applied Dissertation (Year 3). Characteristics of the Applied Dissertation that make it unique to this program include:

• Coursework that leads students to consider solutions that hold the potential for significant change or impact within their organization and/or have implications for policy.
• Dissertation components that are embedded within coursework and distributed across the three years of the program.

Although somewhat different from a traditional dissertation in its completion and focus, students are nevertheless expected to demonstrate mastery of the relevant literature, to obtain extant and/or collect additional data, and to interpret the results in light of previous studies. The dissertation will be presented at a final oral defense before the student’s Dissertation Advisory Committee.

Typically, students will complete three years of coursework and independent research concurrently. It is possible that some students may need more than three years to complete their research, in which case they will be required to enroll in at least one credit hour per semester after completion of the required 90 credit hours.

*Students admitted Fall 2013-2020 must complete the Applied Dissertation. Students admitted Fall 2021 can choose to complete either the Dossier Style Dissertation or the Applied Dissertation. Fall 2022 students may only complete the Dossier Style Dissertation.

Learning Outcomes

Program goals.

Upon successful completion of the EdD, we expect that graduates will:

• Participate as a self-reflexive, social justice-oriented learner within diverse educational or learning communities.
• Analyze and critique educational practice and research from a social justice and systems perspective.
• Apply relevant methodologies to address critical challenges in education.
• Demonstrate a curiosity for, and a systematic approach to, at least one major topic of study within education resulting in an emerging expertise.
• Integrate research and practice-based knowledge to develop research-informed decisions and opinions about educational experiences, processes, policies, and institutions.
• Communicate effectively to diverse audiences about educational research, experiences, processes, policies, and institutions.

College of Professional Studies

Northeastern University’s online Doctor of Education program provides experienced adult learners, working professionals, and scholar-practitioners from diverse backgrounds and perspectives with the practical knowledge and experience they need to transform the learning landscape. Students gain innovative approaches to create authentic change in their communities. The program was selected as the Carnegie Project on the Education Doctorate's Program of the Year for 2022-2023.

The Doctor of Education program is designed to be completed in three to four years of study—following a fast-paced quarter system in lieu of a traditional semester format. Students choose from five concentrations to create a curriculum that matches personal and professional interests. The program's dissertation in practice process will begin at the onset of your coursework as you identify your problem of practice and develop an action plan—incorporating cycles of data collection and analysis, collaboration, change work, and reflection—culminating in the dissemination of your action research findings. Our students come from diverse disciplines and professions, seeking more than just a degree. You'll gain a practical education that translates to your everyday working environment.

While all EdD courses can be completed online (except for hybrid courses in Seattle and Charlotte), annual in-person two-day residencies are held on campus. Residencies focus on networking and tools for career success and allow you to connect with faculty and fellow scholars to share knowledge and experience. You'll attend residencies* in your first and second years of the program at one of our campuses in Boston, Charlotte, or Seattle.

The Northeastern Doctor of Education degree is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE) and was selected as Program of the Year by the Carnegie Project on the Education Doctorate Program for 2022-2023.

*Please note: International students enrolling in the online EdD program will be provided with an option to complete the residency through online participation in interactive sessions with fellow scholars offered during the residency period.

More Details

Unique features.

• You will choose one of five concentrations—higher education administration, innovative teaching and learning, transformative school leadership, workplace learning, and integrative studies—to focus your studies and further customize your curriculum.
• You'll begin dissertation in practice work at the onset of your program. You'll select a compelling educational/organizational challenge and will be assigned a faculty advisor to support your research throughout the program.
• All coursework is online—providing flexibility for working professionals. Your residencies will be fulfilled in person*, at one of our campuses in Boston, Charlotte, or Seattle.
• You'll learn alongside faculty practitioners—engaging with respected leaders who contribute to the field as authors, journal editors, school board members, bloggers, and podcasters.

*In-person participation in the residency is also available for international students.

Concentrations

• Higher Education Administration: The higher education administration concentration provides an opportunity for experienced higher education professionals to expand their previous understanding of practices within all sectors of postsecondary education—and also advance their professional practice by developing and deepening their understanding of the roles of colleges and universities in our society. Sectors examined include community colleges, four-year colleges, for-profit institutions, and research universities.
• Innovative Teaching and Learning: The innovative teaching and learning concentration focuses on transforming education through innovation, justice, and policy, by providing engaging opportunities for current and aspiring teaching and learning specialists working in various education spaces. The concentration focuses on teaching and learning both inside and outside the bounds of P-20 schools and focuses on developing and leading innovative curricula as well as professional development.
• Transformative School Leadership: The transformative school leadership concentration provides innovative opportunities for experienced education professionals who are current and aspiring leaders of early childhood centers, public or private schools, or school districts. The concentration prepares students to lead and transform educational spaces and be equipped to shape the needs of education in K-12, higher education, organizational contexts, and beyond.
• Workplace Learning: The workplace learning concentration helps professionals gain a deeper understanding of, recognize, and influence real-life social inequalities faced by marginalized populations in the workplace. Courses allow students to advance their professional practice by developing and deepening their knowledge of workplace learning, organizational dynamics, learning strategy, and ethics.
• Integrative Studies: The integrative studies concentration provides an opportunity for students to design a program of study that fits their own professional goals and includes the required foundation and research courses, concentration courses from any EdD concentration, and electives from the Doctor of Education or Doctor of Law and Policy programs.

Program Objectives

Northeastern's Doctor of Education program is designed for experienced professionals interested in deepening their understanding of education, organizational development, and leadership. Throughout the program, students examine various approaches to critical, practice-based issues, learn research methods, and conduct a doctoral research study that investigates a compelling educational or organizational challenge.

2022-2023 Doctor of Education Program of the Year

The Carnegie Project on the Education Doctorate selected Northeastern's EdD program as the 2022-2023 Program of the Year, noting the “redesigned Dissertation in Practice Curriculum and the adoption of action research as its guiding methodology …” The committee praised “the program’s efforts to move beyond the typical five-chapter dissertation and engage scholarly practitioners in the acquisition of skills to realize meaningful change in their local contexts, emphasizing social justice.”

Testimonials

– sara ewell, phd, assistant dean, graduate school of education, – frawn morgan, current student, doctor of education, – aaron b., program graduate, looking for something different.

A graduate degree or certificate from Northeastern—a top-ranked university—can accelerate your career through rigorous academic coursework and hands-on professional experience in the area of your interest. Apply now—and take your career to the next level.

Program Costs

Finance Your Education We offer a variety of resources, including scholarships and assistantships.

How to Apply Learn more about the application process and requirements.

Requirements

• Online application
• Academic transcripts: Official undergraduate and graduate degree documentation
• Describe the problem of practice
• Explain why you want to investigate it
• Provide a strong rationale for the significance of the problem
• Minimum work experience: Three years in a related field
• Professional resumé: Must summarize work and education history, include an outline of your educational/academic skills with examples such as research and teaching experience, affiliations, publications, certifications, presentations, and other professional skills.
• Faculty recommendation: Must be from a faculty member in your previous graduate program who can attest to your readiness for doctoral work. If you are no longer acquainted with a faculty member, please choose a professional who can speak of your academic capabilities to engage in doctoral-level research and writing. Recommendations should be presented as a letter attached to the general recommendation form.
• Two professional recommendations: Must be from individuals who have either academic or professional knowledge of your capabilities, a supervisor, mentor, or colleague. It is preferred that one letter of recommendation come from your current employer and/or supervisor. Recommendations should be presented as a letter attached to the general recommendation form.
• Proof of English language proficiency: ONLY for students for whom English is not their primary language.

Are You an International Student? Find out what additional documents are required to apply.

Admissions Details Learn more about the College of Professional Studies admissions process, policies, and required materials.

Admissions Dates

Our admissions process operates on a rolling basis; however, we do recommend the application guidelines below to ensure you can begin during your desired start term:

Domestic Application Guidelines

International Application Guidelines *

*International deadlines are only applicable if the program is F1 compliant.

Industry-aligned courses for in-demand careers.

For 100+ years, we’ve designed our programs with one thing in mind—your success. Explore the current program requirements and course descriptions, all designed to meet today’s industry needs and must-have skills.

View curriculum

The core of the mission of the program is to allow educators to remain in the places they work, focus on a problem of practice, and through experiential learning and site-specific research opportunities in the program, make an immediate impact in their professional environments. The program explicitly integrates research and practice for professionals so they develop the requisite skills for conceiving, designing, conducting, and producing original site-based research in order to effect ethical change related to real-life problems of practice.

Our Faculty

Northeastern University faculty represents a broad cross-section of professional practices and fields, including finance, education, biomedical science, management, and the U.S. military. They serve as mentors and advisors and collaborate alongside you to solve the most pressing global challenges facing established and emerging markets.

Joseph McNabb, PhD

Cherese Childers-McKee, PhD

By enrolling in Northeastern, you’ll gain access to students at 13 campus locations, 300,000+ alumni, and 3,000 employer partners worldwide. Our global university system provides students unique opportunities to think locally and act globally while serving as a platform for scaling ideas, talent, and solutions.

Below is a look at where our Education & Learning alumni work, the positions they hold, and the skills they bring to their organization.

Where They Work

• Boston Public Schools
• Chicago Public Schools
• NYC Department of Education
• Lockheed Martin
• Veterans Affairs
• Johns Hopkins
• Columbia University

What They Do

• Media Consultant
• College President
• Chief Information Officer
• Instructional Designer
• Diversity Officer
• Founder-CEO
• VP of Student Services
• Community Services Director

What They're Skilled At

• Experiential Learning
• Team Building
• International Education
• Change Agency
• Entrepreneurship
• Urban Education
• Strategic Management
• Student Engagement

Learn more about Northeastern Alumni on  Linkedin .

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Best Online Doctorate in Education (EdD) Programs for 2024

Today’s leaders are faced with new challenges—and one way to elevate leadership skills and find improved ways to run an organization is to enroll in a degree program. That’s why Fortune compiled a list of the top online doctorate of education (Ed.D.) in organizational leadership degree programs. In total, we ranked eight Ed.D. in organizational leadership programs. This ranking was last updated August 2022.

Earn an Ed.D. Online—Lead Change in Your Industry

Hawai‘i Pacific University M.Ed. in Educational Leadership

1. Vanderbilt University

• ACCEPTANCE RATE
• CREDITS REQUIRED TO GRADUATE
• RETENTION RATE
• $2169 per credit

2. Drexel University

3. Trevecca Nazarene University

• $699 per credit

Maryville University’s Doctor of Education | Online

4. Baylor University

• $1785 per credit

5. Abilene Christian University

• $767 per credit hour

6. Spalding University

• $825 per credit

7. Virginia Commonwealth University

8. University of Dayton

What you’ll learn in an Ed.D. organizational leadership program

What is educational leadership and why is it important.

Educational leadership is the science of helping individuals achieve success through the management and improvement of educational programs. While it often refers to administrative positions within primary and secondary schools, as well as higher education, degrees in educational leadership can also provide skills to develop new solutions in any field. Continuing education is booming in corporate America, and chief learning officer (CLO) positions are an increasingly important and fast-growing position for graduates of doctorate of education (Ed.D.) programs. These programs help students build transformative leadership skills to spur initiative and foster change both in traditional educational and corporate work environments.

Ed.D. program requirements

Admission requirements.

Admission requirements can vary on a school-to-school basis, but generally include all or a combination of:

• Successful completion of a bachelor’s degree and oftentimes a master’s degree, as demonstrated by an official transcript released by the issuing college or university
• A resume or curriculum vitae that emphasizes relevant work and experience
• A personal statement that allows applicants to differentiate themselves from other candidates and explain their goals for completing a doctorate in education degree program
• One or more letters of recommendation from supervisors, professors, alumni, or other professionals 

Is a master’s degree required to get an Ed.D. in organizational leadership? 

Degree prerequisites vary depending on each school and program, though typically, a master’s degree is needed prior to enrolling in an Ed.D. program. Some programs, like Vanderbilt University’s online Ed.D. program, don’t require a master’s degree—though it can often boost a candidate’s application. 

Do you need to take the GRE for an Ed.D. in organizational leadership? 

Like other program prerequisites, whether or not you need to take the GRE test (and submit your score) will depend on the institution. Among the eight Ed.D. programs on Fortune’s ranking, none of the schools require applicants to submit a GRE score. That said, a GRE score may be an application requirement for some universities and other Ed.D. program options that didn’t appear on Fortune’s ranking.  

Frequently Asked Questions

An Ed.D is a doctorate in education , and it’s a program meant for individuals who hope to become leaders in their field—and it prepares students for administration or leadership positions in academics and beyond. The focus of these programs is to give students the skills to develop new solutions within the industry. Through coursework and collaboration among peers, students will be able to use what they learn and apply it to both their work and dissertation. 

If you’re looking to make a difference in organizational leadership, and earn a higher salary—the answer is yes. A doctorate in education can teach students how to use resources available to them in efforts to combat institutional issues. What’s more, this degree program provides individuals with a professional network and a greater appreciation and deeper passion for the education industry. Additionally, applicants who are already working in the field will have the option to move up the ladder and achieve their career goals with an advanced degree.

The perspective gained by students enrolled in organizational Ed.D programs lends itself to multiple roles in the education industry, particularly leadership roles—that can mean becoming a university dean, a principal, or a superintendent. People beyond education may find value in this degree, as well, and it’s applicable in corporate roles such as a chief learning officer . A doctorate in education in organizational leadership is tailored to those who hope to lead effectively and ethically. A Nova Southeastern University Ed.D program professor told Fortune that the program’s goal is to make its lessons, assignments, and discussion relevant in the real world. Programs with a focus on organizational leadership give students the time and space needed to develop the resources to address challenges in their given industry, with the goal of finding long-lasting solutions.

How long it will take to earn a doctorate in education can depend on two things: Whether a student is full-time or part-time and whether the program is online. But of course, there are multiple factors that contribute to the length of time needed for different programs, like credits needed to graduate and specializations. Ed.D programs can generally take two to three years to complete; for example, Vanderbilt University’s Ed.D. program in leadership and learning is a three-year commitment.

While both a Ph.D and an Ed.D. are graduate degree paths that typically appeal to people who want to pursue careers in education, they have different purposes . An Ed.D is for people who want leadership positions in the education field, whereas a Ph.D really focuses on the study of education itself. Most students who earn a Ph.D in education go on to become professors. The options are wider with a doctorate in education, in that students can pursue leadership roles in both primary and secondary education. 

Online Ed.D. programs offer accessibility and flexibility for those people looking to leadership roles in education or more broadly. By attending classes online, students can choose the institution and degree program that’s the best fit for them—while still obtaining transformative skills which can be utilized in corporate and traditional educational environments. Online programs can make the task of balancing school, a full-time job, and personal commitments more manageable, and can potentially save on cost.  

Since an Ed.D. is similar to a traditional Ph.D., some programs do require a research-based project, typically fulfilled as a dissertation. However, some Ed.D. programs don’t require a dissertation at all, and other programs have shifted to alternative examination strategies, such as a capstone project or dissertation in practice (DiP). In addition to eliminating Ed.D. specializations, Johns Hopkins University is also moving to a choose-your-own-adventure style in which students present their work in a variety of formats beyond the traditional dissertation model.

Online Doctor of Education Degree

Online Doctoral Degree in Education: An Overview

• Special education. 
• Higher education administration. 
• Educational psychology.  
• Adult education.  
• Curriculum and instruction. 

Jobs for Education Doctorate Degree Holders

Degree requirements.

• Challenges in urban education. 
• Human lifespan development. 
• Diversity, equity and inclusion.  
• Applied research and evaluation. 
• Development and improvement of pedagogical practices. 
• Theories and practices of leading organizations. 
• Ethical leadership and social justice. 
• How will you pay for the degree? Do you qualify for scholarships, grants or other financial aid? Is your employer subsidizing all or part of your education expenses? Are you taking out a student loan, and if so, what are the terms of this loan, including interest?
• How much income will you have while in school?
• Will you take classes full time or part time? How long will it take you to complete your desired degree program?
• Is this degree required for your desired role?
• How soon after obtaining this degree can you reasonably expect to work in your desired role?
• What is the average salary for your desired role, and how does that compare with your current salary?
• Is your desired degree in a growing field or one with expected demand?

Example courses

• Leading organizational change
• Evaluation of education policies and programs
• Current issues and trends in education
• Online teaching and learning
• Introduction to research methods

Job Outlook and Salary

Pay for online doctorate in education degree .

EdDPrograms.org

Online EdD Programs: 25 Best of 2024 & Nationwide Directory

Our rankings of the top 25 schools in the U.S. contain detailed profiles of each university's offerings, including info on admissions requirements. Use the advice section to find the perfect fit! You can also skip ahead to our full database of online Ed.D. programs if you prefer to search by state.

Updated for 2024 on March 1, 2024

How to Choose the Best Online Ed.D. Program

You’ll find 25 outstanding schools in our rankings of the best online doctoral programs in education ! All of them are well-regarded, regionally accredited universities. But there the similarities end. Each one has developed their own unique take on the Ed.D. Here’s how to find the right doctorate at the right price:

• Scan the Main Points: Start with the degree title, delivery method, and time-frame. If it looks like it aligns with your career goals, you can skim through our profiles and check on admissions requirements. Keep in mind that some 100% online programs will still include synchronous/live online classes.
• Find a Relevant Concentration: You don’t have to settle for a generic online doctorate in leadership. All of these universities have highly specific concentrations and foci. Some are PreK-12 based. Some are centered on social justice. Some can even help with certification needs.
• Look for Multiple Quality Markers: We favor universities with CAEP accreditation, membership in the Carnegie Project on the Education Doctorate (CPED) , great alumni reviews, active & experienced professors, ongoing community partnerships, and awards for research-based projects within the College of Education.
• Create a Comprehensive Budget: Many online Ed.D. programs have campus components—we’ve highlighted them under the title. If so, you’ll need to allow for any travel expenses, commuting costs, and accommodation. You should also ask the Ed.D. program coordinator if online students are eligible for scholarships & fellowships.
• Consider the Merits of Public vs. Private: Public universities tend to have the most affordable online rates, but they don’t always charge the same tuition for in-state and out-of-state Ed.D. students. You’ll notice that our highest ranked schools tend to be a) private; b) internationally known; and c) expensive.
• Assess the School of Education: This will give you a sense of its realm of expertise and research strengths. Even in online doctorates, the School’s location will influence the coursework (e.g. USC Rossier and urban education). We’ve provided a brief rundown in our profiles, but you can also follow our links to learn more about each College or School.
• Examine Recent Ed.D. Dissertations: And reach out to the students who wrote them. A solid portion of your doctorate in education is going to be centered on your final project. Think about how you’re going to use the School’s resources and research centers to strengthen your ideas. We’ve provided links to dissertation archives when we’ve found them.

Best Online Ed.D. Rankings

Our methodology for the top 25 online doctoral programs in education follows the same procedure as our on-campus & hybrid Ed.D. rankings . For our 2024 list:

• We’ve assessed each school’s standing in Times Higher Education (THE) World University rankings and U.S. News & World Report rankings of Best Education Schools & doctoral disciplines.
• But our unique algorithm also factors in data points such as student completion rates—garnered from the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) —acceptance rates, and earnings for education doctorate graduates.
• To qualify for our rankings, doctorates in educational leadership had to be delivered in a 100% online format or limited to 1-3 campus visits. That means we excluded top-notch hybrid programs from the University of Pennsylvania, the University of Pittsburgh, Boston University, the University of Arkansas, and William & Mary.

One important note—these rankings focus on educational leadership programs. You won’t find schools that offer online doctorates in Curriculum & Instruction (e.g. University of Central Florida, University of Virginia, and Texas A&M) or programs in a range of niche areas (e.g. Indiana University Bloomington and University of Houston). However, you’re welcome to explore our specialty guides to learn more about them!

Rankings Update: How Placements Changed in 2024

Our 2024 rankings of the Top 25 Online Doctor of Education Programs were a mix of predictable showings and pleasant surprises. Here are a few revelations from the list:

• Year after year, Vanderbilt and New York University continue to vie for the #1 and #2 online spots. In 2024, NYU just squeaked past its Tennessee rival.
• The University of Illinois-Urbana Champaign held its ground at #3 and Boston College and Johns Hopkins joined the top 5. Another repeat achiever was the University of Florida.
• Public universities continue to impress. Newcomers like Penn State and Virginia Tech can now be found in our top 10.
• You don’t have to sacrifice quality for price! Five schools in our top 14-25 slots also appear in our rankings of the most affordable online Ed.D. programs in the country.

Top Schools with Online Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) Programs

25 drexel university.

• Online Ed.D. in Educational Leadership & Management (Multiple Concentrations)

Delivery : 100% Online or Hybrid Credits : 60.5-61.5 Length : 3 or 5 Years

Why Choose Drexel’s Online Ed.D. Program?

It’s ridiculously flexible, super supportive, and backed by a highly reputable School of Education . The School has a history of embracing new technologies & virtual learning and funding in-depth research . It’s also strong on networking. In the list of events & workshops , you’ll discover a monthly Doctoral Student Colloquium , a K-12 School Leadership Council, and annual citywide events centered around Critical Conversations in Urban Education . All online Ed.D. students have access to Mentoring and Coaching (MAC) in the first year and a 1:1 relationship with a supervising professor. We’re not surprised it won the CPED Program of the Year Award in 2019!

Online Ed.D. Overview

Admissions to Drexel’s Online Ed.D. in Educational Leadership & Management will be competitive—candidates should have a master’s degree in education (or a closely related field), a minimum 3.5 GPA on graduate work, and at least 3 years of relevant work experience. It’s a 100% online doctorate with opportunities for face-to-face meetings. The 3-year plan of study is cohort-based; the 5-year plan of study is not.

One of Drexel’s key selling points is choice—this doctorate is offered in 10 concentrations that cover every aspect of education, both within PreK-20 settings and without. You can find & read recent Ed.D. dissertations in the Drexel Research Discovery portal. These take the form of a traditional 5-chapter dissertation.

Note: Drexel also offers a hybrid version of this doctorate in Philadelphia and Washington, D.C.

For More Information:

School of Education

• Online Ed.D. Admissions
• Online Ed.D. Tuition

24 University of Kentucky

• Online Ed.D. in Educational Leadership

Delivery : 100% Online Credits : 46 Length : 4 Years

Why Choose UK’s Online Ed.D. Program?

Fascinated by holistic approaches to education? Take a close look at UK’s College of Education and its remarkable portfolio of projects. The College supports engagement work in early childhood development, applied behavior analysis, addiction prevention, and health promotion. It has launched an Education and Civil Rights Initiative (ECRI) with Equity Audits. And it provides training for Kentucky K-12 schools and districts through the Center for Next Generation Leadership . Any of these ideas could provide the seeds for an interdisciplinary dissertation.

For its 4-year Online Ed.D. in Educational Leadership , UK would like to see candidates with a master’s degree from an accredited college or university and a minimum graduate 3.5 GPA. The doctorate is 100% online, but you will be expected to participate in synchronous/live online activities 5-6 times per semester, usually on a Saturday or in the evening. It’s a doctorate that can be adapted to fit most PreK-20 or education-related leadership roles.

The curriculum consists of 16 courses of pre-dissertation coursework, including 2 electives. Anyone who plans to seek K-12 administrator certification can use those electives to partially fulfill certification requirements. UK uses a Mixed Methods Action Research (MMAR) design for its dissertation. To get a sense of how this plays out, download some recent UK Ed.D. dissertations . Or get in touch the authors to ask them about their Ed.D. experience.

College of Education

23 Baylor University

• Online Ed.D. in Learning and Organizational Change

Delivery : Online with 2 Campus Immersions Credits : 54 Length : 3 Years

Why Choose Baylor’s Online Ed.D. Program?

Flexibility. Unlike traditional educational leadership doctorates, Baylor’s program fits almost any career. The School of Education is founded in Christian principles and supportive of doctoral students—check out the accolades earned by recent EdD graduates. And it’s invested its research dollars into disabilities, gifted children, and a dedicated Baylor Center for School Leadership . If you’re interested, have a look at the program’s Baylor Emerging Research Conference (BERC) and the EdD LOC Newsletter . There are many reasons this Ed.D. won the CPED Program of the Year award in 2022!

For the Online Ed.D. in Learning and Organizational Change , Baylor is looking for applicants with a master’s degree in any field, a minimum 3.0 GPA, and the appropriate background & experience for an education doctorate. To encourage collaboration, the program includes weekly live online classes and 2 in-person immersions on the Waco campus in Texas.

You can plan ahead by viewing the Course Sequence —it’s divided into 3 years. The curriculum covers everything from psychology and diversity to instructional design and community leadership, but it’s particularly strong on the final project. You’ll start your Problem of Practice (PoP) dissertation in the second year and work on it throughout the third. Browse through the EdLOC Newsletter for samples of recent projects.

22 Virginia Commonwealth University

• Online Ed.D. in Leadership – General Leadership
• Online Ed.D. in Leadership – Higher Education Leadership
• Online Ed.D. in Leadership – K-12 Leadership

Delivery : Online with 1 Summer Residency or On-Campus Credits : 48 Length : 3 Years

Why Choose VCU’s Online Ed.D. Program?

If you enjoy collaborating with other educational leaders, then VCU may be just the ticket. This is one of the few online doctorates to include a group-based capstone. The well-respected—and highly ranked— School of Education fosters collaboration opportunities with faculty and projects in local schools (e.g. Metropolitan Educational Research Consortium ). It’s been an Experienced CPED Member since 2014. And it funds a number of research centers in PreK-12 arenas (e.g. STEM, teacher leadership, minority education, etc.).

VCU offers its cohort-based Ed.D. in Leadership in an online version with 1 summer residency or in a face-to-face format. All candidates must have a master’s degree. When you apply, you’ll select a relevant learning community in K-12 Leadership, Higher Education Leadership, or General Education. VCU will then tailor the coursework & case studies to suit your cohort’s needs.

During the 3-year program, you’ll take 2 courses per semester up until the last year. Your final year will be devoted to tackling a collaborative, group-based capstone project. Coursework is fairly standard for a leadership doctorate, with classes in ethical & legal decision-making, sustainable change, and evidence-informed perspectives on practice. But you’ll have the additional benefit of insights from your learning community and capstone group.

Note: We profile the Online Ed.D. in Leadership – Higher Education Leadership in our Higher Education rankings!

21 Fordham University

• Online Ed.D. in Educational Leadership, Administration and Policy

Delivery : Online with 2 Campus Immersions Credits : 50 Length : 3 Years

Why Choose Fordham’s Online Ed.D. Program?

The Graduate School of Education (GSE) has created a hands-on doctorate for PreK-12 leaders that reflects the university’s Jesuit principles (e.g. social justice, acting as change agents, moral practice, etc.). Because of that, it may be an especially attractive pick for educators who are interested in serving students in Catholic schools or marginalized, urban, and underserved communities. Have a look at the NYC work being done within the Center for Educational Partnerships and the GSE News section to learn more about its initiatives.

Get your ducks in a row! To apply for the Online Ed.D. in Educational Leadership, Administration and Policy , you must have a master’s degree with a minimum 3.5 graduate GPA and at least 3 years of appropriate leadership experience in a PreK–12 educational institution. And expect to be engaged. In addition to seminars and Laboratories of Practice, this education doctorate includes two in-person immersions on the Westchester campus in New York.

Fordham is an Experienced CPED member, so it’s no surprise to see that the curriculum includes coursework in multiple realms of leadership (e.g. Leading Instructional Improvement, Economics and Finance of Education, Urban Education, etc.). The 3-year program finishes with a solutions-oriented Dissertation in Practice (DiP) that addresses a challenge in your school or district.

• Graduate School of Education (GSE)

20 Texas Tech University

Delivery : 100% Online Credits : 66 Length : 3.5 Years

Why Choose Texas Tech’s Online Ed.D. Program?

Affordability and relevance. The College of Education is an Experienced CPED member, so it knows how to put together a doctorate for PreK-12 working professionals. Within its research centers & institutes , you’ll find well-funded work on autism, sensory disabilities, policy, and teacher preparation. The College is part of a Principal Fellows Partnership Program that transforms teachers into leaders. It’s nurturing rural educators in West Texas. And it’s working with Raise Your Hand Texas on a number of programs.

Texas Tech’s cohort-based Online Ed.D. in Educational Leadership is open to PreK-12 education professionals with a master’s degree who are set on an administrative career trajectory in schools and school districts. The Ed.D. is 100% online, but you will be expected to take part in an online program orientation, virtual Summer Institutes in the first two years, and bi-monthly synchronous meetings.

Have a look at the Program Handbook to get a handle on the coursework. Superintendent professional certification preparation—including an internship—has been incorporated into the curriculum. But you’re not required to go through with certification if it’s not of interest. The doctorate finishes with a Dissertation in Practice (DiP).

Note:  Texas Tech also offers an Online Ed.D. in Instructional Technology and features in our Most Affordable Ed.D. rankings!

19 University of Colorado Denver

• Online Ed.D. in Leadership for Educational Equity – Executive Leadership (K-12)
• Online Ed.D. in Leadership for Educational Equity – Higher Education
• Online Ed.D. in Leadership for Educational Equity – Justice, Equity & Diverse Identities (JEDI)
• Online Ed.D. in Leadership for Educational Equity – Research Leadership

Delivery : 100% Online for Most Concentrations; 2 Annual Campus Visits for Higher Education Credits : 54 Length : 3 Years

Why Choose CU Denver’s Online Ed.D. Program?

CU Denver’s School of Education & Human Development is small enough to form relationships and big enough to support all kinds of unusual projects, including innovative teacher preparation programs . It’s been working on equitable tech access in K-12 schools, digital technologies in higher education , and improving the education continuum from birth to pre-school.  If you’re interested in experiments, it’s also worth noting that Denver Public Schools underwent a seismic education reform strategy from 2008-2019. Visit the Center for Education Policy Analysis (CEPA) to learn more about the results.

For CU Denver’s Online Ed.D in Leadership for Educational Equity , you will need a master’s degree from a regionally accredited institution. Visit the Admissions section on each specialty page to learn more about the Statement of Purpose. The doctorate is set up as a cohort-based, 3-year online program, but check the details in each degree. Some specialties may run longer (e.g. JEDI). Others will have synchronous elements (e.g. Executive Leadership) or in-person intensives (e.g. Higher Education).

CU Denver includes one-of-a-kind elements in each specialty. For instance, Research Leadership students will have the opportunity to collaborate with the Center for Practice Engaged Education Research (C-PEER) and developers of the Concerns-Based Adoption Model (CBAM) on their doctoral research project. Higher Education students can elect to receive executive coaching services for up to one year after graduation.

Note: CU Denver also features in our Most Affordable Ed.D. and Higher Education rankings!

• School of Education & Human Development
• Online Ed.D. Admissions (Listed on Each Specialty Page)

18 University of Alabama

Delivery : 100% Online Credits : 72 Length : 3 Years

Why Choose UA’s Online Ed.D. Program?

#1: It’s affordable. #2: It’s taught by diverse faculty . #3: It comes from a flagship public research university with an indefatigable College of Education . In addition to supporting labs & offices in everything from evaluation & school improvement to early intervention and neuroscience, the College regularly collaborates with the Alabama Department of Education on PreK-12 programs like the Alabama Superintendents Academy and the University of Alabama Gadsden Early Learning Initiative (ELI) . Online students have plenty of access to academic resources and scholarships . Some COE Graduate Scholarships may also apply.

Although it doesn’t lead to certification or licensure, UA’s cohort-based Online Ed.D. in Educational Leadership is geared toward PreK-12 leaders in schools and districts. Applicants should have a master’s degree and a minimum 3.0 GPA, as well as professional experience in teaching and/or leadership. It’s a doctorate for working professionals, with synchronous weekend meetings and asynchronous learning activities.

The curriculum begins ordinarily enough, with courses in organizational theory, policy, and leadership. But then it dives much deeper into PreK-12 leadership issues such as school partnerships, superintendency, finance, and advanced educational law. You’ll take part in advanced seminars in Curriculum Leadership and Educational Leadership and complete a dissertation.

Note: UA also offers an Online Ed.D. in Special Education (Multiple Tracks) and a  Hybrid Executive Ed.D. in Higher Education Administration

17 George Washington University

• Online Ed.D. in Educational Leadership & Administration

Delivery : 100% Online or On-Campus Credits : 48 Length : 3 Years

Why Choose GW’s Online Ed.D. Program?

Diversity of voices. Thanks to its urban location, GW’s Graduate School of Education & Human Development (GSEHD) has developed a close relationship with D.C. Public Schools (DCPS).  But it also runs the Mayberg Center for Jewish Education and Leadership and serves as a UNESCO Chair in International Education for Development (IED) . 50% of the student body are students of color and/or international students and alumni can be found in 75 countries. It’s a CPED Implementing member, a serious policy player, and a thought leader in education. Check out the EdFix Podcast !

GW’s cohort-based Online Ed.D. in Educational Leadership & Administration is designed for PreK-12 educational leaders. You must have a master’s degree in order to apply; international students are welcome. The virtual version of the doctorate is 100% online, but you will be expected to take part in weekly synchronous meetings and complete asynchronous components.

The 48-credit curriculum is practical and straightforward—you’ll cover a series of high-level courses in leadership, policy, planning, and research. There are no concentrations or electives. If you crave interaction, ask the program coordinator about the Seminar in Administration & Supervision. If you’re looking for inspiration, search for previous Ed.D. dissertations in GW’s ScholarSpace .

• Graduate School of Education & Human Development (GSEHD)

16 University of Missouri-Columbia

Delivery : 100% Online with Optional Campus Opportunities Credits : 54 Length : 3 Years

Why Choose Mizzou’s Online Ed.D. Program?

Mizzou takes its position as the state’s flagship university very seriously. The College of Education & Human Development (CEHD) spearheads school partnerships, community initiatives, and outreach programs in every county within the state. In 2023, the CEHD launched a new multi-faceted Rural Education Initiative to grow the teacher pipeline and expand student opportunities. You’ll also notice unique work on social science and student behavior within its research centers . All of this expertise is wrapped up in an Ed.D. with a super low price tag.

Mizzou’s straightforward Online Ed.D. in Educational Leadership can be adjusted to fit almost any career, from PreK-20 education to non-profits and consulting. However, as Mizzou points out, it does not lead to professional licensure or certification. Applicants should have a master’s degree with a minimum 3.0 GPA and organizational or educational leadership experience (3 years is recommended).

Once you’re in, you’ll proceed with a cohort of other Ed.D. students through 3 years of coursework , comprehensive exams, and a Dissertation in Practice (DiP). No electives or concentrations are available. And although it’s 100% online, there will be synchronous live components on a weekday evening. Locals have the option to take part in campus opportunities like networking events and faculty meetings.

Note: Mizzou also features in our Most Affordable Ed.D. rankings!

• College of Education & Human Development (CEHD)

15 University of South Carolina-Columbia

• Online Ed.D. in Educational Practice and Innovation – Education Systems Improvement

Delivery : 100% Online Credits : 60 Length : Check with Program Coordinator

Why Choose USC’s Online Ed.D. Program?

Community is the watchword at USC’s College of Education . The College has partnered with 340+ schools across the length and breadth of the state. In addition to running a slew of outreach programs , it’s investing plenty of research money into families from underserved populations, African American students, and rural schools. And it’s actively involved in professional development for South Carolina educators. Oh, and did we mention it’s an Experienced CPED member with an extensive range of doctoral programs and a large alumni network?

For our leadership-focused rankings, we’ve chosen the Online Ed.D. in Educational Practice and Innovation – Education Systems Improvement for PK-20 leaders. It’s available for post-Ed.S., post-Graduate Certificate, or post-master’s degree entry—master’s degree students must complete 60 doctoral credits in order to graduate. USC bills it as 100% online, but we recommend you chat to the program coordinator about how coursework will be delivered.

Unsurprisingly, USC’s doctorate in education is strong on equity. If you look through the course requirements , you’ll see unique credits in diversity & curriculum and transformative leadership. But there are plenty of practical courses, especially when you tackle your cognate in either PK-12 or Higher Education. Think of subjects like law, finance, and data-informed decision making. The program culminates in a Dissertation in Practice (DiP).

Note: USC also offers online doctorates in Curriculum Studies, STEM Education, and Learning Design & Technologies and features in our Most Affordable Ed.D. rankings!

14 University of Kansas

• Online Ed.D. in Educational Leadership & Policy Studies – Educational Administration
• Online Ed.D. in Educational Leadership & Policy – Higher Education Administration

Delivery : 100% Online Credits : 51 Length : 3 Years

Why Choose KU’s Online Ed.D. Program?

KU is the one you never saw coming. Although it may not be as famous as NYU or Vanderbilt, the School of Education & Human Sciences has plenty to boast about, including strong student reviews, an unusual and interdisciplinary Achievement & Assessment Institute (AAI) with both tactical and strategic initiatives, and a dedicated Center for Evaluation and Educational Leadership (CEEL) . It’s one of the most affordable doctorates in the country for in-state and out-of-state students. The program fulfills the academic requirements for Kansas licensure endorsement in school district administration. And scholarships are available.

The Online Ed.D. in Educational Leadership & Policy Studies – Educational Administration is open to candidates with a master’s degree or equivalent and a minimum 3.0 GPA. Applicants should be in a current full-time position in a relevant educational setting; 3 years of work experience is recommended. It’s a 100% online, 3-year program that focuses on PreK-12 district leadership, especially in a Kansas or Missouri context. Courses are delivered online with synchronous/live Zoom meetings every 1-2 weeknights throughout the semester.

The bulk of your coursework will be devoted to district-level concerns such as supervision of instruction, district leadership, HR management, financial management, and policy. KU’s doctorate also includes supervised & directed field experiences in educational settings and a dissertation. The program is structured for school district leadership endorsement, but additional courses may be added for a building-level endorsement.

Note: We profile the Online Ed.D. in Higher Education Administration in our Higher Education rankings!

• School of Education & Human Sciences

13 Loyola Marymount University

• Online Ed.D. in Educational Leadership for Social Justice

Delivery : 100% Online Credits : 46 Length : 3 Years

Why Choose LMU’s Online Ed.D. Program?

The name says it all! LMU’s School of Education is building on the Jesuit tradition of social justice to create a world of diversity, equity, and inclusion. You can see this being manifested in partnerships like the LMU Family of Schools and the work with Teach for America . Just as importantly, doctoral faculty are experienced. Alumni are breaking new ground in their communities. Classes are intimate—the program insists on a 1:1 dissertation chair to student ratio. And generous doctoral scholarships & fellowships are available. Read the latest Impact Report to learn more about the school and its students.

For the Online Ed.D. in Educational Leadership for Social Justice , LMU is looking for candidates with a master’s degree and—preferably—a cumulative 3.5 GPA on graduate coursework and 3.0 on undergraduate coursework. If accepted, you’ll join a cohort of 18-24 students in a structured, 3-year program that has a 97% completion rate. Coursework is 100% online, with a combination of synchronous and asynchronous sessions. Live classes are held in the evenings.

View the curriculum to learn more about your studies. You’ll notice that the first year focuses on “big picture” topics and the second year digs into prosaic concerns like policy, law, and the management of fiscal & human capital. Your third year will be devoted to your dissertation. Check out the Repository of Ed.D. Dissertations to get a sense of what this 20-year-old program has achieved. LMU encourages collaborations with faculty and fosters networks of international research.

12 Arizona State University

• Online Ed.D. in Leadership & Innovation – PK-12
• Online Ed.D. in Leadership & Innovation – Higher Education
• Online Ed.D. in Leadership & Innovation – Systems, Professional, and Reimagined Change (SPARC)

Delivery : 100% Online Credits : 60 Length : 3 Years

Why Choose ASU’s Online Ed.D. Program?

ASU has a way of making our heart sing. The online doctorate is a distance learning version of its campus program, which means both versions are taught by the same faculty. The Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College is nationally respected. Ed.D. students can choose from 3 different concentrations and participate in collaborative Leader-Scholar Communities (LSCs). Graduate alumni praise the program’s flexibility & helpful professors. And per credit tuition rates are the same for in-state and out-of-state students. It’s no wonder this Ed.D. won the CPED Program of the Year Award in 2018.

To apply to the Online Ed.D. in Leadership & Innovation , you must have a bachelor’s and master’s degree—in any field—from a regionally accredited institution and a 3.0 GPA on graduate work. You should also be working in a professional position that allows you to implement change. The Ed.D. curriculum consists of a professional core, a research core, directed field study, LSC seminars, and an action-research dissertation. Overall:

• The PK-12 concentration tends to attract aspiring superintendents, education administrators, teacher leaders, and curriculum specialists.
• The Higher Education concentration is tailored to mid-level professionals (e.g. directors of units, student services personnel, instructional technologists, etc.).
• The Systems, Professional, and Reimagined Change (SPARC) concentration is for individuals in educational environments outside of schools & universities (e.g. professional schools, continuing education, corporate training, museums, etc.).

This is an attractive choice for working professionals who want an efficient degree schedule—courses are only 7.5. weeks long and the entire program can be finished in 9-10 semesters.

Note: We profile ASU’s Online Ed.D. in Leadership & Innovation – Higher Education in our Higher Education rankings!

• Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College

11 University of Southern California

• Online Ed.D. in Educational Leadership (Multiple Concentrations)
• Online Ed.D. in Organizational Change and Leadership

Delivery : Online with 1 Immersion Weekend (Educational Leadership); Annual Immersion Weekends (Organizational Change) Credits : 43-60 Length : 3-4 Years

One of USC’s secret superpowers is urban education. Thanks to its physical location, the USC Rossier School of Education is well-known for its work with the Los Angeles Unified School District. It supports plenty of research centers that focus on urban issues. And it has reputation for being helpful—graduate student reviews often mention the excellent support networks. All of this quality comes with a price tag. Visit Rossier’s section on Scholarships and talk to the Ed.D. program coordinator about the $7,500 admissions scholarship before you apply.

The 43-credit Online Ed.D. in Educational Leadership is open to those with a master’s degree, leadership experience, and a minimum of 3 years of full-time work experience. This challenging doctorate features core coursework in topical areas (e.g. equity), mandatory work in research methods, and a Dissertation in Practice. 4 concentrations are available: K-12 Leadership in Urban School Settings, Leading Instructional Change, Higher Education Administration, and Educational Psychology. You’ll also need to be prepared for weekly live/synchronous classes in the evenings and a 2-day, on-campus orientation.

The Online Ed.D. in Organizational Change and Leadership welcomes applicants with a minimum of 6 years of proven leadership experience. It comes in two forms: a 3-year, 43-unit curriculum for folks who already hold a master’s degree and a 60-unit curriculum for candidates who have a bachelor’s degree and substantial work & leadership experience. All students complete a hefty number of courses in urban education and a Dissertation in Practice. Plan for weekly live class sessions on weeknights or Saturdays and annual immersion weekends on the Los Angeles campus.

Note: Looking for in-person alternatives? USC also offers a Hybrid Global Executive Ed.D. and features in our Best Ed.D. rankings!

• USC Rossier School of Education
• Online Ed.D. in Educational Leadership Admissions
• Online Ed.D. in Organizational Change and Leadership Admissions

10 Virginia Polytechnic Institute & State University

• Online Ed.D. in Educational Leadership & Policy Studies

Delivery : 100% Online or Hybrid Credits : 69 Length : 3 Years

Why Choose Virginia Tech’s Online Ed.D. Program?

Seasoned faculty. Flexible scheduling. And measurable results. These are just 3 reasons to choose Virginia Tech for your online doctorate. The School of Education is well-known in the state—approximately 30% of division superintendents in Virginia are graduates of its Educational Leadership programs—and it’s working on a number of unusual research projects & outreach programs . Learn more about its initiatives in rural Appalachia and its partnerships with Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and Minority Serving Institutions (MSIs).

Virginia Tech’s cohort-based Online Ed.D. in Educational Leadership & Policy Studies for PreK-12 leaders is remarkably flexible. You can opt for a 100% online degree with synchronous and asynchronous classes. Or you can choose a hybrid version with classes at Virginia Tech extension sites. Candidates must have school leadership experience, a master’s degree, and a 3.3 GPA on the most recent 2 years of university coursework.

If you’re accepted, you’ll be immersed in a huge range of courses on public education, budgeting, law, and administration. We give Virginia Tech full marks for incorporating an internship and field studies into the curriculum—you’ll gain experience working on advanced applied research and/or an evaluation study for educational institutions & agencies. You’ll also have the opportunity to choose between a traditional 5-chapter dissertation or an alternative format (e.g. journal article).

9 University of Arizona

Delivery : 100% Online Credits : 63 Length : 3 Years

Consistency. UA’s College of Education has a long track record in distance education and a history of supporting indigenous education and Hispanic populations. That makes this online Ed.D. a good fit for K-12 educational leaders who want to combine training in areas like policy with research into issues surrounding social justice, race, and culturally responsive leadership. Tuition rates are fairly reasonable for an education doctorate and out-of-state students pay the same rate as in-state students.

UA’s comprehensive Online Ed.D. in Educational Leadership is a practical, part-time program that’s open to applicants with a master’s degree, a cumulative 3.0 GPA on graduate work, and current or previous leadership experience. This cohort-based doctorate is 100% online, with no residency requirements and mostly asynchronous coursework.

In the first 2 years, you’ll tackle 2-3 courses in the fall, spring & summer semesters. In the final year, you’ll take 3 courses in the summer and then pivot to focus on your Dissertation in Practice (DiP). UA is an Experienced CPED member, so the curriculum covers a wide range of leadership courses, including Market-Based Educational Reforms, Policy Analysis, and Bilingual Education.

8 Pennsylvania State University – World Campus

• Online D.Ed. (Multiple Specializations)

Delivery : Online with 1 Summer Summit Credits : 37 Length : 1 Year (Full-Time); 2-4 Years (Part-Time)

Why Choose Penn State’s Online Ed.D. Program?

Anyone looking to customize their online doctorate should be looking at Penn State! The World Campus is doing a bang-up job of supporting distance learners who are working professionals. And the College of Education funds a wide range of research centers . Education faculty are spearheading DEI and anti-racist leadership initiatives in higher education settings, questioning educational policy, and pushing the boundaries of science in schools. Check out the section on active funded research projects for capstone inspiration and read up on the Department of Education Policy Studies (EPS) before applying.

Penn State’s Online D.Ed. is the first doctorate the College of Education has developed to be offered online, but it’s led by an experienced Faculty Director and packed with intriguing elements. You’ll be required to complete a Quantitative Data Analysis Workshop, an in-depth capstone project, and a mandatory 5-day Summer Summit at the University Park campus. The summit is packed with career-building opportunities, including workshops and professional development training.

Moreover, you can create your own Ed.D. specialty by choosing 12 credits of electives from 170+ online graduate courses offered by the College of Education. That makes this doctorate fit for almost anyone interested in education & leadership. Candidates with a master’s degree (or equivalent) in education or an associated field are welcome to apply to Penn State. Have a look at the Set Your Own Pace section to decide whether you’re ready for 3-4 courses per semester or a less frenetic part-time schedule.

Note: Penn State also appears in our Higher Education rankings!

• Penn State World Campus

7 Florida State University

Delivery : Online with Annual 3-day Summer Institute Credits : 69 Length : 3 Years

Why Choose FSU’s Online Ed.D. Program?

FSU has a Carnegie designation of Very High Research Activity. That gives it street cred. But we were more impressed with the reviews for the College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences (CEHHS) . Alumni are full of praise for the hands-on learning, knowledgeable professors, supportive staff, and positive atmosphere. Be sure to read up on the latest faculty initiatives and research-practice projects within the Learning Systems Institute (LSI) . FSU is a great pick for mid-level professionals who aspire to become senior-level educational leaders, policymakers, and policy researchers. It’s also worth noting that Florida residents get a good deal on tuition rates and access to a number of FSU scholarships.

FSU isn’t fooling around! U.S. candidates for the Online Ed.D. in Educational Leadership & Administration are expected to have a graduate degree from a regionally accredited institution with a 3.5 GPA (3.0 for international applicants). Those high standards are reflected in the curriculum. The virtual, 3-year doctorate includes in-depth asynchronous coursework with a strong emphasis on policy and a 3-day Summer Institute each year in Tallahassee.

It gets better. FSU is an Experienced CPED member. That means the Ed.D. includes Laboratories of Practice in the first two years, a Dissertation in Practice (DiP) in the final year, and Scholarly Engagement requirements. As part of your doctoral studies, you’ll be expected to complete a number of benchmark activities (e.g. attending conferences, participating in workshops, presenting at a conference or submitting an article, etc.).

Note: FSU also offers a cohort-based Online Ed.D. in Learning Design and Performance Technology with on-campus meetings and an applied dissertation.

6 University of Florida

• Online Leadership in Educational Administration Doctorate (LEAD) Ed.D.

Delivery : 100% Online Credits : 90 Length : 4 Years

Why Choose UF’s Online Ed.D. Program?

UF is a flagship university with a massive budget. So it’s no surprise to see that the College of Education oversees three schools and receives more than $219 million in research awards for work within its centers & institutes . We were particularly intrigued by the College’s investment in advanced learning technologies . According to the annual Impact Report , students in the College are actively involved in creating AI initiatives, user-friendly data dashboards, and innovative tech solutions to educational challenges. If you’re fascinated by 21st century tools and need a convenient delivery method for your doctorate, UF is a very strong option.

First off, UF has been a CPED member since 2007. That means there’s a high level of quality baked into the cohort-based Online Leadership in Educational Administration Doctorate (LEAD) Ed.D. This part-time program is open to applicants with a master’s degree and a minimum 3.0 GPA on undergraduate work. It’s 100% online, with a combination of two synchronous Saturday meetings per semester via Zoom and asynchronous components in-between.

To accommodate working professionals, LEAD studies at UF are spaced out over 4 years. You’ll be required to complete 2 courses per term. Core courses, research credits, and electives will make up the bulk of your first 3 years. The fourth year will be consumed by your dissertation. Search UF’s repository of Electronic Theses & Dissertations to learn what previous students have accomplished.

Note: UF also offers a Hybrid Ed.D. in Higher Education Administration that features in our Higher Education rankings and online doctorates in Curriculum & Instruction .

5 Johns Hopkins University

• Online Ed.D. (Multiple Concentrations)

Delivery : 100% Online Credits : 54 Length : 4 Years

Why Choose JHU’s Online Ed.D. Program?

JHU’s School of Education is a mere toddler—it was established as a standalone division in 2007. But that’s not stopping it from going from strength to strength! It produces scores of teachers for Baltimore City public schools. It supports multiple research centers & institutes and faculty-led research areas. And it’s actively creating solutions that affect national policy. Take a look at the current research-practice partnerships focusing on student success and the large assortment of tools & strategies that have been created for educators.

JHU is an Experienced CPED member, so you can expect its cohort-based Online Ed.D. to be packed with engaging elements for K-16 educational leaders & administrators. This prestigious, part-time doctorate is open to candidates with a master’s degree and a minimum 3.0 GPA. You’ll start with a core of 12 credits in Foundations of Education and 12 credits of Applied Research and Evaluation. Then you can customize your doctorate with 1 or more areas of interest, including electives in:

• Creativity, Advanced Learning, and Twice Exceptionality
• Digital Age Learning and Educational Technology
• Entrepreneurial Leadership in Education
• Mind, Brain, and Teaching
• Urban Leadership

Along the way, you’ll also identify a Problem of Practice that will serve as the basis for your Doctoral Dossier. The dossier consists of 3 different “Scholarship” projects that focus on the application of research to practice, the development & improvement of pedagogical practices, and the search for new knowledge. You’ll graduate with an extensive Ed.D. portfolio of analyses, scholarly publications, teaching materials, and more.

4 Boston College

• Online Executive Ed.D. in Higher Education
• Online Executive Ed.D. in Higher Education: Catholic Higher Education

Delivery : Online with Week-Long Summer Residencies Credits : 48 Length : 3 Years

Why Choose BC’s Online Ed.D. Program?

Prestige! The Lynch School is an Experienced CPED member with dedicated research centers in higher education , glowing student reviews, and consistently high rankings . It’s usually regarded as the #1 Catholic School of Education in the country. Boston College’s program is worth a good hard look if you’re currently working at a religiously-minded university. We’d also call it a great “mid-career” option for higher education administrators—the Lynch School is careful about creating strong cohorts of experienced national & international students.

Applicants to the Online Executive Ed.D. in Higher Education should have 7+ years of relevant professional experience and a master’s degree. You can opt for the standard format with electives or choose to specialize in the Catholic Higher Education concentration. Both tracks include a combination of asynchronous and synchronous elements and take 3 years to complete on a part-time schedule.

This collaborative Ed.D. has two unique selling points—the annual summer residencies and the group-based capstone project. During the first and third year, you’ll travel to the Boston area for cohort-building and networking activities in June. (Catholic Ed.D. students also take part in an Institute for Administrators in Catholic Higher Education.). In the second year, you’ll journey to Chile to acquire insights on Managing Change in Higher Education.

Note: Looking for an in-person alternative? BC also features in our Best Ed.D. Rankings !

• Lynch School of Education and Human Development

3 University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

• Online Ed.D. in Education Policy, Organization and Leadership (Multiple Concentrations)

On-Campus Components : 100% Online Credits : 64 Length : 3 Years

Why Choose UIUC’s Online Ed.D. Program?

UIUC’s Department of Education Policy, Organization & Leadership (EPOL) has a little something for everyone who’s interested in policy and practice—especially folks in PreK-12 and postsecondary settings who want to broaden their horizons. One of the biggest selling factors for this doctorate is price. Online Ed.D. tuition rates are remarkably inexpensive for in-state and out-of-state students and scholarships for doctoral students are available. The other deciding factor will be the uniqueness of the Ed.D. concentrations. Options such as Human Resource Development aren’t that common at other universities.

The Online Ed.D. in Education Policy, Organization and Leadership is open to candidates with a master’s degree from an accredited institution and a minimum 3.0 GPA. It features weekly synchronous sessions where students can exchange ideas and network. It’s also 100% online, which may make it an attractive option for anyone overseas. Just be sure to read the International Applicant Criteria first!

Once accepted, you’ll be able to specialize in one of 5 concentrations that cover everything from Diversity & Equity and Learning Design & Leadership to Global Studies in Education and International Education Administration & Leadership. All concentrations include a core of required Ed.D. courses, coursework in research methods, 5-8 electives, qualifying exams/research seminars, and a dissertation. Not sure what to focus on? You’ll find examples of previous UIUC Ed.D. dissertations in IDEALS .

Note: Looking for an in-person alternative? UIUC also features in our Best Ed.D. Rankings !

2 Vanderbilt University

• Online Ed.D. in Leadership and Learning in Organizations (LLO)

Delivery : Online with 3 Campus Convenings Credits : 54 Length : 3-4 Years

Why Choose Vanderbilt’s Online Ed.D. Program?

Vanderbilt’s reputation speaks for itself. The Peabody College of Education and Human Development is internationally renowned and often sits in the top 10 of education school rankings. It’s funding plenty of interdisciplinary research initiatives that may spark ideas for your Ed.D. capstone project. And the Department of Leadership, Policy, and Organizations is led by diverse faculty. The LLO program is relatively new and—according to reviews—has been going through a teething stage. So chat to alumni about their experience before applying.

The Online Ed.D. in Leadership and Learning in Organizations is aimed at mid-career professionals—candidates should have a minimum 3.0 GPA, 30 graduate-level hours, and at least 3 years of relevant leadership experience. And it’s practice-based. To foster engagement, this doctorate includes live online classes each week and a hands-on capstone project in lieu of a dissertation.

Vanderbilt splits the Ed.D. program into five parts. The bulk of the coursework covers:

• Leadership & Organizational Development
• Learning and Design
• Data and Analytics

The rest of your time will be devoted to three on-campus convenings and your capstone project —an intervention or process that you design to implement learning, improvement, or change in your organization. You don’t necessarily need to go through with that intervention, but you will be expected to develop a research-based plan and evaluation strategy.

Note: Looking for an in-person alternative? Vanderbilt also features in our Best Ed.D. Rankings !

• Peabody College of Education and Human Development

1 New York University

• Online Ed.D. in Leadership and Innovation

Delivery : Online with 1 Immersive Residency Credits : 42 Length : 2 Years

Why Choose NYU’s Online Ed.D. Program?

NYU’s high octane doctorate comes from Steinhardt , a school with superb rankings & graduate student reviews, an active Department of Administration, Leadership, and Technology , and outstanding faculty. It’s also a qualification that’s designed to cover a wide range of sectors, including PK-20 education. If you’re a mid-level professional who is planning for a C-level or management role, this cohort-based program should be first on your shortlist! Just keep in mind that the high tuition rates reflect the depth and value of the program.

Candidates for the Online Ed.D. in Leadership and Innovation must have 7-10 years of work experience, a minimum 3.0 GPA, and a master’s degree in education or a related field. Coursework is online, but you’ll be expected to take part in a 3-day immersive experience on the NYU campus. This Executive-style Ed.D. even features virtual seminars with educational leaders and an ongoing Master Speaker Series.

We applaud NYU for including a Problem of Practice instead of a dissertation. You’ll have the chance to implement significant improvements and/or innovations in your workplace and measure their success. The Problem of Practice section has a number of helpful examples that you can use as inspiration.

Note: Looking for an in-person alternative? NYU also features in our Best Ed.D. Rankings !

• NYU Steinhardt

What to Expect from an Online Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) Program

Online ed.d. experience.

In many ways, your experience in an online Ed.D. program will be very close to an on-campus program:

• You’ll go through a rigorous program of study that includes targeted educational leadership coursework and mandatory credits in research methods.
• You’ll be taught by College of Education faculty.
• You may be collaborating on class projects with fellow students in your cohort.
• You’ll often have to take exams and provide a dissertation proposal & defense.
• You’ll end the doctorate with a practice-based dissertation, Dissertation in Practice (DiP), or capstone.

But there are obvious differences in delivery & time expectations. Read on to discover how your doctoral journey will change in distance learning.

Time to Completion: How Long are Online Ed.D. Programs?

Ed.D. programs generally represent at least 57 semester hours of graduate credit beyond the master’s degree. If we follow the conventional wisdom that says each semester hour takes a student 45 hours, this means every Ed.D. program involves at least 2,565 hours of active, focused study. There’s a lot of material to cover and there are no shortcuts.

• 3-Year Standard: The standard length for online Ed.D. programs is 3 years. Some universities stretch the timeline into 4 years. You’ll also need to consider administrative delays, grading, course availability, dissertation or capstone project revision, and other factors.
• Faster Options: If you’re determined to earn an Ed.D. quickly, start with our Guide to 2-Year Ed.D. Programs . These are the fastest Ed.D. programs in the country, and many are offered online or in a hybrid format.

Part-time study is the norm for education doctorates. Online Ed.D. programs are designed with working professionals in mind, and it is very difficult to continue to work full-time while pursuing a doctorate full-time. Some people have done it—programs identified as “Accelerated” (see below) are often designed with this purpose in mind. However, a part-time study timetable may be more realistic. You can avoid getting stuck in the dissertation phase by staying in touch with faculty, minding the timetable, and staying proactive.

Special Types of Online Ed.D. Programs

Online executive ed.d. programs.

Until the 1980s, it was very hard for working professionals to earn a graduate degree while working a full-time schedule. Evening and weekend courses were relatively rare, and senior professionals faced the challenge of either sacrificing several years of income to earn advanced degrees or potentially losing future jobs & promotions.

Universities responded to this challenge by creating part-time “Executive” programs that could be completed entirely on evenings and weekends.

• In time, the Executive model became so popular and successful that nearly all doctorates in education (online & on-campus) began to follow an evening/weekend schedule.
• However, you’ll still spot Executive Ed.D. programs in our listings that have a specific work experience requirement (e.g. Boston College’s Online Executive Ed.D. in Higher Education ). In these cases, applicants are often expected to be mid-career leadership professionals with a certain number of years under their belt (e.g. 5-10).

If you’re interested in an Online Executive Ed.D., read the program page & admissions requirements carefully to learn about the thresholds for experience and consider whether you are in the right place in your employment journey. The one assumption you can safely make about every Executive Ed.D. program is that it is designed to accommodate students who have important full-time commitments.

Online Accelerated Ed.D. Programs

An accelerated online Ed.D. is usually a program that’s structured to be completed in less than 3 years. For example, Lamar University’s Online Ed.D. in Educational Leadership can be completed in 6 semesters of full-time study.

The only meaningful difference between an accelerated online Ed.D. and an ordinary online Ed.D. is that the accelerated program is focused on full-time study. So the odds of multiple core classes being offered at overlapping times, or not being offered at all for a while, are much lower than they might otherwise be.

Note: If an accelerated online doctorate in education advertises itself as taking less than 2 years, that’s usually a “Red Flag” indication that the program is unaccredited.

Online Program Delivery Formats

What does 100% online mean.

Most regionally accredited online Ed.D. programs contain some on-campus residencies. However, a small number are completely virtual—you’ll take part in online orientations, defend your dissertation through video meetings, and collaborate with students via distance learning methods. Having said all that, you will still have to factor face-to-face encounters into your planning. For example:

• You may be asked to complete class assignments by trying something out in a professional setting.
• It’s not uncommon for proctored examinations, which you must take under supervision at a faculty-approved site, to be required.
• Many online Ed.D. programs contain field work, an internship, or practicum requirement. These can be completed at a site near you.
• For your dissertation research, you may have to conduct experimental, on-site research at an education site.

Think of “100% online” as a reference to how the classes are conducted, not to the overall learning experience. Even if you never have to visit the campus, the doctoral process is likely to affect every area of your life.

What Kind of Software Will I Need?

In most cases, an up-to-date web browser, a strong Internet connection, and an email client will be enough. Universities use a wide range of software packages to host classes—Blackboard, Canvas, and Moodle are the most popular—but the distance learning experience is relatively straightforward.

Can I Take Classes Whenever I Want?

It depends. Online classes are taught in one of two ways:

• Synchronous: A group of students participate in an online class or discussion live, in a chatroom or other real-time environment.
• Asynchronous: Students can log into classes, view pre-recorded content, and tackle assignments whenever they have time.

It’s not unusual for online education doctorates to offer a mix of synchronous and asynchronous classes. If you have a tight schedule, look for online Ed.D. courses that are taught asynchronously (or at least where the classes are archived, and synchronous “attendance” is not mandatory).

Online vs. Hybrid: What’s the Difference?

Although 100% online doctorates exist, a number of online Ed.D. programs could actually be classified as low-residency hybrid programs. Even though the bulk of classroom study is conducted online, students are still required to meet up in-person a few times over the course of the program for residencies, seminars, or conferences. You should read the program page carefully to determine how much on-campus work is included.

• In our rankings of the top 25 schools in the U.S. , we focused on online Ed.D. programs that had reasonable on-campus expectations (e.g. 1-3 visits).
• Any education doctorates that exceeded this threshold were deemed to be hybrid or blended.

Incidentally, most “on-campus” Ed.D. programs offered by accredited U.S. universities are technically high-residency hybrid programs. It’s extremely rare to find a school that does not allow Ed.D. students to take at least some of their coursework online.

Online Ed.D. Dissertations vs. Capstones

Ph.D. programs are built to include a 5-chapter, book-length dissertation that must constitute an “original contribution to knowledge” within the student’s field. If the dissertation is especially relevant and timely, the student will often submit it to a university press for publication.

While the dissertation is an essential component to the Ph.D., some Ed.D. programs don’t require it. Instead, students may be allowed to submit a Dissertation in Practice (DiP), portfolio, or capstone project. These practice-based projects are not intended to be easier than dissertations. Instead, they’re designed to be more relevant to the work the student is likely to do in the field.

• Choosing a Dissertation-Based Ed.D. Program: If you’re choosing a position that involves research, potential college-level instruction, or a lot of competition with people who hold Ph.D. degrees, it’s probably best to make sure to conclude your Ed.D. with a dissertation rather than a capstone project. Our guide to EdD dissertations provides a comprehensive account of what you can expect from the dissertation process.
• Choosing a Capstone-Based Ed.D. Program: If you’re entering an environment where a capstone-project Ed.D. is the norm, or where most of your peers don’t hold doctorates of any kind, you can probably get by without a dissertation.

Field Work and Internships in Online Ed.D. Programs

You’ll satisfy field work & internship requirements in a face-to-face setting at a local site, just like you would in a traditional program. The difference is that the local site is typically local to you.

Field work and internship requirements can vary a great deal from program to program:

• No Internship: Many online Ed.D. programs don’t require an internship. But small amounts of field work are often integrated into normal Ed.D.-level courses in the form of specific assignments.
• Internship Required: When an internship is required, it’s usually classified as a course of its own. You’ll often complete your internship training under the direction of a practicing educational leader in your local area and report back to a supervising Ed.D. faculty member about your progress.

In rare cases, an Ed.D. program will integrate specific field work requirements into every course.

How to Choose an Online Ed.D. Program

Institutional prestige.

Every doctorate in our database of online Ed.D. programs is offered by a regionally accredited college or university. This means that they meet certain measurable baselines that are associated with high-quality institutions. There are no diploma mills among our listings!

If you’re looking for the “best” distance learning program for your needs, things get trickier. You can start with certain institutional quality markers (e.g. CPED membership, CAEP accreditation, etc.), but you’ll also need to consider real-world factors such as budget, time-frame, program relevancy, admissions requirements, and Ed.D. faculty expertise. One of the reasons we put together such a detailed ranking of the Best Online Ed.D. Programs is because we wanted a list that was thoroughly researched, fact-checked, and free of advertiser influence.

Weigh your options carefully. An online Ed.D. is more likely to be sniffed at if it:

• Was awarded by a for-profit school, rather than a private non-profit or public institution.
• Was awarded by a school that does not have a significant number of on-campus students;
• Was awarded by a school that’s less than 20 years old; and/or
• Does not involve a dissertation.

For-profit schools are especially controversial, and are likely to remain so for a long time.

Program Focus and Career Goals

The major matters a great deal in Ed.D. programs. If you dig into the titles & curricula, you’ll notice that every doctorate has a unique slant. For instance:

• Sign up for Drexel University’s Online Ed.D. in Educational Leadership and Management and you’ll come out of the program with a solid background in management philosophy, educational technology, and research design.
• Sign up for Texas A&M University’s Online Ed.D. in Curriculum and Instruction , which is also marketed to educational administrators, and you get courses that are centered much more closely on the nuts and bolts of supervision and assessment.

Whenever possible, choose a program that honors both your academic interests and your career track.

Instructor Quality

It’s pretty standard for online degree programs to outsource faculty. However, at the doctoral level you need to be able to access the same core department Ed.D. faculty as on-campus students. This becomes especially important during the dissertation phase.

Save yourself some trouble now by checking with the school to make sure any professors you’re especially interested in working with on your future research actually supervise online students’ dissertations.

Online vs. On-Campus

Conventional wisdom would suggest that online programs cost less than on-campus programs, since students don’t need to rely on physical facilities or the same range of student services. Conventional wisdom, in this case, is wrong. Online Ed.D. programs typically cost about as much as on-campus programs, with total program expenses running anywhere from $15,000 to $200,000.

If money is no object to you—or you’re confident that your career track will pay back any student loans you take out—this isn’t necessarily bad news. But if you’re working with limited funds, you’re going to need to balance the cost of the program with the benefits you expect to receive from it. You’ll also need to explore how to pay for the program in the near term, and how to minimize your long-term debt.

The easiest way to minimize debt is to choose an affordable Ed.D. program. Head over to our rankings of the cheapest online Ed.D. programs to jump-start your research.

Public Universities: The Most Affordable Option?

The cheapest regionally accredited online Ed.D. programs are offered by traditional public universities; some of these programs are inexpensive enough that taking out student loans may not even be necessary. For example, Boise State University’s Online Ed.D. in Educational Technology is very reasonably priced. This is in part because BSU considers all online U.S. students to be eligible for in-state tuition.

However, many public universities charge out-of-state students significantly more than they charge in-state students. In some cases, out-of-state tuition can approach—or even exceed—the cost of tuition at private universities.

It’s important to make sure when calculating the cost of a public university program that you have determined whether or not you qualify for in-state tuition and, if not, whether there may be private options in the same price range that are worth considering.

Student Loans: The Cost of Doing Business?

If you can’t afford to pay Ed.D. tuition out of your own pocket, you’ll probably need to get a student loan. Student loans have increasingly become a standard, unavoidable part of higher education for those who are not independently wealthy and don’t qualify for (or still can’t afford) in-state tuition.

The good news is that student loan repayment plans are typically fairly generous, with income-based and pay-as-you-earn arrangements allowing for long-term repayment of loans. People who work in the education sector may also qualify for full or partial student loan forgiveness.

Alternative Funding Sources

Ed.d. scholarships and grants.

While scholarships and grants are not as big of a deal at the Ed.D. level as they are for undergraduates, and less commonly available for online students than they are for on-campus students, some options are still available. Before you apply, explore the scholarship sections within the university’s College of Education and Graduate Student websites. We also recommend that you ask the Ed.D. program coordinator about how doctoral students are funded.

Graduate Assistantships

As a general rule, graduate assistantships—which make doctoral programs a financial option for many on-campus students who would not otherwise be able to pursue them—are not available for online Ed.D. students. Having said that, it’s a good idea to check with your specific institution, since case-by-case arrangements can sometimes be made.

Final Considerations

Online ed.d. accreditation, regional accreditation.

Every college and university in our database of online Ed.D. programs holds regional accreditation—the gold standard form of general, institutional U.S. accreditation.

If you look around for online Ed.D. programs on your own, you may run across some schools that hold accreditation from a national accreditor called the Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC).

• DEAC, founded in 1926 as the National Home Study Council and later known as the Distance Education and Training Council (DETC), is a legitimate, USDE-recognized accrediting body originally created to assess legitimate correspondence schools that could not obtain regional accreditation.
• But DEAC accreditation has never been as widely recognized as regional accreditation, and regional accreditors are now friendlier towards distance learning institutions, so we can think of no good reason to pursue a DEAC-accredited Ed.D. program that lacks regional accreditation. They aren’t even cheaper than regionally accredited programs.

That’s why we haven’t included these online doctorates in our database, and that’s why you shouldn’t include these online Ed.D. programs in your search. If you’re pursuing a doctorate located in the United States, accept no substitute for regional accreditation .

CAEP Accreditation

If you want to go a step further than regional accreditation, consider limiting your search to online Ed.D. programs that are directly accredited by—or offered by departments that are accredited by—the Council for Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) . Schools that offer these programs will also hold regional accreditation. While CAEP’s accrediting process isn’t especially friendly towards online programs, a small number of them have made the cut.

Accreditation for International Programs

If you’re interested in pursuing an online Ed.D. program located outside of the United States, it’s a more complicated topic. Hundreds of legitimate schools offer online Ed.D. programs in the United Kingdom, Australia, and South Africa that are available to U.S. students, with new schools in the emerging world entering the market on a regular basis.

• Since there is no international accrediting body that can separate the good schools from the diploma mills on a global scale, and laws and accreditation standards vary from country to country, a good rule of thumb is to avoid any privately-run institution of higher learning located outside of the United States unless you are directly familiar with it and have independent means of vouching for its legitimacy.
• As a general rule, it’s best to stick to U.S. schools for your Ed.D. unless you have specific knowledge of and experience with another country’s system of higher education, or plan to work overseas in a country whose schools make online Ed.D. programs available to U.S. students.

Is an Online Ed.D. Right for You?

We’ve offered a lot of advice here, but in the end the only person whose opinion really matters in this situation is yours. Here are a few last questions you should ask yourself before considering an online doctorate in education.

How Well Do You Work on Your Own?

Be brutally honest: how much supervision do you need? If you’re assigned a project, do you benefit from frequent reminders? Can you work from home? Do you need the peer support system of a workplace to get things done? Online Ed.D. programs are for self-starters. If managing your own time doesn’t come naturally to you, and it’s not really a skill you want to develop the hard way, an on-campus or hybrid/blended program may be a better fit.

How Important is Campus Life to You?

Do you want to make long-lasting connections over the course of your Ed.D. program? While it’s not impossible that you’ll make some friendships while you’re doing an online Ed.D., there’s something to be said for building local career connections and becoming part of a campus community. Online programs can’t offer that. That said, if you’re an introvert, or already have an active social life, or don’t enjoy campus socializing, an online Ed.D. makes it more possible to avoid the social element.

Can You Balance an Online Ed.D. With Your Career?

The best thing about an online Ed.D. program is that you can often study on your own schedule. But you still have to put the time in. If you wouldn’t consider doing an on-campus Ed.D. because of the overall time investment, an online Ed.D. is unlikely to prove more manageable.

All Online EdD Programs

157 Schools Found

Samford University

Orlean Beeson School of Education

Birmingham, Alabama

Doctorate of Education in Educational Leadership

Offered Online

• Curriculum Info
• How To Apply

The University of Alabama

Department of Educational Leadership, Policy, and Technology Studies

Tuscaloosa, Alabama

Online EdD in Higher Education Administration - Executive Cohort

University of west alabama.

Livingston, Alabama

Online Ed.D in Rural Education - Counseling

Online ed.d in rural education - higher education administration, online ed.d in rural education - organizational change and leadership, online ed.d in rural education - teaching and learning, arizona state university.

Teacher's College

Tempe, Arizona

Online EdD in Leadership and Innovation

Online edd in leadership and innovation - higher education change leadership, online edd in leadership and innovation - pk-12 change leadership, online edd in leadership and innovation - systems, professional and reimagined change leadership, grand canyon university.

Phoenix, Arizona

Online EdD in Organizational Leadership - Behavioral Health

Online edd in organizational leadership - christian ministry, online edd in organizational leadership - global k-12 education community, online edd in organizational leadership - healthcare administration, online edd in organizational leadership - higher education leadership, online edd in organizational leadership - organizational development, online edd in organizational leadership - special education, online edd in teaching and learning - adult learning, northcentral university.

Prescott Valley, Arizona

Doctor of Education (EdD) in International Education and Globalization

Online doctor of education in educational leadership, online doctor of education in instructional design, online doctorate of education in curriculum and teaching, online doctorate of education in e-learning, online doctorate of education in early childhood education, online doctorate of education in general education, online doctorate of education in instructional leadership, online doctorate of education in leadership in higher education, online doctorate of education in learning analytics in higher education, online doctorate of education in learning analytics k-12, online doctorate of education in nursing education, online doctorate of education in organizational leadership, online doctorate of education in special education, online doctorate of education in sport and athletic management, online edd in english language learning, university of arizona.

Department of Educational Policy Studies and Practice

Tucson, Arizona

EdD in Educational Leadership

University of phoenix.

School of Advanced Studies

Online EdD in Educational Leadership

Online edd in educational leadership - curriculum and instruction, online edd in educational leadership - educational technology, online edd in educational leadership - higher education administration, university of arkansas.

College of Education and Health Professions

Fayetteville, Arkansas

Online Doctor of Education in Adult and Lifelong Learning - Adult Education Leadership

Online doctor of education in adult and lifelong learning - community college leadership, online doctor of education in human resource and workforce development education, national university.

Sanford College of Education

La Jolla, California

Online Ed.D. in Organizational Innovation

Trident university international.

Cypress, California

Online EdD in Educational Leadership - Higher Education

Online edd in educational leadership - pk-12, umass global.

Irvine, California

Ed.D. in Organizational Leadership

University of southern california.

Rossier School of Education

Los Angeles, California

Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership - Educational Psychology

Doctor of education in educational leadership - higher education administration, online doctor of education in educational leadership - k-12 leadership in urban school settings, online doctor of education in educational leadership - leading instructional change, aspen university.

Denver, Colorado

Online Doctor of Education in Leadership and Learning - Healthcare Administration and Leadership

Online doctor of education in leadership and learning - higher education leadership, online doctor of education in leadership and learning - k12 educational leadership, online doctor of education in leadership and learning - organizational leadership, online doctor of education in leadership and learning - organizational psychology, university of northern colorado.

College of Education and Behavioral Sciences

Greeley, Colorado

Online Doctor of Education in Educational Studies

Connecticut, sacred heart university.

Isabelle Farrington College Of Education

Fairfield, Connecticut

Ed.D. in Educational Leadership

Southern connecticut state university.

Department of Nursing

New Haven, Connecticut

Doctoral Program in Nursing Education

University of bridgeport.

Department of Online Programs

Bridgeport, Connecticut

Online Doctoral Program in Education Leadership - International Education

Western connecticut state university.

Nursing Department

Danbury, Connecticut

EdD in Nursing Education

Wilmington university.

New Castle, Delaware

Doctor of Education in Organizational, Learning, Leadership and Innovation - Strategic Leadership

Doctor of education in organizational, learning, leadership and innovation - talent development, doctor of education in organizational, learning, leadership and innovation - workplace learning, online doctor of education in organizational, learning, leadership and innovation, online edd in higher education leadership and innovation, district of columbia, american university.

Washington, District of Columbia

Online EdD in Education Policy and Leadership

Barry university.

Adrian Dominican School of Education

Miami, Florida

Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership

Florida state university.

Tallahassee, Florida

Online Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership & Policy

Nova southeastern university.

Fischler College of Education

Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Online EdD in Curriculum and Instruction

Online edd in higher education leadership, online edd in higher services administration, online edd in instructional technology and distance education, online edd in organizational leadership, online edd in reading education, online edd in special education, southeastern university.

Lakeland, Florida

Online Doctor of Education - Curriculum and Instruction

Online doctor of education - organizational leadership, st. thomas university.

School of Leadership, Education & Communication

Miami Gardens, Florida

Online Doctorate of Education in Leadership and Innovation

University of florida.

Gainesville, Florida

Doctor of Education in Leadership in Educational Administration

Hybrid doctor of education in higher education administration, online doctor of education in educational technology, online ed.d. in curriculum and instruction - teachers, schools, and society, georgia southern university.

Statesboro, Georgia

Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership - P-12 Administration

Kennesaw state university.

Bagwell College of Education

Kennesaw, Georgia

EdD in Teacher Leadership

Online edd in instructional technology - advanced track, online edd in instructional technology - certification track, university of georgia.

Department of Counseling and Human Development Services

Athens, Georgia

EdD in Student Affairs Leadership

University of north georgia.

Dahlonega, Georgia

Online Doctor of Education in Higher Education Leadership and Practice

University of west georgia.

Carrollton, Georgia

Online Doctor of Education in Higher Education Administration

Online doctor of education in nursing education, online doctor of education in professional counseling and supervision, online doctor of education in professional counseling and supervision - accelerate, online doctor of education in school improvement, online doctor of education in school improvement - educational leadership, online doctor of education in school improvement - instructional technology, online doctor of education in school improvement - k-12 online learning, online doctor of education in school improvement - media specialist, online doctor of education in school improvement - reading, online doctor of education in school improvement - school counseling, online doctor of education in school improvement - special education, online doctor of education in school improvement - tesol, valdosta state university.

College of Education and Human Services

Valdosta, Georgia

Doctor of Education in Adult and Career Education

Doctor of education in curriculum and instruction - p-12 disciplinary, doctor of education in curriculum and instruction - p-12 disciplinary - art education, doctor of education in curriculum and instruction - p-12 disciplinary - behavior sciences, doctor of education in curriculum and instruction - p-12 disciplinary - early childhood education, doctor of education in curriculum and instruction - p-12 disciplinary - english, doctor of education in curriculum and instruction - p-12 disciplinary - esol, doctor of education in curriculum and instruction - p-12 disciplinary - gifted, doctor of education in curriculum and instruction - p-12 disciplinary - health and physical education, doctor of education in curriculum and instruction - p-12 disciplinary - history, doctor of education in curriculum and instruction - p-12 disciplinary - instructional technology, doctor of education in curriculum and instruction - p-12 disciplinary - language arts, doctor of education in curriculum and instruction - p-12 disciplinary - library media, doctor of education in curriculum and instruction - p-12 disciplinary - mathematics, doctor of education in curriculum and instruction - p-12 disciplinary - middle grades education, doctor of education in curriculum and instruction - p-12 disciplinary - music education, doctor of education in curriculum and instruction - p-12 disciplinary - political science, doctor of education in curriculum and instruction - p-12 disciplinary - reading, doctor of education in curriculum and instruction - p-12 disciplinary - science, doctor of education in curriculum and instruction - p-12 disciplinary - secondary education, doctor of education in curriculum and instruction - p-12 disciplinary - social science, doctor of education in curriculum and instruction - p-12 disciplinary - spanish, doctor of education in curriculum and instruction - p-12 disciplinary - special education adapted curriculum, doctor of education in curriculum and instruction - p-12 disciplinary - special education general curriculum, doctor of education in curriculum and instruction - p-12 disciplinary - speech, doctor of education in curriculum and instruction - p-12 disciplinary - technology, doctor of education in curriculum and instruction - p-12 disciplinary - trade and industrial ed, doctor of education in leadership, doctor of education in leadership - curriculum leadership, doctor of education in leadership - higher education leadership, doctor of education in leadership - organizational leadership, doctor of education in leadership - technology leadership, online doctor of education in curriculum and instruction - learning and development, online doctor of education in curriculum and instruction - learning and development - certificate in public sector human resource management, online doctor of education in curriculum and instruction - learning and development - certification in online teaching, online doctor of education in curriculum and instruction - learning and development - graduate certificate in healthcare administration, online doctor of education in curriculum and instruction - learning and development - higher education, boise state university.

Boise, Idaho

Online Doctor of Education in Curriculum and Instruction - STEM

Online edd in curriculum and instruction - bilingual education/enl, online edd in curriculum and instruction - counselor education and supervision, online edd in curriculum and instruction - early childhood education, online edd in curriculum and instruction - educational leadership, online edd in curriculum and instruction - kinesiology, online edd in curriculum and instruction - literacy, online edd in curriculum and instruction - mathematics education, online edd in curriculum and instruction - special education, idaho state university.

Pocatello, Idaho

EdD in Educational Leadership - Instructional Design Technology

Northwest nazarene university.

Nampa, Idaho

University of Idaho

College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences

Moscow, Idaho

Online EdD in Educational Leadership - Leadership and Counseling

Bradley university.

College of Education and Health Sciences

Peoria, Illinois

Online Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) in Educational Leadership - Higher Education Administration

Concordia university-chicago.

River Forest, Illinois

Online Doctorate in Education in Leadership - Curriculum and Instruction

Online doctorate in education in leadership - early childhood education, online doctorate in education in leadership - educational leadership, online doctorate in education in leadership - educational technology, online doctorate in education in leadership - gerontology, online doctorate in education in leadership - higher education leadership, online doctorate in education in leadership - organizational leadership, online doctorate in education in leadership - reading, language, and literacy, online doctorate in education in leadership - special education, online doctorate in education in leadership - sports leadership, online doctorate in education in leadership - teacher leadership, governors state university.

University Park, Illinois

Online Doctor of Education in Interdisciplinary Leadership - Higher Education Administration

Online doctor of education in interdisciplinary leadership - not for profit/social entrepreneurship leadership, online doctor of education in interdisciplinary leadership - superintendent p-12, national louis university.

National College of Education

Chicago, Illinois

Online Doctorate of Education in Higher Education Leadership

Olivet nazarene university.

School of Graduate and Continuing Studies

Bourbonnais, Illinois

Doctor of Education in Ethical Leadership

The chicago school of professional psychology.

Department of Educational Psychology and Technology

Online Ed.D. in Educational Psychology and Technology - Higher Education Learning and Technology

Online ed.d. in educational psychology and technology - instructional design, online ed.d. in educational psychology and technology - k-12 education learning and technology, university of illinois at urbana-champaign.

Department of Educational Policy, Organization, and Leadership

Champaign, Illinois

Ed.D. in Diversity and Equity in Education

Ed.d. in global studies in education, ed.d. in learning design and leadership, ed.d. in learning design and leadership - new learning, ed.d. in learning design and leadership - technology specialist, online doctor of education in education policy, organization and leadership - diversity and equity in education - human resource development emphasis, university of st francis.

Joliet, Illinois

Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership - Stewardship, Leadership, and Learning Concentration

Ball state university.

Department of Educational Studies

Muncie, Indiana

EdD in Adult, Community, and Higher Education

Online doctorate of education in educational administration and supervision, indiana university bloomington.

Bloomington, Indiana

Online Doctor of Education in Literacy, Culture, and Language Education

Online edd in instructional systems technology, allen college.

School of Health Sciences

Waterloo, Iowa

Doctor of Education in Health Professions Education

Iowa state university, ed.d. in education - community college leadership, ed.d. in education - p-12 systems-level leadership, baker university.

Baldwin City, Kansas

Online Doctor of Education in Instructional Design & Performance Technology

Kansas state university.

Manhattan, Kansas

Doctor of Education in Curriculum and Instruction

Online doctor of education in adult learning and leadership, southwestern college.

Professional Studies

Winfield, Kansas

Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership - Higher Education

Doctor of education in educational leadership - pk-12, murray state university.

Department of Educational Studies, Leadership, and Counseling

Murray, Kentucky

EdD in P-20 and Community Leadership - Agriculture Education

Edd in p-20 and community leadership - pk-12 leadership, edd in p-20 and community leadership - postsecondary leadership, edd in p-20 and community leadership - stem leadership, university of kentucky.

Department of Educational Leadership Studies

Lexington, Kentucky

University of the Cumberlands

Department of Education

Williamsburg, Kentucky

Online Doctorate in Educational Leadership

Grambling state university.

Grambling, Louisiana

Online EdD in Developmental Education

Northwestern state university of louisiana.

Natchitoches, Louisiana

Doctor of Education in Adult Learning and Development - Adult Learning and Workforce Development

Doctor of education in adult learning and development - community college leadership, university of louisiana-monroe.

Monroe, Louisiana

Xavier University of Louisiana

Division of Education and Counseling

New Orleans, Louisiana

University of New England

Biddeford, Maine

Johns Hopkins University

Baltimore, Maryland

Online EdD in Entrepreneurial Leadership in Education

Online edd in instructional design in online teaching and learning, online edd in mind, brain and teaching, online edd in technology integration in k-16 education, online edd in urban leadership, morgan state university, online doctor of education in community college leadership, massachusetts, bay path university.

Longmeadow, Massachusetts

EdD in Higher Education Leadership & Organizational Studies

Boston college.

Carolyn A. And Peter S. Lynch School Of Education And Human Development

Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts

Executive Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) in Higher Education

Executive doctor of education (ed.d.) in higher education - catholic education, boston university.

Wheelock College of Education & Human Development

Boston, Massachusetts

EdD in Educational Leadership & Policy Studies: Leadership in Early Childhood Education-Grade 12

Northeastern university.

College of Professional Studies

Online Doctor of Education - Curriculum, Teaching, Learning and Leadership

Online doctor of education - higher education administration, online doctor of education - organizational leadership studies, regis college.

School of Arts and Sciences

Weston, Massachusetts

EdD in Higher Education Leadership

University of massachusetts-lowell.

Lowell, Massachusetts

Doctor of Education in Leadership in Schooling

Doctor of education in leadership in schooling - stem, andrews university.

Department of Leadership

Berrien Springs, Michigan

Online Doctor of Leadership (D.Lead)

Central michigan university.

Mount Pleasant, Michigan

Online EdD in Educational Leadership - Higher Education Leadership

Online edd in educational leadership - k-12 leadership, cornerstone university.

Adult & Graduate Studies

Grand Rapids, Michigan

Doctor of Education in Organizational Leadership and Development

University of michigan-flint.

School of Education and Human Services

Flint, Michigan

Doctor of Education

Bethel university.

Saint Paul, Minnesota

Online Doctor of Education in Higher Education Leadership

Online doctor of education in k-12 administration, minnesota state university moorhead.

School of Teaching & Learning

Moorhead, Minnesota

Online Ed.D. Educational Leadership

Saint cloud state university.

Saint Cloud, Minnesota

Online EdD in Higher Education Administration

Saint mary's university of minnesota.

Graduate School of Education

Winona, Minnesota

Blended Format Education Doctoral Degree in Leadership

The college of saint scholastica.

Duluth, Minnesota

Doctor of Educational Leadership

University of st. thomas.

College of Education, Leadership and Counseling

Online Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership and Learning

Online doctor of education in educational leadership and learning - adult learning, online doctor of education in educational leadership and learning - higher education administration, online doctor of education in educational leadership and learning - leadership in student affairs, online doctor of education in educational leadership and learning - music education, online doctor of education in educational leadership and learning - pk-12 administration, walden university.

Riley College of Education & Leadership

Minneapolis, Minnesota

Online Doctor of Education - Community College Leadership

Online doctor of education - curriculum instruction and assessment, online doctor of education - early childhood education, online doctor of education - educational administration and leadership (for administrators), online doctor of education - educational administration and leadership (non-licensure), online doctor of education - educational technology, online doctor of education - higher education (self-designed), online doctor of education - higher education and adult learning, online doctor of education - higher education leadership and management, online doctor of education - p-20 education (self-designed), online doctor of education - reading, literacy, and assessment, online doctor of education - special education, winona state university, online doctor of education in curriculum and instruction, online doctor of education in higher education, online doctor of education in indigenous studies, online doctor of education in organizational administration, online doctor of education in special education, online doctor of education in technology education, mississippi, university of southern mississippi.

Department of Educational Research and Administration

Hattiesburg, Mississippi

Online EdD in Educational Administration - P-12

William carey university, a. t. still university of health sciences.

College of Graduate Health Studies

Kirksville, Missouri

Doctor of Education in Health Professions

Evangel university.

Education Department

Springfield, Missouri

Doctorate in Educational Leadership, Curriculum, & Instruction

Maryville university.

Saint Louis, Missouri

Missouri Baptist University

Bryan college of health sciences.

College of Health Sciences

Lincoln, Nebraska

Online Education Doctorate (EdD) in Nursing Education

Clarkson college.

Department of Educational Leadership

Omaha, Nebraska

Online Doctor of Education in Healthcare Education and Leadership

Online doctor of education in healthcare education and leadership - part time, college of saint mary, creighton university.

Department of Interdisciplinary Studies

Doctorate of Education in Interdisciplinary Leadership

Nebraska methodist college of nursing & allied health.

Healthcare Management Department

EdD in Education & Leadership in Healthcare

University of nebraska-lincoln.

Department of Educational Administration

Doctor of Education in Educational Studies - Innovative Learning Technologies

Doctor of education in educational studies - teaching, curriculum and learning, online doctor of education in educational studies- educational leadership and higher education - community college leadership, online doctor of education in educational studies- educational leadership and higher education - educational leadership, online doctor of education in educational studies- educational leadership and higher education - higher education administration, new jersey city university.

Deborah Cannon Partridge Wolfe College of Education

Jersey City, New Jersey

Doctorate in Community College Leadership

Rider university.

Lawrenceville, New Jersey

Rowan University

Graduate School

Glassboro, New Jersey

EdD in Educational Leadership: Community College Leadership Initiative

Edd in educational leadership: higher education track, edd in educational leadership: nurse educator track, edd in educational leadership: p-12 track, saint elizabeth university.

Graduate and Continuing Studies

Morristown, New Jersey

EdD in Educational Leadership - Higher Education

Edd in educational leadership - prek to 12th grade, saint peter's university.

Caulfield School of Education

Online EdD in Higher Education

Fordham university.

Bronx, New York

Online Doctorate of Education in Educational Leadership, Administration and Policy

Manhattanville college.

Purchase, New York

Doctor of Education - Dissertation Completion (ABD) Pathway

Doctor of education - higher education leadership, molloy college.

Rockville Centre, New York

Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership For Diverse Learning Communities

New york university.

Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development

New York, New York

North Carolina

Appalachian state university.

Reich College of Education

Boone, North Carolina

Online Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership - Educational Administration

Online doctor of education in educational leadership - expressive arts, inquiry leadership, online doctor of education in educational leadership - higher education administration, online doctor of education in educational leadership - instructional technology and leadership, online doctor of education in educational leadership - interdisciplinary studies, online doctor of education in educational leadership - literacy in exceptionalities, university of north carolina at greensboro.

Department of Kinesiology

Greensboro, North Carolina

Online EdD in Kinesiology

North dakota, north dakota state university-main campus.

Fargo, North Dakota

Online Doctor of Education in Adult and Community Education

Online doctor of education in institutional effectiveness, online doctor of education in organizational learning and leadership, university of north dakota.

Department of Teaching and Learning

Grand Forks, North Dakota

Online Doctor of Education in Educational Practice and Leadership - Higher Education

Online doctor of education in educational practice and leadership - instructional design and technology, online doctor of education in educational practice and leadership - school leadership, online doctor of education in educational practice and leadership - special education, online doctor of education in educational practice and leadership - teacher education, franklin university.

Columbus, Ohio

Online Doctor of Education in Organizational Leadership - Higher Education Leadership

Online doctor of education in organizational leadership - organizational leadership focus, online doctor of education in organizational leadership - pk-12 educational leadership, kent state university at kent.

School of Foundations, Leadership and Administration

Ed.D. in Interprofessional Leadership - Athletic Training

Ed.d. in interprofessional leadership - cultural foundations, ed.d. in interprofessional leadership - curriculum & instruction, ed.d. in interprofessional leadership - educational technology, ed.d. in interprofessional leadership - special education, the university of findlay.

Findlay, Ohio

Online Doctor of Education

University of dayton.

School of Education and Health Sciences

Dayton, Ohio

Doctor of Education in Leadership for Organizations

Oregon state university.

Corvallis, Oregon

Online Doctor of Education in Adult and Higher Education - Community College Leadership

Online doctor of education in adult and higher education - leadership in higher education, pennsylvania, california university of pennsylvania.

Department of Secondary Education and Administrative Leadership

California, Pennsylvania

Online Ed.D. in Education Administration and Leadership

Drexel university.

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Doctorate of Education in Educational Leadership and Management - Athletic Administration

Doctorate of education in educational leadership and management - creativity & innovation, doctorate of education in educational leadership and management - educational administration, doctorate of education in educational leadership and management - educational policy, doctorate of education in educational leadership and management - global & international education, doctorate of education in educational leadership and management - higher education, doctorate of education in educational leadership and management - human resource development, doctorate of education in educational leadership and management - learning technologies, doctorate of education in educational leadership and management - nursing education, doctorate of education in educational leadership and management - special education leadership, gratz college.

Graduate Studies

Melrose Park, Pennsylvania

Online EdD in Leadership - Higher Education

Online edd in leadership - jewish education, online edd in leadership - pre k-12 education, gwynedd mercy university.

Gwynedd Valley, Pennsylvania

Accelerated Executive Doctorate in Education - Leadership in Higher Education

Accelerated executive doctorate in education - leadership in pk-12 schools and school districts, accelerated executive doctorate in education - leadership in special education, accelerated executive doctorate in education - teaching & learning in higher education, online all but dissertation doctoral degree completion program, millersville university of pennsylvania.

College of Education And Human Services

Millersville, Pennsylvania

Point Park University

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Online Doctor of Education in Leadership and Administration

Slippery rock university of pennsylvania.

Slippery Rock, Pennsylvania

Online Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership and Administration

Wilkes university.

Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania

Doctor of Education in Instructional Leadership for International Educators

Doctorate in education - educational leadership - curriculum and instruction, doctorate in education - educational leadership - educational leadership studies, doctorate in education - educational leadership - educational technology, doctorate in education - educational leadership - k-12 administration, rhode island, johnson & wales university.

Providence, Rhode Island

EdD in Educational Leadership - Elementary/Secondary Education

South carolina, charleston southern university.

Charleston, South Carolina

Hybrid Doctor of Education in Leadership

Southern wesleyan university.

Central, South Carolina

Online Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) in Curriculum and Assessment

University of south carolina-columbia.

Columbia, South Carolina

Online Doctor of Education in Educational Practice and Innovation - Education Systems Improvement

Online doctor of education in educational practice and innovation - stem education, online ed.d. in educational practice and innovation with a concentration in curriculum studies, online ed.d. in educational practice and innovation with a concentration in learning design and technologies, carson-newman university.

Adult and Graduate Studies

Jefferson City, Tennessee

Online Ed.D. in Administrative Leadership

Online ed.d. in curriculum and instruction leadership, east tennessee state university.

Johnson City, Tennessee

Doctorate of Education in Global Sport Leadership

Online doctor of education in administrator endorsement, online doctor of education in school leadership, lipscomb university.

Nashville, Tennessee

Online Doctor of Education in Learning Organizations and Strategic Change

Milligan university.

Area of Education

Milligan College, Tennessee

Trevecca Nazarene University

Doctor of education in leadership and professional practice, union university.

Jackson, Tennessee

EdD in P-12 School Administration - Leadership in School Reform

Edd in p-12 school administration: instructional leadership, edd in p-12 school administration: leadership in school reform, university of memphis.

Memphis, Tennessee

Online Doctorate of Education in Higher and Adult Education - Adult Education

Online doctorate of education in higher and adult education - higher education, online doctorate of education in instruction and curriculum leadership - instructional design and technology, vanderbilt university.

Peabody College of Education

Online EdD in Leadership and Learning Organizations

Abilene christian university.

School of Education Leadership

Abilene, Texas

Doctor of Education in Organizational Leadership - Conflict Management Track

Doctor of education in organizational leadership - higher education track, doctor of education in organizational leadership - learning with emerging technologies track, doctor of education in organizational leadership - positive leadership track, baylor university.

Department of Curriculum & Instruction

Waco, Texas

Online EdD in Learning and Organizational Change

Houston baptist university.

Houston, Texas

Doctor of Education in Executive Educational Leadership

Doctor of education in executive leadership in mental health and human services, lamar university.

College of Education and Human Development

Beaumont, Texas

Online Doctorate of Education in Educational Leadership

Sam houston state university.

Huntsville, Texas

Online Doctorate of Education in Instructional Systems Design and Technology

Stephen f austin state university.

Department of Secondary Education & Educational Leadership

Nacogdoches, Texas

Doctor of Education Degree in Educational Leadership - Higher Education

Doctor of education degree in educational leadership - k-12, tarleton state university.

Department of Educational Leadership & Technology

Stephenville, Texas

Ed.D. in Educational Leadership - EC-12 Education Leadership

Ed.d. in educational leadership - educational finance, ed.d. in educational leadership - educational technology leadership, ed.d. in educational leadership - higher education leadership, ed.d. in educational leadership - superintendent or principal certification, texas a & m university-college station.

Department of Teaching, Learning and Culture

College Station, Texas

Texas A & M University-Commerce

Commerce, Texas

Online EdD in Educational Administration

Texas tech university.

Lubbock, Texas

Online Doctor of Education in Higher Education Administration - Community College Administration

Online doctor of education in higher education administration - higher education college/university administration, university of houston, online executive edd in professional leadership - literacy, west texas a & m university.

College of Education and Social Science

Canyon, Texas

College of William and Mary

Department of Educational Policy, Planning and Leadership

Williamsburg, Virginia

EdD in Educational Policy, Planning and Leadership - International School Leadership

Edd in educational policy, planning and leadership - gifted education, edd in educational policy, planning and leadership - higher education administration, edd in educational policy, planning and leadership - k-12 administration, liberty university.

Lynchburg, Virginia

Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) in Educational Leadership

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College of Graduate Studies and Research

Radford, Virginia

Regent University

Virginia Beach, Virginia

Online Doctor of Education in Adult Education

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Curry School of Education

Charlottesville, Virginia

EdD in Curriculum and Instruction

Virginia commonwealth university.

Richmond, Virginia

Online Doctor of Education in Leadership

Online doctor of education in leadership - general leadership, online doctor of education in leadership - higher education leadership, virginia tech.

Blacksburg, Virginia

EdD in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies

City university of seattle.

School of Applied Leadership

Seattle, Washington

Online Doctor of Education in Leadership - Adult Education and Online Learning

Online doctor of education in leadership - entrepreneurship, online doctor of education in leadership - global leadership, online doctor of education in leadership - higher educational leadership, online doctor of education in leadership - inspired teacher leadership, online doctor of education in leadership - non-profit leadership, online doctor of education in leadership - organizational leadership, online doctor of education in leadership - strategic innovation and decision making, gonzaga university.

Spokane, Washington

Doctor of Educational Leadership - Educational Leadership Among Indigenous Peoples

Doctor of educational leadership - leadership in catholic schools, doctor of educational leadership - pre-k-12 school leadership, west virginia, marshall university.

College of Education and Professional Development

Huntington, West Virginia

Online EdD in Leadership Studies

Concordia university-wisconsin.

Mequon, Wisconsin

Doctorate of Education in Leadership in Innovation and Continuous Improvement

University of wisconsin-la crosse.

Professional Studies in Education

La Crosse, Wisconsin

Online Ed.D. in Student Affairs Administration in Higher Education

University of wisconsin-stevens point.

Stevens Point, Wisconsin

Ed.D. in Educational Sustainability

Viterbo university.

College of Business, Leadership, and Ethics

Ed.D. in Ethical Leadership

University of wyoming.

Laramie, Wyoming

Online Ed.D. in Education - Higher Education Administration

Online edd in learning, design and technology.

Best Accredited Online Ph.D. Programs 2024

Erin Treder

Contributing Writer

Learn about our editorial process .

Rachel Miller

Updated January 2, 2024

Danika Miller

Contributing Editor

Reviewed by

Lonnie Woods III

Contributing Reviewer

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A Ph.D., or doctor of philosophy, is the highest level of academic degree that you can attain. Consisting primarily of research, a Ph.D. prepares you for a career in academia or research in the field you study.

Students who choose to pursue a Ph.D. online will find it can be completed in less time. Online students also get the added benefit of being able to complete their work from the comfort of home. The overall cost may also be less compared to an in-person program.

We've compiled a list of the best accredited online Ph.D. programs to help you start your search.

Are Online Ph.D. Programs Worth It?

An online Ph.D. program is an ideal choice if you want to balance your career and family responsibilities along with your education.

While there are some preconceived notions that online programs aren't legitimate, as long as the program you choose is accredited, the degree is the same as one earned in person.

While the annual tuition cost to earn a Ph.D. online averages $12,394 for a public institution and $26,621 for a private university, doctoral graduates enjoy a lower unemployment rate and higher weekly salary than those with less education, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)

Did You Know...

• According to the BLS , workers with a doctoral degree earned a median of $651 more per week than workers with a bachelor's degree in 2022.
• Doctorate-holders boast some of the lowest unemployment rates at 1%.
• In 2019, research found that 39.8% of graduate students were enrolled in online learning.
• The number of doctorates awarded between 2020 and 2021 dropped by 5.4%.
• Not all Ph.D.-holders end up working in academia.

Explore Our Featured Online Doctoral Programs

Top schools for online accredited ph.d. programs.

We use datasets from sources like the National Center for Education Statistics to inform the data for these schools. AccreditedSchoolsOnline.org is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site. from our partners appear among these rankings and are indicated as such. All data is current as of the date this article was published. Program-specific information may vary.

Capitol Technology University

• Online + Campus

Cost per Credit: In-State | $950 Out-of-State | $950

Credits to Graduate: 60

Founded in 1927, Capitol Technology University features 40 doctoral programs, which you can complete online. Majors include aeronautical science, artificial intelligence, computer science, cybersecurity, military leadership, occupation risk management, and supply chain management. 

Programs require about 60 credits, but you can choose from a doctoral degree without any research requirements. Coursework focuses on doctoral research, proposal writing, and oral defense. Capitol also offers a dual master's and Ph.D. in technology combination program. 

Admission requirements vary, but generally you need a master's degree in a related major and five years of work experience.

Clemson University

• Clemson, SC

Cost per Credit: In-State | $515-$1,319 Out-of-State | $515-$1,319

Clemson's graduate catalog features 52 doctoral programs with the flexibility to study on campus, online, or in a hybrid format. Fields like digital history, entomology, genetics, or business administration offer on-campus programs for traditional doctoral students. You have the opportunity to study virtually in nine doctoral programs, including nursing, educational leadership, and parks, recreation and tourism management.

To obtain a doctoral degree, candidates must complete approximately 60 credits over a span of 3-5 years and successfully defend their dissertation.

Keiser University

• Fort Lauderdale, FL

Total Cost: In-State | $31,712 Out-of-State | $31,712

Keiser University, which was established in 1977, offers 19 flexible doctoral degrees. You can attend classes on the 100-acre main campus or study at one of 23 satellite campuses. Programs offer evening, online, and daytime courses. Keiser's “student first” policy lets you take 1-2 classes at a time, depending on your availability. It takes about 2-5 years to earn your doctoral degree.

To apply for a doctoral program, you need to submit your master's or doctoral transcripts, a resume, personal statement, and an application with a fee.

Mississippi State University

• Mississippi State, MS

Cost per Credit: In-State | $537 Out-of-State | $1,074-$1,468

Credits to Graduate: 60-65

The public research university MSU, which began admitting students in 1880 as an Agricultural and Mechanical College, now boasts 71 doctoral degrees, including 15 virtual programs. Ph.D. programs include engineering, computer science, agricultural sciences, mathematical sciences, and educational leadership. In addition to coursework, you'll need to complete a dissertation and defense on an independent research topic.

As a doctoral candidate, you can access ample research opportunities. The Mississippi Agricultural and Forestry Experiment Station runs 16 stations throughout the state. Applicants need a recommended 3.4 GPA for their master's-level coursework.

Nova Southeastern University

Cost per Credit: In-State | $969-$1,386 Out-of-State | $969-$1,386

Credits to Graduate: 51-64

Nova Southeastern University, the largest private research university in Florida, boasts 14 colleges and 11 campuses. NSU offers 37 doctoral programs, with 19 of them available online. Earn a doctoral degree online in subjects such as criminal justice, computer science, nursing, occupational therapy, physical therapy, and speech-language pathology. 

Departments such as the NSU Fischler College of Education and the School of Criminal Justice offer dissertation resources, including templates and mentor support. Each program sets distinct admission requirements, but you generally need a master's degree and a minimum 3.0 GPA.

Old Dominion University

• Norfolk, VA

Cost per Credit: In-State | $599 Out-of-State | $1,439

Credits to Graduate: 31-60 

Old Dominion University offers 10 online doctoral programs through its seven colleges and three schools. The program covers a range of subjects such as nursing, community college leadership, educational leadership, engineering management, English, instruction design and technology, and workforce and organizational development. 

Admission requirements vary across programs. For instance, the Ph.D. in business administration requires GMAT or GRE scores, while the Ph.D. in curriculum and instruction asks applicants to submit master's transcripts, an essay, and three references.

Saybrook University

• Pasadena, CA

Cost per Credit: In-State | $1,416-$1,590 Out-of-State | $1,416-$1,590

Credits to Graduate: 54-76

Offering hybrid online degrees since 1970, Saybrook University now delivers 11 online doctoral degrees. You can earn a doctoral degree completely online or in a hybrid format with a low-residency option.

Doctoral students can pursue studies in counseling, integrative social work, organizational systems, mind-body medicine, integrative and functional nutrition, psychology, and wellness. To get admitted, you need at least a master's degree. And you complete up to 76 credits over about 4-5 years.

Texas Tech University

• Lubbock, TX

Cost per Semester: In-State | $2,107-$6,877 Out-of-State | $2,107-$6,877

Credits to Graduate: 60-96

Created in 1923, Texas Tech's 13 colleges and schools offer 98 doctoral degrees. Texas Tech offers doctoral degrees in agricultural and applied economics, animal science, computer science, curriculum and instruction, and special education. 

Many of the doctoral programs, such as the Ph.D. in psychology and Ph.D. in wind science and engineering, offer STEM OPT Extension eligibility to extend your F-1 visa for up to two years. Programs require about 60 credits on average and a dissertation. Depending on the program, you may need to submit GRE scores to apply.

How We Rank Schools

Accredited Schools Online uses a custom ranking system to evaluate schools on their quality, affordability, and reputation.

We rank schools using factors like graduation rate, admission rate, tuition costs, financial aid, and program offerings. All our ranked schools hold institutional accreditation .

For this page, we created a directory of online accredited Ph.D. programs that meet our criteria. The list is organized alphabetically rather than ranked.

Learn more about how we create school rankings on our methodology page .

Does Accreditation Matter for Online Ph.D. Programs?

A college is accredited after being recognized by an independent institution that verifies the school's courses and programs meet set quality standards.

The school you choose must be accredited in order for your Ph.D. to be recognized by employers , earn professional licensures, and qualify you for federal financial aid.

Legitimate accreditors are recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and/or the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).

How Much Does an Online Ph.D. Cost?

In general, you can expect to pay around $13,000-$30,000 per year in tuition and fees for your online Ph.D.

Several factors affect how much your Ph.D. program will cost, including:

• Whether the program is fully funded
• Whether your school is public or private
• Whether you're an in-state or out-of-state student
• How long your program lasts (most Ph.D. programs take 5-7 years to complete)
• How much financial aid you get

While many in-person and online doctoral programs in the U.S. are fully funded, these tend to be highly competitive.

One way to save money on your online Ph.D. is to attend a program that offers in-state tuition to residents. Make sure you submit the FAFSA each year so you can secure federal financial aid .

You may also need to budget for occasional travel to and from campus and research sites, especially as you work on your dissertation.

What's the Difference Between a Ph.D. and a Doctorate?

While a Ph.D. and a doctoral degree, or doctorate, both signify the same level of education completed, their uses are different.

Doctorate is the broader term — a Ph.D. is a type of doctorate. Specifically, a Ph.D. is an academic degree that prepares you for a career in research or teaching in your field of study (such as science, English, or economics).

Besides a Ph.D., other types of doctorates include a doctor of medicine (MD), a doctor of education (Ed.D.), and a doctor of psychology (Psy.D.). These degrees are typically used in either an academic or professional setting.

Online Ph.D. Programs That Don't Require a Dissertation

A dissertation is a final written project culminating in a student's original research at the end of their Ph.D. program. A dissertation is typically presented and defended by its author. It's typically required for degrees with an academic or research focus.

Not all Ph.D. programs require a dissertation. For example, some Ph.D. programs in humanities, education, business administration, and criminal justice require simple or no dissertations for a quicker completion time .

What Jobs Can You Get After Earning an Online Ph.D.?

Once you finish your online doctoral program, you can explore a variety of career paths both within and outside academia.

Many Ph.D. graduates, especially those who studied the humanities, go on to become professors. Other popular roles include administrator, scientist, and psychologist.

Graduates of online Ph.D. programs earn a relatively high average base salary of $105,000 a year, according to Payscale .

Frequently Asked Questions About Online Ph.D. Programs

• Collapse All

What is the quickest Ph.D. to get?

The quickest Ph.D. to earn are those that award professional degrees and don't require extensive research projects or dissertations at completion. These Ph.D. programs can include accounting, business, education, and media.

To finish your degree faster, you can also look for accelerated programs that quicken the pace of a program and shorten the time it takes to complete.

Are online doctoral programs legit?

If the online doctoral program is accredited, it is legitimate. Accreditation ensures that the program meets the rigorous educational standards of other comparative doctoral programs.

With accreditation, employers and other institutions of higher learning will recognize your degree. As more universities turn toward online programs to serve a more diverse student population, there are a growing number of legitimate, accredited online Ph.D. programs.

How long are online Ph.D. programs?

Online Ph.D. programs, like any other doctoral program, can vary in length but typically take 5-7 years to complete. A doctoral degree balances coursework with research. Usually, students must meet a certain number of course requirements before they can start original research.

While coursework may take only a year or two, writing a dissertation that meets the program requirements varies from candidate to candidate.

Can I earn my Ph.D. entirely online?

Yes, many accredited colleges and universities offer 100% online Ph.D. programs. That said, some programs may require on-campus experiences, such as library research and a dissertation defense.

What do employers think of online doctoral programs?

It takes a high level of discipline and persistence to obtain a graduate degree, no matter the context. Most employers will recognize and value the hard work it takes to get a Ph.D., whether you completed your doctorate online or in person.

Make sure you research potential programs. If you're attending an accredited, well-regarded school, employers will value your online Ph.D. just as much as a traditional one.

Note: The insights on this page — excluding school descriptions — were reviewed by an independent third party compensated for their time by Accredited Schools Online. Page last reviewed November 20, 2023.

Popular Resources

Whether you’re looking to earn your online degree or you’re a parent looking for answers, you can find all of your questions covered here. Explore these resources to help you make informed decisions and prepare for whatever is thrown your way.

Shape your future with an online degree

Connect with a community of peers, and find a program that will allow you to continue your education in a fast and flexible way.

35 Best Online Doctoral Programs in Education without Dissertation [2024 Degree Programs]

Explore the 35 best accredited Online Doctoral Programs in Education without dissertation requirements with our program guide!

As an educator, one of your greatest joys in life may come from helping others grow in their knowledge. The more education you have, the more equipped you will be to help others learn.

Editorial Listing ShortCode:

Through a doctoral program in education, you can become an expert in your chosen field, but may not want to tackle a dissertation. There are more and more universities offering online doctoral programs in education without dissertation requirements.

Universities Offering Online Doctorate Programs in Education Without Dissertation

Methodology: The following school list is in alphabetical order. To be included, a college or university must be regionally accredited and offer degree programs online or in a hybrid format.

The universities below offer doctorate of education degrees without requiring a dissertation. Under each school listed, you will find the specific EdD degrees offered. In addition, a number of schools have no GRE requirement for admission , though it varies by program.

1. Barry University

Barry is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Online Doctoral Degree Programs

• EdD in Educational Leadership

2. Baylor University

Baylor is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Online Doctoral Degree in Education Programs

• EdD in Learning and Organizational Change

3. California University of Pennsylvania

Cal U is accredited by the Commission of Higher Education of the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools.

Online Doctorate Degree in Education Program

• EdD in Education Administration and Leadership

4. Capella University

Capella is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Online Programs in Education

• EdD in Adult Education
• EdD in Curriculum and Instruction
• EdD in Performance Improvement Leadership
• EdD in Reading and Literacy

5. Concordia University, St. Paul

CSP is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Online Educational Programs

• Doctorate in Education (Ed.D.)

6. East Tennessee State University

ETSU is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Doctoral Programs in Education

• EdD in Global Sport Leadership

7. Fordham University

Fordham is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the Middle States Association.

Online Doctorates in Education

8. franklin university.

Franklin is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Online Education Doctoral Programs

• EdD in Organizational Leadership

9. Governors State University

Governors State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

Doctoral Programs in Education Online

• EdD in Interdisciplinary Leadership

10. Idaho State University

Idaho State University is regionally accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.

Online Doctor of Education Programs

• EdD in Educational Leadership – Instructional Design and Technology Concentration

11. Johns Hopkins University

Johns Hopkins University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

• EdD in Entrepreneurial Leadership in Education
• EdD in Mind, Brain & Teaching
• EdD in Urban Leadership

12. Liberty University

Liberty is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

• EdD in Curriculum And Instruction – Elementary Education
• EdD in Curriculum And Instruction – Middle Grades
• EdD in Curriculum And Instruction – Secondary
• EdD in Curriculum And Instruction – Special Education

13. Maryville University

Maryville University of Saint Louis is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Online Doctorate in Education Degree Programs

• EdD in Higher Education Leadership

14. Morehead State University

Morehead is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

Education Doctorate Degree Programs

• EdD in Adult and Higher Education Leadership
• EdD in P-12 Administrative Leadership
• EdD in Educational Technology Leadership

15. National Louis University

National Louis University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).

Doctoral Degrees in Educational Leadership Programs

16. nebraska methodist college.

Nebraska Methodist College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Education Schools offering Online Doctoral Degree Programs

• EdD in Education & Leadership in Healthcare

17. New York University

NYU is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

Accredited Online Degree Programs in Education

• EdD in Leadership and Innovation

18. Northeastern University

Northeastern is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education, Inc.

Doctoral Degree in Education Degree Programs

• EdD in Higher Education Administration
• EdD in Curriculum, Teaching, Learning and Leadership
• EdD in Organizational Leadership Studies

19. Northern Illinois University

NIU is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Degree Programs in Education

• EdD in Higher Education – Community College Leadership

20. Nova Southeastern University

NSU is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Doctoral Degree Programs Online

• EdD in Curriculum & Teaching
• EdD in Human Services Administration
• EdD in Instructional Technology & Distance Education
• EdD in Reading Education
• EdD in Special Education

21. Texas A&M University

TAMU is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Education Schools Online Programs

22. university of dayton.

University of Dayton is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Education Colleges Online Degree Programs

• EdD in Leadership for Organizations

23. University of Missouri – St. Louis

UMSL is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Online Educational Degree Programs

• EdD in Educational Practice

24. University of North Dakota

UND is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Education Programs Online

• EdD in Educational Practice and Leadership (4 specializations)

25. University of South Carolina

University of South Carolina is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

University Degree Programs

26. university of southern california.

USC is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges.

Educational and Organizational Leadership Degree Programs

• EdD in Organizational Change and Leadership

27. University of Southern Mississippi

The University of Southern Mississippi is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

College and University Online Educational Degree Programs

• EdD in Education Administration
• EdD in Higher Education

28. University of Virginia

The University of Virginia is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

College Degree Programs Online

• EdD in Curriculum & Instruction

29. University of West Alabama

UWA is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

School Degree Programs Online

• EdD in Rural Education

30. University of Western States

University of Western States is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.

University Online Degree Programs

• EdD in Sport and Performance Psychology

31. Vanderbilt University

Vanderbilt is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Educational Leadership Doctorate Degree Programs

• EdD in Leadership and Learning in Organizations

32. Virginia Commonwealth University

VCU is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

No Dissertation Doctoral Degree Programs

• EdD in Leadership

33. Walden University

Walden is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission.

Online Higher Education, Curriculum, and Leadership Degree Programs

• EdD in Community College Leadership
• EdD in Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment
• EdD in Early Childhood Education
• EdD in Educational Administration and Leadership (Non-Licensure)
• EdD in Educational Technology
• EdD in Higher Education (Self-Designed)
• EdD in Higher Education and Adult Learning
• EdD in Higher Education Leadership and Management
• EdD in P–20 Education (Self-Designed)
• EdD in Reading, Literacy, and Assessment

34. Wilkes University

Wilkes University isaccredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools.

Educational Leadership Doctoral Degrees

• EdD in Educational Leadership (3 concentrations)

35. Wilmington University

WilmU is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

Online University Degrees in Educational Leadership and Higher Education

• EdD in Organizational Leadership, Learning and Innovation

Online EdD Programs Without Dissertation

Select the Education degree specialization that most interests you from the list below:

Adult Learning

Community college leadership, curriculum & instruction, early childhood education, educational administration, educational counseling, educational psychology, educational technology, higher education leadership, reading & literacy, special education.

Online education programs, especially those that don’t require dissertations, allow you to pursue doctoral studies through a format that fits your busy life.

Although educating children might be the first thing that comes to mind for many people when they think about teachers, adult education is just as important. If you have a passion to equip adult learners with skills and knowledge, then consider an EdD with a specialization in Adult Learning.

Many graduates put this degree to work in higher education settings; for example, you could run programs to help people return to college after a break. Others provide training and education in public health, business or government settings.

Topics of study may include working with groups, providing ethical leadership and understanding learning styles.

Community colleges provide many people with access to affordable, convenient higher education. If you have a passion for helping college students succeed in the classroom, then a concentration in Community College Leadership can fuel your professional growth.

Your topics of study may include budgeting, educational technology, policy making, diversity and evaluation methods. You’ll also learn about organizational leadership and discuss how to guide organizations through times of transition.

After graduation, you are likely to hold a leadership position in a community college, but you could also work for related organizations, such as a government education agency.

If you’re passionate about education, then you probably want to help students learn in the best way possible. Whether your goal is to work with children or adults, a concentration in Curriculum and Instruction can help you become a more effective teacher or educational leader .

In your studies, you’ll learn more about the theories that shape teaching methods, curriculum styles and means of evaluating student progress. You may need to hold a valid teaching license before beginning this program.

After earning your doctorate , you might work in school administration, hold a leadership role among classroom teachers, teach in academia or serve as an educational consultant.

When you shape children during their early years, you can make a difference that lasts for a lifetime. By studying Early Childhood Education, you will become an expert in working with children up to age eight. This training can be useful in preschool and early elementary settings.

You can also apply your studies in government agencies or community programs, or you can prepare the next generation of teachers as an instructor at the college level.

You may want to look for a program that is accredited or recognized by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC).

While teachers work in the classroom, administrators are working behind-the-scenes to ensure that high-quality education is being delivered throughout the institution.

Administrators work at all levels of education. For example, administrators in higher education may be responsible for maintaining a safe and satisfied student body, ensuring that legal regulations are being followed, or determining whether effective instruction and evaluation practices are being used.

With a concentration in Educational Administration, you could become a university’s dean of students, admissions director, academic dean or president. For schools with younger students, you could serve as the principal, special education director or superintendent.

To help others become effective counselors, consider a concentration in Educational Counseling. After earning this degree, you may serve in a supervisory or training capacity over counseling students or school counselors.

For success in this field, you must have a good grasp of counseling practices and well as effective instructional methods. Your curriculum may cover counseling theories, instructional methods, ethical practices and program evaluation. In addition, you may discuss case studies with your classmates and have hands-on opportunities to practice your supervision skills.

After graduation, you could work at a university or a healthcare facility, or you could join a government agency.

What factors influence how students learn and how teachers teach? With a specialization in Educational Psychology, you can delve into the psychological factors that play a role in educational processes. Through classes like Human Development, Personality Psychology, Evaluations and Analyses, and Ethical Psychology Practices, you’ll study topics such as motivation, social behaviors, growth and development, and cultural influences.

With this degree, you might decide to work in a school setting or serve as a corporate trainer. To hold a school counselor or school psychologist position, you may need to pursue licensure in your state; additional coursework may be required.

In many ways, technology is changing the face of education at all levels. If you want to be on the cutting edge of these educational developments, then you could pursue a concentration in Educational Technology.

During your doctoral work, you may study digital media, multimedia presentations and eLearning delivery methods, and you’ll discuss the strengths and weaknesses of these platforms. Your program will also cover planning, implementing and evaluating organizational change.

You may want to look for a program in which the curriculum is aligned with the standards set by the Association for Educational Communications and Technology.

Being a leader requires being able to navigate change and guide others through the transition process. As a student in the Higher Education Leadership specialization, you’ll study effective means of leading schools and other educational organizations.

Your curriculum may cover instructional methods and organizational psychology. Additionally, the doctoral program will address methods of motivating staff and students to implement new, more effective teaching and learning methods.

This specialization can prepare you for an administrative role at a community college or a university. You could also put your degree into practice as a workplace trainer or an organizational change consultant.

Strong reading skills can make all the difference during the school years and beyond. To help improve reading and comprehension for kids or adults, become an expert in the field with a Reading and Literacy concentration.

You’ll learn about working through language barriers, assessing literacy skills, applying for grants and implementing reading programs. Your degree program will also cover the various theories behind language and literacy education.

Although this degree can be quite helpful in a classroom setting, you can also pursue this field if you want to become a curriculum writer, a school consultant, a government policymaker or the director of a community program.

Teachers and administrators who work with special-needs students require a unique set of skills and knowledge. A Special Education concentration will hone the work you do among at-risk students, gifted learners, and those with physical, emotional or intellectual disabilities.

The coursework may cover legal issues, data interpretation and program implementation. With a doctorate, you could become the director of an elementary or secondary special education program, or you could teach in the education department of a university.

Of course, you might also choose to work directly with students in the classroom, or you could write curriculum for special-needs learners.

Education Careers & Salary

Earning a doctoral degree in education can open a number of career paths to you. Many of these options are in growing fields that offer promising salaries . For the next ten years, the Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts a job-growth rate of 5% for teachers, trainers and librarians. Some doctoral-level positions within the field of education are expected to experience a faster growth rate.

School Principals

Administrators, such as principals, may work at the elementary, middle school or high school levels.

Job Growth:

• Job Growth: 4%

Average Salary:

• Annual Median Salary: $98,490

Professors and Other Postsecondary Teachers

In a higher-education setting, you could train future teachers or work with adult learners.

• Job Growth: 9%
• Annual Median Salary: $80,790

Instructional Coordinator

The responsibilities of an instructional coordinator include overseeing curriculum and teaching methods.

• Job Growth: 6%
• Annual Median Salary: $66,970

Corporate or Industrial Training Specialist

As a training specialist, you can help employees improve their professional skills.

• Annual Median Salary: $62,700

University Administrator

Student deans, academic deans, admissions directors and college presidents are part of a school’s administrative team.

• Annual Median Salary: $97,500

Accreditation

Any college or university that you attend should be regionally accredited. This means that the entire school has received the approval of one of the main regional accreditors , such as the Higher Learning Commission or the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

Your doctoral program may have additional accreditation from an industry-specific organization. The main accrediting body for schools of education is the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP). Early childhood programs may receive a distinction from the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). Such accreditations affirm that a program is of the highest quality.

Financial Aid

The first step to obtaining financial aid for your doctoral program is to complete the free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Once you’ve taken care of that, you may be able to qualify for financial aid in the form of:

• Scholarships
• Federal Work-Study
• Fellowships

Professional Organizations

Educators know how important it is to learn from one another, so there are many professional organizations available for people in this field. Becoming a member of one or more of these groups may offer you opportunities for networking, support, discounts and professional development.

Professional organizations include:

• American Association of School Administrators (AASA)
• American Association of University Administrators (AAUA)
• Association of American Educators (AAE)
• National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC)
• National Association of Elementary School Principals (NAESP)
• National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP)
• National Education Association (NEA)

What is a Doctor of Education (Ed.D.)?

A Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) degree is a terminal degree designed for individuals who aspire to become leaders and experts in various fields related to education.

The primary purpose of an Ed.D. program is to enhance the skills and knowledge of scholars, teachers, university faculty, and other professionals with a focus on improving teaching practices, shaping educational policies, and promoting effective learning environments in workplaces.

The benefits of pursuing an Ed.D. include gaining practical knowledge that can be immediately applied to one’s job, such as implementing applied research methodologies and utilizing decision-making rubrics to address real-life problems. The degree program often offers specialized concentrations tailored to specific career paths. For instance, a teacher, principal, or dean might choose a concentration in Curriculum and Instruction, while an education administrator might opt for Educational Leadership. Additionally, professionals in fields like nursing, the military, or business may find value in concentrations such as Organizational Leadership.

Is It Possible to Get a Doctorate Degree Online?

Yes, many schools offer fully online doctoral programs; from beginning to end, you may never have to step foot on campus or meet face-to-face with your faculty advisors. Other schools have hybrid programs that can be completed mostly online but may require some on-campus classes or in-person residencies.

In fact, some universities now offer EdD programs without GRE requirements.

Are There Doctoral Programs in Education That Do Not Require a Dissertation?

In a doctoral program, it’s important for the faculty to assess how much you know about your chosen area of study. A dissertation is one means of conducting that evaluation, but it’s not the only way. Some doctoral programs do not require a dissertation , but instead rely on capstone projects or other assessments.

What is the Difference Between an EdD and a PhD in Education?

An EdD is a professional doctorate designed for real-world application. It’s most suitable for those who want to continue working in the field.

A PhD may deal more with educational theory and research. It may be suited for those who want to conduct original research or teach at the college level.

What is the Difference Between an EdD vs. EdS?

The main difference between an Ed.D. (Doctor of Education) program and an Ed.S. (Education Specialist) program lies in their academic focus, scope, and career outcomes. Both degrees are postgraduate programs in the field of education, but they serve different purposes and cater to distinct career goals.

Doctor of Education (Ed.D.)

An Ed.D. is a terminal degree, similar to a Ph.D., and is designed for individuals seeking leadership roles and expertise in educational research, policy-making, and administration. Ed.D. programs focus on advanced theoretical and practical knowledge, emphasizing leadership and innovation in educational settings. Graduates often pursue careers as school superintendents, education policymakers, or higher education administrators.

Education Specialist (Ed.S.)

On the other hand, an Ed.S. program is an intermediate, post-master’s level degree. It provides specialized training for educators looking to advance their careers in specific areas, such as school counseling, curriculum development, or educational technology. Ed.S. programs concentrate on practical skills and application, preparing graduates to become specialists in their chosen field, typically working as school counselors, instructional coordinators, or curriculum specialists.

An Ed.D. is a more research-oriented and leadership-focused degree, while an Ed.S. is a specialized program that enhances expertise in a specific educational area. The choice between the two depends on individual career aspirations, with the Ed.D. leading to higher-level leadership roles and the Ed.S. providing specialized expertise in a particular education-related field.

How Long Does It Take to Get a Doctorate in Education?

In general, a full-time education doctoral program may take three to four years to complete. A select few with accelerated tracks may be doable in just 18 to 24 months. Programs that require dissertations may take longer than non-dissertation doctorates.

Can I Work While Earning a Doctorate in Education?

Working full-time while going to school requires flexibility. Online doctoral programs can be ideal for those who need to balance school and employment. If you find that a full-time class load is too much, consider part-time enrollment.

What is the Biggest Difference Between a Traditional and an Online EdD Program?

Campus-based and online programs cover the same material and produce comparable results, but online EdD programs may offer greater scheduling flexibility. With >online classes, you may learn the material through a variety of media, including message boards, textbooks, interactive simulators, live discussions and prerecorded lectures.

How to Choose an Ed.D. Program

Choosing to pursue a Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) can seem like a daunting task, as the landscape of available programs can be vast and diverse. To aid aspiring doctoral candidates in making a well-informed decision, we’ve created a list of essential considerations for selecting an Ed.D. program.

• Program Delivery : Decide on your preferred mode of instruction, whether it’s a fully online, on-campus, or a blended Ed.D. program, depending on your personal preferences and logistical requirements.
• Program Duration : Evaluate whether the doctorate in education program offers part-time or full-time options that align with your current work commitments, ensuring it can be accommodated within your schedule.
• Areas of Specialization : Assess if the available Ed.D. concentrations align with your educational and career aspirations, as this will directly impact your expertise and future career prospects.
• Faculty Qualifications : Evaluate the expertise and engagement of Ed.D. professors within the education profession. Assess if their research interests align with your own and if their experience is relevant to your leadership objectives.
• Financial Considerations : Investigate the availability of internal funding opportunities, such as scholarships, to support your tuition costs. Additionally, consider the average loan burden of Ed.D. students and the potential for salary advancements after graduation.
• Required Coursework : Examine the relevance, currency, and applicability of the Ed.D. course content to your current or desired professional role, ensuring the program meets your specific career needs.
• Internship & Practical Experiences : Determine if you are interested in supervised leadership opportunities, as certain programs may include internships or fieldwork components to enhance practical skills.
• Dissertation or Culminating Project : Choose between a traditional dissertation or an alternative final project as the culmination of your doctoral studies, depending on your preferences and academic goals.

Keep in mind that the importance of each factor may vary based on individual values and priorities. Considering these key points will help you make an informed decision when selecting the most suitable Ed.D. program to meet your academic and career goals.

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Online PhD & Professional Doctorate Degree Programs

A doctorate yes, you can..

Whether you choose a PhD or professional doctorate, you’ll find Capella degree programs are designed to prepare you to lead, teach, or consult through research or practical experience.

Two Doctoral Degree Options: What’s Right for You?

There are two kinds of doctoral degrees: PhDs and professional doctorates. Deciding which is right for you depends, in part, on how you want to use your education and the standards in your professional field.

Teach, consult, or lead – find a doctoral degree that supports your personal and professional goals. Our flexible online programs are designed for busy professional like you, so you can live your life while you earn a degrees and make a difference in your field.

Online doctorate degrees

Learning format, bs - bachelor of science in business, accounting â», business administration â», health care management â», human resource management â», management and leadership â», marketing â», project management â», bs - bachelor of science in health care administration, health care administration leadership â», health information management â», bs - bachelor of science in information technology, data analytics and artificial intelligence â», general information technology â», information assurance and cybersecurity â», network and cloud computing â», software development in an internet of things space â», bs - bachelor of science in psychology, applied behavior analysis â», general psychology â», bs - bachelor of science in psychology pre-counseling & therapy, psychology pre-counseling & therapy â», bs - bachelor of science in public health, public health â», bsn - bachelor of science in nursing, rn-to-bsn â», bsw – bachelor of social work, dba - doctor of business administration, dba in general management â», dba in organizational leadership and development â», dba in strategy and innovation â», dha - doctor of health administration, dhs - doctor of human services, dhs in leadership and organizational management â», dit - doctor of information technology, dnp - doctor of nursing practice, dsw - doctor of social work, drph - doctor of public health, edd - doctor of education, edd in adult education â», edd in curriculum and instruction â», edd in educational leadership â», edd in performance improvement leadership â», edd in reading and literacy â», eds - education specialist in school psychology, school psychology â», graduate certificate in business, graduate certificate in counseling, contemporary theory in addictive behavior â», contemporary theory in mental health services â», contemporary theory in school-based services â», play therapy â», systemic couple and family therapy â», graduate certificate in health sciences, graduate certificate in nursing, care coordination â», nursing informatics â», nursing leadership â», graduate certificate in psychology, mba - master of business administration, mba in health care management â», mba in human resource management â», mba in project management â», self-designed mba â», med - master of education, med in teaching and learning â», mha - master of health administration, mph - master of public health, ms - master of science in analytics, analytics â», ms - master of science in applied behavior analysis, autism spectrum disorder â», behavior analysis in education â», organizational behavior management â», ms - master of science in clinical mental health counseling, addiction treatment and recovery â», child and adolescent counseling â», general clinical mental health counseling â», ms - master of science in clinical psychology, applied research â», clinical counseling â», forensic psychology â», ms - master of science in education, curriculum and instruction â», early childhood education â», early childhood education studies â», english language learning and teaching â», instructional design for online learning â», leadership in educational administration â», reading and literacy â», special education teaching â», ms - master of science in education innovation and technology, general educational technology â», ms - master of science in higher education, adult education â», higher education leadership and administration â», ms - master of science in human resource management, general hrm â», hrm in health care â», ms - master of science in human services, leadership and organizational management â», social and community services â», ms - master of science in information assurance and cybersecurity, digital forensics â», health care security â», network defense â», ms - master of science in information technology, cybersecurity â», enterprise networks and cloud computing â», it analytics â», ms - master of science in marriage and family therapy, marriage and family therapy â», ms - master of science in psychology, child and adolescent development â», educational psychology â», industrial/organizational psychology â», sport psychology â», ms - master of science in school counseling, general school counseling â», ms - master of science in school psychology, msn - master of science in nursing, msn in care coordination â», msn in nursing education â», msn in nursing informatics â», msn in nursing leadership and administration â», rn-to-msn care coordination â», rn-to-msn nursing education â», rn-to-msn nursing informatics â», rn-to-msn nursing leadership and administration â», msw - master of social work, msw - master of social work advanced standing, msw–advanced standing â», master of science in nursing - nurse practitioner, msn in adult-gerontology primary care nurse practitioner â», msn in family nurse practitioner â», phd - doctor of philosophy in behavior analysis, behavior analysis â», phd - doctor of philosophy in business management, general business management â», information technology management â», leadership â», strategy and innovation â», phd - doctor of philosophy in counselor education and supervision, counselor education and supervision â», phd - doctor of philosophy in education, leadership for higher education â», phd - doctor of philosophy in psychology, developmental psychology â», psyd - doctor of psychology clinical psychology, psyd in clinical psychology â», psyd - doctor of psychology school psychology, psyd in school psychology â», get more information.

Ready to get started? We’re ready for you. Chat with an enrollment counselor or apply now to take the first step on the journey toward your future.

87% of doctoral alumni agree that Capella provided the flexibility they needed to pursue their degree.

*Alumni Outcomes Survey, 2022-2023

Why Choose Capella?

Step out ahead in your field with a valuable online doctoral degree and earn the prestige and respect that comes with reaching the highest point of your education.

Opportunity to Advance

Based on your program, you might find a combination of theoretical coursework, comprehensive exams, and practical field work and residencies combine to take you to the next level.

Progress Quickly

Start your dissertation or final project early in your program, with faculty and advisor support.

Rigorous, Not Impossible

Our curriculum equips you to challenge your mind and advance your field, preparing you to reach your goals.

Research Assistance

Research webinars integrated with coursework help you focus on completion of your dissertation or capstone project.

Learn from Faculty Experts

Made up of scholars and scholar-practitioners, our faculty can provide valuable mentorship throughout your doctoral program.

"The lens through which I view the world has been fundamentally changed by my doctoral journey. Getting my degree has left me with a more profound enjoyment and contentment in life."

Admission Requirements

Admission requirements vary by program, but generally speaking, the following are required for doctoral programs:

• Master's degree from an institution accredited by a U.S. Department of Education-recognized accrediting agency or an internationally recognized institution.
• Your official master's transcripts, minimum grade point average of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale.
• A $50 non-refundable application fee. Fee is required to initiate an application for admission and must be paid as part of the application process. The fee covers the cost of transcript requests, transcript evaluation and other administrative costs.
• Note: GRE and GMAT are not required for admission. Also, admission requirements for international students may differ

What's it like to be a doctoral student?

What does it take to earn a doctoral degree? Learn more about the experience, explore each step of the journey, and read stories from students who have successfully earned their doctorate.

Additional Doctoral Information

Questions to answer before applying to a doctoral program.

From setting goals to researching programs, here’s what you need to research before applying to a doctoral program.

5 Ways a Doctoral Degree May Strengthen Your Career

What can a doctoral degree mean to career success, especially outside of education and research?

The Difference Between a PhD and Professional Doctorate

Learn the main difference between these two doctoral program types and the questions you should ask to help guide your program decision.

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Pros and Cons of Getting a Doctorate Online

From heightened career advancement opportunities to increased salary potential, there are many reasons why people are choosing to earn doctorate degrees in 2024. Thanks to the proliferation of online doctorate programs, working professionals no longer have to press pause on their jobs to attend classes or complete coursework. Instead, tens of thousands of American professionals each year are rising to meet the growth in doctoral and professional-level occupations. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), such occupations are projected to grow by 13 percent between 2016 and 2026, which is faster than the 7-percent average projection for all occupations.  

If you are interested in earning a doctoral degree, you may have questions such as “Are online doctoral degrees respected?” or “Do I need to earn my degree from an accredited institution?” Discovering the answers to those questions can help you determine whether an online doctorate is a good fit for helping them achieve their professional and personal goals.  

Pros of Online Doctorate Programs  

Online doctoral programs provide students with a long list of benefits. While some may come to mind immediately — the ability to complete coursework from your home office or a breakroom at work, for example — others are less obvious but equally meaningful. Consider several positive elements of both the experience and impact of earning an online doctoral degree. 

Flexibility 

For the average working professional, spare time is a precious commodity. Between personal and professional obligations, an in-personal doctoral program with a rigid class schedule is often a non-starter. The university administrators designing the best online doctoral degree programs understand the time constraints for aspiring students and intentionally offer creative solutions that enhance the lives of professionals rather than burden them. 

The flexibility of an online doctoral program empowers professionals to continue building their careers as they earn their degrees. This flexibility helps the calendar stay manageable and allows students to integrate what they are learning into their jobs in real time. 

Saving Time 

Gone are the days when pursuing a doctorate necessarily meant relocation, residency, or refraining from full-time work. While some individuals will find that a cross-country move for in-person coursework or an all-in approach to academic life best fits their doctoral pursuit, most working professionals are looking for a different path. An online doctoral program offers such individuals a time-savvy approach to further education. There’s no time spent commuting, walking to class, or learning the nuances of a new city and campus. Instead, the online delivery model brings education into the professional’s existing home, workplace and routine.  

Instead of a rush hour drive from the office to an evening lecture, the out-of-class time commitment is simply the opening of a laptop. Frantically looking for parking to make it to a professor’s office hours on time is replaced with a virtual meeting link. Through an online program, students are empowered to make the most of their hours and can devote time and energy to their work, personal life and school.  

There are long-term time savings for online doctoral degree earners as well. Students enrolled in online programs often earn their degrees more quickly than their peers enrolled in in-person programs. The efficient approach to time in online doctoral programs not only allows students to leverage their schedules during the program but after as well, as they graduate ready to make the most of their time in the workplace.  

Personalized Learning 

One of the most beloved features of online doctoral programs is the personalized learning approach. Through both live and asynchronous instruction, students have access to multiple educational modes. Individuals who learn best through reading, for example, can access transcripts for online courses, while those who benefit from writing out their thoughts may find discussion forums especially useful.  

Additionally, the best online doctorate degree programs pair students with faculty mentors — who, because of the virtual nature of the program, can live anywhere in the country — who work and research in fields specific to the student’s interests.  

Maximized Networking 

Online doctorate programs empower working professionals to expand their networks significantly. By connecting with fellow students throughout the country, students enrolled in online doctorates have the opportunity to cultivate a more diverse community of like-minded professionals who are collectively working toward the greater good. The insight, perspective and experiences of individuals from various backgrounds can help students develop a national, and even global, lens for viewing their work, relationships and impact. 

While an in-person educational experience can facilitate good conversation, an online platform creates a greater opportunity for diversified discussion. A principal working in education in a rural area, for example, may be enrolled in an online doctorate of education course with a superintendent in a major city. A business consultant who serves an aging client base may form a connection with an analyst focused on young professionals. Relationships like these can be mutually enriching, expanding perspectives and providing ample opportunity for collaboration, sharing advice and encouraging lifelong learning. 

Cons of Online Doctoral Programs 

While the online doctoral experience is overwhelmingly positive, there are a few factors for aspiring students to bear in mind. By asking the right questions about themselves and the programs they are considering, doctoral hopefuls can find the best fit for their educational futures.  

Net-Based Networking 

While virtual networking has tremendous potential for cultivating an expansive, diverse community, some prefer in-person interaction. For working professionals who find digital communication or relationship-building difficult or uncomfortable, the networking element of online doctoral programs may be challenging.  

Credibility Concerns 

Whether or not online degree programs are respected is an important issue for individuals considering a doctorate. The most critical question is whether or not an accredited institution issues a degree. Students who earn degrees — whether online or in-person — from accredited institutions can feel at ease about the credibility of their program. When a trusted accrediting body gives a program its stamp of approval, that means it meets high educational standards.  

There are several accrediting bodies in the United States, many of which focus on certain types of degree programs or regions of the country. AACSB, for example, accredits business schools. The scope of accreditation for the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) includes distance and correspondence education for eleven states and Latin America. 

Time Management  

Personalized learning, asynchronous instruction and virtual coursework mean that online doctoral students must create schedules and establish the structure for working toward their degrees. Individuals who struggle with time management or self-discipline may find that an in-person educational experience provides them with the rigor and boundaries they need to succeed academically. 

Earn a Doctoral Degree in Business Administration or Education through Marymount University Online 

For most working professionals interested in further education, the pros of an online doctoral degree outnumber the cons. The Online Doctorate of Education (Ed.D.) in Leadership & Organizational Innovation and Online Doctorate of Business Administration in Business Intelligence (DBA) at Marymount University are accredited programs that equip professionals to advance their careers while connecting them with like-minded professionals across the U.S.  

Take the first step toward your doctorate here . 

Out-of-State Students

Clinical placement requirements are unique for each state. Please see our list of program offerings by state or contact us to determine whether our programs fulfill your state requirements.

CCNE Accreditation

The baccalaureate degree program in nursing at Marymount University is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, 655 K Street, NW, Suite 750, Washington, DC 20001, 202-887-6791.

Requirements Not Met

To proceed with either the BSN to MSN FNP or the BSN to DNP FNP or the BSN to DNP PMHNP or the MSN PMHNP, you are required to have a bachelor’s degree and hold your RN license.

To proceed with either the PMC-FNP or the PMC-DNP or the PMC-PMHNP, you are required to have a master's degree and hold your RN license.

To proceed with the ABSN, you are required to have a bachelor's degree.

If you don’t meet these requirements but would still like further information, please contact us .

To proceed with the EdD in Educational Leadership and Organizational Leadership degree, you are required to have a master’s degree.

If you don’t meet this requirement but would still like further information, please contact us .

To proceed with the Doctor of Business Administration - Business Intelligence degree, you are required to have a master’s degree.

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Online Early Childhood Education Certificate

Ground your learning in vital early childhood curricular foundations.

UND's online Early Childhood Education graduate certificate highlights play-based experiences and assessment, and social-emotional foundations in early childhood.

Why earn a graduate certificate in Early Childhood Education online?

*Priority deadline

If you're an international student, refer to the international application process for deadlines.

Early childhood educators are in demand in the workplace, especially with leadership skills, highlighted by the many unfilled vacancies in childcare, Head Start and early childhood education (ECE) programs throughout the state and nation.

An Early Childhood Education graduate certificate will enhance the skills you need, including:

• Play-based experiences
• Social emotional learning
• Curricular foundations

Stack Your Certificate or Take it Alone

UND's online graduate certificate in Early Childhood Education can be earned:

• As a stand alone certificate by completing the three designated Early Childhood Education courses.
• Stacked with our Early Childhood Education master’s degree and highlight your knowledge in ECE at no extra cost. Meaning, you could earn both a master’s degree and this Early Childhood Education graduate certificate all at once.

Accreditation by NCA and CAEP

Programs within the College are fully accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (NCA) and the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP).

Early Childhood Education Graduate Certificate at UND

Receive individual attention. Most classes are small, with about 12-25 students per class. All classes are capped at 25 students.

Join the Future Educators of UND (FEUND).

Complete social emotional screenings as part of your coursework.

Take classes through UND's the College of Education & Human Development - the largest and most comprehensive education college in North Dakota.

Careers with a Graduate Certificate Early Childhood Education

The Early Childhood Education graduate certificate will prepare you to become/work at:

• Early Childhood Teacher : Design and implement age-appropriate curriculum for children aged 0-5 while creating a nurturing environment.
• Work in Public Schools (PreK-3) : Provide instruction aligned with standards for young learners while creating an inclusive classroom environment and collaborate with others to support student growth.
• Early Head Start : Implement evidence-base curriculum and collaborate with community resources to meet student and family needs.
• Child Care and Education Centers : Create a safe and stimulating environment for children while implementing age-appropriate curriculum for development.

Early Childhood Education Online Courses

T&L 517. Social Emotional Learning & Guidance. 3 Credits.

This course is designed to offer strategies for caregivers to support young children's positive social and emotional development, behavior, and learning through the exploration of how early experiences shape development. The emotional and social development of children, including the causes, expressions, prevention and management of challenging behaviors in all children birth to age eight are examined. Emphasis is placed on caregiver/family/child relationships, positive emotional/social environments, developmental implications, adverse childhood risk factors, and intervention strategies. Students will identify factors influencing emotional/social development, utilize screening measures, and design positive behavioral supports. SS.

T&L 526. Play in Development and Early Childhood Education. 3 Credits.

This course explores the role of play in cognitive, physical and social-emotional development, and the way in which play is incorporated into educational and other programmatic settings. Students will explore how assessment of play indicates a child's development, and they will use assessment to promote Developmentally Appropriate Practices (DAP) for PreK-Grade 3 (ages 3-8) learners.

T&L 527. Curricular Foundations in Early Childhood Education. 3 Credits.

This course examines the historical, philosophical, cultural, race, class, and gender influences on curriculum in early childhood, including the philosophy and mission of the Department of Teaching and Learning.

Online Early Childhood Education Graduate Certificate

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best online graduate programs

The entire graduate certificate program is fully online. You are never required to come to campus.

Flexible Online Early Childhood Education Certificate Classes

With asynchronous classes, you do not attend class at a set time. If you need to balance work, family, and other commitments, this flexible format allows you to learn anywhere at any time.

Depending on your instructor, you’ll learn online through:

• Lesson modules
• Streaming video content
• Virtual libraries
• Posted lectures
• Online simulations

There will be times when you interact with your instructor and classmates through online discussion boards, polls, and chat rooms.

Your learning revolves around materials that can be accessed on your own time within a set time frame. However, this is not a self-paced course. You’ll have structure and deadlines.

Leaders in Online Education

Over a third of UND's student population is exclusively online; plus, more take a combination of online and on campus classes. You can feel reassured knowing you won't be alone in your online learning journey and you'll have resources and services tailored to your needs. No matter how you customize your online experience, you’ll get the same top-quality education as any other on campus student.

• Same degree:  All online programs are fully accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) . Your transcript and diploma are exactly the same as our on-campus students.
• Same classes: You’ll take courses from UND professors, start and end the semesters at the same time and take the same classes as a student on campus.
• Real interaction:  You can ask questions, get feedback and regularly connect with your professors, peers and professionals in the field.
• Your own academic advisor:  As an invaluable go-to, they’re focused on you, your personal success and your future career.
• Free online tutoring:  We're here to help you one-on-one at no cost. Plus, get access to a variety of self-help online study resources.
• Unlimited academic coaching:  Need support to achieve your academic goals or feeling stumped by a tough course? We'll help with everything from stress and time management to improving your memory to achieve higher test scores.
• Full online access:  Dig into virtual research from the Chester Fritz Library. Improve your writing skills with online help from the UND Writing Center. Get online access to career services, veteran and military services, financial services and more.
• 24/7 technical support:  UND provides free computer, email and other technical support for all online students.
• Networking opportunities: Our significant online student population means you’ll have a large pool of peers to connect with. UND has numerous online events and activities to keep you connected.

Best Online College

Our high alumni salaries and job placement rates, with affordable online tuition rates make UND a best-value university for online education. UND's breadth of online programs rivals all other nonprofit universities in the Upper Midwest making UND one of the best online schools in the region.

UND ranks among the best online colleges in the nation for:

• Affordability
• Student satisfaction (retention rate)
• Academic quality (4-year graduate rate)
• Student outcomes (20-year return on investment per Payscale.com)

Connect with faculty you'll work with at UND or discover additional education opportunities.

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Erie 109 University Square Erie, PA 16541

Ruskin 105 Commercial Center Drive Ruskin, FL 33573

Phone Number 1-800-GANNON-U

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Campus Locations

Gannon's online degree programs are designed for busy professionals balancing a career and home life. With flexible class schedules, Gannon's distance learning programs allow students to continue their education without putting their lives on hold. Class work can be completed at any time before the due date, and after the initial orientation session, students never have to attend online classes at scheduled times.

Gannon's academic programs give students a competitive edge over other candidates and provide the relevant skills necessary to succeed in top career fields. Our degree programs are accredited by The Middle States Commission on Higher Education, and we have earned a top ranking in "America's Best Colleges" by U.S. News and World Report. 

By bringing our programs online, we at Gannon University are fulfilling and expanding our mission to offer students an outstanding, value-centered education that prepares students for professional and personal leadership.

• Erie, Pennsylvania
• Ruskin, Florida
• Engagement and Success
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• Proctored Exams
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Distance Education

A.J. Palumbo Academic Center 3010A Phone: (814) 871-7134 Email: [email protected]

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• The University of Oklahoma

Online Bachelor’s in Learning & Education Studies | OU Online

Online B.A. in Learning and Education Studies

Use your passion for education to support growth and development in others., transfer 60-90 ch, 5 start dates, excel in an industry with strong demand.

With teacher shortages ongoing in Oklahoma and across the country, there is a high demand for skilled educators passionate about making a difference in students' lives. OU’s Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies with a major in Learning and Education Studies is a 100% online program that prepares you to excel in a field with critical demand in the workforce. Designed for students who are a minimum of five years post high school/GED or at least 25 years of age and have already completed at least 60 hours of college credit, the learning and education studies program makes finishing your degree and reaching your career goals a possibility.

Request Information

Admission deadline.

Rolling admissions (applications due 14 days before the intended start date).

Program Start Terms

Fall, Spring, Summer

Academic Calendar

Stay up to date with OU holiday closings, deadlines, and more.

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Benefits of the Learning and Education Studies Bachelor’s Degree

Finish what you started.

Finish your degree and reach your career goals with a first-class education from the University of Oklahoma. Our flexible online format allows you to complete assignments on your own schedule, leaving more time for what matters to you most. You’ll have support from our experienced faculty and advisors every step of the way.

Strong Career Growth

Oklahoma, along with many other states nationwide, is experiencing teacher shortages. Earning a bachelor’s degree in learning and education studies will prepare you to fill a critical need in the workforce. Your degree will also qualify you to seek certification, setting you up for further career advancement.

PRIOR LEARNING AND TRANSFER CREDIT

In addition to a generous transfer credit policy, your professional credentials may translate into college credit. Prior learning credit is awarded for college-level learning, balancing theory, and practical application appropriate to the subject. Talk to an enrollment coach about how your past college credits and work credentials can save you time and money.

Contact an Enrollment Coach

OU Online graduates find employment within six months after graduation

OU Online graduates report earning an annual salary of $75,000 or more

OU Online students say the skills they gained in their program made them more competitive in their career field

Pursue Your Learning and Education Studies Degree

Take the next step in your career with a degree from the University of Oklahoma. Applications are reviewed year-round for fall, spring, and summer sessions. Choose your program, choose your start, and apply today.

Program Breakdown

The online Learning and Education Studies bachelor’s degree is designed to accommodate working adults seeking careers in PK-12 education. Offered by the OU College of Professional and Continuing Studies in partnership with the Jeannine Rainbolt College of Education, the program focuses on teaching effective leadership strategies while deepening your understanding of education, instruction, and various learning environments. You can immediately apply what you are learning in class to the educational context in which you currently work. The degree will prepare you to seek alternative teaching certification or go on to pursue a master’s degree.

When admitted into the program, you will be assigned an advisor who creates an individualized graduation plan. This plan will help organize and identify the courses you need for your degree. These courses will total credit hours completed at the upper division (3000-4000).

Manageable Accelerated Courses

All undergraduate courses in this program are eight weeks long. Most students take four courses (or 12 credit hours) a semester – two classes in the first half of the semester and two in the second half. The number of credit hours you take each semester should be discussed with your advisor and reflective of your personal and work schedules.

• Effective Communication
• Digital Literacy & Data Analysis
• Critical Inquiry in Interdisciplinary Studies
• Innovative Problem-Solving
• Portfolio in Interdisciplinary Studies
• Introduction to Education
• Development, Motivation, and Learning
• Learning Environments for Diverse Learners
• Scaffolded Instruction for All Learners
• Introduction to Instruction

How to Apply

To apply, students must:

• Complete the online application at attend.ou.edu
• Be a minimum of five years post high school graduation/GED or at least 25 years of age by the first day of class
• Have at least 60 college credit hours completed
• Have at least a 2.0 GPA
• Provide official college transcripts from all institutions
• International students must demonstrate English proficiency

The admissions committee operates under a rolling admission process, and admissions may continue until two weeks before classes start. The committee strives to respond to all applicants within two weeks of submitting a completed application.

For more information on the admissions process or to request a transfer credit evaluation, please  schedule a call , and an enrollment coach will be in touch shortly.

If you would like to explore resources to help pay for your degree or compare the estimated cost of your program with a typical financial aid package, use the  cost calculator  on our OU Online financial aid page. 

“ Students who are committed to the field of education and developing a deep understanding of supporting student learning are the inspiration for what I do. I will never grow tired of working alongside those who seek to empower themselves and others through igniting curiosity and the pursuit of knowledge. ”

Kelly Feille, Program Director

Same Academic Excellence

Like every OU Online program, the Learning and Education Studies bachelor’s degree is built on the foundation of world-class University of Oklahoma faculty mixed with professors of practice providing valuable instruction. By linking industry experts with our online programs, we offer the most advanced curriculum and prepare students for future career success.

Online Bachelor's Degree FAQ

Yes. The University of Oklahoma’s bachelor’s programs are accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and are created by university staff and faculty. Graduates of online programs receive the same degree designation as students who attend classes on campus. Your diploma will be a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Oklahoma.

All OU Online degree programs are regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.*

*Note:  Degrees also AACSB-accredited specify so in their corresponding program webpage. OU Online’s B.A. in Integrative Studies and B.A. in Interdisciplinary Studies degrees (Organizational Leadership, Business Administration, Healthcare Management, etc.) are not accredited by the AACSB.

To be admitted to an online bachelor’s degree program, students: 

• Must be a minimum of five years post high school graduation/GED OR at least 25 years of age by the first day of class
• Must have at least 60 college credit hours completed
• Must have at least a 2.0 GPA
• Complete the online application at  attend.ou.edu
• Provide official college transcripts from all institutions 

Once OU receives all materials, we will begin processing your application. Admissions will email a decision letter to the address listed on the application. The average processing time is 2-3 business days. 

For more information on the admissions process or to request a transfer credit evaluation, please schedule a call, and an admissions counselor will be in touch shortly.

If you do not meet the adult degree completion admissions requirements, the University of Oklahoma offers other degree programs that might be right for you. Schedule a visit with an enrollment coach to discuss your options.

No. Applicants should have at least 60 college credit hours completed, but they do not need an associate degree to be admitted.

Our programs are offered year-round and in eight-week increments. We offer five start dates, with opportunities to begin taking classes in the fall (August or October), spring (January or March), and summer (June).

All programs have a rolling admissions process; however, applicants are encouraged to have their completed applications submitted a minimum of two weeks prior to the start date they intend to begin. Your application is considered complete when we have received official transcripts from all institutions you have attended (academic and military, if applicable). We require a separate transcript from each institution.

Once you apply, we welcome you to submit your information to our  Online Transcript Request Form , and we will attempt to order official transcripts from all prior institutions for you. Some institutions do not allow third-party transcript requests. In those cases, you will be contacted and asked to order the official transcript .

To be considered official, transcripts must be enclosed in a sealed envelope and mailed directly from the institution you attended to the following address : 

The University of Oklahoma OU Online Attn: Incoming Transcripts  1610 Asp Avenue, Room 108  Norman, OK 73072 

Transcripts may be submitted electronically as long as they are sent directly from the institution you attended to  [email protected] . Unfortunately, transcripts submitted through any other method of delivery can’t be accepted as official.

If you would like to compare the estimated cost of your program with a typical financial aid package, you can use the cost calculator on our OU Online financial aid page .

Have Questions?

OU Online has a friendly and knowledgeable team of enrollment coaches ready to guide you through the admissions process. Browse the calendar and schedule a one-on-one meeting that fits your schedule, and an enrollment coach will help answer your questions. 

Schedule a Call

An Investment in Your Future

Earning a bachelor’s degree can lead to a 49% increase in salary or more, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The online learning and education studies bachelor’s degree is an investment in yourself, as you’ll follow curriculum designed to prepare you to further your career in education. You’ll also gain an expanded professional network as part of the global OU alumni community.

The program requires 120 credit hours to graduate, and 60-90 of those hours can be transferred to OU from other institutions. For example, if a student transfers in 90 credit hours, only 30 hours at OU are required to complete the degree. At $500 per credit hour, the cost to that student would be $15,000.

Total cost for the degree is $15,000-$30,000, depending on the number of transfer credits.

Tuition Calculator

Our tuition calculator can help you estimate your tuition and financial aid for your program of interest.

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Why OU Online?

We are a top-tier public institution offering high-quality, affordable, professional undergraduate and graduate programs committed to maintaining academic excellence online.

Our Online Programs

Every OU Online program is built on the foundation of world-class faculty mixed with professors of practice providing valuable instruction. By linking industry experts with our online programs, we offer the most advanced curriculum and prepare students for future career success.

Our OU Family

When you graduate from an OU Online program, you’ll join the network of 250,000 OU alumni and be forever part of the OU family. Become part of the tradition of excellence that OU has established in its 130-year history.

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U.S. News & World Report ranks UNI among 2024 Best Graduate Schools

CEDAR FALLS, Iowa –  U.S. News & World Report has once again ranked the University of Northern Iowa among its list of 2024 Best Graduate Schools. Designed for prospective students looking to further their education beyond an undergraduate degree, the  Best Graduate Schools rankings evaluate programs in a variety of disciplines, including business, education, engineering, law, medicine and nursing. 

UNI’s honored programs for graduate education are a combination of face-to-face, entirely online and hybrid degrees offered in partnership with all UNI colleges,  Online and Distance Education , and the  College of Graduate, Research and Online Education where more than 80 degree, certificate and endorsement programs are housed. 

“It’s incredibly gratifying to have UNI recognized as a national leader in graduate education,” said Steph Huffman, associate vice president for strategic initiatives and dean of the College of Graduate, Research and Online Education. “UNI has a strong, long-standing history of developing educators, innovators, strategic leaders and other professionals who serve our schools, businesses and organizations, and communities. This ranking reflects our commitment to providing high-quality, impactful graduate educational opportunities.”

By collecting graduate school data annually, U.S. News is able to present the most current figures on enrollment, job placement, faculty and other critical quality indicators that help prospective students make informed decisions.

UNI’s  College of Education offers 10 master's programs and a doctoral program which are represented within the graduate rankings of Best Education Schools. These range from advanced degrees like elementary and early childhood education to programs that prepare school administrators, school psychologists and teacher librarians.

"The ranking continues to represent our outstanding faculty, innovative curriculum, and our ability to meet students where they are to deliver an experience that is individualized, relevant and meaningful,” said Amy Nielsen, the College of Education’s interim associate dean of graduate studies.

UNI also ranks among the top in the country for its  part-time MBA in the Wilson College of Business. 

"I am proud to see our MBA program recognized again as one of the top programs in the nation," said Leslie Wilson, dean of the Wilson College. "I know our faculty are working diligently to ensure our curriculum meets the needs of students preparing to be global business leaders. From the use of AI, addressing supply chain disruptions, and managing a remote workforce, we seek to provide our students with the necessary skills and knowledge to address the changing landscape and excel in their careers. This recognition is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our faculty, staff and students, who have helped make our program successful."

UNI’s  Speech-Language Pathology M.A. is among the top 100 speech pathology programs in the rankings. Students benefit from valuable clinical experience at the Roy Eblen Speech and Hearing Clinic located conveniently on campus.

“We take pride in offering students a comprehensive educational experience that combines hands-on clinical exposure, rigorous coursework, and valuable research opportunities with faculty members,” said Jennifer Garrett, head of the UNI Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders. “This recognition reaffirms our department's commitment to excellence in training future speech-language pathologists. With the experiences they gain here, our students graduate as highly competent professionals, ready to make meaningful contributions to improving the lives of individuals with communication disorders.”

UNI’s  Master of Public Policy Program is recognized as one of the Best Public Affairs Programs by U.S. News & World Report. With its fully online format, the program is ideal for those seeking career advancement within public service and nonprofit organizations in the field of public policy. 

“As the only nationally accredited program in the state, earning this recognition reflects our commitment to excellence and innovation in preparing future leaders for impactful public policy careers,” said Chris Larimer, MPP program coordinator and professor in the Department of Political Science. 

The University of Northern Iowa ranks highly in a number of U.S. News categories, including ranking  second best among regional public universities in the Midwest . It also ranks among the best value schools, best colleges for veterans and most innovative schools.

Media Contact: Adam Amdor

[email protected], uni physics faculty awarded national science foundation and dept. of energy research grants.

Iowa legislature recognizes NCAA champion Parker Keckeisen

UNI Department of Art students present spring 2024 BFA group exhibition

Online program empowers students to align passion with education

Juggling full-time work and family, online student finds success in master's program.

”Do what you love, and you’ll never work a day in your life.” For many people, that is a challenging goal to achieve. However, thanks to the University of Tennessee, Knoxville online program, one student’s dream of aligning her passion with her educational goals has become a reality.

As someone specializing in human connections, Jecobi Swafford found choosing a degree path easy. Educational Psychology with a concentration in Adult Education was a program she knew would involve interacting with and teaching adults. It would also benefit her full-time career as a human resource professional.

“I am constantly in contact with employees at various stages of their careers and life. I had a deep desire to take my expertise and enhance the learning experience for adults in the workplace,” said Swafford.

With a full-time job and an active family, Swafford found that online learning was the perfect way to pursue her goal while allowing her to effectively balance work, family and studying. It offered her convenience, flexibility, and an opportunity to focus and develop self-discipline. The absence of a daily commute was a big plus, giving her more time to manage responsibilities, including self-care, which she believes is essential to success.

Swafford also found that being an online learner at UT didn’t mean missing the support students find in an in-person classroom. She found a welcoming, passionate community that offered assistance and encouragement while fostering teamwork and collaboration. It is an environment where students truly matter.

Today, Swafford uses her knowledge from the master’s program as a human resource professional in the solar and construction industry. Yet, her journey isn't just about work; it's about personal growth too. She emphasizes the importance of believing in oneself, hard work and dedication.

Earning a master's degree has enhanced Swafford's professional credibility and solidified her expertise in human resources. It sharpened her research, problem-solving, and writing skills, making her a more competent and confident professional.

“The master’s degree has equipped me with the tools to more clearly understand the unique and diverse perspectives of adult learners,” she said. “I want to be part of a team, ensure we meet employees where they are, and support them with the tools they need to be successful.”

For more information, visit volsonline.utk.edu .