online phd programs pennsylvania

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10 Best PhD Programs in Pennsylvania

The state of Pennsylvania is well-known for its industrial and agricultural sectors, as a famous producer of steel, coal, and railroads, as well as agricultural produce like mushrooms.

Pennsylvania also boasts some of the best universities not only in the country but in the world, including the University of Pennsylvania and Carnegie Mellon University, making this a great place to earn your doctorate.

Table of Contents

Best PhD Programs in Pennsylvania

The university of pennsylvania.

Carnegie Mellon University
Villanova University
Lehigh University
The University of Pittsburgh
Bryn Mawr College

The Pennsylvania State University

Thomas Jefferson University
Chatham University

Gratz College

Featured programs.

PhD Cancer Biology Program

The University of Pennsylvania is a world-renowned private research university that is home to a number of medical and health science schools, including the Perelman School of Medicine, the Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, and the Abramson Family Cancer Research Institute. This PhD in PA aims to equip students with the hypothesis-based research skills necessary to define and investigate the causes and hallmarks of cancer.

Courses include: Concepts in cancer biology, the tumor microenvironment, the cell cycle, and genome integrity, and cancer.
Duration: 4+ years
Tuition: $39,838
Financial aid: Grants, scholarships, work-study, and loans.
Delivery: On-campus
Acceptance rate: 6%
Location: Philadelphia, PA

Carnegie Mellon University, School of Computer Science

PhD in Computer Science

Carnegie Mellon University is one of the world’s most famous private institutions. Its eminent faculty conduct specialist research in various fields of computer science , such as Artificial Intelligence, programming languages, security, and systems. This is one of the rare PhD programs in PA with a dual PhD option: you can choose to study in collaboration with the Information and Communication Technologies Institute in Portugal.

Courses include: Advanced algorithms, probabilistic combinatorics, and advanced integer programming.
Credits: 72 units
Duration: 5 years
Tuition: Full funding for all admitted students
Financial aid: Fellowships
Acceptance rate: 14%
Location: Pittsburgh, PA

Villanova University, M. Louise Fitzpatrick College of Nursing

PhD in Nursing

Villanova University is a private institution that follows the Augustinian intellectual tradition and works collaboratively with a range of educational institutions as well as global organizations. This nursing doctoral program in Pennsylvania follows a teacher-scholar model to mold competent nurse scientists and educators.

Courses include: Advocacy, policy & ethics in healthcare, curriculum design in nursing education, and psychometrics & measurement.
Credits: 46
Tuition: $1,450 per credit
Financial aid: Scholarships, grants, veteran benefits, and loans.
Delivery: Distance learning plus on-campus summer sessions
Acceptance rate: 25%
Location: Villanova, PA

Lehigh University, College of Business

PhD in Business and Economics

Lehigh University’s College of Business is a world-renowned private college that offers business education with an emphasis on advanced concepts of disruptive technologies and data analytics . This PA doctoral program gives you the option to specialize in one of a range of diverse fields, such as health economics, empirical macroeconomics, applied econometrics, and labor economics.

Courses include: Advanced microeconomic analysis, econometrics, and labor economics.
Duration: 4-5 years
Tuition: $1,235 per credit hour
Financial aid: Fellowships, teaching assistantships, research assistantships, and loans.
Acceptance rate: 46%
Location: Bethlehem, PA

The University of Pittsburgh, Dietrich School of Arts & Sciences

PhD Critical & Cultural Studies

The University of Pittsburgh’s Department of English offers a highly creative atmosphere for research and teaching, with award-winning faculty engaged in collaborative research across the globe. This interdisciplinary program is offered by the department of English Studies, and students can choose between concentrations in literature, composition, and film.

Courses include: Medieval and renaissance studies, children’s literature and childhood studies, and media and material practices.
Duration: 5-6 years
Tuition: Full funding to all students subject to performance
Financial aid: Fellowships, teaching assistantships, and grants.
Acceptance rate: 67%

Bryn Mawr College, Graduate School of Arts and Sciences

PhD Program in Classical and Near Eastern Archaeology

Bryn Mawr College’s Department of Classical and Near Eastern Archaeology is home to the award-winning Rhys Carpenter art and archeology library, with excellent research opportunities around Mediterranean and Near-Eastern culture and history. This PA PhD program prepares students for careers in research, academia, and publishing, as well as to work with institutions such as museums and foundations.

Courses include: History and memory, Greek tragedy in performance, and war and peace in the ancient world.
Duration: 4 years
Tuition: $50,730
Financial aid: Scholarships, assistantships, fellowships, and loans.
Acceptance rate: 39.3%
Location: Bryn Mawr, PA

Agricultural and Environmental Plant Science

Penn State is a globally-recognized public university that spends $1 billion annually on research and has 740,000 alumni around the world. This PhD program focuses on modern environmental and plant science issues, such as the production of agronomic and horticultural crops, the soil-plant-animal complex, and food quality.

Courses include: Current issues in agricultural innovation, effective scientific communications, and professional development for plant sciences.
Credits: 17
Tuition: Refer to tuition page
Financial aid: Assistantships, fellowships, scholarships, traineeship, employment, and loans.
Acceptance rate: 51%
Location: University Park, PA

Thomas Jefferson University, College of Health Professions

Doctor of Health Science (DHSc)

Thomas Jefferson University is a distinguished private university that has an experiential and collaborative approach to education to create professionals capable of meeting the current and future demands of the industry. This is one of the many online PhD programs Pennsylvania offers to professionals aspiring to become leaders in healthcare practice, policy, and education.

Courses include: Health systems science, healthcare law and ethics, and introduction to health policy.
Credits: 43
Duration: 3-4 years
Tuition: $1,010 per credit
Financial aid: Grants, scholarships, and loans.
Delivery: Online
Acceptance rate: 63.9%

Chatham University, School of Health Sciences

Doctorate in Occupational Therapy, Post-Professional (PPOTD)

Chatham University is a private institution based in Pittsburgh and is a leader in sustainability and environmental education. This online PhD program requires zero campus attendance and aims to train occupational therapy professionals to become leaders in healthcare, advocacy, and academia.

Courses include: Advanced practice concepts and skills, occupational therapist as entrepreneur, and leadership and professionalism.
Credits: 30
Duration: 16 months
Tuition: $1,081 per credit
Financial aid: Scholarships, grants, graduate assistantships, fellowships, tuition discounts, employment opportunities, military & veteran benefits, and loans.
Acceptance rate: 73%

Doctorate of Education in Leadership

Founded as a Jewish institution, this private, non-profit college offers leadership education to both Jewish and secular students. This online doctorate aims to generate professionals who can apply their knowledge to solve real-world challenges in a range of educational settings.

Courses include: Critical contexts in educational leadership, leading an educational organization, and school law and policy.
Credits: 48
Tuition: $914 per credit
Financial aid: Grants, work-study, and loans.
Delivery: Online with two two-and-a-half-day summer residencies
Acceptance rate: 54%
Location: Melrose Park

Popular PhD Majors in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania’s many higher education institutions offer doctorates in a range of topics, with some of the most popular majors being:

Business Studies
Computer Science
Education Leadership
Health Sciences
Earth and Environmental Studies

How to Earn a Doctorate Degree in Pennsylvania

The exact prerequisites to be admitted into a PhD program in Pennsylvania vary depending on the school. However, generally, you’ll need to have:

A master’s degree
Letters of recommendation
Academic resume
Personal statement and/or research proposal

Once accepted into a PhD program in or near Pennsylvania, you’ll need to meet certain targets in order to earn your doctorate. Most programs involve a combination of coursework and a dissertation or research project, though not all PhDs require a dissertation .

PhD Programs in Pennsylvania with the Lowest Tuition

PhD tuition at Pennsylvania’s universities can vary significantly depending on the school. The colleges with the cheapest rates of tuition are:

Indiana University of Pennsylvania-Main Campus ( $516 for PA residents; $774 for non-residents )
The Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania ( $516 for PA residents; $774 for non-residents
West Chester University ( $516 for PA residents; $774 for non-residents )
PennWest California ( $516 for PA residents; $774 for non-residents )
Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania ( $671 for PA residents; $1,006 for non-residents )
Temple University ( $731 for both PA residents and non-residents )

Many of these universities also have more affordable fees compared to other schools – check each college’s website for more information.

PhD Programs in PA with the Highest Graduation Rates

When choosing the right school for you, it’s important to consider graduation rates, as this is often an indication of the program’s quality, as well as other critical factors such as support offered to students.

These are the Pennsylvania universities that offer PhDs and boast the highest graduation rates:

University of Pennsylvania (96%)
Lafayette College (90%)
Villanova University (90%)
Carnegie Mellon University (89%)
Lehigh University (88%)

Key Takeaways

The PhD programs Pennsylvania offers include a number of high-quality doctorates across a wide range of disciplines, so it’s not hard to find an option that suits your needs, whether you’re interested in pursuing a doctorate in finance , law , or nursing.

With some of the world’s best-regarded universities, Pennsylvania is a great place to pursue your doctorate. You’ll also find online PhD programs if on-campus study isn’t an option.

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Lisa Marlin

Lisa is a full-time writer specializing in career advice, further education, and personal development. She works from all over the world, and when not writing you'll find her hiking, practicing yoga, or enjoying a glass of Malbec.

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Pennsylvania Top Colleges and Universities: Pennsylvania State University, Harrisburg Area Community College, Temple University

Pennsylvania Top Industries: Manufacturing (chemicals, food, metals), retail/wholesale, health care

Pennsylvania Top Employers: Philadelphia International Airport, Pennsylvania State University, Highmark, Inc.

The many benefits an online education offers students is why this educational medium has grown substantially in the last two decades. Those enrolled in accredited PhD programs online experience such benefits as convenience, flexibility, lower costs, and the ability to continue working full time. Additionally, most online programs provide students with ample opportunity to network for professional prospects and growth. Unlike on-campus students, this opportunity isn’t limited to those on-campus; online students have access to professionals and peers from all over the U.S., if not the world.

Distance education in Pennsylvania is quite extensive. In early 2011, the 14 universities that make up the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education offered nearly 4,000 online courses alone, an increase of about 800 from 2010. Additionally, Pennsylvania State University, one of the state’s largest higher education institutions, created its World Campus in 1998 and today remains a forerunner in online education in the state. It offers about 80 online undergraduate and online graduate programs.

Your Online PhD In Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania’s largest employers are Philadelphia International Airport, Pennsylvania State University, and Highmark, Inc. Philadelphia International Airport is located in one of the largest metropolitan cities in the U.S. Its 20,000 employees provide service for about 30 million passengers each year. Pennsylvania State University is a four-year university located in University Park and employs more than 5,000 faculty members. Highmark, Inc. is a health care organization that is headquartered in Pittsburgh; it is the largest health insurance provider in the state and employs more than 20,000 Pennsylvania residents.

There are online PhD programs that prepare students for careers at the three largest employers in the state. For instance, Eastern University offers an online PhD degree in organizational leadership. This degree is perfect for those seeking leadership positions, as it prepares them for careers in Pennsylvania’s manufacturing industry, one of the state’s largest industries, as well as at Highmark, Inc. or the Philadelphia International Airport. Another example is the online doctoral degree in safety sciences also offered by Indiana University of Pennsylvania. With this degree, students may be able to enter Pennsylvania’s manufacturing industry or begin a career at Philadelphia International Airport as safety or emergency planning specialists.

PHD in Economics, Associate Professor, Department of Business Process Management, Faculty of Market Technologies IOM

DOCTORATE IN CLINICAL SOCIAL WORK

Become an advanced social work practitioner and educator without interrupting your career.

The Doctorate in Clinical Social Work (DSW) Program allows ambitious, MSW-prepared social workers to advance their education in just three years—without putting their careers on hold. Become a clinical expert, inspired educator, and real-world scholar through a convenient blend of online evening classes and on-campus immersion experiences.

Request Info

Learn more about the DSW program and the SP2 experience.

Ready to experience SP2? Learn more about the application process.

Join us for an upcoming in-person or virtual event.

Director’s Welcome

Thank you for your interest in the Doctorate in Social Work program at the School of Social Policy & Practice at the University of Pennsylvania. The Penn DSW curriculum offers working professionals an Ivy League experience wherever they are. Our graduates are sought after social work doctors—highly trained and respected experts, educators, researchers, and leaders who engage in fulfilling, rewarding work and make important contributions to the profession. Many of our DSW graduates are combining social work practice and teaching with some taking full-time teaching positions.

Courses in the DSW program are taught through a combination of synchronous (real-time) online interactive video instruction and periodic on-campus immersion. Classes are taught by Penn faculty and renowned visiting faculty and clinician experts from across the country. Students are in class with the same cohort for the first two years of the program; in the third year, students participate in a Dissertation Seminar Series that provides support and structure as they complete the last stages of the dissertation. The dissertation provides an opportunity to gain deep knowledge and become a content expert in a particular area, as well as contribute to the social work knowledge base.

I have been an MSW for 30 years and a licensed clinician and social work scholar for over 25 years. After having written 18 books and over a hundred articles and book chapters and mentoring and teaching MSW and doctoral students, I am excited to assist DSW students in deepening their understanding of the field, improving their practice, and furthering the field through leadership positions. Now, more than ever, social worker leaders are needed in the movement towards social justice.

Jacqueline Corcoran, PhD Director, Doctorate in Clinical Social Work Program

“ The dissertation provides an opportunity to gain deep knowledge and become a content expert in a particular area, as well as contribute to the social work knowledge base.”

The SP2 Difference

The nation’s first social work doctorate focused exclusively on practice

A hybrid format designed for busy working professionals

Renowned faculty from around the world leading cutting-edge courses on clinical practice, research, and teaching

INVISIBLE – leave blank

The opportunity to conduct dissertation research on a pressing clinical social work issue under guidance from world-class faculty

A diverse global alumni network

Flexible Hybrid Format

The Penn DSW curriculum offers working professionals an Ivy League experience wherever they are. Courses are taught through a combination of synchronous (real-time) online interactive video instruction and periodic on-campus immersion. The DSW degree can be earned in as little as two years but typically takes three years to complete.

The Campus Experience

Students begin the program with a five-day immersion experience on Penn’s Philadelphia campus at the start of their first semester (late August/early September). During this residency period, students attend their first classes and participate in a variety of activities that immerse them in the Penn experience and prepare them for what’s to come. During the fall of year two, students return to campus for an additional four-day residency. Students able to visit campus more frequently are invited to use our library, meet with faculty, and take advantage of Penn’s other campus resources and activities.

The Classroom Experience

Classes meet online two evenings per week for two hours. Students and faculty log in on their personal computers or devices from wherever they are. Real-time video conferencing allows everyone to be seen and heard at all times, closely approximating a physical classroom experience. Students are in class for the first two years of the program; in the third year, students participate in a Dissertation Seminar Series that provides support and structure as they complete the last stages of the dissertation.

The DSW curriculum bridges theory, practice, and research, and prepares students to teach. Students actively engage in learning about and critiquing the recent developments, discoveries, and best practices in evidence-based social work practice and teaching. Classes are taught by Penn faculty and renowned visiting faculty and clinician experts from across the country. The dissertation provides an opportunity to gain deep knowledge and become a content expert in a particular area, as well as contribute to the social work knowledge base.

Woman speaking to other woman while holding an infographic

World-Class Faculty

DSW program faculty are here to help you shape your specific area of expertise, drawing on their own decades of scholarship, teaching, and experience in areas as diverse as mental health, health care services in vulnerable populations , trauma and abuse, and child well-being .

The Penn DSW curriculum is designed to engage students in high-level learning that challenges them to think methodically, critically, and creatively about social work theory, practice, pedagogy, and research.

Students are required to complete 12 course units, a first-year on-campus immersion, a second-year on-campus immersion, a dissertation, and a dissertation defense.

DSW Academic Calendar >

The program begins with a two-semester foundation that spans clinical theory and research and ends with a core course on trauma-informed interventions. Concurrent with their coursework, students complete a dissertation workshop that guides them through the first stages of their dissertation. Near the end of the year, students are matched with a dissertation chair who shepherds them through the remainder of the dissertation process.

Fall Semester

SWRK 8040: Methods of Inquiry: Quantitative Research Methods (1CU)
SWRK 8120: Clinical Theory I (1CU)
SWRK 8150: Dissertation Seminar I (1CU)

Spring Semester

SWRK 8050: Methods of Inquiry: Qualitative Research Methods (1CU)
SWRK 8130: Clinical Theory II (1CU)
Supervision (1CU)

Second Year

Year 2 curriculum continues with specialized, applied courses that cover clinical content and teaching preparation. This second and final year of coursework culminates in two electives selected by the student cohort completed as a group. Students also continue their dissertation work under the direction of their dissertation committee.

SWRK 8140: Applied Statistics (1CU)
SWRK 9040: Teaching (1CU)
SWRK 9020: Trauma (1CU)
Family Based Interventions (1CU)
SWRK 9060: Race, Culture and Identity (0.5CU)
Leadership (0.5CU)
SWRK 9110: Social Construction and Social Work Practice: Transforming Dialogues (0.5CU)
XXX Topic 1 (0.25CU)
XXX Topic 2 (0.25CU)

During the third and final year of the program, students complete, defend, and deposit their dissertation. There is no formal coursework during this year, but students participate in a dissertation seminar that provides structure and support and keeps them moving steadily toward their defense. Note that some students are able to complete the dissertation in as little as two years.

FEATURED ALUMNI

Danna bodenheimer, dsw’10.

“I entered the DSW Program the first year it was offered. The second I got the brochure, I knew it was a fit for me. There was no question that I wanted to sharpen both my clinical skills and my understanding of theory overall, and to feel equipped for leadership in the field. Penn gave me all of that, I was surrounded by mentors and leaders who were diverse in their styles and thought patterns.”

Dissertation

The Process

In collaboration with dissertation mentors and later, with the dissertation committee, students begin developing a dissertation topic during their first semester of the program. Through close mentoring and a tightly structured process, students complete an original work of scholarship that contributes to the clinical social work literature and knowledge base. The dissertation engages students in deep study and positions them as knowledge experts in their content area.

Students have a variety of options for deciding how to answer their research question. These include systematic/scoping reviews, quantitative designs (including intervention studies and surveys), qualitative studies, and data-driven development of treatment manuals. Please see the DSW Handbook for additional detail.

The Finished Product

The final product may be in the form of a traditional chapter-style dissertation or two publishable articles. All DSW dissertations are published on Scholarly Commons , the University of Pennsylvania’s open-access repository for scholarly work. This ensures that knowledge produced by our students is readily available and accessible for front-line social work practitioners and others who are seeking information on a particular topic.

The Doctorate in Clinical Social Work (DSW) Program is offered by the University of Pennsylvania, an institution of higher education authorized to confer degrees and certificates conferring academic credit under applicable laws of the United States. Students who are interested in participating in the program from countries other than the United States are advised that each jurisdiction may have its own laws and regulations governing online educational programs, and some jurisdictions may not recognize course credit or an online degree awarded by the University as satisfying local requirements for professional licensure, employment qualification, or other purposes. Before enrolling in this program, prospective students should investigate their jurisdiction’s treatment of foreign online programs to ensure that participation in this program will meet their objectives.

Ready to join the DSW community?

Online Doctor of Education (EdD) Programs in Pennsylvania

In Pennsylvania, there are eight schools that offer Doctor of Education degrees online. Arcadia University, Drexel University, Gratz College, Gwynedd Mercy University, Pennsylvania Western University, Point Park University, Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania, and Wilkes University all have EdD programs students can pursue either entirely online or through primarily online study with some campus residency requirements. Combined, these institutions offer a total of 11 different online programs, with specialization options in areas such as Higher Education Leadership, K-12 Administration, Curriculum and Instruction, Educational Technology, Special Education, Athletic Administration, and more.

All of the schools listed on this page are non-profit institutions regionally accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE). Some departments described below may also be accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP).

Schools in Pennsylvania with Online EdD Programs

Arcadia University in Glenside offers an online Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership through its School of Education. This program is comprised of 51 credits and follows a cohort model, with students taking two courses per semester for three years. Classes include both asynchronous and synchronous components. The curriculum for the program includes 30 credits of core content courses such as Social Justice and the Opportunity Gap; Organizational Theory, Change, and Sustainability; Improving Education Through Inquiry; Community Partnerships; and Resolving Ethical Challenges in Educational Institutions. Students also take 18 credits of research courses, including classes on Qualitative Research Methods, Quantitative Research Methods, Mixed Methods Research, and Advanced Research Methods. Students apply what they have learned in their courses to a culminating dissertation through which they investigate a key educational problem or challenge in their work context.

Drexel University in Philadelphia offers a Doctorate of Education in Educational Leadership and Management online through its School of Education with 11 different concentration options. Students can choose to specialize in Creativity and Innovation; Educational Administration (Pennsylvania Superintendent Letter of Eligibility Optional); Educational Policy; Global & International Education; Higher Education Leadership (Administration, Leadership, & Assessment or Administration, Student Success, & Innovation); Human Resource Development; Learning Technologies; Mind, Brain & Learning; Nursing Education; Special Education Leadership; and Sport Leadership. This fully online program requires roughly 61 quarter credits and takes three to five years to complete on a part-time basis. Along with core courses in Educational Leadership and Change, Creative Strategies for Educational Leaders, Using and Integrating Learning Technologies, Program Evaluation in Organizations, Transformative Leadership, and Educational Leadership for Equity and Social Justice, students take a number of courses related to quantitative and qualitative research methods and data analysis, as well as 15 to 16 credits of concentration courses in their focus area. For example, the Learning Technologies track includes courses such as Instructional Design: Project Management, Play and Learning in a Participatory Culture, Technologies for Performance Support, Instructional Design Methods, and The Purpose and Business of E-Learning, while the Mind, Brain, and Learning track features classes in Neuropedagogy and Assessment, Neurodiversity in Education and Workforce, Principles of Adult Learning, and Neuroscience, Creativity, and Innovation.

At Gratz College in Melrose Park, students can pursue a Doctorate of Education in Leadership online through the Department of Graduate Programs. Designed for educators looking to enhance their leadership abilities and produce positive change in educational settings, the program consists of six core courses and seven additional courses in one of three concentration tracks: PreK-12 Education, Jewish Education, or Higher Education. A total of 48 credits are required, and the degree is designed to be completed in three years with courses offered online in an eight-week accelerated model. Core curriculum covers topics such as Leading an Educational Organization, Strategic Planning for Educational Leadership, Cross Cultural Perspectives in Educational Leadership, Methods of Inquiry, and Needs Assessment, Program Design, and Evaluation. There are also three required week-long summer residencies, in which students travel to campus to participate in face-to-face learning and networking opportunities during Gratz’s annual Summer Institute.

Gwynedd Mercy University has an Accelerated Executive Doctorate in Educational Leadership that can be completed online in less than three years. Offered by their School of Graduate and Professional Studies, the program includes four potential areas of interest: Leadership in PreK-12 Schools and School Districts, Leadership in Higher Education, Leadership in Special Education, and Teaching & Learning in Higher Education. Each concentration requires a minimum of 54 credits, as well as two on-campus residencies and an international study experience. Coursework in GMercyU’s online EdD program covers a combination of advanced theory and skills development in areas ranging from teaching, assessment, and education research to faculty management and community relations, in order to prepare graduates for advanced careers in research, policy, or administration. Those with at least three years of relevant work experience also have the option of earning a Superintendent Letter of Eligibility as part of their studies. In addition to its traditional program, Gwynedd Mercy University also offers an ABD (All But Dissertation) Doctorate in Education program for students who have completed the majority of their coursework at another EdD program, but who have not been able to finish their dissertation and earn their doctorate. This ABD program has accelerated courses and intensive research and writing support to help students finish their research project.

Pennsylvania Western University (PennWest) has a fully online Doctor of Education in Education Administration and Leadership students can pursue while earning a Superintendent Letter of Eligibility (SLE). There is also the option to enter the program with advanced standing, if students already hold the SLE credential and just want to earn their doctorate. PennWest’s online EdD in Education Administration and Leadership is comprised of 57 credits and offers a special focus on fiscal resource management. Students can expect to gain advanced skills related to operations management, problem-solving, decision-making, communication, and more, taking courses in areas such as business practices and financial management, human resource relations, applied research in educational settings, and ethics and integrity in education leadership. The program is delivered entirely online using asynchronous instruction, meaning students can access lectures and complete assignments on their own schedule, without being required to login at specific times for live lectures or class discussions.

Located in Pittsburgh, Point Park University offers an EdD in Leadership and Administration online through its School of Education. The 54-credit, three-year program has three different concentration options, allowing students to tailor their studies toward Professional Leadership, K-12 Administration (including Principal Certification), or earning a Superintendent’s Letter of Eligibility. Each track is delivered entirely online, with no campus visit requirements. Students spend their first year completing courses in their chosen concentration, before moving into theory and research coursework in their second year and dissertation courses in their third. Courses run year-round, divided into eight-week sessions, and take place in the evening one night a week, delivered online through live video. There is also a two-year option for students able to transfer 18 post-master’s credits toward the EdD.

Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania offers an online EdD in Educational Leadership and Administration with concentration options in Administration Studies and Policy, and Higher Education. This 60-credit program requires students to take core courses in Educational Administration: Concepts and Practice; History of Western Education; Technology-Based Inquiry in Middle & Secondary Schools; Strategic Leadership; Organizational Leadership; and Measurement, Testing, and Assessment. Students are also required to take courses in univariate and multivariate statistical methods as well as qualitative and quantitative research methodologies. After their core courses, students embark on their concentration courses. Students of the Administrative Studies and Policies concentration take courses in Instructional Supervision for the Administrator, School Finance, Administrative Ethics and School Law, Practicum in School Administration, The Principalship, and Program Evaluation. Students of the Higher Education concentration take courses in American Higher Education: Institutions and Issues; Access, Equity, and Affordability in Higher Education; Higher Education Law and Policy; and Financing and Fundraising in Higher Education. For their culminating experience, all students complete a dissertation on a research question that is of importance to their area of work in education leadership. Students work closely with a faculty committee during their dissertation proposal, the conducting of their research, and their final dissertation defense.

Finally, Wilkes University has two online EdD programs for students to choose from, both offered by their School of Education. The first is a Doctor of Education in Instructional Leadership for International Educators that is designed for teachers and leaders who want to improve educational systems around the world. Coursework is built on a foundation of theory and research, combined with key skills related to instructional methods, curriculum design, classroom technology, and leadership practice. While the majority of the program is delivered online, it also includes annual four-day residencies at international sites, where students have the opportunity to immerse themselves in different cultures and learn from educational leaders in locations such as Dubai or Panama City.

The second online program available at Wilkes is a Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership with specializations in K-12 Administration (with a Pennsylvania Superintendent’s Letter of Eligibility) or Educational Leadership (which offers concentrations in Educational Technology, Curriculum and Instruction, or Educational Leadership Skills). Curriculum for this EdD focuses on the principles of leadership theory and practice, providing the framework for scholarship, innovation, and strategic organizational transformation. Along with virtual class sessions and online coursework, students must attend three on-campus residencies throughout their studies. Both EdD programs at Wilkes University require 60 post-master’s credits and can be completed in three to four years.

Online EdD Programs in Pennsylvania

The following is a list of schools in Pennsylvania that offer Doctor of Education programs online. To learn more about any of the EdD degrees described on this page, click the corresponding link below to visit the program’s website.

Arcadia University

Online Educational Leadership in Educational Leadership - PK-16 Education (Masters to Doctorate)

Drexel University

Online Doctorate of Education (EdD) in Educational Leadership and Management (with Concentrations in Creativity and Innovation; Educational Administration (Pennsylvania Superintendent Letter of Eligibility Optional); Educational Policy; Global & International Education; Higher Education Leadership (Administration, Leadership, & Assessment or Administration, Student Success, & Innovation); Human Resource Development; Learning Technologies; Mind, Brain & Learning; Nursing Education; Special Education Leadership; and Sport Leadership) (Masters to Doctorate)

Gratz College

Doctorate of Education in Leadership Online (with Concentrations in Pre K -12 Education, Jewish Education, and Higher Education) (Masters to Doctorate)

Gwynedd Mercy University

Online Accelerated Executive Doctorate in Educational Leadership (with Areas of Interest in Leadership in PreK-12 Schools and School Districts, Leadership in Higher Education, Leadership in Special Education, and Teaching & Learning in Higher Education) (Masters to Doctorate)

Online Accelerated Executive Doctorate in Educational Leadership - All But Dissertation Degree Completion (with Areas of Interest in Leadership in PreK-12 Schools and School Districts, Leadership in Higher Education, Leadership in Special Education, and Teaching & Learning in Higher Education) (All But Dissertation)

Pennsylvania Western University

Online Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) in Education Administration and Leadership (EdD Only) (Masters to Doctorate)

Online Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) in Education Administration and Leadership (with a Superintendent Letter of Eligibility Certification Option) (Masters to Doctorate)

Point Park University

Online Ed.D. Leadership and Administration (with Concentrations in Professional Leadership, Superintendent's Letter of Eligibility, and K-12 Administration (Including Principal Certification)) (Masters to Doctorate)

Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania

Online Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership and Administration (with Concentrations in Administration Studies and Policy, and Higher Education) (Masters to Doctorate)

Wilkes University

Online Doctor of Education (Ed.D) - Instructional Leadership for International Educators (Masters to Doctorate)

Online Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) in Educational Leadership (with Specializations in K-12 Administration with Pennsylvania Superintendent's Letter of Eligibility, and Educational Leadership (with Concentrations in Educational Technology, Curriculum and Instruction, and Educational Leadership Skills)) (Masters to Doctorate)

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Phone: 610-436-2948 Email: [email protected]

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Online Doctoral Programs

Doctor of nursing practice (dnp) online program.

The DNP Online Program is for the advanced practice nurse with a graduate degree in nursing. The program is designed for nurses seeking a terminal degree in nursing practice and offers an alternative to a research-focused doctorate. It is a 35-credit program which has been approved by the PA State System of Higher Education (PASSHE) Board of Governors and is the first doctoral program at West Chester University. The first 2-credit course, NSG 701 Transition to Doctoral Studies, is held on-campus. The DNP will assist nurses to actively engage in an increasingly complex health care system. With a focus on skills such as collaboration, innovation and evaluation, supplemented by advanced practice nursing skills, nurses will shape the future of health care. Courses are taught by qualified WCU faculty, many of whom are advance practice nurses.

For further program information contact Dr. Cheryl Schlamb at

Doctor of Public Administration (DPA) Online Program

The DPA Online Program is designed for working professionals who seek to contribute to the highest levels of leadership and strategic direction of organizations in the public, nonprofit and private sectors. This degree will serve regional needs and enable the University to expand community services, professional networks and collaborations with regional governments, nonprofit organizations and private sector entities in order to foster collaborative research, create entrepreneurial endeavors and create new revenue streams. The 45-credit curriculum focuses on the development of core competencies in strategic management and governance; public sector economic and financial decision-making; policy advocacy and leadership; and performance management.

For further information contact the program coordinator at

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Penn pioneered professional education in the U.S. and continues to set the pace today with outstanding graduate and professional programs.

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Learn about programs offered for academic credit. Interested users can narrow results by academic level and school.

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Find detailed information about graduate programs at Penn including Ph.D., research master’s, professional master’s, and other professional degrees. Also discover information about important policies and resources.

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The Graduate Student Center is a centrally located space to connect with other graduate and professional students from across the University. It provides a variety of services and resources to empower graduate and professional students to participate fully in the graduate community at Penn.

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Valuing Graduate Students

The Valuing Graduate Students website provides a comprehensive overview of the many benefits and programs that support graduate student life, research, career advancement, and work-life balance across campus.

Graduate School Populations (Fall 2023)

Annenberg School for Communication 64

School of Arts and Sciences 2,100

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Weitzman School of Design 703

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The Empowerment Through Education Scholarship Program at Penn’s Graduate School of Education is helping to prepare and retain teachers and educational leaders.

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Teaching, learning, and teacher education, doctor of philosophy (ph.d.), you are here, a doctoral program preparing education researchers, teacher educators, curriculum specialists, and instructional leaders..

The Ph.D. in Teaching, Learning, and Teacher Education focuses on the preparation of researchers and teacher educators in universities and colleges. Focal areas include teaching and learning, research and practice in teacher education, mathematics education, science education, and the study of urban education and urban contexts.

What Sets Us Apart

About the program.

The Ph.D. in Teaching, Learning, and Teacher Education focuses on the preparation of researchers in education. The program includes formal courses, mentored research, and informal seminars. The program is designed to draw together coursework, research apprenticeship, and other professional academic activities to build a complete professional program that is tailored to your interests and needs.

Fall: 3; Spring: 3

Culminating experience Dissertation

Coursework and research experiences address a range of practice-based and theoretical problems in schools and community settings from sociopolitical, cultural, philosophical, psychological, and historical perspectives. Taking an interdisciplinary stance, faculty and students explore issues of equity, social justice, and educational change in a range of formal and informal educational settings. You will build a program of study that includes courses in teaching and learning, social foundations, and research methods. Applicants interested in the focal area of literacy are encouraged to consider the doctoral program in Literacy Studies .

Field-based research and collaborative projects with practitioners in schools or other educational settings are key components of the program. The program is designed to draw together coursework, research apprenticeship, and other professional academic activities to build a complete professional program that is tailored to your interests and needs.

As a full-time Ph.D. student, you are expected to be in residence and participate in practicum activities, courses, and other academic experiences throughout the first two years, where you will be enrolled in 3 course units per semester. Coursework and experiences are arranged around three areas or strands, including specialization courses, research methods courses, and electives/professional experiences, as well as a set of core courses. For more information about courses and requirements, visit the Teaching, Learning, and Teacher Education Ph.D. program in the University Catalog .

Research Apprenticeship Course (RAC)

The RAC is part of the Professional Experiences strand and is designed to assist you in developing, conducting, and presenting your own original research. The course focuses on the research interests of the students and requires participation in the scheduling of activities, presentations, and directing part of the RAC agenda as it pertains to the collective needs of the group. Students from the different stages of the doctoral program will serve as mentors to one another, with faculty oversight. You will participate in the RAC beginning in the spring of your first year and continue participation until the completion of your dissertation.

Annual Self-Evaluation : Each year, doctoral students complete a Professional Self-Evaluation that is used as part of the ongoing evaluation and planning process. You are introduced to the evaluation form in the proseminar and will work on it in the spring Research Apprenticeship Course (RAC). The deadline for the Professional Self-evaluation falls in mid-autumn or mid-spring.

Qualifying Examination : The Qualifying Examination is taken by all doctoral students, most often at the end of the first year. Passing this exam is an important step in being admitted to program candidacy. In order to take the qualifying exam, you need to have completed the Doctoral Proseminar, Doctoral Foundations of Teaching and Learning, Education, Culture, and Society, 1 RAC, and 1 research methods course.

Program Candidacy : You are assessed for program candidacy after successfully completing the Doctoral Proseminar, Doctoral Foundations of Teaching and Learning, Education, Culture, and Society, 1 RAC, and 1 research methods course, and passing the Qualifying Examination. You must be in good academic standing to receive program candidacy.

Preliminary Examination : The Preliminary Examination is taken after you have completed all courses and before you begin work on your dissertation. Passing the Preliminary Exam allows you to be admitted to doctoral candidacy. You may submit a Preliminary Exam from the start of the fall semester through April 1. A description of the Preliminary Exam is available from the Division Coordinator.

Dissertation : To complete the Ph.D., you must design and undertake an original research study under the direction of your dissertation committee. Students should see Penn GSE and Penn-wide policies and speak with their advisor about the requirements of the dissertation.

Our Faculty

Affiliated Faculty

Ryan S. Baker Professor Ph.D., Carnegie Mellon University

Bodong Chen Associate Professor Ph.D., University of Toronto

Matthew Duvall Lecturer Ph.D., Drexel University

L. Michael Golden Executive Director, Catalyst @ Penn GSE Ed.D., University of Pennsylvania

Zachary Herrmann Adjunct Assistant Professor Ed.L.D., Harvard University

Charlotte E. Jacobs Director, Independent School Teaching Residency Ph.D., University of Pennsylvania

Michael C. Johanek Senior Fellow Ed.D., Teachers College, Columbia University

Yasmin B. Kafai Lori and Michael Milken President’s Distinguished Professor Ed.D., Harvard University

Andrea M. Kane Professor of Practice, Education Leadership Ph.D., Northcentral University

Rand Quinn Associate Professor Ph.D., Stanford University

Sharon M. Ravitch Professor of Practice Ph.D., University of Pennsylvania

Susan A. Yoon Graduate School of Education Presidential Professor Ph.D., University of Toronto

"Penn taught me, Penn GSE especially, that if you have the right combination of ingredients—commitment from the structure, mentors, and colleagues—then risk-taking, innovation, and progress will for sure ignite."

Justice Toshiba Walker

Our graduates.

Our graduates are prepared for research and academic careers in education, psychology, and related human services fields.

Alumni Careers

Adjunct Professor, Moore College of Art and Design
Assistant Professor of Special Education, Villanova University
Assistant Professor, Montclair State University
Assistant Professor, Utah State University
Director, Out of School Time Resource Center
Postdoctoral Fellow, Temple University

Admissions & Financial Aid

Please visit our Admissions and Financial Aid pages for specific information on the application requirements , as well as information on tuition, fees, financial aid, scholarships, and fellowships.

Graduate School of Education University of Pennsylvania 3700 Walnut Street Philadelphia, PA 19104 (215) 898-6415 [email protected] [email protected]

Noemí Fernández Program Manager [email protected]

Please view information from our Admissions and Financial Aid Office for specific information on the cost of this program.

All Ph.D. students are guaranteed a full scholarship for their first four years of study, as well as a stipend and student health insurance. Penn GSE is committed to making your graduate education affordable, and we offer generous scholarships, fellowships, and assistantships.

Related News & Research

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Brooks Bowden highlights consequences of lenient grading in "The Economist"

Penn counseling lab prepares counselors for future work with simulated sessions.

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Homeroom: the story behind Nimet Eren’s artifacts at Kensington Health

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Collaboratory for Teacher Education

The Collaboratory for Teacher Education at Penn GSE is a laboratory for the design, implementation, and study of experimental approaches to teacher education.

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Core Practice Consortium

The Core Practice Consortium brings together teacher educators from across institutions, disciplines, and theoretical perspectives to grapple with questions about how better to prepare novice teachers.

Our Students

Current students in the Teaching, Learning, and Teacher Education program are researching a range of topics including mathematical practices, teacher education, maker-based project education, culturally responsive pedagogy, science education, and media making.

View Doctoral Student Profiles

Ed.D. Programs in Pennsylvania

Considering Pennsylvania for your doctorate in education? Our practical guide is here to help! In addition to school listings, you'll find info about online programs in PA, links to Ed.D. fellowships and discounts, and a breakdown of PDE's administrative certifications. You can even search for PA educational leadership jobs, find salary numbers, and enroll in professional development programs.

Earning a Doctor of Education Degree in Pennsylvania

In the realm of doctoral programs in education, Pennsylvania has a little something for everyone. If you browse through our school listings , you’ll see offerings from big public names, boutique private colleges, and CAEP-accredited universities (look for the CAEP badge). UPenn probably has the Best College of Education , but plenty of other PA schools participate in the Carnegie Project on the Education Doctorate (CPED) .

Having such a nice range of quality programs means you can afford to be choosy. For example, you can decide whether any of the online doctorates in education suit your style. Or you can opt for an Ed.D. program that will help prepare you for Administrative-Supervisory Certifications (e.g. the Superintendent Letter of Eligibility). Or you could simply look for the best funding. Plenty of PA schools have modest Ed.D. fellowships & awards ; some are even willing to organize doctoral assistantships.

Thinking about where the Ed.D. will lead you? Our career section has detailed data on Pennsylvania jobs & salaries for PreK-12 and postsecondary administrators, a list of useful professional associations (e.g. PASA), and links to helpful conferences & professional development events .

Online Doctor of Education Programs in Pennsylvania

Online ed.d. providers in pennsylvania.

California University of Pennsylvania (CAEP-accredited)

Drexel University

Duquesne University (CAEP-accredited)

Gratz College

Point park university.

Slippery Rock University (CAEP-accredited)

Wilkes University

What to know about pennsylvania online ed.d. programs.

Unlike some other big states, Pennsylvania’s online Ed.D. landscape is dominated by private universities. We found two public PA universities that were willing to offer a distance learning option for the doctorate in education—Cal U and Slippery Rock.

Within this list is a whole of choice. There are programs that can prepare you for the Superintendent Letter of Eligibility (e.g. Cal U, Drexel, Wilkes & Point Park), as well as degrees that are focused on specific leadership areas (e.g. Duquesne).

A few are 100% online, but a number of them are technically hybrid—they include summer residencies or orientations. We mention this because you’ll need to allow for time & travel in your final Ed.D. budget.

Note: Our overview of online doctoral programs in education has more details on important accreditations and listings for online Ed.D. programs in other states, plus rankings of the 23 best Ed.D. programs in the country.

Online Ed.D. Programs at Public Pennsylvania Universities

Cal U’s 57-credit Online Ed.D. in Education Administration and Leadership has a lot to recommend it. It’s 100% online, it includes a practical capstone project, and it’s designed to help students earn the Superintendent Letter of Eligibility. This particular doctorate also puts a great deal of emphasis on fiscal responsibility—a major area of concern for most Pennsylvania district-level leaders.

In addition, military and Pennsylvania residents have lower per credit tuition rates than out-of-state residents. Cal U would like to see a GPA of 3.5 or higher on your master’s work, but you can apply for conditional admission if it’s between 3.0 and 3.49.

You can compare Cal U’s program with SRU’s part-time, 60-credit Online Ed.D. in Educational Leadership and Administration . This is also 100% online (with optional face-to-face dissertation seminars) and cheaper for in-state students than for out-of-state students. Again, like Cal U, SRU wants to see candidates with a 3.5 GPA on any graduate work.

Finally, if you can afford some trips to campus, SRU’s hybrid Ed.D. in Special Education is a blend of online courses in the fall/winter/spring and on-campus weekend coursework in the summer.

Online Ed.D. Programs at Large Private Pennsylvania Universities

We’re defining “large” as anything over 10,000 students. The two schools that fall into that category are Drexel and Duquesne.

Drexel’s flagship degree is the 60.5-61.5-credit Online Doctorate of Education in Educational Leadership and Management . It’s cohort-based, time-flexible (3 or 5 years), and available in two formats (100% online or an executive option that’s hybrid). There are tons of concentrations, including ones that will prepare you for the Pennsylvania Superintendent Letter of Eligibility or Special Education Leadership certification. It’s also competitive (3.5 GPA for admissions) and fairly expensive. However, discounts are available for a variety of groups. See our Funding section.

Duquesne’s offering is around the same price per credit, but much more focused. The 57-credit Online Ed.D. in Instructional Technology & Leadership is a specialist program for educators who wish to infuse technology into their teaching and learning practices. You can choose to study for the degree in online courses, but all first-year students have to attend a three-day orientation. Duquesne is a CAEP-accredited school that’s taking part in the CPED initiative , so we have a lot of time for this Ed.D. We also like the fact the curriculum is shaped by strong tech organizations (e.g. ISTE, AACE, etc.) and graduates emerge with a digital professional portfolio.

Online Ed.D. Programs at Small Private Pennsylvania Universities

If you prefer something less expensive, but don’t want to sacrifice concentrations, you could consider the smaller schools. For instance, Wilkes University’s 60-credit Online Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership comes in four concentrations, including a K-12 Administration option with preparation for the Pennsylvania Superintendent Letter of Eligibility. There’s even an Online Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership – Instructional Leadership for International Educators . All of them are low-residency, cohort-based programs that include three in-person meetings (U.S. and international settings) and plenty of dissertation research.

Then there’s Point Park University. PPU’s 54-credit Online Doctor of Education in Leadership and Administration is an echo of its cohort-based, on-campus program. The online Ed.D. is offered in multiple concentrations, including one for the Superintendent Letter of Eligibility. Courses are eight weeks and run year-round. You’ll work on a dissertation, field-based administrative practicums (an aspect we always like to see), and interdisciplinary coursework. What’s more, if you have 18 post-master’s degree credits, you can transfer those into the program to reduce your required Ed.D. credits to 36.

Online Ed.D. Programs at Religious Pennsylvania Universities

And if none of those ring your bell, you might consider Gratz College’s 48-credit Online Doctorate of Education in Leadership , which has a similar per credit tuition price to the small private schools. Gratz’s online Ed.D. is offered in three concentrations (Pre K -12 Education, Jewish Education, and Higher Education) and grounded in a pluralistic approach to Jewish values. Like PPU, Gratz uses an eight-week accelerated model for courses. During your degree, you’ll be required to complete an applied dissertation and attend three summer residencies in Melrose Park. Gratz is very small (e.g. around 250 students in total), so your class may follow suit.

Doctoral Education Funding in Pennsylvania

Internal scholarships, fellowships & awards.

Pennsylvania universities can be a little scattershot in their approach to doctoral funding. Some provide clear guidance to financial aid options on their websites; some don’t. To save you time, we’ve highlighted internal opportunities (e.g. tuition discounts, fellowships, assistantships, payment plans, etc.) that may help you offset costs. In an Ed.D., you’ll usually need to supplement this kind of funding with external aid (e.g. federal loans, private savings, scholarships from PA leadership associations, etc.).

Cabrini College

Cabrini provides advice on Paying for a Cabrini Graduate Degree , with details about graduate assistant positions, grants & scholarships, and federal financial aid. Doctoral students are not eligible for discounts or internal graduate-level scholarships, but they can enroll in the interest-free payment plan.

California University of Pennsylvania

Cal U has a section on Scholarships for all graduate and doctoral students (including Global Online), as well as advice on Graduate Financial Aid . Students in the online Ed.D. are eligible for Cal U’s generous Military Tuition Discount. See the online tuition & fees calculator for estimates.

Discounts for the Online Ed.D. include:

30% tuition savings for military members serving on active duty or with the National Guard, as well as reserves, veterans, and military dependents
30% tuition savings for full-time faculty and staff employed at community colleges

Discounts for the Hybrid Ed.D. include:

30% tuition savings for full-time employees of the federal government, partner school districts, and municipalities in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area
Savings for PA Principal Association members

Duquesne University

Check the School of Education’s section on Graduate Scholarships to learn what’s open to doctoral students (e.g. Muscari Student Research & Development Fund). Duquesne also posts opportunities for university-offered graduate assistantships on its website. If you’re interested in assistantships offered by the School of Education, you will need to contact the Program Director for your preferred Ed.D. (listed under Faculty).

East Stroudsburg University

We especially recommend you ask the Ed.D. program coordinator if doctoral students are eligible for the PreK-12 Educator Tuition (P.E.T.) Program , which covers tuition expenses. The Graduate College also has a section on Assistantships & Student Support , though these may not be relevant if you’re juggling a full-time job.

Gratz lists scholarships opportunities under Fellowships & Scholarships . Ed.D. students are eligible for the JCC Association Professional Development Scholarship Program (up to $5,000/semester – max. $20,000 by graduation); they may also be eligible for endowed awards. In addition, Gratz has set up an interest-free payment plan .

Immaculata University

Ed.D. applicants should follow the procedures outline in Graduate Financial Aid . A limited number of full or partial graduate assistantships are available on a yearly basis. These provide for a tuition reduction and stipend.

Indiana University of Pennsylvania-Main Campus

Begin with IUP’s section on Graduate Funding , which has details on financial aid, scholarships, and graduate assistantships . IUP also offers internal funding graduate student research , including funds for conference travel, publication reimbursement, research, and more.

If you’re interested in the DEd in Curriculum and Instruction, have a look at the section on assistantship requirements .
If you’re interested in the DEd in Adminsitration & Leadership, see the section on graduate assistantships (GAs) in the FAQs.

Lehigh University

Lehigh’s College of Education (COE) has an important section on Financial Aid for all COE students. Tuition Scholarships and Pennsylvania Tuition Incentive Program are on offer. Top priority for tuition scholarship funding is given to full-time doctoral students. Additional assistance includes:

Graduate assistantships (GAs): tuition credits plus stipend
Research assistantships (RAs): tuition credits plus stipend
Grant opportunities
Personnel preparation/training grants

Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus

The Graduate School has info on Graduate Tuition & Funding , including Types of Graduate Support (e.g. assistantships) and Award Programs (e.g. fellowships). Graduate assistantships are awarded by academic departments. Penn states that you should contact the department directly to inquire about the availability of assistantships.

The College of Education, which runs most of the D.Ed. programs in our listings, has separate sections on Graduate Funding Opportunities (e.g. dissertation & travel grants) and COE Scholarships . There are general graduate awards and scholarships for specific disciplines. For instance, the Martorana Family Award is for doctoral degree candidates in higher education. Only one scholarship application form is needed.

If you’re interested in the D.Ed. in Mathematics, check out the Department of Mathematics’s section on Fellowship and Financial Aid , which has details on teaching assistantships and awards.

The Ed.D. students are not eligible for PPU’s tuition discount programs, but an interest-free payment plan is available.

Saint Joseph’s University

In the At a Glance section of the Ed.D., SJU states that graduate assistantships are offered on a limited basis. You’ll need to contact the program director for availability at Hawk Central .

Slippery Rock University

SRU does offer some Graduate Scholarships . Special Education candidates may want to ask if doctoral students are eligible to apply for the Candice D. Berner Adventurous Spirit Memorial Award.

Temple University

For the Ed.D. in Higher Education, visit the section on Scholarships & Financial Aid . The Education Tuition Award provides financial support to qualified full-time graduate students. In addition, a modest number of College of Education scholarships (e.g. Dr. Rita Wolotkiewicz Phi Delta Kappa Award Fund) and Graduate School scholarships are open to doctoral students. Students can also apply for research & teaching assistantships.

The Executive Educational Leadership Ed.D. has a separate Scholarships & Financial Aid section. There is not much internal aid on offer, but in-state residents still pay less in tuition than out-of-state residents.

University of Pennsylvania

Start with the Graduate School of Education’s section on Paying for Penn , which has details on fellowships. For example, Ed.D. students are eligible for the Dean’s Fellowship, a package that includes partial tuition support, a living stipend, and a research and teaching apprenticeship.

Students in the Mid-Career and Executive doctoral programs pay for their degrees through a combination of external sources (e.g. federal and private loans, private scholarships, employer support, etc.).

University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus

UPitt’s School of Education, which runs the university’s Ed.D. programs, has a section Tuition & Financial Aid , which contains details on graduate aid options and info about assistantships and teaching fellowships. Keep in mind, too, that Pennsylvania residents pay significantly less in tuition than out-of-state residents.

We also suggest you take a look at the section on School and Departmental Financial Aid . For example, grants of up to $1,500 are available to support student research.

West Chester University

The Graduate School has a helpful section on Financial Support and Awards , with details on its Employer Reimbursement Plan , assistantships, and graduate financial aid.

Widener University

Widener’s section on Graduate Financial Aid states that assistantships & fellowships may be available to students enrolled in specific graduate programs, but that’s about all it states. The university suggests you contact the Ed.D. program coordinator/office for more info.

Wilkes’s section on Graduate Financial Aid has specifics on its monthly payment plan and tuition deferment. Wilkes also has limited openings for doctoral graduate assistants to support the efforts of faculty working in the doctoral program. Doctoral graduate assistants are eligible for tuition remission based on the hours worked (up to 20 hours of work per week on-site).

Note: If a university name is missing from the list, we didn’t find specific examples of Ed.D. funding beyond private & federal loans and external aid.

School Administration Certification Requirements in Pennsylvania

Administrative-supervisory certifications.

The Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) handles administrative-supervisory certifications for educational leaders. We cover two of the major PA school administrative qualifications below (principal & superintendent), but there are others you may wish to investigate, such as:

Career and Technical Administrative Director Certificate
District-Wide Supervisory Certificate, Curriculum & Instruction
District-Wide Supervisory Certificate, Pupil Personnel Services
Single Area Supervisory Certificates, K-12

A large number of Ed.D. programs in our listings incorporate PDE-approved Superintendent Letter of Eligibility and Principal PK-12 Certification studies into the curriculum, so you should feel free to ask the program coordinator about the process.

In addition, PDE posts an up-to-date list of Approved Certification Programs ; it also has a useful section on Administrative, Supervisory and Superintendent FAQs .

Principal PK-12 Certification

Details on the Principal (75) Traditional Route and Principal (72) Alternative Route are outlined under the Principal Requirements section. For the traditional route, educators need to

Hold a baccalaureate degree from a regionally or nationally accredited college/university.
Meet PA statute requirements relating to good moral character .
Provide verification of three years of relevant professional experience.
Complete a Pennsylvania-approved, graduate-level principal certification program that includes an internship/practicum or an equivalent out-of-state program. You’ll need to earn a 3.0 GPA in this program.
Earn a passing score on the Pennsylvania required test: School Leadership Licensure Assessment/SLLA (6990) . 6990 replaced the older 6011 test in March 2019.

If you are already employed in a principal position in a PA public school or have received an offer of employment, you can take the alternative route. You’ll be issued an Administrative Provisional I certificate that you will need to convert into an Administrative II certificate within two years. See the Principal Requirements section for more details.

Superintendent PK-12 Letter of Eligibility

PDE’s section on Superintendent PK-12 Letter Requirements has details on the Letter of Eligibility (90) – Traditional Route and the Commission Qualification Letter (95) – Alternative Route. To go down the traditional route, aspiring superintendents must:

Provide verification of six years of satisfactory school experience; at least three of these years must be in a supervisory or administrative capacity.
Complete a Pennsylvania-approved, graduate-level superintendent certification program that includes an internship/practicum or an equivalent out-of-state program. You’ll need to earn a 3.0 GPA in this program.
Earn a passing score on the Pennsylvania required test: Educational Leadership: Admin & Supervision (5412) . 5412 replaced the older 5411 test in March 2019.

If you have been working in a related field (e.g. finance, business, management, etc.), check out the requirements for the alternative route.

Educational Leadership Jobs in Pennsylvania

Educational leadership career outlook.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) creates job maps for elementary & secondary school education administrators and postsecondary education administrators . These show that Pennsylvania—like its neighbors, New York and Ohio—tends to have high levels of employment for educational leaders.

The major center of educational job activity in the state is the Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD metropolitan area, which often ranks right up with there with areas such as New York City, LA, and Dallas.

So you should have some options upon graduation. While you’re preparing your job search, we also recommend you consult PDE’s series of data-driven annual reports . You’ll discover insights into the state’s education system, such as:

Professional Staff Summary Reports , which provide details on professional personnel in PA public schools (e.g. administrative staff counts, average salaries, level of education, etc.).
Public & Private School Enrollment Reports and School District Enrollment Projections .

Interested in investigating the current state of PA colleges and universities? College Navigator , the IPEDS Data Center , and The Snyder Report may be of some help.

Educational Leadership Salaries

With a little sorting, the Professional Staff Summary Report will tell you a lot about Pennsylvania educational administrative wages in PreK-12. Unsurprisingly, the best wages can be found around Philadelphia. For instance, in 2018:

School administrators in Bucks, Montgomery, and Chester counties—counties that lurk on the northern & western outskirts of the city—had the highest salary averages. The lowest averages were in Warren, Huntingdon, and Fulton.
Similarly, superintendents in Abington SD and Philadelphia City SD commanded the highest individual salaries.

Overall, BLS suggests that mean wages for postsecondary education administrators and elementary & secondary school education administrators in Pennsylvania are high—but not outstanding.

We can also recommend a couple of national reports. The AASA publishes an annual Superintendents Salary and Benefits Survey in its section on Research Papers . Meanwhile, Payscale records cumulative data for all holders of the Doctor of Education (EdD) Degree . You can use these numbers to compare average salaries by job title (e.g. High School Principal vs. Education Director).

Educational Leadership Job Boards

You’re bound to find PA education postings on traditional job sites (e.g. Indeed, HigherEdJobs, SchoolSpring, etc.). But we also wanted to point you toward a few PA-specific job boards that are devoted to educational leaders & administrators, including:

PASA Career Center , which posts superintendent/executive director vacancies, public & charter school administrator openings, and more.
Pennsylvania REAP Administrative Job Listings , which you can filter by region and position.
PASBO Job Search , which features search options for superintendents, directors, business managers, and more.
PARSS Job Postings , with openings for teachers and administrators in PA’s rural school districts.

Educational Leadership Organizations in Pennsylvania

Educational leadership associations.

Pennsylvania Association of Intermediate Units (PAIU) : PAIU is a non-profit organization made up of the executive directors of Pennsylvania’s 29 intermediate units.
PA Association for Middle Level Education (PAMLE) : PAMLE is an affiliate of AMLE. It represents and supports kids ages 10-15 and the teachers and school administrators who work with them.
Pennsylvania Association of Rural and Small Schools (PARSS) : PARSS assist rural school districts and provides resources & assistance with management issues. It represents rural education before the General Assembly, the governor, and the Pennsylvania State Board of Education.
Pennsylvania Association of School Administrators (PASA) : This is the one to bookmark. PASA is a membership organization of chief school administrators, central office administrators, and other administrative professionals in PA. It has 900+ members, including school district superintendents, IU executive directors, and charter school chief administrative officers.
PA Association of School Business Officials (PASBO) : PASBO is a statewide association representing 3,000 members. It supplies education, training, professional development, and access to legislative and policy news.
PA Association for Supervision & Curriculum Development (PASCD) : PASCD is the state affiliate of ASCD. It’s dedicated to the improvement of curriculum development, supervision, instruction, promotion of professional growth, and education of children. Members include classroom teachers, school administrators, superintendents, and university professors.
Pennsylvania Principals Association (PA Principals Association) : PA Principals Association is a professional organization dedicated to the support and well-being of school administrators with a special emphasis on elementary, middle, and high school principals.
Pennsylvania School Boards Association (PSBA) : PSBA is a non-profit statewide association of public school boards, pledged to the highest ideals of local lay leadership for Pennsylvania public schools.

Note: Remember that state and national educator organizations often have funds and scholarships available for continuing education (e.g. Ed.D.). Check the website and ask about opportunities.

Educational Leadership Events in Pennsylvania

Educational leadership conferences.

PA Educational Leadership Summit : Co-sponsored by PASA, the PA Principals Association, PASCD, and PAMLE, this three-day event in August brings together school district administrative teams and instructional leaders to learn and collaborate.
PASA Leadership Forum : This two-day summit in March focuses on education policy & leadership issues that affect school administrators.
PASA-PSBA School Leadership Conference : This is a three-day conference in October that features speakers and workshops, educational sessions, the Pennsylvania Excellence Fair, exhibits, PASA Recognition and Women’s Caucus luncheons, networking, and more.
PASBO Annual Conference : PASBO’s four-day conference in March includes educational seminars, mini-seminars, help desks, an exhibit floor, networking opportunities, and more.
PASCD Annual Conference : PASCD’s November conference often explores topics related to curriculum, technology, educator effectiveness, and purposeful teaching strategies.
PA Summit for Aspiring Superintendents : Run by PASA, this is a one-day event in October that dives deep into issues that affect PA assistant superintendents.
Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) Data Summit : PDE’s four-day summit explores topics such as data governance, reporting school data, improving data quality, and making data decisions.
Pennsylvania Principals Conference : The state conference of PA Principals is a two-day event that usually takes place in October.
Women’s Caucus Annual Spring Conference : Run by PASA, this three-day event for women in school administration includes opportunities for leadership development, networking, and professional learning.

Educational Leadership Training

Neubauer Fellowship in Educational Leadership : Offered by the Philadelphia Academy of School Leaders , this is a two-year program that helps fellows hone skills and become entrepreneurial leaders who leverage staff talents and cultivate other partners to increase student achievement.
PAMLE Summer Institute : Geared toward middle grade educators, PAMLE’s institute explores best practices and new ideas. Schools sometimes go as teams.
PASA Professional Development Programs : PASA organizes a number of professional development programs for school administrators, including the New Superintendents’ Academy, Aspiring to Leadership Workshops (two one-day programs), an Education Research Symposium, and a PASA Mentoring Program .
PASCD Academies : PASCD runs a number of professional development academies for central office administrators, principals, assistant principals, and other educational leaders. Academy topics inclue curriculum leadership, digital leadership & innovation, evaluation, supervision, leading for learning, whole child, and more. They can be used to accrue Act 45 PIL hours.
Pennsylvania Education Policy Fellowship Program (EPFP) : This is a professional development program for PA individuals whose work record reflects strong leadership abilities. Past fellows have included principals, directors, superintendents, specialists, and more. The program is available in Pennsylvania through The Education Policy and Leadership Center.
Pennsylvania Leadership Development Center (PLDC) : PLDC is a non-profit organization that provides professional learning opportunities to educational leaders. It offers Pennsylvania Department of Education PIL-Approved Programs that count toward continuing education credits.

School Listings

25 Schools Found

Arcadia University

School of Education

Glenside, Pennsylvania

EdD in Educational Leadership

Curriculum Info
How To Apply

Cabrini University

Department of Educational Policy and Leadership

Radnor, Pennsylvania

Doctorate in Educational Leadership

Department of Secondary Education and Administrative Leadership

California, Pennsylvania

Online Ed.D. in Education Administration and Leadership

Offered Online

Delaware Valley University

Graduate Academics

Doylestown, Pennsylvania

Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership - Higher Education Leadership

Doctor of education in educational leadership - school administration (k-12 superintendent).

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.

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania

College of Education

East Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania

Ed.D. in Educational Leadership and Administration

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.

Immaculata, Pennsylvania

Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership and Administration

Doctor of education in higher education, doctor of education in higher education - academic administration and instruction, doctor of education in higher education - community college, doctor of education in higher education - nursing education.

Indiana, Pennsylvania

Doctor of Education in Administration and Leadership Studies - Higher Education

Doctor of education in administration and leadership studies - public schools, doctor of education in curriculum and instruction, kutztown university of pennsylvania.

Department of Secondary Education

Kutztown, Pennsylvania

Education Doctorate in Transformational Teaching and Learning

Bethlehem, Pennsylvania

Millersville University of Pennsylvania

College of Education And Human Services

Millersville, Pennsylvania

Online Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership

Neumann university.

Department of Education / Human Services

Aston, Pennsylvania

Doctorate of Education in Educational Leadership

Department of Education Policy Studies

University Park, Pennsylvania

D.Ed. in Educational Leadership

D.ed. in higher education, doctor of education in comparative and international education, doctor of education in lifelong learning and adult education, doctor of education in mathematics.

Department of Education

Doctor of Education in Leadership and Administration - Individualized Concentration

Doctor of education in leadership and administration - k-12 administration, doctor of education in leadership and administration - professional leadership, doctor of education in leadership and administration - superintendent's letter of eligibility, online doctor of education in leadership and administration, saint joseph's university.

Graduate Studies, College of Arts and Sciences

Interdisciplinary Doctor of Education Leadership: Higher Education

Interdisciplinary doctor of education leadership: k-12, interdisciplinary doctor of education leadership: social sectors, slippery rock university of pennsylvania.

Slippery Rock, Pennsylvania

Online Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership and Administration

Online doctor of education in special education, edd in higher education.

Graduate School of Education

Doctorate of Education in Educational Linguistics

Doctorate of education in higher education, doctorate of education in reading, writing and literacy, doctorate of education in teaching, learning, and teacher education, executive doctorate in higher education management, mid-career doctorate in educational leadership, penn chief learning officer ed.d..

Department of Administrative and Policy Studies

EdD in Health and Physical Activity

Edd in higher education management, edd in out of school learning, edd in social and comparative analysis in education, edd in special education, edd in special education - applied behavioral analysis, edd in special education - blindness/vision impairments/orientation and mobility, edd in special education - early intervention, edd in special education - emotional and behavioral disorders, edd in special education - learning disabilities, edd in special education - severe disabilities, edd in stem, west chester university of pennsylvania.

College of Education & Social Work

West Chester, Pennsylvania

Doctorate of Education in Policy, Planning, and Administration

Chester, Pennsylvania

Doctor of Education in Cognitive Studies in Reading

Doctor of education in higher educational leadership, doctor of education in k-12 educational leadership.

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.

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The Ph.D. is a different kind of degree from the master’s degree. A doctoral candidate in Geography must be capable of making original contributions to knowledge and scholarship. It is unlikely that a person will make such contributions unless he or she concentrates on a narrow and clearly defined field of study. We require, however, that doctoral candidates know more of geography than their particular specialties; thus, any aspirant for a doctorate must obtain master’s training or its equivalent before being admitted to doctoral candidacy. In short, admission to doctoral candidacy is official recognition that a student’s general foundation in the breadth of geography is satisfactory. Students then devote their attention to developing depth in chosen specialties.

The general requirements for a doctoral degree in geography are more rigorous than those for a master’s degree. At the same time, the greater flexibility of the doctoral program allows advanced students to pursue programs of study tailored to their special interests and needs.

Progress through the degree is marked by:

· a successful performance in a verbal qualifying exam;

· a four-day written comprehensive exam, with a verbal portion after the written answers have been assessed by the committee;

· a formal dissertation proposal; and

· a verbal defense of a completed dissertation.

The four-year Ph.D. program is reserved for students who have a master’s degree from another graduate program. That can be another geography program at another university, a non-geography program at another university, or a non-geography program at Penn State.

Students entering the four-year Ph.D. program must take the doctoral qualifying exam in their first year. A committee from three of the four fields of geography and formally appointed by the Graduate Program Officer will administer the qualifying exam. The qualifying exam can take place any time during the year, but students in the four-year Ph.D. program typically take it during spring semester.

Students in the four-year Ph.D. program complete a comprehensive exam and defend their dissertation proposal in the second year. Depending on the needs of their research, and in agreement with their doctoral committee, students can fulfill these two requirements in either order. Once students have successfully passed their comprehensive exam and defended their proposal, they typically take two years to research, write, and defend their dissertations.

Our online Graduate Student Handbook explains the program requirements for all degrees.

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Clarion Online

Welcome to clarion online.

No matter what stage of life you're in, it's never the wrong time to earn a degree. Let Clarion Online fit into your schedule with our online programs. Clarion Online includes associate, bachelor's, graduate and doctorate degrees as well as certificate and special programs.

Online programs also help you climb the educational ladder – earning advanced degrees while you continue to work in your field.

Clarion University leads the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education (PASSHE) system with 28 national accreditations. What does that mean for you as a student? It means that there has been a very rigorous review of our curriculum and nationally 'vetted' so employers know that you will be graduating with the skills necessary to be successful in your field/career.

Here are some other reasons to Clarion may be the right choice for you:

The Master of Science in Library Science is accredited by the American Library Association (ALA) one of just three schools in Pennsylvania
Ninety percent of faculty hold the highest degree in their field (terminal degree) and so students learn from experts within their specific discipline.
The 2021 US News and World Report ranked Clarion University of Pennsylvania in the top 50: Best Online Nursing Graduate Programs, Best Online Bachelor's Programs.
There are options for people who already hold a degree, but wish to break into teaching. The secondary p ost-bac education courses are offered asynchronously online helping people quickly start a new career in education.

If Clarion is a good fit for you, please contact Lynne Lander Fleisher, Director of Clarion Online at 814 393 2778 to discuss the next steps.

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Take your education to the next level. At IUP, we offer more than 60 master’s degrees, doctoral degrees, and graduate-level certificates, taught by nationally respected and recognized professors. We've also received an R2 High Research Activity designation. Start your graduate degree and enjoy the benefits it brings to your life and career.

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A graduate degree from IUP can unfold new directions in your professional life. With more than 60 graduate degree programs and certificates to choose from, you have a variety of pathways to explore. Use our Program Finder to choose the right fit for your future.

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Choose one of the following ways to discover your degree or certificate here at IUP.

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Our faculty are nationally renowned for their expertise, knowledge, and mentorship. They’re not only actively connected with their respective industries and involved in real-world applications for their fields, but they’re also deeply committed to your education. Our professors want to connect you with opportunities for research and equip you with the right tools for success. Meet a few of them.

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The Carnegie Foundation classifies IUP as a doctoral university with high research activity. The quality of our research speaks for itself—students and professors alike have been consistently and nationally recognized for their great accomplishments.

It’s a team effort: professors bring students into their research, providing you with an incredible opportunity to deepen your learning and hands-on experience. You can take advantage of opportunities to present your research, including at our annual Scholars Forum and our STEM Women's Summit during Research Appreciation Week.

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From online to on-campus and full-time to part-time, you can find an IUP graduate program that fits into your life.

Many of our programs feature a convenient hybrid format, blending on-campus and online classes during the afternoon, nights, and weekends to work around your career.

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Indiana University of Pennsylvania is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, but we don't stop there. Many of our academic departments and colleges have earned additional specialized accreditation or national recognition.

Best Online Ph.D. In Management

Best Online Ph.D. In Management Of 2024

Published: Apr 16, 2024, 3:33pm

Key Takeaways

A Ph.D. in management prepares students for advanced, research-based roles in business
Concentrations for management Ph.D. programs vary widely, including areas like engineering management, project management and sport management
The typical Ph.D. in management requires around 60 credits of coursework

A Ph.D. in management is one of the most advanced degrees you can attain in the business field. If you aspire to a high-level role in research, academia or consulting, you might consider pursuing a Ph.D. in management online.

Online Ph.D.s in management typically require a dissertation and delve into contemporary theories of leadership and management. However, many do not include in-person requirements. Rather than practical learning components, students complete theoretical coursework before turning their attention to their dissertations.

We’ve ranked the 10 best online Ph.D. programs in management. Read on to learn more.

Why You Can Trust Forbes Advisor Education

Forbes Advisor’s education editors are committed to producing unbiased rankings and informative articles covering online colleges, tech bootcamps and career paths. Our ranking methodologies use data from the National Center for Education Statistics , education providers, and reputable educational and professional organizations. An advisory board of educators and other subject matter experts reviews and verifies our content to bring you trustworthy, up-to-date information. Advertisers do not influence our rankings or editorial content.

6,290 accredited, nonprofit colleges and universities analyzed nationwide
52 reputable tech bootcamp providers evaluated for our rankings
All content is fact-checked and updated on an annual basis
Rankings undergo five rounds of fact-checking
Only 7.12% of all colleges, universities and bootcamp providers we consider are awarded

Our Methodology

We ranked 13 accredited, nonprofit colleges offering online management Ph.D. programs in the U.S. using 14 data points in the categories of student experience, credibility, student outcomes and affordability. We pulled data for these categories from reliable resources such as the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System ; private, third-party data sources; and individual school and program websites.

Data is accurate as of February 2024. Note that because online doctorates are relatively uncommon, fewer schools meet our ranking standards at the doctoral level.

We scored schools based on the following metrics:

Student Experience :

Student-to-faculty ratio
Socioeconomic diversity
Availability of online coursework
Total number of graduate assistants
Proportion of graduate students enrolled in at least some distance education

Credibility :

Fully accredited
Programmatic accreditation status
Nonprofit status

Student Outcomes :

Overall graduation rate
Median earnings 10 years after graduation

Affordability :

In-state graduate student tuition and fees
Alternative tuition plans offered
Median federal student loan debt
Student loan default rate

We chose the 10 best schools to display based on those receiving a curved final score of 88% or higher.

Find our full list of methodologies here .

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Degree Finder

Best online ph.d. in management, should you enroll in a ph.d. in management online, accreditation for online ph.d.s in management, how to find the right online ph.d. in management for you, frequently asked questions (faqs) about online ph.d.s in management, western new england university, capitol technology university, liberty university, university of the cumberlands, maharishi international university, bellevue university, troy university, indiana state university, national university, amridge university, featured online schools.

Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial credit and much more by clicking 'Visit Site'

Program Tuition Rate

$1,575/credit

Percentage of Grad Students Enrolled in Distance Education

Overall Graduation Rate

Located in Springfield, Massachusetts, Western New England University offers an online Ph.D. in engineering management comprising 10 classroom courses and a research-focused dissertation, which students must defend before faculty members. Notable courses in the 57-credit curriculum include operations research and project management.

WNE delivers most online coursework asynchronously through the Kodiak learning management system. Applicants need a minimum 3.5 cumulative GPA and must submit GRE scores. Students can enroll full time or part time.

Our Flexibility Rating: Learn on your schedule
School Type: Private
Application Fee: $50
Degree Credit Requirements: 57 credits
Program Enrollment Options: Full-time, part-time
Example Major-Specific Courses: Operations research, project management
Concentrations Available: N/A
In-Person Requirements: No

$950/credit

Located just outside of the nation’s capital city in South Laurel, Maryland, Capitol Technology University offers six online management Ph.D.s in engineering management, facilities management, occupational risk management, product management, project management and real estate management. All programs require 60 credits.

Learners don’t have to fulfill any on-campus courses or residencies, completing their Ph.D. entirely online.

Our Flexibility Rating: Learn around your 9-to-5
Application Fee: $100
Degree Credit Requirements: 60 credits
Program Enrollment Options: Full-time
Example Major-Specific Courses: Product management future demands, engineering management research backgrounds
Concentrations Available: Engineering management, facilities management, occupational risk management, product management, project management, real estate management

$565/credit

Located in Lynchburg, Virginia, Liberty University enrolls more than 135,000 students, most of whom take online courses. The university’s online Ph.D. program in organization and management – leadership provides a comprehensive study of leadership. The 60-credit curriculum includes courses like ethical leadership, leading effective teams, leading organizational change and leading theory. The program culminates with a dissertation.

Liberty delivers all program coursework asynchronously to maximize flexibility.

Program Enrollment Options: Full time
Example Major-Specific Courses: Ethical leadership, leading effective teams

$549/credit

Based out of Williamsburg, Kentucky, the University of the Cumberlands is a private, Christian-affiliated university that offers several online degrees, including a Ph.D. in business management.

The program’s 66-credit curriculum includes core courses in advanced managerial accounting, comparative economics, strategic marketing, and managerial ethics and social responsibility. All students also take courses in statistics and research methods, leading to a dissertation.

The curriculum offers seven focus areas, including entrepreneurship, finance and healthcare administration.

Application Fee: $30
Degree Credit Requirements: 66 credits
Example Major-Specific Courses: Advanced managerial accounting, comparative economics
Concentrations Available: Accounting, entrepreneurship, finance, healthcare administration, marketing, project management, strategic management

$6,000 to $10,800/year

Located in Fairfield, Iowa, Maharishi International University offers an online Ph.D. in management that stands out for several reasons. The degree incorporates a distinct focus on sustainability, and students do not take finals at the end of their courses. The program runs on a block system, in which students immerse themselves in a single course at a time. All students at MIU practice transcendental meditation twice per day.

Online students can choose between synchronous and asynchronous course delivery, although synchronous attendance is encouraged.

Application Fee: $20
Example Major-Specific Courses: Assessing human development, performance management in strategy research

$799/credit

Located in Bellevue, Nebraska, Bellevue University offers many online programs, including a Ph.D. in human capital management. While most coursework takes place online, students must complete two on-campus residencies: one at the start of the program and another at the beginning of the dissertation process. The 51-credit curriculum includes seminars in performance management, qualitative methods, and leading and aligning human capital.

The university delivers most online coursework asynchronously to promote flexibility.

Degree Credit Requirements: 51 credits
Example Major-Specific Courses: Seminar in performance management, seminar in qualitative methods
In-Person Requirements: Yes, for two residencies

$550/credit

Based in Troy, Alabama, Troy University is a state school that offers several online programs, including a Ph.D. in sport management. The 60-credit curriculum delves into topics like sport management pedagogy and the legal aspects of sport. The program culminates with a dissertation that involves original research and scholarship. Students never need to visit campus.

Troy delivers all online coursework asynchronously through Canvas. Each online course typically lasts for nine weeks.

School Type: Public
Example Major-Specific Courses: Sport management pedagogy, seminar in legal aspects of sport

$450/credit

Located in Terre Haute, Indiana, Indiana State University offers several online programs, including a Ph.D. in technology management. The 66-credit curriculum includes five specialization options, among them construction management, manufacturing systems, and human resource development and industrial training. In addition to a specialization, all students must complete a research-focused dissertation requirement.

Notable courses in the curriculum include technology project management and advanced economic analysis. ISU offers its Ph.D. program in technology management along with a consortium of three other universities.

Application Fee: $45
Example Major-Specific Courses: Technology project management, advanced economic analysis
Concentrations Available: Manufacturing systems, construction management, quality systems, digital communications, human resource development and industrial training

$442/quarter credit

Headquartered in San Diego, California, National University primarily focuses on online programs, offering distance degrees to students around the nation. The university’s Ph.D. in technology management requires 60 credits and includes courses in statistics with technology applications and principles of technology innovation management.

Students can choose from six concentrations, including computer science, information systems and data science. NU delivers most online coursework asynchronously. New students can begin the program each Monday.

Application Fee: Free
Example Major-Specific Courses: Statistics with technology applications, principles of technology innovation management
Concentrations Available: Computer science, IT project management, information systems, engineering management, data science, cybersecurity

$700/credit

Based in Montgomery, Alabama, Amridge University maintains an affiliation with the Churches of Christ. Amridge has recently expanded its distance learning presence to include an online Ph.D. in organizational leadership and management.

The program’s 51-credit curriculum includes foundational courses in legal aspects of management, research methodology, and leading innovation and change. All students must also complete a qualifying examination, after which they tackle a research-focused dissertation in organizational leadership.

Example Major-Specific Courses: Legal aspects of management, research methodology

Though distance learning is widely appealing, not all students thrive in online learning environments. To determine whether you should pursue your doctorate online, ask yourself the following:

What are your other obligations? If you are a parent or if you plan to keep a full-time job while enrolled, asynchronous online learning might provide a good fit. Asynchronous course delivery eliminates scheduled class sessions, allowing you to complete assignments on your schedule so you can better manage your commitments.
What’s your budget? Online learning is often more affordable than on-campus learning. Distance learners generally avoid campus-related costs like housing and transportation. Moreover, some public universities—which typically charge higher rates to out-of-state learners —allow online students to pay in-state or otherwise discounted tuition rates , regardless of their state residency status.
What’s your learning style? While online learning offers flexibility and affordability, it is not for everyone. Distance learners need a great deal of discipline, organization and time management skills. If you need additional structure to do your best, you might prefer a synchronous, hybrid or on-campus program.

There are two important types of college accreditation : institutional and programmatic.

The U.S. Department of Education (ED) and Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) oversee the third-party agencies that handle the institutional accreditation process. Accrediting agencies evaluate schools for the quality of their academics, finances and faculty, among other areas. You must be enrolled at an institutionally accredited college to qualify for federal student aid.

To check a school’s accreditation status, you can look at its website or visit the database on CHEA’s website .

Programmatic accreditation provides a similar vetting service, but for specific degree programs and departments. The importance of programmatic accreditation varies by field, but it is fairly relevant in business.

For management programs, you should keep an eye out for accreditation from one of three organizations:

The Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs
The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business
The International Accreditation Council for Business Education

AACSB is not recognized by the ED or CHEA, but it is still widely respected in the business field and among the best-known business degree accreditors.

Consider Your Future Goals

An online Ph.D. in management can lead to high-level positions in academia or research. You may also be able to find work as an economist or a consultant.

In general, advanced business these positions involve analysis, research and scholarship. If you want to work as a C-level executive or entrepreneur, you might be better off getting an M.B.A. degree in your preferred business subfield. M.B.A. programs focus more on applied, practical business skills as opposed to theory.

If you know you want to work in research or academia, you should choose a Ph.D. in management that requires a dissertation. A dissertation will give you a chance to try out research and scholarship and perhaps even contribute to the field by publishing your findings in a journal. This work can help you land a job as a professor or researcher once you graduate.

Understand Your Expenses and Financing Options

Per-credit tuition rates for the 10 qualifying Ph.D. programs in our guide range from $450 to $1,575. Over the course of a typical 60-credit Ph.D. program, this translates to between $27,000 and $94,500 in total tuition. That’s no small investment.

To defray the cost of your graduate education, you should first fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. The FAFSA is the gateway to federal student aid opportunities like loans, grants and scholarships. Universities and other aid providers may also use FAFSA data to determine their awards. Additionally, you can pursue financial aid through private lenders and third-party organizations.

What does a Ph.D. in management do?

A Ph.D. in management prepares graduates for careers in research, scholarship and academia. To that end, most management Ph.D. programs include a course in research methods and require students to complete a dissertation before they graduate.

How long is a Ph.D. in management?

Our top-ranked Ph.D. in management programs take between three and five years to finish, but completion times vary depending on program requirements and student enrollment status.

Which Ph.D. is best after an M.B.A.?

The best Ph.D. for an M.B.A. holder depends on their individual goals and circumstances. A Ph.D. in management generally builds on the managerial and business skills gained through an M.B.A. program.

Is a Ph.D. in management worth it?

The value of a Ph.D. in management depends on your career goals. This degree is a good fit for students who want to become business professors , researchers and consultants. If you want to become an executive or entrepreneur, an M.B.A. program is likely a better fit.

Mikeie Reiland is a writer who has written features for Oxford American, Bitter Southerner, Gravy, and SB Nation, among other publications. He received a James Beard nomination for a feature he wrote in 2023.

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Doctoral Degrees Online
Human Resources, Labor, and Employee Relations (8) Law and Public Policy (16) Liberal Arts and Communications (15) Nursing (12) Technology, Sciences, and Math (26) Turfgrass (5) The online doctoral programs offered through Penn State World Campus allow you to earn your doctorate with the flexibility required to fit your life.
Online Learning
Penn's Online Learning Platform allows students to search for a variety of online educational opportunities including certificates, continuing education, micro-credentials, and degrees. Search Penn's Online Offerings. Penn Online Courses and Programs In 2012, Penn launched its first Massive Open Online Courses and created an office dedicated ...
Doctor of Education (D.Ed.) Online
Customize this online doctoral program by selecting courses from multiple disciplines to prepare for a career within educational institutions, private organizations, or all levels of government. ... The Pennsylvania State University 128 Outreach Building University Park, PA 16802 . instagram facebook linkedin twitter youtube flickr pinterest blog.
Best PhD Programs in Pennsylvania
As a PhD student at Villanova, you'll have up to eight years to earn your degree. Per-credit rates for religious studies are $808 for graduate students, while the cost of a philosophy PhD is $890 per credit. Doctoral nursing degrees range from $1,300 to $1,525 per credit. Villanova charges $50 in general fees each semester.
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Continue Your Journey. Keep building on your passions in an interdisciplinary environment at one of Penn State's six graduate campus locations, online World Campus, two law schools, or medical school. With opportunities to research solutions to global problems and engage with faculty in top-ranked programs, your Penn State graduate and ...
Online Doctorate in Educational Leadership & Management (EdD)
Pennsylvania Supervisor of Special Education certification is optional. ... For the academic year 2023-2024, students enrolled in an online graduate academic program will be charged a graduate online program fee of $125 per year. The 3-year program is eligible for Financial Aid. The 5-year program is not eligible for Financial Aid.
10 Best PhD Programs in Pennsylvania
PhD Programs in Pennsylvania with the Lowest Tuition. PhD tuition at Pennsylvania's universities can vary significantly depending on the school. The colleges with the cheapest rates of tuition are: Indiana University of Pennsylvania-Main Campus ( $516 for PA residents; $774 for non-residents) The Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania ...
Online PhD Programs & Doctorate Degrees near Pennsylvania 2024+
Top Online Doctorate Level Programs on Gradschools. Online PhD programs and professional doctorate degrees may be available in many academic categories. The most popular on GradSchools.com are in: Psychology: e.g. Online PhD in Developmental Psychology. Organizational Leadership: e.g. Doctor of Business Administration - O r ganizational Leadership.
Online PhD Programs in Pennsylvania
There are online PhD programs that prepare students for careers at the three largest employers in the state. For instance, Eastern University offers an online PhD degree in organizational leadership. This degree is perfect for those seeking leadership positions, as it prepares them for careers in Pennsylvania's manufacturing industry, one of ...
DSW
The Doctorate in Clinical Social Work (DSW) Program is offered by the University of Pennsylvania, an institution of higher education authorized to confer degrees and certificates conferring academic credit under applicable laws of the United States. ... SP2 has been named #8 among Schools for Social Work in the 2024 U.S. News & World Report ...
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Earn Your Graduate Degree or Certificate Online. Penn State World Campus offers more than 100 accredited master's degrees and graduate-level certificates. Our graduate and postbaccalaureate certificates and master's degree programs delivered online are identical to highly successful Penn State resident programs and are taught by the same ...
Online Doctor of Education (EdD) Programs in Pennsylvania
Updated: February 2, 2024. In Pennsylvania, there are eight schools that offer Doctor of Education degrees online. Arcadia University, Drexel University, Gratz College, Gwynedd Mercy University, Pennsylvania Western University, Point Park University, Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania, and Wilkes University all have EdD programs students ...
Online Offerings
The DNP Online Program is for the advanced practice nurse with a graduate degree in nursing. The program is designed for nurses seeking a terminal degree in nursing practice and offers an alternative to a research-focused doctorate. It is a 35-credit program which has been approved by the PA State System of Higher Education (PASSHE) Board of ...
Ph.D. in Higher Education
A highly individualized doctoral program with nationally-recognized faculty researching the issues shaping higher education. Penn GSE's Higher Education Ph.D. program is pioneering research on the ... University of Pennsylvania Graduate School of Education 3700 Walnut Street Philadelphia, PA 19104 (215) 898-6415 [email protected]. About ...
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School of Dental Medicine 822. Weitzman School of Design 703. Graduate School of Education 1,649. School of Engineering and Applied Science 4,440. Carey Law School 990. Perelman School of Medicine 2,161. School of Nursing 572. School of Social Policy & Practice 565. School of Veterinary Medicine 587.
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An individualized doctoral program and an apprenticeship that prepares you for advanced empirical education policy research.The goal of the Education Policy doctoral program is to produce the next ... University of Pennsylvania Graduate School of Education 3700 Walnut Street Philadelphia, PA 19104 (215) 898-6415 [email protected]. About ...
Ph.D. in Teaching, Learning and Teacher Education
A doctoral program preparing education researchers, teacher educators, curriculum specialists, and instructional leaders.The Ph.D. in Teaching, Learning, and Teacher Education focuses on the ... University of Pennsylvania Graduate School of Education 3700 Walnut Street Philadelphia, PA 19104 (215) 898-6415 [email protected]. About ...
Doctorate Degrees & PhD Programs in Pennsylvania 2024+
A Doctorate, or Doctoral Degree, is the highest level of academic degree awarded by a university. A doctorate typically signifies that the individual is qualified to teach at the post secondary level or work in a specific field of profession. There are two major types of doctoral degrees; the research oriented degree, and the professional ...
All Ed.D. Programs in Pennsylvania
What to Know About Pennsylvania Online Ed.D. Programs. Unlike some other big states, Pennsylvania's online Ed.D. landscape is dominated by private universities. We found two public PA universities that were willing to offer a distance learning option for the doctorate in education—Cal U and Slippery Rock. Within this list is a whole of choice.
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) The Ph.D. is a different kind of degree from the master's degree. A doctoral candidate in Geography must be capable of making original contributions to knowledge and scholarship. It is unlikely that a person will make such contributions unless he or she concentrates on a narrow and clearly defined field of study.
Clarion Online
Clarion Online includes associate, bachelor's, graduate and doctorate degrees as well as certificate and special programs. Online programs also help you climb the educational ladder - earning advanced degrees while you continue to work in your field. Clarion University leads the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education (PASSHE) system ...
Graduate Academics
Graduate Academics. Take your education to the next level. At IUP, we offer more than 60 master's degrees, doctoral degrees, and graduate-level certificates, taught by nationally respected and recognized professors. We've also received an R2 High Research Activity designation. Start your graduate degree and enjoy the benefits it brings to ...
Best Online Ph.D. In Management Of 2024
Per-credit tuition rates for the 10 qualifying Ph.D. programs in our guide range from. $450 to $1,575. Over the course of a typical 60-credit Ph.D. program, this translates to between $27,000 and ...
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Collaborate and connect with the convenience of online learning. Pursue an online degree and there's no limit to where you can learn. Continue your education and boost career prospects from your home or anywhere in the world. Ideal for the working professional, online degrees can be earned on a full-time or part-time basis while balancing ...
Penn State launches first Master of Social Work program
April 12, 2024. By Hannah Pollock. Penn State's first master's degree in social work will be offered online and welcome its initial group of students in the fall 2024 semester. Students in the new Master of Social Work program can choose between two areas of specialization, one in children and families and another in mental health and ...

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