25 Best Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) Programs of 2026

1 University of Pennsylvania

• View All On-Campus & Hybrid Ed.D. Degrees

Why Choose Penn’s Ed.D. Program?

Unlike some public research universities that swallow students in their gaping maw, the Penn Graduate School of Education (GSE) is committed to a personalized experience. The School only has 39 standing faculty and ~1,600 students, including 25-71 Ed.D. students. But small doesn’t mean second-rate. Penn is making huge strides in education research. It’s supporting entrepreneurial ventures like Catalyst@Penn. It’s spearheading school partnerships and community engagement activities in Philadelphia. And it’s fostering a global outlook. More than 70% of GSE faculty members are involved in international initiatives.

Ed.D. Offerings at Penn

Penn has created 7 doctorates in education—use the the program finder to narrow down your choices. Mid- to senior-level professionals may wish to pay particular attention to the Mid-Career Ed.D. in Educational Leadership, the Penn Chief Learning Officer Ed.D. and the Executive Doctorate in Higher Education Management. These programs often blend online courses and monthly weekend meetings with week-long summer sessions.

Prefer a customizable program of study? Explore the part-time Ed.D. in Higher Education, with an intimate student to faculty ratio and a whopping 16 electives. Or apply for the Ed.D. in Literacy Studies, which will allow you to choose one or more concentrations, including urban education, adult literacy education, and digital literacies. Penn also offers practice-based doctorates in teaching, learning, and teacher education and educational linguistics.

2 New York University

• Ed.D. in Educational Leadership & Policy Studies
• Ed.D. in Educational Theatre in Colleges and Communities
• Ed.D. in Higher Education Administration

Why Choose NYU’s Ed.D. Program?

Starry student reviews. A global reputation for excellence. A commitment to holistic learning and interdisciplinary collaborations. That’s why NYU Steinhardt takes the #2 spot in our Ed.D. rankings this year. Visit the research section and learn more about Steinhardt’s work on equity & transformation in New York City schools. Attend the in-person events or conferences. Read through the bios of education & leadership faculty. Whether you’re on the verge of applying for a directorial position or seeking to advance your career in theatre education, Steinhardt is ready to assist.

Ed.D. Offerings at NYU

Steinhardt is a CPED member that offers two NYC-based doctorates for K-20 educators. The Ed.D. in Educational Leadership & Policy Studies is available in a full-time or part-time plan of study, with coursework that covers everything from educational reform to organizational theory to policy analysis. In contrast, the cohort-based Ed.D. in Higher Education Administration is delivered in a 3-year, part-time plan of study. It’s packed with engaging elements, including a 2-week research design workshop and a culminating prospectus & workplace project.

Best of all? Steinhardt offers a unique Ed.D. in Educational Theatre with 3 specializations and all kinds of NYC opportunities. You can take part in NYU’s main-stage productions in the Blackbox Theatre and the Provincetown Playhouse, sign up for study abroad programs in major cities, and/or attend relevant conferences. Ed.D. scholarships are available. Priority is given to students with financial need.

Note: Looking for a virtual alternative? NYU also appears in our Best Online Ed.D. Rankings!

3 Harvard University

• Ed.D. in Leadership

Why Choose Harvard’s Ed.D. Program?

There’s a reason Harvard continues to be a benchmark of quality! For proof, take a look at what the Harvard Graduate School of Education (HGSE) is doing in the areas of public education leadership, childhood development, and policy research. Learn more about its impact work in areas like AI and global education. Read the latest issue of the Harvard Educational Review (HER). And take a minute to scroll through the 4- and 5-star student reviews online. Getting into Harvard isn’t just about bragging rights. It’s about being part of a world-class Ed.D. experience.

Ed.D. Offerings at Harvard

Whenever you decide to take the reins in school environments, non-profit settings, private companies, or government departments, the Ed.D. in Leadership will be waiting. This full-time, 3-year Ed.D. degree brings together a diverse cohort of 25 students and encourages them to shake up the status quo and translate visionary ideas into successful programs. A full-tuition funding package, stipends, and a paid residency are offered to all Ed.D. students.

In the first two years, you’ll engage with classes such as Leadership, Entrepreneurship & Learning, The Workplace Lab for System-Level Leaders, and Driving Change and electives. The third year is consumed by the paid residency, where you’ll work with one of the school’s partner organizations to gain practical experience and make a personal contribution. A strategic project and written capstone go hand-in-hand with the 10-month residency so you can reflect on your successes and challenges. View examples of Ed.D. capstone projects.

Note: The Ed.D. in Leadership is undergoing a redesign in 2026, but you can still express your interest in applying.

4 Boston College

• Ed.D. in Educational Leadership (PSAP)

Why Choose BC’s Ed.D. Program?

It’s no accident that BC’s Lynch School of Education and Human Development prioritizes holistic learning, equity, and community outreach! Jesuit schools have a long history of thinking beyond the classroom. Skim through the section on centers & initiatives and you’ll find innovative work being done in human rights & international justice, educational policy, equitable instruction, and Catholic education. Follow the breadcrumbs to the section on Urban Outreach Initiatives and you’ll discover details on the School’s work with mental health and K-12 teacher education.

Ed.D. Offerings at BC

BC’s Ed.D. in Educational Leadership is a Professional School Administrator Program (PSAP) for systems-level educational leaders and aspiring superintendents. It’s an on-campus, cohort-based doctorate that’s been shaped by CPED principles and refined through consultation with the Massachusetts Association of School Superintendents (MASS) and the Center for Behavioral Health, Equity, and Leadership in Schools (BHELS) at William James College. On a full-time schedule, you can earn this Ed.D. in 3 years.

The curriculum features 7 core courses and 5 research courses, including prep for the Dissertation in Practice (DiP). Ed.D. students who wish to earn a Massachusetts initial license as a superintendent or assistant superintendent can opt for the Leadership Licensure Program for Superintendents (LLPS) pathway. Fall & spring semester classes meet on Fridays and Saturdays (5 times per semester). Summer classes are scheduled in 2-week blocks in July.

Note: BC also offers an Online Executive Ed.D. in Higher Education.

5 University of California Berkeley

• Leaders for Equity and Democracy (LEAD) Ed.D.

Why Choose Berkeley’s Ed.D. Program?

Mention the Berkeley School of Education (BSE) to anyone in the world of education and watch their expressions turn to respect. Founded in 1889, this School has seasoned & diverse faculty, abiding research interests in the intersection of technology with education, and a flurry of positive reviews from alumni. It oversees initiatives in literacy & academic talent development. It collaborates with other top-tier California universities on the Policy Analysis for California Education (PACE) project. And it’s part of an amazing network of university and community partners called UC-Links. Check out their innovative California programs.

Ed.D. Offerings at Berkeley

There is only one Ed.D. offering at Berkeley, but, boy, is it spectacular! The competitive, cohort-based LEAD doctorate only admits 10-12 students every other year. It’s available in a hybrid format, which means you’ll be required to attend a 4-week summer intensive and 20 all-day sessions (14 Saturdays and 6 Fridays) each year. Some—but not all—weekday courses (late afternoon & evening) are available online. You can work full-time while you study.

You’ll follow a 3-year plan of study, tackling 3 core courses each semester in the first year. Berkeley’s innovative doctorate in education also includes research seminars, LEAD field visits, and a dissertation that’s explicitly designed for submission to journals. Graduates of the LEAD program pursue leadership positions in school districts (e.g. superintendent), as well as C-level roles in non-profit leadership, policy, global educational ventures, and more.

6 University of Washington – Seattle Campus

• Ed.D. in Leadership for Learning (L4L)
• Ed.D. in Teacher Education & Teacher Learning for Justice

Why Choose UW’s Ed.D. Program?

UW’s College of Education is small enough to have a friendly feel and large enough to support 125+ faculty and scores of research centers. Better yet, 43% of the College’s students identify as BIPOC and—since 2006—9 alumni have been named Washington State Principal of the Year. We love the fact that graduate students praise the support of advisors and the care that goes into programs. And we celebrate the College’s commitment to outreach. It has developed 300+ partnerships with schools and communities, including unique initiatives such as the District Leadership Design Lab (DL2).

Ed.D. Offerings at UW

The Ed.D. in Leadership for Learning (L4L) is aimed at professionals in K-12 school systems. From summer leadership institutes to a 360-hour internship, this cohort-based Ed.D. degree is designed to be challenging. There will be coursework in equitable systems and inquiry-focused leadership, online learning experiences, and a rigorous capstone. You’ll also have the option of earning Washington State Superintendent or Program Administrator certification.

Or you could consider personalizing your studies with the Ed.D. in Teacher Education & Teacher Learning for Justice. This 3-year program focuses on the transformation of educational systems and explores enactments of justice from communities, families, youth, and teachers. Doctoral students are allowed to work with UW advisors to create a tailor-made plan of study.

7 University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

• View All On-Campus & Hybrid Ed.D. Degrees

Why Choose UIUC’s Ed.D. Program?

If you can dream it, UIUC can help you achieve it. The College of Education has created scores of Ed.D. programs in curriculum & instruction, learning design, language & literacy—the list goes on. In 2025, the College had 90 tenure-system faculty members, $62.2 million in active grants, 1,300+ graduate students, and more than 33,000 alumni. Read the Impact Report and be amazed by the work in AI and educational technologies. Pay a visit to the research section and be astounded by the sheer number of centers and faculty-helmed research sites.

Ed.D. Offerings at UIUC

The first place to start is UIUC’s program finder. This will give you an overview of the possibilities. There are plenty of conventional offerings, such as the Ed.D. in Educational Administration & Leadership with optional principal or superintendent endorsements. But you may wish to specialize in a field such as diversity & equity and apply a completely fresh way of thinking to your work in P-16 learning environments.

Keep in mind, too, that plans of study & delivery methods will vary widely. For example, students in the on-campus Ed.D. in Higher Education can “build their own” curriculum—only a few research courses are mandatory.

Note: Looking for a virtual alternative? UIUC also appears in our Best Online Ed.D. Rankings!

8 University of California – Los Angeles

• Ed.D. in Educational Leadership

Why Choose UCLA’s Ed.D. Program?

Practice, practice, practice—UCLA’s School of Education & Information Studies (ED&IS) has been sounding the drum for real-world research for decades. The School has created a constellation of PreK-12 Teaching Schools, which act as sites for research-practice partnerships. It has significant stakes in 20+ centers & labs. Plus it’s the home of the Higher Education Research Institute (HERI) and its Cooperative Institutional Research Program (CIRP). This is the largest and oldest empirical study of higher education in the country. Be sure to reach out to recent Ed.D. students for their opinions—UCLA lists alumni in its ELP student directory.

Ed.D. Offerings at UCLA

Although it tends to focus more on Ph.D. and M.Ed. programs, UCLA’s Department of Education does offer one education doctorate—the urban-focused Ed.D. in Educational Leadership (ELP) for PreK-16 professionals. This program melds experiential learning and practice. It also contains strong elements of social justice leadership, racial equity, and diversity. Because of its flexibility, Ed.D. graduates can work in community colleges, universities, school districts, educational associations, and the like.

Wondering how it will fit in your busy schedule? The cohort-based, 3-year doctorate contains classes on Thursday evenings and Saturdays. In the first year, you’ll work to improve your research skills and educational practices—coursework covers topics like education law, policy, and educational enterprises. In the second year, you’ll focus heavily on research, equity-centered leadership and field experiences. The third year includes a dissertation.

9 Pennsylvania State University – Main Campus

• Ed.D. in Comparative and International Education (CIED)
• Ed.D. in Educational Leadership
• Ed.D. in Higher Education (HIED)
• Ed.D. in Lifelong Learning and Adult Education

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

A global outlook on education. Unique dual degrees. A firm commitment to social equity. These are just three of the reasons Penn State’s College of Education should be on your shortlist. We’re deeply impressed by the sheer variety of faculty projects and the work being done in the College’s many research centers & institutes. From civil rights and educational disparities to rural education and adult literacy, Penn State scholars are involved in nearly every aspect of learning. The College supports a Humphrey Fellowship for international mid-career professionals. It’s a CPED member. It offers plenty of graduate scholarships. And it runs an alumni mentoring program. What’s not to like?

Ed.D. Offerings at Penn State

PreK-12 educators & administrators in Pennsylvania can investigate the Ed.D. in Educational Leadership. It’s a sturdy offering that covers everything from law and policy to organizational theory & practice. You may even wish to take advantage of the Joint Law Degree and Educational Leadership Program. Planning on working overseas? Be sure to consider the Ed.D. in Comparative and International Education. This unusual dual degree explores the analysis & operation of world education systems.

It doesn’t stop at high school! The College of Education also offers an Ed.D. in Higher Education that puts a premium on flexibility—an advisor will work with you to design an individualized program of study. In the Ed.D. in Lifelong Learning and Adult Education, you’ll dig into topics such as family literacy, adult learning theory, and program planning.

Note: Looking for a virtual alternative? Penn State also appears in our Best Online Ed.D. Rankings!

10 Vanderbilt University

• Ed.D. in Higher Education Leadership and Policy
• Ed.D. in K-12 Educational Leadership and Policy

Why Choose Vanderbilt’s Ed.D. Program?

Vanderbilt’s Peabody College of Education and Human Development has one of the best reputations for education in the country—and it lives up to it. Faculty have put their back behind efforts to advance the fields of leadership & policy and initiatives like The Possibilities Project (TPP). Coursework is evidence-based. And alumni can be found across the country. Be sure to talk to the program coordinator about your professional interests. Peabody is involved in all kinds of research centers, including race research & justice and PEER, a research-practice partnership with Metro Nashville Public Schools.

Ed.D. Offerings at Vanderbilt

Vanderbilt’s Ed.D. programs are housed in the Department of Leadership, Policy and Organizations (LPO). Anyone in the Tennessee area should consider the on-campus Ed.D. in Education Leadership and Policy. It’s available in a K-12 or Higher Education concentration.

For 3 years, you’ll attend courses on Friday evenings and Saturdays, explore the realms of advanced leadership, learning & performance, and collaborate with your cohort. The degree culminates in a two-semester capstone project.

Note: Looking for a virtual alternative? Vanderbilt also appears in our Best Online Ed.D. Rankings!

11 University of Maryland-College Park

• Ed.D. in School System Leadership

Why Choose UMD’s Ed.D. Program?

Over the years, UMD’s College of Education has been building up a rock-solid reputation for quality. Alumni praise the encouraging advisors, excellent staff, and flexibility of programs for working educators. (Reviews of the Ph.D. programs are not as fulsome.) Thanks to its position as a major research university near Washington, D.C., UMD has plenty of resources available for practice-based investigations. Within its research centers, you’ll find work on equity and innovation & improvement in public schools. Within the Department of Teaching and Learning, Policy and Leadership, you’ll encounter Dr. Fengfeng Ke’s Research in Enactive Games, AI, and Learning (REGAL) Lab. The College also hosts a huge number of events.

Ed.D. Offerings at UMD

UMD’s 3-year doctorate in education is ideal for Maryland K-12 administrators who wish to tackle current school system challenges, collaborate with like-minded peers, and implement system improvement initiatives. Better yet, this Ed.D. is approved by the Maryland State Department of Education for Superintendent II Certification.

The cohort-based Ed.D. in School System Leadership is offered in a blended format, with all-day Saturday seminars and online modules. It contains an 8-credit apprenticeship. And—in lieu of a dissertation—it features a real-world capstone project. UMD has been a CPED member since 2007. But bear in mind that you must have Maryland Administrator I Certification or the equivalent to apply.

12 University of Iowa

• Ed.D. in Educational Policy & Leadership Studies

Why Choose UI’s Ed.D. Program?

Iowa educators can’t get better than the University of Iowa and its College of Education. The College has a vested interest in assessment practices. It supports a Center for Advanced Studies in Measurement and Assessment (CASMA), a Center for Evaluation and Assessment (CEA), and Iowa Testing Programs. But it’s also doing some intriguing work in school mental health, rural psychology, and G&T realms. The Ed.D. program lives within the Department of Educational Policy & Leadership Studies—view the departmental faculty profiles for more info on your professors. We also recommend cross-checking their names against this list of externally funded faculty grants. We spotted research work into private sector partnerships in higher education, magnet schools, at-promise students, and bilingual learners.

Ed.D. Offerings at UI

UI’s cohort-based Ed.D. in Educational Policy & Leadership Studies is a 3-year hybrid doctorate that combines online courses (via Zoom) with on-campus weekend courses. It’s designed for applicants with at least three years of full-time experience in PK-20 education settings. And it’s available in in either PK-12 Administration and Higher Education. Ed.D. students in the PK-12 concentration can pursue a superintendent endorsement.

See the Ed.D. program listing in the general catalog for more detailed info on the curriculum & admissions requirements. There’s a solid amount of coursework in finance, policy, and law, as well as training in advanced applied research. (PK-12 students complete a legislative summit as part of their plan of study.) UI has been a CPED member since 2017, so it has built a Dissertation in Practice (DiP) into the last year. You can view prior examples of UI Ed.D. dissertations in Iowa Research Online (IRO).

13 University of California-Davis

• Capital Area North Doctorate in Educational Leadership (CANDEL)

Why Choose UC Davis’s Ed.D. Program?

Research lovers will be in clover at this R1 university. The UC Davis School of Education supports scores of interdisciplinary research & innovation centers, including ones that are devoted to education policy & practice in California. PreK-12 educators in Northern California should also investigate the School’s research labs and research projects, since most of them deal with classroom challenges such as teacher cognition and dual language learners. Once you’ve had a chance to explore the School’s resources, browse through the bios of CANDEL students and alumni spotlights. Most of them have fascinating professional backstories!

Ed.D. Offerings at UC Davis

UC Davis has been a CPED member since 2019, so it makes sense that its cohort-based Capital Area North Doctorate in Educational Leadership (CANDEL) program focuses on fieldwork & practice-based learning, including a solid amount of work on policy. Take a look at the curriculum for more details. UC Davis also makes a point of mixing PreK-20 administrators, educational leaders, and student service professionals together so that they can feed off of each others’ expertise.

This is a 3-5 year Ed.D. program. In the first year, CANDEL students are expected to attend small all-day classes on Fridays & Saturdays every 2-3 weeks over the fall and spring. The remaining time is devoted to dissertation preparation & writing, including mandatory seminars where students meet with their faculty advisor, Dissertation Chairs, and Dissertation Committees. If you’re finding it difficult to finish in 3 years, you can stretch the dissertation process out longer.

14 St. John’s University

• Ed.D. in Educational Administration & Supervision

Why Choose SJU’s Ed.D. Program?

Founded in 1908, SJU’s School of Education became the second institution in New York State to confer graduate degrees in teacher education. So this Catholic university in NYC has a long history of thinking about leadership in urban school settings! But the real reason it ranks so highly here is its Return on Investment (ROI). Graduates are earning in excess of $168,000 one year after graduation. If you’re looking to network with district-level and NYC school leaders, be sure to check out the list of partnerships under Additional Information. The Department of Administrative and Instructional Leadership also sponsors an annual two-day summer leadership institute.

Ed.D. Offerings at SJU

SJU’s on-campus Ed.D. in Educational Administration & Supervision can be customized to suit a number of professional pathways, including PreK-12 leadership and higher education administration. We’d particularly recommend it for anyone interested in gifted & talented (G&T) students. The School runs its own Center for Gifted Education and the Ed.D. curriculum features a number of courses in G&T concerns.

All Ed.D. students at SJU complete an internship seminar or independent study and tackle a dissertation. SJU is expensive, but a limited number of doctoral fellowships are available for full-time Ed.D. students. It’s also been a CPED member since 2021.

15 University of Connecticut

• Ed.D. in Educational Leadership

Why Choose UConn’s Ed.D. Program?

The Neag School of Education is a big public graduate school of education with excellent name recognition in New England. You can reach out to faculty in the Department of Educational Leadership before applying. You may also wish to visit the Center for Education Policy Analysis, Research, and Evaluation (CEPARE) to learn more about the Center’s work with Connecticut’s Alliance School Districts and efforts to support improvements in low-performing schools.

Ed.D. Offerings at UConn

UConn’s Ed.D. in Educational Leadership is a part-time, cohort-based hybrid doctorate that takes 4 years to complete. The first 2.5 years will involve synchronous online classes, in-person classes on Tuesday nights at UConn Hartford, one hybrid summer core course, and summer practicums (independent & remote work). Years 3 and 4 are primarily taken up with a capstone research project that addresses a problem of practice.

It’s an Ed.D. program that’s designed for PK-12 educators & administrators who have a particular interest in equity-centered leadership. Have a look at the section on courses to get a sense of your plan of study. Connecticut educators who are pursuing the Connecticut superintendent license (093) should consider the separate Executive Leadership Program (ELP) and then apply for the ELP-Ed.D. Bridge Program Pathway.

16 University of Texas at Austin

• Ed.D. in Cooperative Superintendency
• Executive Ed.D. in Higher Education Leadership

Why Choose UT Austin’s Ed.D. Program?

Yes, UT Austin is one of the best public universities in the country. And, sure, the College of Education has outstanding rankings across the board. But what truly impresses us is how much effort they’ve put into improving the lives of students in their state. Half of its research centers & institutes are focused on Texas educational challenges. The College runs the UT High School. It’s using GEAR UP Partnership grants to support college readiness among underrepresented students in Central and Deep East Texas. And it’s advocating for research-driven policy changes.

Ed.D. Offerings at UT Austin

Aspiring superintendents and chief executives in Texas state education agencies should put UT Austin’s cohort-based Cooperative Superintendency Program on their shortlist. This highly-ranked Ed.D. readies leaders for the mercurial world of public education systems. You’ll take classes like School Restructuring & Renewal and School District Functions and complete a Superintendent Practicum. It takes 30 months/2.5 years to complete.

If you’re aiming for executive or high-level administration roles in education, you can apply to the Executive Ed.D. in Higher Education Leadership. In this hybrid doctorate, you’ll learn about technology in education, student success and learning, and policy and governance from a renowned and diverse faculty. Some online components are offered alongside on-campus work.

17 University of Delaware

• Ed.D. in Organizational Improvement for Educational Leaders

Why Choose UD’s Ed.D. Program?

UD is an R1 university, so we’re not surprised to see that the College of Education & Human Development (CEHD) has fingers in a number of fascinating research pies. Pay attention to the work being done for vulnerable and underserved populations. The CEHD oversees a Center for Disabilities Studies (CDS). It’s also spearheading the Partnership for Public Education (PPE), a university-wide initiative that’s seeking to improve PreK-12 outcomes in the Delaware education system.

Ed.D. Offerings at UD

There is one doctorate in education at UD—the Ed.D. in Organizational Improvement for Educational Leaders. This is a part-time, hybrid program that combines synchronous online classes with on-campus classes on weekdays evenings and weekends. Students usually come to campus twice per month. K-12 educators who are eyeing leadership positions can earn a central office/superintendent’s license. Those who are seeking principal certification should apply for the Principal Preparation Program instead.

Take a look at the graduate catalog to get a handle on the degree is structured. Once you get through some of the core material, you’ll have the flexibility to choose electives in areas like P-12 education policy and higher education policy.  For the final project, Ed.D. students complete a Dissertation in Practice (DiP). All administrative certification candidates must also tackle a 240-hour internship.

18 Michigan State University

• Ed.D. in Educational Leadership (Ed.D.-DEL)
• Ed.D. in Leadership for Equity-Minded Change in Postsecondary Education

Why Choose MSU’s Ed.D Program?

It’s easy to fall in love with MSU’s College of Education. It has a superb national reputation. It makes a point of partnering with Michigan schools on outreach programs. And faculty within its Department of Educational Administration (EAD) have diverse backgrounds. MSU is an especially strong pick for educational leaders with STEM and urban interests. The College funds a dynamic Create for STEM Institute and a number of its current research projects revolve around improving math & science literacy. It has also developed an innovative Urban Educators Cohort Program and Urban Immersion Fellowship for teaching students.

Ed.D. Offerings at MSU

The EAD supports two Ed.D. programs. The 3-year Ed.D. in Educational Leadership (Ed.D.-DEL) aims to develop diverse leaders for Michigan schools and community organizations. This CPED-approved program blends face-to-face and online learning with summer intensives. In the third year of the program, group capstone projects bring a team of students face-to-face with a community problem of practice. Ed.D. students will also be prepared to meet the standards for achieving Michigan Central Office Administrator (COA) certification.

In 2024, the EAD launched a new degree—the on-campus and cohort-based Ed.D. in Leadership for Equity-Minded Change in Postsecondary Education for higher education professionals. Over the course of 3 years, students in this program will be able to collaborate together on higher education challenges, complete an individual Dissertation in Practice (DiP), and design & sequence a common 45-credit curriculum. This engaging program is the brainchild of MSU’s Higher, Adult, and Lifelong Education (HALE) unit, supported by the Center for Higher and Adult Education (CHAE).

19 University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

• Ed.D. in Educational Leadership – K-12 Leadership

Why Choose UNC’s Ed.D. Program?

For North Carolina residents, UNC’s School of Education is the cream of the crop! The School oversees a bundle of intriguing Carolina-focused centers & initiatives, including the Diverse and Resilient Educators Advised through Mentorship (DREAM) teacher residency program for Durham Public Schools educators. But we were intrigued by the NSF-funded research projects. Faculty are busy investigating everything from improving mathematics learning to devising parameters for behavioral outcomes. The School won the Frank Murray Leadership Recognition for Continuous Improvement from the CAEP in 2024.

Ed.D. Offerings at UNC

UNC’s flagship doctoral program for aspiring senior administrators is the Ed.D. in Educational Leadership – K-12 Leadership. It’s fit for educators working in schools, central offices, and government & private agencies. It’s cohort-based, so you’ll have the support of fellow students. And it’s structured on a sensible time-frame.

Working professionals usually opt for a 3-year, part-time schedule, with two classes back-to-back on one evening per week. We’re big fans of the year-long, field-based internship and the Dissertation in Practice (DiP). Even better, this doctorate can lead to North Carolina superintendent licensure. UNC has been a CPED member since 2019.

Note: Looking for a virtual alternative? UNC also appears in our Best Online Ed.D. Rankings!

20 University of Utah

• K12 Ed.D.
• K12 Ed.D. with Administrative Licensure 

Why Choose the U’s Ed.D. Program?

The sky is the proverbial limit for doctoral studies at the University of Utah’s College of Education. Thanks to the U’s status as an R1 university with major R&D expenditures ($789,271 in 2024, according to NCSES), the College is able to support all kinds of innovative initiatives. It founded the Utah Education Policy Center (UEPC) in 1980. It runs a reading clinic, an assessment & support clinic, and a community mental health clinic. It has an Urban Institute for Teacher Education that is helping to shape the curricula of licensure programs. And it partners with scores of local schools & districts on community initiatives. One thing is for certain—you will never be lacking for ideas!

Ed.D. Offerings at the U

The primary education doctorate offering at the U is the cohort-based K12 Ed.D. from the Department of Educational Leadership & Policy. This 3-year program is designed for aspiring K-12 leaders who have a commitment to social justice and equity. You’ll be expected to complete mandatory courses in research methods and educational theory topics. But you’ll also have the freedom to select a K-12 specialization in your second & third years (e.g. school improvement, critical leadership for instructional change, immigrant students, etc.). See the curriculum in the general catalog for details.

A few things to note—the U is a CPED member, so the K-12 Ed.D. culminates in a field-based capstone project. Classes are held on the U’s campus in the evening (one night per week in the fall & spring semesters and two nights per week in the summer semester). And the K-12 Ed.D. with Administrative Licensure has a more restricted plan of study. Instead of a specialization, all licensure students must complete an administrative internship (450 hours) and 4 required courses in areas like educational law and instructional supervision.

21 University of Hawai’i at Mānoa

• Ed.D. in Professional Educational Practice

Why Choose UH Mānoa’s Ed.D. Program?

Place-based learning is a key tenet of UH Mānoa’s College of Education. The College is known for its commitment to Native Hawaiian education & cultural integration. It has also cultivated global partnerships with a number of institutions in East Asia. Faculty in the Department of Educational Administration (EDEA) are publishing work on youth activism, Filipinx students, and engaging indigenous students. And research initiatives are less about theory and more about community impact. Check out the COE’s list of featured projects. Then browse through the Ed.D. faculty profiles. Professors are refreshingly diverse.

Ed.D. Offerings at UH Mānoa

UH Mānoa’s high-flying Ed.D. in Professional Educational Practice is designed for PK-20 educators and community leaders with at least five years of educational leadership experience. This cohort-based doctorate is split evenly between coursework and field-based projects and takes 38 months/3.5 years to complete. Classes are held on Saturdays at the UH Mānoa campus in O’ahu during the fall & spring semesters and for 4-5 weeks over the summer.

UH Mānoa has been an experienced CPED member since 2010, so the curriculum has been thoughtfully designed. See the Ed.D. Handbook for a complete breakdown of courses. Ed.D. students participate in a group consultancy project and complete an Dissertation in Practice (DiP). Applied research papers & projects are presented at a public conference during the final summer semester.

22 Boston University

• Ed.D. in Educational Leadership & Policy Studies  – Leadership in Early Childhood Education–Grade 12

Why Choose BU’s Ed.D. Program?

The Wheelock College of Education & Human Development‘s connection to Boston Public Schools (BPS) and its reputation as a practice-oriented college make it a strong choice for anyone interested in urban education issues. In particular, the educational policy program has been rising in national rankings in the past few years. Take a look at the Policy & Research centers, labs & institutes for more info—the AI and Education Initiative is co-sponsored by BU’s famous Hariri Institute for Computing. We were also intrigued by the school & district leadership insights presented in the section on Research Spotlights.

Ed.D. Offerings at BU

BU’s Ed.D. in Educational Leadership & Policy Studies – Leadership in Early Childhood Education–Grade 12 is a part-time, 3-year program designed for PK-12 educational leaders in public, independent & charter schools. There is even an option to pursue state licensure as a principal or assistant principal, superintendent or assistant superintendent, director, or supervisor. To accommodate working educators, classes meet on Fridays and Saturdays each month during the fall & spring semesters and for two weeks in July.

The 60-unit curriculum follows the typical pattern for an Ed.D. program, with coursework in policy, school law, curriculum analysis & design, diversity & justice, and budgeting, finance & labor relations. A practicum is required for anyone pursuing state licensure. BU is a CPED member, so the program features a Dissertation in Practice (DiP). For instance, you might wish to focus on improving teacher retention in urban schools, closing achievement gaps, or engaging families & communities in urban school districts.

Note: BU also offers an Online Executive Ed.D. in Higher Education Leadership.

23 University of Pittsburgh

• View All Hybrid Ed.D. Degrees

Why Choose Pitt’s Ed.D. Program?

Connections! Pitt’s School of Education has a global alumni network of 32,000+ educators and a vibrant calendar of networking events for graduate students. Pitt is also an excellent pick if you’re involved in inner city leadership and Black education in Pennsylvania. The Center for Urban Education (CUE) has been active since 2003 and it hosts an educator forum every summer. Take a moment to investigate the Practices of Freedom Project. The Project is working on developing a teacher training model that revolves around Black community educational knowledge traditions.

Ed.D. Offerings at Pitt

Another bonus? Pitt’s 3-year, hybrid Ed.D. Program is available in a dizzying array of topics, including majors in Education Leadership, Higher Education, and Urban Education. All Ed.D. students participate in a full-day campus orientation, a one-week campus experience, online coursework, and monthly visits to the campus (usually on Saturdays).

Although each major is different, the plan of study is guided by improvement science and applied research—Pitt has been a CPED member since 2010. You’ll also take part in a Laboratory of Practice and complete a Dissertation in Practice (DiP). The Lab is available as a job-embedded, aspirant, or global studies experience.

24 Texas A&M University – College Station

• Ed.D. in Educational Administration – PK-12 Educational Leadership

Why Choose Texas A&M’s Ed.D. Program?

You’ll be among heady company when you choose Texas A&M’s College of Education & Human Development (SEHD) for your doctorate! 16% of its students are first generation and more than a quarter are Latino. It’s a particularly strong pick for educators in multilingual settings. The School supports research centers in urban schools, technology-infused learning, and dual language & literacy acquisition. It’s invested in programs like the Project Enhancing Quality Teacher Preparation Through Research-based Instructional Best Practices for Bilingual and English Learners (EBEST). And it has thousands of alumni working in Texas schools.

Ed.D. Offerings at Texas A&M

Aspiring school leaders who live in Texas should apply for the Ed.D. in Educational Administration – PK-12 Educational Leadership. This cohort-based program fulfills the requirements for Superintendent Certification in the state of Texas and meets State Board of Educator Certification (SBEC) standards for the superintendent certificate. For your final project, you can tackle a district analysis/redesign, a set of journal-ready articles, or a traditional dissertation.

Applicants are expected to have a PK-12 principal certificate and at least two years of full-time educational leadership experience (either when applying or on completion of the program). Classes take place on Saturdays and there will be courses throughout the summer.

25 Columbia University in the City of New York

• View All Ed.D. Degrees

Why Choose Columbia’s Ed.D. Program?

Columbia’s Teachers College (TC) bills itself is a Graduate School for Education, Health, and Psychology. This explains the interdisciplinary flavor of its research, and its commitment to considering every aspect of learning & development. In fact, over 33% of tenured faculty are psychologists or health educators, lending extra weight to programs such as the Ed.D. in Cognitive Science in Education. If you live in NYC, take a close look at the work being done in urban education and diversity in public schools. The Center for Educational Equity also plays a part in supporting the annual Civic Learning Week.

Ed.D. Offerings at Columbia

When all the Ed.D. concentrations are taken into account, Columbia runs 30+ Doctor of Education programs, easily surpassing the other schools in our rankings. In this top-tier academic candy store, you can have your pick of everything from an Ed.D. in Anthropology and Education to an Ed.D. in Movement Science and Education. Many of these doctorates in education come with certification and non-certification tracks; some feature bilingual extensions.

Aspiring educational leaders may wish to investigate the more conventional offerings in higher & postsecondary education and urban education. The latter is a part-time, cohort-based program that can lead to NYSED School District Leader (SDL) Licensure. Because it’s an executive degree, applicants must have a combined 8-12 years of teaching and leadership experience.