23 Best Online Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) Programs

23 University of Arkansas

• Online Ed.D. in Educational Leadership
• Online Ed.D. in Human Resource and Workforce Development Education
• Online/Blended Ed.D. in Adult and Lifelong Learning

CAEP Accreditation: Yes
Carnegie Project on the Education Doctorate (CPED) Member: No
Credits: 42 for Educational Leadership; 96 for other options (~33-42 master’s credits + ~54-63 doctoral credits)
Length: 3 years for Educational Leadership; ~2.5-3 years for other options
On-Campus Components: Weekend seminar each semester for Educational Leadership; campus sessions for other options

We’ll kick off the rankings with U of A’s active College of Education and Human Professions (check out the Arkansas Leadership Academy). Here you’ll find a number of options for mid-level professionals, including folks in postsecondary roles and human resources. Just be aware that the cohort-based Online Ed.D. in Educational Leadership is only open to students with a valid teaching license and an Ed.S. or the equivalent.

Curriculum

Educational Leadership

Because the Online Ed.D. in Educational Leadership is a program for Ed.S. holders or the equivalent, the curriculum is particularly short & focused. Core courses include a hefty amount of credits in research and advanced leadership (e.g. Educational Policy & Change) and 18 credits of a dissertation. The coursework is 100% online, but Ed.D. students are expected to attend an intensive weekend seminar each semester.

Human Resource and Workforce Development

The curriculum for the Online Ed.D. in Human Resource and Workforce Development Education devotes 24 credits to the core concentration, including coursework in career development (e.g. Career Theory and Decision Making), organization (e.g. Leadership Models and Concepts), training & development (e.g. Technology Systems), and electives. It also includes 15 hours in research and statistics and 18 hours for the dissertation. This program is a mix of 100% online coursework and occasional meetings on campus.

Adult and Lifelong Learning

The Online/Blended Ed.D. in Adult and Lifelong Learning comes in two flavors: the Adult Education Leadership (AEL) Cohort and the Community College Leadership (CCL) Cohort. Both programs share the same basic structure: 15-21 credit hours in adult & lifelong learning, 15 credits in research methods & evaluation, and 18 credits for the dissertation. However, the CCL option has a separate Community College Leadership core. 75% of the coursework is online; there are six face-to-face campus sessions per year.

Admissions

GRE scores are required for all of U of A’s online doctorates. In addition:

• Applicants to the Educational Leadership program must have an Ed.S. or the equivalent (e.g. district-level certification) and a valid teaching license. You’ll also need to provide a writing sample, three letters of recommendation, and an autobiographical sketch.
• Applicants to the HR and Workforce Development program must have a master’s degree and previous work experience. U of A wants to see evidence of your potential to contribute to the advancement of the field—a résumé, three professional references, and an autobiographical sketch are expected.
• Applicants to the Adult and Lifelong Learning cohorts must a master’s degree or the approved equivalent, a 3.25 GPA, and at least 3 years of relevant professional experience. You’ll also need to submit a résumé or vita.

Is This Online Program Right for You?

Afffordable prices, work experience, and location proximity are going to factor into your decision. U of A has some of the lowest per credit tuition rates we’ve seen in the country (each program page contains a breakdown of the estimated cost). But you’ll see in the admissions requirements that these online doctorates are not for newbies. And they all have some kind of campus component. If you don’t live near Fayetteville, you may want to consider other options.

22 Lehigh University

• Online Ed.D. in Educational Leadership

CAEP Accreditation: No
Carnegie Project on the Education Doctorate (CPED) Member: No
Credits: 60
Length: 4-5 years
On-Campus Components: On-site during summer semesters

One for global educators! Lehigh bills this online Ed.D. as a chance for individuals in international schools to build their leadership skills. It contains on-campus work in the summer, but it can be shortened—enrolled students who have at least two years of supervisory experience in an international school setting need only complete 48 credits of coursework.

Curriculum

This Ed.D. program is made up of a number of parts. In the area of administration & leadership, you’ll take courses in organization & leadership, leadership functions (e.g. School Law and Ethics, School-Community Relations, Program Evaluation, etc.), curriculum & instruction (e.g. Curriculum Design in a Global Society), diverse learners, and research.

The curriculum also includes specialization electives, resident studies (e.g. doctoral seminars), and a dissertation and concentrated learning experience. Read more about the hybrid delivery model.

Admissions

Lehigh wants to see candidates who have a minimum 3.0 GPA on undergraduate work and a 3.6 GPA on graduate work. You’ll also need to supply two letters of recommendation, a personal statement, and GRE or MAT test scores.

Is This Online Program Right for You?

Lehigh’s College of Education makes a point of educating folks in global settings. For example, the Master in Educational Leadership comes with an International School Leadership focus and COE organizes international opportunities. So the online Ed.D. may be worth considering if you’d like to forge connections with a diverse range of students.

Note: We recommend you check with the program coordinator to see if the online program is currently being offered.

21 Oregon State University

• Online/Hybrid Ed.D. in Adult and Higher Education

CAEP Accreditation: Yes
Carnegie Project on the Education Doctorate (CPED) Member: No
Credits: 114 quarter credits (up to 36 credits from a master’s program are transferable)
Length: 3.5-4 years
On-Campus Components: On-campus classes for two weekends per term (first two years)

OSU’s blended and cohort-based Ed.D. is run by the OSU Ecampus, which has a long history of online learning. To match the goals of higher education professionals, the doctorate comes in two career-focused concentrations: Community College Leadership (CCL) and Leadership in Higher Education (LHE). Be sure to take a look at the interpersonal aspects of this program, including the internship.

Curriculum

The core of OSU’s online Ed.D. is made up of foundation courses (e.g. Educational Finance, Legal Issues, Leadership in Student Services, Higher Education Administration, etc.) and research credits. You’ll also be able to take four courses in your concentration. There is a mandatory internship and a substantial thesis/dissertation.

Admissions

Candidates should have a master’s degree and appropriate professional experience (e.g. teaching, student services, administration, etc.). Check with the program coordinator to see what other materials are required. Graduate applications often require letters of reference, a résumé/Curriculum Vitae, writing samples, and a statement of objectives. GRE scores may be expected. International students are not eligible to apply for this program.

Is This Online Program Right for You?

OSU is an obvious pick if you’re in the Portland area and want to move up the postsecondary career ladder. But it may be pricey for your budget—you can use the Ecampus Tuition & Fees Calculator to calculate costs.

• The CCL option is particularly suited to aspiring directors, deans, vice presidents, and presidents at community colleges.
• Graduates of the LHE option find positions as directors & deans of certain areas (e.g. student services, financial aid, multicultural affairs, etc.) and registrars.

20 University of Alabama

• Online/Blended Ed.D. in Higher Education Administration: Executive Cohort

CAEP Accreditation: Yes
Carnegie Project on the Education Doctorate (CPED) Member: No
Credits: 66
Length: 3 years
On-Campus Components: One weekend per month; site visits and international travel

Bama’s doctorate isn’t completely online, but it’s a solid option if you’re looking for a comprehensive and supportive program in higher education. The cohort-based format and on-campus components mean you’ll have plenty of opportunities to build relationships with your peers. In their reviews, graduate students rave about the passionate faculty and the tight-knit feeling.

Curriculum

The curriculum for this online doctorate covers every aspect of higher education administration. For your 54 credit hours of coursework, you’ll take classes in law, student affairs, problems in higher education, organization & administration, policy & finance, personnel and HR management, and more. The remaining 12 credits will be devoted to the dissertation. There are in-depth seminars and case studies, as well as an international visit in the first summer.

Admissions

UA wants to see candidates with leadership potential, a clearly-articulated commitment to the field of higher education, a master’s degree, and a 3.0 GPA. You’ll also need to provide three letters of recommendation, a statement of purpose, a résumé, a writing sample, and test scores. GRE scores are preferred, but UA will consider MAT scores.

Is This Online Program Right for You?

If you live near UA and want a deep dive into higher education administration, put this one on your shortlist. It’s designed to accommodate working professionals who want to push their limits. UA is a public university, but the executive doctorate is offered at a higher per credit tuition rate than other online programs. Having said that, tuition is the same for in-state and out-of-state students.

Note: UA also offers an Online Ed.D. in Instructional Leadership for Nurse Educators.

19 Texas Tech University

• Online/Hybrid Ed.D. in Educational Leadership
• Online/Hybrid Ed.D. in Higher Education Administration

CAEP Accreditation: Yes
Carnegie Project on the Education Doctorate (CPED) Member: Yes
Credits: 60
Length: 3 years
On-Campus Components: Summer institutes and fall & spring weekend events for Educational Leadership; initial orientation and summer immersions for Higher Education Administration

Texas Tech has staked its claim to fame in PreK-20 fields. The Educational Leadership doctorate is custom-designed for school & district leaders and aspiring superintendents—the program includes superintendent certification preparation as part of its curriculum. And the Higher Education Administration doctorate is billed as the only online program from a Texas public university in this area. Both degrees are cohort-based, and both have been shaped by the CPED initiative.

Curriculum

Educational Leadership

The Online Ed.D. in Educational Leadership is a judicious blend of leadership credits (e.g. Organizational Behavior and Change, Leadership for School Reform, Educational Policy and the Law) and superintendent-level coursework (e.g. School District Resource Allocation and Deployment). There are mandatory, one-week summer intensives, weekend cohorts, and leadership practicums. 12 credits are devoted to the dissertation in practice.

Higher Education Administration

The Online Ed.D. in Higher Education Administration comes in two areas of emphasis: Community College Administration and Higher Education College/University Administration. Both tracks include 30 credit hours of required coursework (e.g. Funding in Higher Education, Access and Equity, Administration of Higher Education, etc.), 18 credits in research and statistics, and 12 credits for the dissertation. All students must attend an on-campus orientation session and three summer professional development sessions.

Admissions

• Candidates for Educational Leadership must have a master’s degree and hold an active professional position in a PreK-12 educational environment. In addition, you will be required to submit a personal statement of interest, three professional recommendations, a résumé, a response to a Problem of Practice prompt, and recent GRE scores.
• Candidates for Higher Education Administration must have a master’s degree. You’ll also be expected to provide an applicant statement, three letters of recommendation, a résumé, responses to four writing prompts, and GRE scores.

Is This Online Program Right for You?

These online Ed.D. programs are particularly suited to Texas residents—the blended nature of the doctorates, with all their summer components, equates to a fair amount of time on campus.

• The Educational Leadership program is explicitly aimed at PreK-12 school leaders who are currently working in relevant settings (e.g. instructional coaches, teachers, counselors, administrators, etc.). Aspiring Texas superintendents should definitely take a look!
• The Higher Education Administration program is built for instructional and administrative “scholarly practitioners” who seek leadership positions in two- and four-year colleges and universities, government agencies, and business and industry.

18 Drexel University

• Online Ed.D.​​ ​in​ ​Educational Leadership​ ​and​ ​Management

CAEP Accreditation: No
Carnegie Project on the Education Doctorate (CPED) Member: Yes
Credits: 60.5-61.5
Length: 3 years (part-time); 5 years (extended)
On-Campus Components: 100% online or an executive weekend option that’s hybrid

Choice is the key word to keep in mind for Drexel. This award-winning online Ed.D. comes in nine concentrations, including ones that will prepare you for the Pennsylvania Superintendent Letter of Eligibility or Special Education Leadership certification. It can be tackled in 3 years or 5 years. And if you don’t fancy the 100% online version, you can consider the “Executive Weekend” format.

Curriculum

The first four terms are devoted to core coursework in leadership and management (e.g. Creative Strategies for Educational Leaders, Program Evaluation in Organizations, Transformative Leadership, etc.) and research work.

In subsequent terms, you’ll study courses in your concentration, tackle more credits in research, and write your dissertation. The Educational Administration (i.e. Superintendent Certification) and Special Education concentrations contain internships.

Admissions

Applicants must have a master’s degree in education or an appropriate field with a 3.5 GPA or better and three years of work experience that’s relevant to professional goals. You’ll also need to submit three letters of recommendation, a statement of purpose, an essay describing a program of practice, and a writing sample. Résumé materials are encouraged.

Is This Online Program Right for You?

Drexel is a solid choice for folks who want flexibility without sacrificing quality. This Ed.D. won the CPED Program of the Year Award for 2019 and it sets a high GPA bar for applicants. The School of Education encourages doctoral students to contribute their voices and alumni speak highly of the challenging programs. The downside is price—it is expensive. However, you can offset costs with tuition discounts.

17 University of Nebraska Lincoln

• Online Ed.D. in Educational Studies – Educational Leadership and Higher Education
• Online/Hybrid Ed.D. in Educational Administration – P-12 School Leadership

CAEP Accreditation: Yes
Carnegie Project on the Education Doctorate (CPED) Member: Yes
Credits: 96 (36 master’s credits + 60 doctoral credits; minimum of 45-48 doctoral credits)
Length: 3 years
On-Campus Components: Dissertation proposal & defense for Educational Studies; one-week campus residencies for Educational Administration

UNL’s doctorates are offered by its gung-ho Department of Educational Administration (EDAD). There’s a convenient online degree that will prepare you for high-level administrative & leadership positions. But there’s also a hybrid program that leads to superintendent endorsement. For a sense of faculty credentials, check out the EDAD’s latest research initiatives & outreach programs.

Curriculum

Educational Studies

The Online Ed.D. in Educational Studies – Educational Leadership and Higher Education has three different concentrations: Educational Leadership, Higher Education Administration, and Community College Leadership. Each program is divided into equal parts, including 12 hours for core coursework (e.g. Educational Systems and Governance, Leadership in Educational Organizations, etc.), 12 hours for the concentration, 12 hours for electives, 12 hours for research & statistics, and 12 hours for the dissertation.

Educational Administration

The Online/Hybrid Ed.D. in Educational Administration – P-12 School Leadership is a joint effort of UNL, UNO, and UNK. It includes coursework in major areas (e.g. System Level Administration, Governance of Educational Institutions, Business Management of Schools, etc.), research & statistics, and a dissertation. To meet endorsement requirements, it also contains a Superintendency Internship and one-week campus residencies that take place during the first, second, and third semesters of enrollment.

Admissions

Educational Studies candidates should have a master’s degree—see the program page for prerequisites. You’ll also be required to submit a letter of application, a résumé, three recommendation letters, three samples of writing or research, a statement of goals, and GRE scores. TOEFL or IELTS scores may be needed to prove English proficiency.

In addition to the general requirements, Educational Administration– P-12 School Leadership candidates will need to:

• Hold a current Standard Teaching Certificate from Nebraska or the equivalent credential from another state.
• Provide evidence of a minimum of two years of full-time teaching experience at the grade level(s) relevant to the desired administrative certificate/endorsement.
• Provide evidence of the completion of acceptable Human Relations Training (or understand that TEAC 861 or other approved course will be added to the program of study).
• Provide evidence of the completion of acceptable Special Education Training (or understand that an additional 3 hours of course work will be added to the program of study).

Is This Online Program Right for You?

UNL is looking for aspiring PK-20 administrators, superintendents, and school leaders. Folks who are interested in specific teaching fields (e.g. curriculum & instruction) may want to consider other degrees in our rankings. As far as we can determine, Nebraska residents get the best prices on per credit tuition rates, which are very low for online courses. Out-of-state residents need to pay a good deal more.

16 University of Houston

• Executive Online Ed.D. in Professional Leadership

CAEP Accreditation: Yes
Carnegie Project on the Education Doctorate (CPED) Member: Yes
Credits: 51
Length: 3 years
On-Campus Components: 100% online (as far as we can determine)

UH’s cohort-based online doctorate comes in two emphases: Literacy Education and Social Studies/Social Education. Because it has been created by the Department of Curriculum & Instruction, it’s a perfect fit for professionals who wish to serve as instructional leaders in educational settings (e.g. urban schools, developmental reading programs, community organizations, and related educational institutions).

Curriculum

The curriculum is broken into a number of parts. There are 9 hours in the core (i.e. Issues in Urban Education, Foundations of Education, and Learning & Development), 9 hours of leadership courses, 9 hours of research courses, 12 hours in the specialization, 6 hours in hands-on Laboratory of Practice activities, and 6 hours for the doctoral thesis.

It’s worth noting that UH takes an unusual “flipped” approach to coursework—you watch lectures outside of class and complete work & discuss concepts during class.

Admissions

To apply, you must have a master’s degree with a 3.0 GPA on all graduate coursework. Applicants are also expected to submit a statement of interest, a résumé or Curriculum Vitae, a writing sample, three letters of recommendation, and GRE scores. TOEFL, IELTS, or PTE scores may be required for international candidates.

Is This Online Program Right for You?

UH’s program is a practical, “get your hand in” degree for educators who like being engaged in day-to-day instruction. It’s highly affordable for Texas residents (especially with only 51 credits), but out-of-state residents have to pay a great deal more.

15 University of Kentucky

• Online Ed.D. in Educational Leadership

CAEP Accreditation: Yes
Carnegie Project on the Education Doctorate (CPED) Member: No
Credits: ~46
Length: 4 years
On-Campus Components: 100% online; optional Summer Doc Week

Looking for an executive online Ed.D. that’s been designed for K-12 leaders (e.g. principals, administrative deans, instructional coaches, district leaders, etc.)? UK may be right up your alley. The College of Education has come up with a cohort-based, 100% online doctorate that’s strong on field-based activities and community-building.

Curriculum

The curriculum is composed of 42 credits of coursework plus at least 4 credit hours for the dissertation. You’ll be expected to tackle 21 hours of a leadership core (e.g. Leading Organizational Change, Leadership for School Family Community Engagement, etc.), 12 hours of a research method core, and 9 hours of electives. The annual Summer Doc Week in July is optional, but it will provide you with a chance to build professional relationships and take part in social activities.

Admissions

Candidates for this online Ed.D. must have a master’s degree from an accredited college or university with a 3.5 GPA. In addition, if you haven’t taken a graduate-level basic statistics course, you’ll need to make up those credits. You’ll also be expected to submit a professional résumé, personal statement, academic writing examples, two letters of recommendation, and GRE scores. If your native language is not English, a TOEFL or IELTS score may be required.

Is This Online Program Right for You?

K-12 educational leaders with busy schedules will be pleased to hear that the per credit tuition rate for this online Ed.D. is the same for in-state and out-of-state students. When you multiply that number by 46 credits, you’ll come up with a highly affordable cost. However, the program may be best suited to U.S. students—online classes in the workweek can start at 5:30 p.m. EST and Saturday classes at 9 a.m. EST.

14 University of South Carolina-Columbia

• Online Ed.D. in Curriculum & Instruction

CAEP Accreditation: Yes
Carnegie Project on the Education Doctorate (CPED) Member: Yes
Credits: 60
Length: 3 years
On-Campus Components: Initial orientation for Educational Technology students

USC’s College of Education is an active member of the CPED initiative and an institution that garners positive graduate reviews (especially for faculty). So we’re happy to report that its affordable online doctorate comes in two hands-on concentrations—Educational Technology and Curriculum Studies. Either option will be relevant to PK-20 jobs (e.g. university positions, district-level administration, and school-level instructional positions).

Curriculum

Both online Ed.D. concentrations include 12 credits in curriculum & instruction (e.g. Applications of Learning Principles, Instructional Design & Assessment, etc.), 15 credits for the concentration courses, 12 credits in research, and 12 credit hours for the dissertation in practice. The difference lies in the remaining 9 credits:

• The Online Ed.D. in Curriculum & Instruction – Curriculum Studies has a separate professional development concentration that’s designed to support an exploration of classroom practice and school policy (e.g. Diversity Training for Staff Development, Organizational Change in Education, etc.).
• The Online Ed.D. in Curriculum & Instruction – Educational Technology has cognate courses that are relevant to technology applications (e.g. Design and Development Tools, Design and Evaluation of Games & Simulations, etc.).

Admissions

Candidates for either concentration must have a master’s degree from a regionally accredited institution. USC also wants to see two letters of recommendation, a letter of intent, a personal statement, a résumé or Curriculum Vitae, scholarly writing samples, and recent GRE or MAT scores. Applicants whose native language is not English must submit a TOEFL or IELTS score.

Is This Online Program Right for You?

USC Online is a particularly good choice for South Carolina educators—SC certified teachers receive a hefty discount on tuition. But even the standard tuition rate is affordable for in-state and out-of-state residents. However, neither of these online Ed.D. programs are designed to lead to teacher or administrator certification.

13 Fordham University

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

CAEP Accreditation: Yes
Carnegie Project on the Education Doctorate (CPED) Member: Yes
Credits: 50
Length: 3 years
On-Campus Components: Two immersions

Fordham has come up with a part-time online doctorate for K-12 leaders that reflects the university’s Jesuit principles (e.g. social justice, acting as change agents, moral practice, etc.). Because of that, it may be an especially attractive pick for educators who are interested in serving students in Catholic schools or marginalized, urban, and underserved communities.

Curriculum

For this online Ed.D., you’ll be able to tackle coursework and research in multiple realms of leadership (e.g. Leading Instructional Improvement, Economics and Finance of Education, Urban Education, etc.). Courses such as Leading a Learning Organization include team-based practicums/in-depth studies. The program finishes with a solutions-oriented dissertation of practice that addresses a challenge in your school or district.

Admissions

Fordham wants to see candidates who hold a master’s degree with a 3.5 GPA at the graduate level. (Master’s credits should include fundamental and intermediate courses equivalent to those required by the division.) You must also have at least three years of appropriate leadership experience in a PK–12 educational institution.

All applicants must supply a résumé, statement of purpose, two letters of recommendation and standardized test scores (e.g. MAT, GRE, or any graduate equivalency exam). International applicants without proof of English proficiency will need to submit TOEFL or IELTS scores.

Is This Online Program Right for You?

This hands-on program is aimed at folks who are interested K-12 educational leadership careers, including assistant superintendent and superintendent positions. Expect to be engaged—in addition to practicums, there are weekly live online classes and in-person immersions. Fordham is a private school, so per credit tuition prices are correspondingly high. And online Ed.D. students are not eligible for GSE-based scholarships.

12 Arizona State University

• Online Ed.D. in Leadership & Innovation

CAEP Accreditation: No
Carnegie Project on the Education Doctorate (CPED) Member: Yes
Credits: 90 (30 credits for the master’s degree + 60 doctoral credits)
Length: 3 years
On-Campus Components: 100% online

ASU has a way of making our heart sing. The online doctorate is a distance learning version of its campus program, which means both versions are taught by the same faculty. Ed.D. students can choose from three different concentrations and participate in Leader-Scholar Communities (LSCs). The Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College often achieves a top 20 national ranking. And the Ed.D. won the CPED Program of the Year Award in 2018.

Curriculum

The curriculum consists of a professional core (e.g. Innovation in Teaching and Learning, Systems Change and Leadership, Collaborative Approaches to Data-Informed Decision Making, etc.), a research core, advanced professional studies (e.g. Doctoral Methods Practicum), directed field study, LSC seminars, and an action-research dissertation. Overall:

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

Admissions

Applicants must have a bachelor’s and master’s degree—in any field—from a regionally accredited institution and a 3.0 GPA on any graduate work. Plus you’ll be expected to hold an active professional position (e.g. classroom teacher, counselor, administrator, or other position) that allows you to implement change. You’ll also need to submit three letters of recommendation, a personal statement, an academic writing sample, a résumé/curriculum vitae, and proof of English proficiency. GRE scores are not required.

Is This Online Program Right for You?

ASU’s online Ed.D. may be an attractive choice for working professionals who want an efficient degree schedule—courses are only 7.5. weeks long—and solid support. Graduate alumni tend to praise the program’s flexibility and helpful professors and LSCs foster collaboration. Plus per credit tuition rates are the same for in-state and out-of-state students.

11 University of Florida

• Online Ed.D. in Curriculum and Instruction – Teachers, Schools, and Society (TSS)
• Online Ed.D. in Educational Technology
• Online Ed.D. in Special Education

CAEP Accreditation: Yes
Carnegie Project on the Education Doctorate (CPED) Member: Yes
Credits: 54-60
Length: 3-4 years
On-Campus Components: Curriculum & Instruction and Educational Technology have summer sessions; Special Education requires visits for exams and dissertation defense

UF’s highly ranked College of Education is a big school for big thinkers. Thanks to funding sources, it’s involved in all kinds of research initiatives and outreach programs. It has also embraced distance learning with a passion. In addition to the affordable online doctorates listed above, UF offers a Blended Leadership in Educational Administration Doctorate (LEAD) and Hybrid Ed.D. in Higher Education Administration.

Curriculum

Curriculum & Instruction

Half of the 60-credit Online Ed.D. in Curriculum & Instruction is devoted to required courses (e.g. Teacher Leadership, Critical Pedagogy, Issues in School Reform, Teaching Learning and Socialization in Poverty Schools). The remainder of the curriculum is made up of research courses and the dissertation.

Educational Technology

The curriculum for the 54-credit Online Ed.D. in Educational Technology has a solid amount of coursework in the major (e.g. Issues and Trends in Educational Technology Research, Instructional Design, Implementation and Evaluation of Educational Technology Initiatives, etc.), including 6 credits of a Practicum in Educational Media. Plus research courses and a dissertation.

Special Education

The 60-credit Online Ed.D. in Special Education is split into core courses/doctoral seminars (e.g. Introduction to Field of Inquiry in Special Education, Analysis of Literature, Grant Writing, etc.), research requirements, and an area of specialization (e.g. dyslexia, autism, disability in society, etc.).

Admissions

• Candidates in Curriculum & Instruction are expected to have a master’s or specialist degree in education with a 3.0 GPA on all undergraduate & graduate coursework. You’ll also need to be in a current role as a full-time practicing educator and have a minimum of 3 years of practical experience in the field of education. Application materials should include the GRE General Test score (no written portion is required), three letters of recommendation, a statement of purpose, and an essay.
• Candidates in Educational Technology must have a master’s degree. You’ll also be expected to submit a recent GRE score, letters of recommendation, a statement of purpose, and a writing sample. Applicants do not need to have a background in educational technology or education, but it will help.
• Candidates in Special Education should have a master’s degree. You will also need to provide a GRE score, a statement of professional goals, a résumé, a sample of academic writing, and three recommendation letters.

Is This Online Program Right for You?

The range of UF’s online Ed.D. programs means there are choices for everyone here. The College of Education receives glowing reviews from graduate students in Curriculum & Instruction and Special Education and all of its degrees have a work-focused feel. Tuition is reasonable for out-of-state students, and even lower for Florida residents. Having said all that, the summer sessions and/or campus visits are mandatory, so international students may want to consider other options.

10 Texas A&M University-College Station

• Online Ed.D. in Curriculum & Instruction

CAEP Accreditation: No
Carnegie Project on the Education Doctorate (CPED) Member: Yes
Credits: 64
Length: 4 years
On-Campus Components: 3 campus orientations

There’s a lot to be said for this online doctorate for teachers and administrators in K–12 settings. It’s cohort-based. It has a practical flavor—internships and a work-based research project are mandatory parts of the curriculum. And College Station is TAMU’s flagship campus, which means it has a well-endowed Department of Teaching, Learning and Culture (TLAC). Check out the research work being done on urban schools.

Curriculum

The first two years cover major topics in curriculum and instruction, as well as research methods and educational leadership (e.g. Professional Development Strategies for Teachers, 21st Century Integration of Theory in Educational Settings. etc.). These years also include Professional Internships (e.g. Shadowing and Interviewing Leaders). The final two years are primarily concerned with seminars and your Record of Study (ROS)—a practical, problem-based research project. 

Admissions

Candidates must have a master’s degree and a minimum of five years of successful teaching experience, preferably in PK-12 schools. You’ll also be required to supply three professional references, writing samples, and GRE scores.

Is This Online Program Right for You?

As the title and admissions requirements suggest, this online Ed.D. is a good fit for mid-career educators who aspire to hands-on leadership roles. Graduates end up at the helm of school-based programs, assessing school curricula, designing protocols & program evaluations, conducting lesson analyses, and the like. Per credit tuition is not cheap, but it’s significantly lower for Texas residents. Out-of-state residents may end up paying private school prices.

9 Florida State University

• Online Ed.D. in Educational Leadership & Policy

CAEP Accreditation: Yes
Carnegie Project on the Education Doctorate (CPED) Member: Yes
Credits: 69
Length: 3 years
On-Campus Components: 3-day seminars each summer

FSU is a massive public school with a big College of Education, substantial financial resources, and a Carnegie designation as a Research University with Very High Research. That gives it street cred. It’s also chosen to take part in the CPED initiative, which may account for the Scholarly Engagement requirement in the curriculum. You’ll have plenty of opportunities to buff up your résumé!

Curriculum

FSU’s online Ed.D. follows a standard pattern for a three-year doctorate:

• The first year is all foundational courses, including credits in research methods and leadership (e.g. Educational Administration and Organizational Practice, Program Evaluation, etc.).
• The second year involves credits in research tools & policy, with courses in Policy Studies, Policy to Practice, etc.
• The third year is primarily devoted to original research (i.e. your dissertation).

But we applaud the fact that FSU goes one step further by including a Scholarly Engagement requirement. That means even online students are expected to complete a number of benchmark activities (e.g. attending conferences, participating in seminars/workshops, watching research roundtable presentations, presenting at a conference or submitting an article, etc.).

Admissions

Applicants should have a graduate degree from a regionally accredited institution with a 3.5 GPA or a comparable degree from an international institution with a 3.0 GPA. You’ll also need to submit a statement of purpose, a research statement, three letters of recommendation, and a résumé. GRE scores are usually required, but can be waived under certain circumstances— see the Admissions section for details. International applicants will also need to submit language proficiency test scores.

Is This Online Program Right for You?

This is a good pick for mid-level professionals in Florida who have some experience under their belt—graduates of this online Ed.D. program tend to become senior-level educational leaders, policymakers, and policy researchers. We mention the state because Florida residents get a good deal on tuition rates and access to a number of FSU scholarships. Out-of-state tuition rates are much higher and comparable to private schools.

8 University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

• Online Doctor of Education in Education Policy, Organization and Leadership

CAEP Accreditation: No
Carnegie Project on the Education Doctorate (CPED) Member: No
Credits: 64
Length: 3 years
On-Campus Components: 100% online

With four different concentrations, UIUC’s Department of Education Policy, Organization & Leadership (EPOL) has a little something for everyone who’s interested in policy and practice—particularly folks in PK-12 and postsecondary settings who want to broaden their horizons. The online Ed.D. contains weekly synchronous sessions where students and faculty can exchange ideas and network. It’s also 100% online, which may make it an attractive option for international students.

Curriculum

All concentrations in this online doctorate contain a core of required courses, coursework in research methods, 5-8 electives, qualifying exams (a.k.a. research seminars), and a dissertation.

• Courses for the Diversity & Equity in Education (DE) concentration cover topics such as Historical & Social Barriers, Equity Issues in Special Education, and Race, Gender & Sexuality Issues.
• Courses for the Global Studies in Education (GSE) concentration cover topics such as Education and Human Rights, Global Youth & Citizenship, Education and Globalization, etc.
• Courses for the Human Resource Development (HRD) concentration cover topics such as Adult & Professional Education, Principles of HRE, Learning Technologies, Organization Development, and so on.
• Courses for the Learning Design & Leadership (LDL) concentration cover topics such as New Learning, Assessment, e-Learning Ecologies, and the like.

Admissions

Doctoral candidates are expected to have a master’s degree from an accredited institution and a minimum GPA of 3.0. You’ll also need to supply a personal statement, résumé, and three letters of reference. A scholarly writing sample is strongly recommended. Global candidates should read the International Applicant Criteria.

Is This Online Program Right for You?

One of the biggest selling factors for UIUC is price—online Ed.D. tuition rates are remarkably inexpensive for in-state and out-of-state students and scholarships for doctoral students are available. The other deciding factor will be the uniqueness of the concentrations. Options such as Global Studies aren’t that common at other universities.

7  University of Virginia-Main Campus

• Online Ed.D. in Curriculum & Instruction

CAEP Accreditation: Yes
Carnegie Project on the Education Doctorate (CPED) Member: No
Credits: 72 (Up to 24 credits of a master’s degree + 48 doctoral credits)
Length: 3 years (full-time); 4-7 years (part-time)
On-Campus Components: 100% online

UVA’s Curry School of Education impresses us for a number of reasons. It often earns a top 20 national ranking. Its online doctorate places a huge emphasis on personalized coursework, mentorship, and applied learning. It has a special M.Ed./Ed.D. partnership with Melbourne University. And it allows students to study part-time or full-time.

Curriculum

All students in the online Ed.D. are required to tackle 18 credit hours of core coursework (e.g. Teachers as Leaders, K-12 Assessment, etc.), a minimum of 18 credits in research methods, 12 credits in a supporting area of emphasis (e.g. Instructional Technology, Gifted, ESL, Literacy, etc.), 6 credits of electives, and exams.

We’re especially pleased to report that the program includes 6 credits in a field internship (200 clock hours) and a final Capstone Project. You’ll have a chance to make an impact on your workplace practices, programs, and/or policies.

Admissions

Candidates are expected to have a master’s degree from an accredited institution and at least four years full-time teaching experience or equivalent professional experience. You’ll also need to submit two letters of recommendation, a goal statement, and GRE scores.

Is This Online Program Right for You?

UVA’s online Ed.D. is designed to prepare future curriculum specialists, faculty members, educational consultants, or policy developers in areas related to curriculum and the education of professionals. Thankfully, the per credit tuition rate at this public university is the same for in-state and out-of-state students. However, departmental funding is only available to full-time, on-campus students.

6 University of Georgia

• Online/Hybrid Ed.D. in Student Affairs Leadership

CAEP Accreditation: No
Carnegie Project on the Education Doctorate (CPED) Member: No
Credits: 60
Length: 3 years
On-Campus Components: One-week intensives; face-to-face meetings

Devoted to student affairs? Adore the postsecondary world? UGA’s well-regarded College of Education has come up with a part-time, cohort-based program that explores every aspect of a leader’s job. If you enjoy collaboration and networking, and don’t mind the occasional commute, this option could be perfect for your needs.

Curriculum

The curriculum is meticulously structured. The first two years will include courses on topics such as The College Student, Legal Issues, Environmental & Facilities Management, Administrative Practices, and more. The last year is devoted to dissertation work and 6 credits of supervised internships. These internships are designed to allow you to work on special projects at your own place of work or a new site (e.g. university).

Weekly classes are delivered online, but it’s important to note that there’s an annual one-week intensive program on the Athens campus and several face-to-face meetings each semester in Griffin.

Admissions

Applicants are expected to be employed in the field of student affairs or have experience with student services-related roles. This includes two years of full-time work experience in student affairs and a post-master’s degree. Your application will need to include a statement of purpose, a résumé, three letters of recommendation, and GRE scores.

Is This Online Program Right for You?

UGA’s online doctorate was made for student affairs professionals—especially folks at rural institutions or smaller universities who aspire to higher positions (e.g. Dean of Students, Chief Student Affairs Officer, etc.). It’s a smart option for Georgia residents, who pay less in tuition than out-of-state students, and employees in the University System of Georgia, who can take advantage of the Tuition Assistance Program (TAP).

5 Indiana University-Bloomington

• Online Ed.D. in Instructional Systems Technology
• Online Ed.D. in Literacy, Culture, and Language Education

CAEP Accreditation: Yes
Carnegie Project on the Education Doctorate (CPED) Member: Yes
Credits: 60
Length: 3 years
On-Campus Components: Mandatory conference attendance

Specialization is the name of the game for IUB’s School of Education (SOE). These affordable online doctoral programs in education play to the strengths of individual departments. Overall, IUB has a solid reputation in teacher education, with excellent employment outcomes. Feel free to read the results of its Graduate Survey for alumni opinions.

Curriculum

Instructional Systems Technology

The customizable Online Ed.D. in Instructional Systems Technology is composed of major requirements (doctoral research credits + IST electives), inquiry requirements (e.g. Intermediate Statistics), foundation requirements (e.g. Learning and Cognition in Education), minor requirements, and a dissertation. With 24 credits of electives and 9-12 credits in the minor, you’ll have a lot of freedom to shape the curriculum. Students must attend at least one IST Colloquium/Conference on the Bloomington campus.

Literacy, Culture, and Language Education

The curriculum for the Online Ed.D. in Literacy, Culture, and Language Education is a little more structured. The major requirements encompass core courses (including an internship) and a number of mandatory inquiry courses (e.g. Strategies for Educational Inquiry). The remainder of the program includes 6 credits of electives, 8 credits in the minor, and a dissertation. Students must take part in at least one conference led by the Department of Literacy, Culture, and Language Education.

Admissions

Candidates for both Online Ed.D. programs at IUB should have a bachelor’s degree and master’s degree from an accredited institution and a minimum undergraduate GPA of 2.75. You’ll also be expected to submit a personal statement, two letters of recommendation, and GRE scores. In addition, international students must provide a résumé and TOEFL score.

Is This Online Program Right for You?

The name of each program says a lot about your prospective journey. If you’re hyper-focused on a specialist career (e.g. instructional designer, e-learning developer, curriculum developer, literacy expert, etc.), then you’ll have a lot to work with here.

IUB is our highest ranked public university and the most affordable—by far—in our top 5. In-state and out-of-state residents pay different tuition rates, but even the out-of-state costs are fairly reasonable. Plus fellowships & travel awards may be available—see each program page for details.

4 University of Southern California

• Online Ed.D. in Educational Leadership – K-12 Leadership in Urban School Settings
• Online Ed.D. in Organizational Change and Leadership 

CAEP Accreditation: Yes
Carnegie Project on the Education Doctorate (CPED) Member: No
Credits: 43-60
Length: 3-4 years
On-Campus Components: Immersion weekends

One of USC’s key strengths is urban education. Equity, diversity, ethics, and organizational change are watchwords in the USC Rossier School of Education. USC Rossier also happens to have a great national ranking, plenty of research centers that focus on urban issues, and a reputation for being helpful—graduate student reviews often mention the excellent support networks.

Curriculum

Educational Leadership

The 43-credit Online Ed.D. in Educational Leadership – K-12 Leadership in Urban School Settings contains a core of up-to-date courses in topical areas (e.g. Urban Education, Leadership, Diversity & Equity), mandatory work in Research Methods, and a Dissertation in Practice (i.e. action-oriented research). For the concentration, you’ll be able to take credits in areas such as Policy, Instructional Improvement, and Leadership for Principals or Superintendents.

Organizational Change and Leadership

The Online Ed.D. in Organizational Change and Leadership comes in two options—a 43 unit curriculum for folks who already hold a master’s degree and a 60 unit curriculum for candidates who have substantial work & leadership experience, but no master’s.

• In the first instance, you would take coursework in areas such as Leadership, Creativity & Innovation, Organizational Changes, and the like.
• In the second instance, you would have to add 500-level courses (e.g. Learning and Motivation, Human Lifespan Development, etc.).

Both programs end with a Capstone, which includes a Dissertation in Practice.

Admissions

• Candidates for the Educational Leadership option must have a master’s degree, leadership experience, and a minimum of three years of full-time work experience that’s relevant to their concentration. You’ll need to submit a résumé, a statement of purpose, two letters of recommendation, video responses, and a writing assessment. GRE or GMAT scores are optional.
• Candidates for the Organizational Change and Leadership option are expected to have a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution (at minimum), a 3.0 GPA, and a record of leadership experience. You’ll also need to submit evidence of your writing ability (i.e. EdD Writing Assessment, GRE, or GMAT), a statement of purpose, three personal essays, a résumé, and letters of recommendation.

In addition, international students whose native language is not English may have to submit TOEFL or IELTS scores.

Is This Online Program Right for You?

To determine if USC is the right choice, first select the appropriate program:

• The Online Ed.D. in Educational Leadership is a strong pick for urban PreK-12 educational leaders, teachers, and school administrators.
• The Online Ed.D. in Organizational Change and Leadership is geared toward candidates in leadership positions throughout the world (e.g. colleges and universities, private firms, non-profits, and government organizations).

Be aware that tuition is extremely hefty for both online doctorates. To offset costs, USC Rossier offers a number of modest doctoral-level scholarships. See the tuition links (listed below) for more detailed info.

3 New York University

• Online Ed.D. in Leadership and Innovation

CAEP Accreditation: Yes
Carnegie Project on the Education Doctorate (CPED) Member: No
Credits: 42
Length: 2 years
On-Campus Components: 2 week-long residencies

NYU’s high octane doctorate in education comes from Steinhardt, a school with a superb ranking, an active Department of Administration, Leadership, and Technology (see their research projects), and diverse faculty. It’s also a qualification that’s designed to cover a wide range of sectors. If you have a fair amount of experience under your belt, this cohort-based “Executive” program is worth a look.

Curriculum

There are 17 required courses in this online program, including credits in research. Sample course topics include Organizational Theory, Education Policy, Change and Innovation, Management and Data Ethics, and so on. The immersive residencies are mandatory. The first takes place in the initial week of the program; the second occurs in the last week, when students present their culminating projects.

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

Admissions

NYU wants to see candidates who have 7-10 years of work experience and a master’s degree in education, education administration, leadership, or a related field (3.0 GPA or higher). You’ll also be required to submit 3 letters of recommendation, a résumé, and two essays. The GRE is not required. International applicants should check the FAQ section for advice.

Is This Online Program Right for You?

NYU’s online Ed.D. is deliberately geared toward mid-level professionals who are currently in leadership positions and aspire to bigger roles (e.g. director, president, CEO, etc.). It also comes with executive prices—per credit tuition rates are very high. You may have to think about loans or tuition reimbursement from work to afford it. However, NYU employees are eligible for tuition remission on this program.

2 Johns Hopkins University

• Online Ed.D. in Entrepreneurial Leadership in Education
• Online Ed.D. in Mind, Brain & Teaching
• Online Ed.D. in Urban Leadership

CAEP Accreditation: Yes
Carnegie Project on the Education Doctorate (CPED) Member: Yes
Credits: 90 (36-42 graduate-level/master’s credits + 48-54 doctoral credits)
Length: 3 years
On-Campus Components: 100% online; 3-day summer residencies (strongly encouraged)

You may already know that JHU is a major research university with a top-ranked School of Education. But we give it extra praise for opening its arms to global students—the cohort-based online Ed.D. in three concentrations attracts a wide range of leaders in K-16 instruction and administrators from the education industry. Plus it’s possible to take any of these programs 100% online. Summer residencies will be videotaped for anyone who is unable to attend in person.

Curriculum

Each one of JHU’s online Ed.D. offerings has a core of 12 credits in Foundations of Education (e.g. Multiple Perspectives on Learning and Teaching) and 9 credits of Applied Research and Evaluation. But the remainder of your degree will be devoted to your area of specialization, electives, and the applied dissertation. In other words, it’s fairly customizable.

For the applied dissertation, you’ll be expected to tackle a problem of practice that has emerged from your work (e.g. intervention or policy change). That means you may be asking your workplace for research resources, access to target audiences, and non-proprietary data and records. The result should—hopefully—impress your employers.

Admissions

JHU states upfront that this is a competitive and limited admissions doctoral program. It wants to see candidates with a master’s degree (minimum of 36 credits) and a 3.0 GPA. However, students who do not have the required 36 master’s credits may be admitted on a conditional basis. Other prerequisites include letters of recommendation, a résumé, and an essay. JHU also strongly encourages applicants to submit GRE exam scores. International students will have additional requirements.

Is This Online Program Right for You?

JHU’s online Ed.D. is a “deep-dive” program that’s suited to folks who want to get stuck into a particular area of interest. For example, the Mind, Brain & Teaching concentration includes training in neurobiology and cognitive development. Urban Leadership has a course in Partnerships and Community Organizing.

Like Vanderbilt, the program comes with private school tuition prices. The good news is you can offset the cost with merit-based Ed.D. scholarships (international students are eligible) and School of Education awards. Payment plans are available. See FAQs for further info.

1 Vanderbilt University

• Online Ed.D. in Leadership and Learning in Organizations

CAEP Accreditation: Yes
Carnegie Project on the Education Doctorate (CPED) Member: No
Credits: 84 credits (30 credits of a master’s degree + 54 doctoral credits)
Length: 3-4 years
On-Campus Components: 3 convenings

Vanderbilt’s reputation speaks for itself. The university is internationally renowned and receives outstanding reviews from graduate students. The Peabody College of Education and Human Development is often in the top 10 of education school rankings. And the practice-based distance learning Ed.D. includes live online classes each week (think face-to-face interactions and networking) and a capstone project in lieu of a dissertation.

Curriculum

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

1. Leadership & Organizational Development (e.g. Leading Diverse Organizations, Public Policy & Administration, Human Capital & Talent Management, etc.)
2. Learning and Design (e.g. Psychological Perspectives on Learning)
3. Data and Analytics (e.g. Applied Statistics, Data Science, etc.)

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

Admissions

Candidates should have a master’s degree or 30 credit hours of graduate-level study from an accredited institution (3.0 GPA or higher). Vanderbilt also wants to see evidence of successful leadership experience, proof of verbal and quantitative abilities (e.g. GRE, GMAT, or other indicators of verbal and quantitative skill), and a statement of purpose. A TOEFL or IELTS score (or demonstration of competence) is required for non-English speakers.

Is This Online Program Right for You?

Make no mistake, Vanderbilt is a rigorous program with a fair amount of high-level leadership training. You’ll notice that the live components and convenings are deliberately intended to foster engagement and in-depth research. Be aware that this online doctorate is also pricey—sometimes three times the amount of per credit tuition prices at public universities.