2021's Best Online EdD Programs | PLUS: All Online Programs

School Name	Program Name	More Info
Baylor University	Online Doctor of Education (EdD) degree in Learning and Organizational Change	program website
Vanderbilt University	Online Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) in Leadership and Learning in Organizations	program website
University of Dayton	Online Doctor of Education (EdD) in Leadership for Organizations	program website
University of Southern California	Online Doctor of Education in Organizational Change and Leadership (not designed for K-12 educators)	program website
Capella University	Online PhD or EdD in Education	program website
Grand Canyon University	Online Ed.D. Program	program website
Arkansas State University	Online Ed.D in Educational Leadership	program website
University of Louisiana-Monroe	Online Doctor of Education - Curriculum and Instruction	program website
St. Thomas University	Online Doctor of Education in Leadership and Innovation	program website
University of West Alabama	Online Ed.D. in Rural Education	program website
Liberty University	Online Ed.D. in Curriculum and Instruction	program website
Fairleigh Dickinson University	Online Ed.D. in Higher Education	program website
Aurora University	Online Doctor of Education, EdD Leadership, or EdD Instructional Leadership	program website

How to Choose the Best Online Ed.D. Program

You’ll find 23 schools in our rankings of the best online doctoral programs in education. All of them are well-regarded, regionally accredited universities. But there the similarities end! Each one has developed their own unique take on the Ed.D. Here are some tips to choosing the right one:

Scan the Main Points: Start with the degree title. If it looks like it matches up with your job goals, you can explore the sections on coursework & admissions requirements and our advice on whether it’s the right program for your needs.
Choose a Career-Focused Concentration: You don’t have to settle for a generic online doctorate in leadership. All of our top-ranked universities have highly specific concentrations and foci. Some are PK-12 based. Some are concerned with higher education. Some can even help with certification needs.
Look for Quality Markers: We particularly favor universities with CAEP accreditation, membership in the Carnegie Project on the Education Doctorate (CPED), great graduate student reviews, experienced faculty, and high U.S. News & World Report rankings for the College of Education.
Create a Comprehensive Budget: Many online Ed.D. programs have campus components; we’ve highlighted them under the title. You’ll need to allow for any travel expenses, commuting costs, and accommodation. You can also ask the Ed.D. program coordinator if online students are eligible for scholarships & fellowships.
Consider the Merits of Public vs. Private: Public universities tend to have the most affordable online rates, but they don’t always charge the same tuition for in-state and out-of-state Ed.D. students. You’ll notice that our highest ranked schools tend to be a) private; b) internationally known; and c) expensive.
Research the College/School of Education: This will give you a sense of the university’s realm of experience (e.g. USC Rossier and urban education) and faculty interests. We’ve included links in the section on “For More Information.”

Ranking Methodology

Our ranking methodology for the best online doctoral programs in education follows the same procedure as our on-campus rankings.

That means we considered each school’s standing in U.S. News & World Report rankings of Best Education Schools and Times Higher Education (THE) World University rankings.
But we also added factors such as student completion rates, according to the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS), and the university’s track record in offering online programs in educational leadership.

A Note About COVID-19

During the pandemic, many universities decided to turn on-campus components of online Ed.D. programs into virtual experiences (e.g. orientations, summer residencies, dissertation defenses, etc.). Because of logistical issues, a number of schools also waived admissions requirements for GRE or MAT scores. It’s possible that some of these changes will become permanent—visit the program page for up-to-date info on in-person requirements.

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

23 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: Summer immersions

Lehigh’s Online Ed.D. in Educational Leadership contains something for almost every educational leader, but it’s especially useful for K-12 administrators. Students can work toward their Ed.D. and their Superintendent Certification or Principal Certification simultaneously. Keep in mind that it contains on-campus work in the summer semesters.

Curriculum

You’ll take courses in organization & leadership, practical matters (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. This online Ed.D. also includes specialization electives, resident studies (e.g. doctoral seminars), and a dissertation and concentrated learning experience. Read more about the Summer Institute.

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 2 letters of recommendation, a personal statement, and GRE or MAT test scores (waived during COVID-19).

Is This Online Ed.D. 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.

For More Information:

22 The College of William & Mary

Online Executive EdD in Educational Policy, Planning and Leadership: International School Leadership

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

William & Mary’s Online Executive EdD in Educational Policy, Planning and Leadership is available in a range of concentrations, but only the International School Leadership specialty is 100% online. (The remaining concentrations are hybrid, with weekend visits and summer sessions.) If you choose it, you’ll end up with a doctorate from a small & powerful College of Education with well-reviewed faculty and a solid track record.

Curriculum

The Executive Ed.D. kicks off in the summer and lasts for 3 years. You’ll start off with core coursework in areas like educational policy, leadership, data-based decision-making, and program evaluation. Beginning in the second summer, you’ll start taking concentration courses (e.g. Comparative and International Educational Policy Studies) and a research seminar. In the final semesters, you’ll focus on a Dissertation in Practice (DiP) that tackles a relevant problem of practice in your field of work.

Admissions

Candidates for this Executive Ed.D. must have a master’s degree. You’ll also need to provide a personal essay, 3 letters of recommendation, and a doctoral research paper. GRE or MAT scores are usually required (but waived due to COVID-19). TOEFL or IELTS scores are required for students for whom English is not their native language; if you have a master’s degree from a U.S. university, this requirement is waived.

Is This Online Ed.D. Right for You?

Because it’s 100% online, this Executive Ed.D. is a great fit for global educational leaders, especially folks who are planning to assuming leadership roles in an international school or university, a university center for international education, or a relevant non-profit organization. William & Mary is a public research university with a long & storied history, so it’s a name that people will recognize. Just be aware that the per credit tuition rate for this Executive Ed.D. is equivalent to private schools.

For More Information:

21 Boise State University

Online Ed.D. in Educational Technology

CAEP Accreditation: Yes
Carnegie Project on the Education Doctorate (CPED) Member: No
Credits: 66
Length: 4 years
On-Campus Components: 100% online

BSU earns its spot in our rankings thanks to glowing graduate student reviews and a super-convenient Online Ed.D. in Educational Technology. All coursework, exams, and defenses are delivered through distance learning; some online courses will have synchronous, real-time components. If you’re in the Boise area, you may also wish to investigate the evening-centered Ed.D. in Curriculum & Instruction.

Curriculum

This online doctorate is a mix of core courses (e.g. Leadership in Educational Technology), research credits, electives, a dissertation, and a cognate area—a series of 3 graduate courses from a relevant field that are connected by a common thread or theme. We also like the fact that BSU’s program includes an “Innovation Experience” and a 4-credit Doctoral Seminar in Educational Technology. Most students follow a 4-year plan, taking 3 courses in the first 3 years and focusing on the dissertation in the final year.

Admissions

Ed.D. candidates must have regionally accredited bachelor’s & master’s degrees (or the international equivalent), a minimum undergraduate 3.0 GPA, and a minimum graduate 3.5 GPA. In your application, you’ll also need to provide a résumé, writing sample, and 3 letters of recommendation. The GRE is not required, but you’re welcome to submit scores.

Is This Online Ed.D. Right for You?

Ed tech leaders should put this doctorate on their shortlist. It’s 100% online, project-based, and eminently affordable. Better yet, in-state and out-of-state students pay the same tuition rates. The College of Education will lend support in the form of scholarship opportunities and faculty expertise in a wide range of technology areas, including STEM, game-based learning, immersive experiences, and instructional design.

For More Information:

20 University of Arkansas

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

U of A’s College of Education and Human Professions is active in a large number of arenas—the Arkansas Leadership Academy is just one example of its leadership expertise. At U of A, you’ll find a number of doctoral 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. 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 6 face-to-face campus sessions per year.

Admissions

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, 3 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, 3 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.

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

Is This Online Ed.D. Right for You?

Affordable 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.

For More Information:

19 University of Nebraska Lincoln

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 Ed.D. in Educational Studies – Educational Leadership and Higher Education that will prepare you for high-level administrative & leadership positions. But there’s also a Hybrid Ed.D. in Educational Administration – P-12 School Leadership 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 3 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 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, 3 recommendation letters, 3 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 2 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).
Provide evidence of the completion of acceptable Special Education Training (or understand that an additional 3 hours of coursework will be added to the program).

Is This Online Ed.D. 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.

For More Information:

18 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 Ed.D. in Educational Leadership, Administration and Policy for PK-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 3-year 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 should also have at least 3 years of appropriate leadership experience in a PK–12 educational institution.

All applicants must supply a résumé, statement of purpose, 2 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 Ed.D. Right for You?

This hands-on program is aimed at folks who are interested in PK-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.

For More Information:

17 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 Online Ed.D. in Educational Leadership 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, 2 letters of recommendation, and GRE scores. If your native language is not English, a TOEFL or IELTS score may be required.

Is This Online Ed.D. 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 work week can start at 5:30 p.m. EST and Saturday classes at 9 a.m. EST.

For More Information:

Online Ed.D. in Educational Leadership & Policy Studies: Leadership in Early Childhood Education-Grade 12

CAEP Accreditation: No
Carnegie Project on the Education Doctorate (CPED) Member: No
Credits: 60
Length: 3 years
On-Campus Components: 1 weekend per month in fall & spring semesters; 2-week summer institute each year

New England PK-12 administrators take note—BU’s part-time Online Ed.D. in Educational Leadership & Policy Studies might be just right for your needs. The doctoral program contains all kinds of unique career-building elements. The Wheelock College of Education is affiliated with multiple research centers & institutes in early learning, cognitive development, and disenfranchised youth. And educational leadership faculty are diverse.

Curriculum

The curriculum for BU’s online Ed.D. consists of 14 courses, 3 leadership seminars, and a Dissertation in Practice (DiP). You’ll cover subjects such as School Improvement Science & Implementation, School Labor Relations & Personnel Management, Diversity & Justice in Education, and Child & Family Policy.

This thoughtful program also incorporates job-embedded coaching, field mentorship, and cross-district student partnerships. You’ll travel to the campus once per month during regular semesters and attend a 2-week institute each summer.

Admissions

BU wants to see Ed.D. candidates who hold a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree at the time of application. In your application, you’ll also need to provide 2 letters of recommendation, a statement of qualifications & objectives, an equity & inclusion statement, an analytical essay, and a résumé. GRE and MAT scores have been waived in recent years, but check in the Applications section for more details.

Is This Online Ed.D. Right for You?

Because of the “once per month” campus visits, this online Ed.D. is best suited to PK-12 administrators in the Northeast. BU isn’t cheap—even the part-time evening tuition rate is fairly pricey—but Wheelock is well-known in the region. Urban & suburban educational leaders may be especially interested in the doctorate’s mix of practical coursework and networking opportunities.

For More Information:

12 University of Florida

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 and Instruction – Teachers, Schools, and Society (TSS) is devoted to required courses (e.g. Teacher Leadership, Critical Pedagogy, Issues in School Reform, Teaching Learning and Socialization in Poverty Schools, etc.). 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), 3 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 3 letters of recommendation.

Is This Online Ed.D. Right for You?

There are choices for everyone here. UF’s 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.

For More Information:

11 Florida State University

Online Ed.D. in Educational Leadership & Policy

CAEP Accreditation: No
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. While you pursue the Online Ed.D. in Educational Leadership & Policy, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to buff up your résumé!

Curriculum

FSU’s online Ed.D. follows the standard pattern for a 3-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, 3 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 must have language proficiency test scores.

Is This Online Ed.D. 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.

For More Information:

10 Boston College

CAEP Accreditation: Yes
Carnegie Project on the Education Doctorate (CPED) Member: Yes
Credits: 48
Length: 3 years
On-Campus Components: Week-long summer residencies

BC’s cohort-based Online Executive Ed.D. in Higher Education bears the halo of the university’s reputation for excellence. The Lynch School is a CPED member with its own research centers in higher education, great student reviews, and consistently high rankings. If you live in the Boston area, you may also wish to consider the cohort-based, on-campus Ed.D. in Educational Leadership: Professional School Administrator Program (PSAP).

Curriculum

This online Ed.D. is a part-time, 3-year program. Online coursework is a combination of asynchronous and synchronous elements; on-campus summer residencies last for one week. You’ll take 4-5 classes per year for a total of 14 courses/48 credits.

If you opt for the standard Ed.D. in Higher Education, you’ll be expected to complete foundation courses (e.g. Managing Change in Higher Education, Data Driven Decision Making, Social Justice, etc.), 4 electives, and a practice-based capstone project. The electives will allow you to customize your experience.
If you decide to pursue the concentration in Catholic Higher Education, you’ll complete the foundation courses and capstone project, but you won’t have any electives. Instead, you’ll take courses such as Religion & Higher Education and Catholic Higher Education: Administration & Leadership. During the third summer residency, you’ll participate in an Institute for Administrators in Catholic Higher Education.

Admissions

All Executive Ed.D. applicants are required to have a master’s degree and 5-10 years of professional experience in higher education or a higher education adjacent field. You will also need to submit a résumé, personal statement, 3 letters of recommendation, and a writing sample. The GRE is not required.

Is This Online Ed.D. Right for You?

Boston College is well-worth a look if you’re currently working at a Catholic university. We’d also call it a great “mid-career” option for higher education administrators—BC is careful about creating strong cohorts of experienced national & international students. See the Frequently Asked Questions section for more details.

For More Information:

9 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 Online Ed.D. in Curriculum & Instruction impresses us for a number of reasons. This 100% 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. Better yet, the Curry School of Education often earns a top 20 national ranking from U.S. News & World Report.

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 4 years of full-time teaching experience or equivalent professional experience. You’ll also need to submit 2 letters of recommendation, a goal statement, and GRE scores (waived for COVID-19).

Is This Online Ed.D. 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.

For More Information:

8 Arizona State University

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 Ed.D. in Leadership & Innovation 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 3 different concentrations and participate in Leader-Scholar Communities (LSCs). The Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College often achieves a top 20 national ranking from U.S. News & World Report. 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 3 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 Ed.D. 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.

For More Information:

7 University of Georgia

Online 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: Annual one-week intensives; face-to-face meetings each semester

Devoted to student affairs? Adore the postsecondary world? UGA’s well-regarded College of Education has come up with a part-time, cohort-based Online Ed.D. in Student Affairs Leadership 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 2 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. You should have 2-3 years of full-time work experience and a master’s degree. Your application will also need to include a statement of purpose, a résumé, 3 letters of recommendation, and GRE scores.

Is This Online Ed.D. 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).

For More Information:

6 Indiana University-Bloomington

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. View 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, 2 letters of recommendation, and GRE scores. In addition, international students must provide a résumé and TOEFL score.

Is This Online Ed.D. 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. Affordability is another consideration. 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.

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5 Johns Hopkins University

CAEP Accreditation: No
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 3 concentrations attracts a wide range of K-16 educational leaders & administrators. 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. 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

This is a competitive and limited admissions doctoral program. JHU 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 scores. International students will have additional requirements.

Is This Online Ed.D. 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. And 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 also available.

For More Information:

4 University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

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

With 4 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. in Education Policy, Organization and Leadership contains weekly synchronous sessions where students 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 3 letters of reference. A scholarly writing sample is strongly recommended. Global candidates should read the International Applicant Criteria.

Is This Online Ed.D. 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.

For More Information:

3 University of Southern California

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 U.S. News & World Report 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 forms—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 Dissertation in Practice.

Admissions

Candidates for the Educational Leadership option must have a master’s degree, leadership experience, and a minimum of 3 years of full-time work experience that’s relevant to their concentration. You’ll need to submit a résumé, a statement of purpose, 2 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, 3 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 Ed.D. 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 PK-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.

For More Information:

2 New York University

Online Ed.D. in Leadership and Innovation

CAEP Accreditation: No
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 Online Ed.D. in Leadership and Innovation comes from Steinhardt, a school with superb rankings, 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 Ed.D. Right for You?

NYU’s online Ed.D. is 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.

For More Information:

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

Leadership & Organizational Development (e.g. Leading Diverse Organizations, Public Policy & Administration, Human Capital & Talent Management, etc.)
Learning and Design (e.g. Psychological Perspectives on Learning)
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 Ed.D. 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.

For More Information:

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

Online Ed.D. Experience

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Special Types of Online Ed.D. Programs

Online Executive Ed.D. Programs

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

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

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

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

Online Accelerated Ed.D. Programs

An accelerated online Ed.D. is usually a program that’s structured to be completed in less than 3 years. For example, Lamar University’s Online Ed.D. in Educational Leadership can be completed in 8 semesters/2.5 years of full-time study.

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

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

Online Program Delivery Formats

What Does 100% Online Mean?

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

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

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

What Kind of Software Will I Need?

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

Can I Take Classes Whenever I Want?

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

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

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

Online vs. Hybrid: What’s the Difference?

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

In our rankings of the top 23 schools in the U.S., we focused on online Ed.D. programs that had reasonable on-campus expectations (e.g. per semester visits).
Any education doctorates that exceeded this threshold (e.g. 50/50, Saturday visits, etc.) were deemed to be hybrid or blended.

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

Online Ed.D. Dissertations vs. Capstones

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

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

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

Field Work and Internships in Online Ed.D. Programs

You’ll satisfy field work & internship requirements in a face-to-face setting at a local site, just like you would in a traditional program. The difference is that the local site is typically local to you. It can be hundreds—or even thousands—of miles away from campus.

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

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

In rare cases, an Ed.D. program will integrate specific field work requirements into every course. For example, Molloy College’s low-residency Ed.D. in Educational Leadership for Diverse Learning Communities requires at least 5 hours of specialized field work in each course, which works out to 75 hours spread out over the duration of 5-6 years.

How to Choose an Online Ed.D. Program

Institutional Prestige

Every doctorate in our database of online Ed.D. programs is offered by a regionally accredited college or university. This means that they meet certain measurable baselines that are associated with high-quality institutions. There are no diploma mills among our listings. If all you want is a legitimate Ed.D., you can stop reading here.

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

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

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

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

Program Focus and Career Goals

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

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

Whenever possible, choose a program that honors both your academic interests and your career track. For example, if you’re interested in working as an educational administrator and studying educational psychology, you could select the organizational psychology track within Aspen University’s Online Ed.D. in Leadership and Learning.

Instructor Quality

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

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

Costs

Online vs. On-Campus

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

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

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

Public Universities: The Most Affordable Option?

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

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

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

Student Loans: The Cost of Doing Business?

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

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

Alternative Funding Sources

Ed.D. Scholarships and Grants

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

Graduate Assistantships

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

Final Considerations

Online Ed.D. Accreditation

Regional Accreditation

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

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

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

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

CAEP Accreditation

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

Accreditation for International Programs

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

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

Is an Online Ed.D. Right for You?

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

How Well Do You Work on Your Own?

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

How Important is Campus Life to You?

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

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

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

All Online EdD Programs

153 Schools Found

Offered Online

Online Ed.D in Rural Education - Higher Education Administration

Offered Online

Online Ed.D in Rural Education - Organizational Change and Leadership

Offered Online

Online Ed.D in Rural Education - Teaching and Learning

Offered Online

Arizona

Arizona State University

Teacher's College

Tempe, Arizona

Offered Online

Arkansas

University of Arkansas

College of Education and Health Professions

Fayetteville, Arkansas

CAEP accredited

The University of Arkansas has three online Doctor of Education programs for different student groups. The Ed.D. in Human Resource and Workforce Development Education is for professionals with a background in psychology, organizational behavior, occupational counseling, training, management development, or quality management. This degree is 100% online, and students can enter the program in any semester. The Ed.D. in Educational Leadership is for educators who seeking leadership posts such as principal or superintendent. Coursework is completely online, but students are required to attend three intensive weekend seminars in Fayetteville, Arkansas. Over these weekends, students meet with their cohort for hands-on learning. Candidates must complete 42 credits, including a dissertation. The Doctor of Education in Adult and Lifelong Learning has two cohorts. One cohort focuses on adult education leadership and the other on community college leadership. This degree is 75% online and requires six on-campus sessions per year.

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

Offered Online

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

Offered Online

Online Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership

Offered Online

Online Doctor of Education in Human Resource and Workforce Development Education

Offered Online

California

Brandman University

School of Education

Irvine, California

CAEP accredited

The Doctor of Education in Organizational Leadership at Brandman University is an interdisciplinary degree that uses theories from the fields of education and organizational leadership. Students learn about collaboration, innovation, strategic thinking, positive influence, political intelligence, and sustained innovation. Graduates are prepared for a variety of careers, including on a college faculty or staff, in another educational institution, business executive, local government, non-profit leadership, or organizational development consultant. This is a 57-credit program that includes a dissertation. In preparation for the dissertation, students take classes in quantitative and qualitative research methods and in writing for research and publication. They also complete field experiences. The program is available 100% online and classes start every eight weeks, with six terms per year. Brandman University instructors are practitioners in their field of expertise, so students learn from people who hold the job they aspire to.

Ed.D. in Organizational Leadership

Offered Online

National University

Sanford College of Education

La Jolla, California

CAEP accredited

Rossier School of Education

Los Angeles, California

CAEP accredited

At the University of Southern California, professionals interested in an online leadership degree have two choices: Ed.D. in Educational Leadership or Ed.D. in Organizational Change and Leadership. The online educational leadership degree has a concentration in K-12 leadership in urban school settings. Graduates are prepared for leadership roles in classrooms, schools, and districts. The curriculum includes six core courses, four concentration courses, two research methods courses, and a dissertation in practice. Courses in this program use a real-time virtual classroom along with asynchronous work on assignments. The organizational leadership degree has three key themes: leadership, problem solving, and reflection. Graduates are prepared to create more effective organizations in many sectors of the economy. The program includes online coursework and immersion weeks held annually in Los Angeles. Students are required to complete a dissertation in practice where they collaborate with an organization to create a strategic action plan that helps the organization reach a goal.

Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership - Educational Psychology

Offered Online

Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership - Higher Education Administration

Offered Online

Online Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership - K-12 Leadership in Urban School Settings

Offered Online

Online Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership - Leading Instructional Change

Offered Online

Colorado

Aspen University

School of Education

Denver, Colorado

Aspen University's School of Education offers five specializations in its online program leading to an Ed.D. in Leadership and Learning. Those specializations are health care administration and leadership, higher education leadership, K-12 educational leadership, organizational leadership, and organizational psychology. Each of these specializations requires the student to complete 20 courses. Aspen has online courses starting every two weeks, and classes last for eight weeks, so the academic schedule provides students with a lot of flexibility. All candidates are required to write and defend a dissertation, which they can tailor to the issues and policies that they are interested in or that are relevant to their job. During the dissertation process, students complete a research study and learn how to apply research methods and strategies to improve an educational setting or organization. Before advancing to the dissertation, all students must complete a comprehensive proctored exam.

University of Northern Colorado

College of Education and Behavioral Sciences

Greeley, Colorado

The University of Northern Colorado's online Ed.D. in Educational Studies has an emphasis on innovation and education reform. Students learn to conduct, analyze, and apply the research of education to implement change and improve education systems. Graduates are prepared for leadership roles in a school district or a job as a consultant, university faculty member, or nonprofit leader. Classes are mostly online, although students must attend five-day sessions in Greely, Colorado, for the first three summers they're in the program. Candidates must also come to campus to defend their dissertation. The curriculum for this 64-credit degree includes 12 credits in the educational studies core, 12 credits in the research core, 24 credits in the innovation and education reform cognate, and 16 credits in the dissertation. Before their dissertation proposal hearing, candidates are required to submit a paper for publication with a professional journal.

Online Doctor of Education in Educational Studies

Offered Online

Offered Online

Delaware

Wilmington University

College of Education

New Castle, Delaware

CAEP accredited

Wilmington University has two distinct online Ed.D. programs. The Ed.D. in Organizational Leadership, Learning, and Innovation is an interdisciplinary degree. Students can choose from two existing concentrations or develop their own specialized concentration. The standard options are strategic leadership or workplace learning and talent development. Classes are delivered in a 100% online format, and students can complete the required 18 courses in as little as three years. Cohorts enter this degree program in the fall. Wilmington's other online educational doctorate is an Ed.D. in Higher Education Leadership. Students in this program can personalize every aspect of the degree, which includes practice-based learning and mentorships in the student's areas of interest. Students complete a guided study project where they put research and theory into practice. The Ed.D. in Higher Education Leadership uses a cohort model, and online students attend one hour of synchronous online meetings each week plus asynchronous coursework.

District of Columbia

College of Education

Gainesville, Florida

CAEP accredited

Educators can choose from five very different online Ed.D. programs at the University of Florida. The Ed.D. in Curriculum and Instruction has an emphasis on educational technology, including research on technology in educational environments. Students take classes online and attend three on-campus experiences in Gainesville, Florida. The Ed.D. in Curriculum and Instruction with a specialization in teachers, schools, and society is for practicing educators who want to implement practical, positive changes. The Ed.D. in Special Education prepares expert service providers, school leaders, and advocates for those with special needs. The blended Leadership in Educational Administration doctorate prepares educators for leadership roles at the school, district, state, and national level. Classes are online with up to three in-person meetings a semester in Gainesville. The hybrid Ed.D. in Higher Education Administration prepares community college leaders. The cohort attends classes online and meets two or three weekends per semester at colleges around Florida.

Georgia

Georgia Southern University

College of Education

Statesboro, Georgia

CAEP accredited

GSU's cohort-based Ed.D. in Educational Leadership has hybrid elements - 75% of the Tier II portion of the program is online and 25% is on-campus in Statesboro, GA. Students entering with a master's degree are expected to complete 69 credits: 30 credits of Tier I coursework in research topics, core leadership subjects, and concentration work; 30 credits of Tier II coursework in advanced leadership & research methods; and 9 credits for the Dissertation in Practice (DiP). Anyone who holds an Ed.S. and L-6 certification can go straight into Tier II and Tier III coursework. The timeframe for completion is flexible, but a minimum 3.25 graduate GPA and GRE scores are required for admission.

Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership - Higher Education Administration

Offered Online

Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership - P-12 Administration

Offered Online

Kennesaw State University

Bagwell College of Education

Kennesaw, Georgia

CAEP accredited

CAEP accredited

The Doctor of Education in Higher Education Leadership and Practice is known as the HELP program at the University of North Georgia. This 60-credit degree is delivered completely online with no requirements to visit campus. Students can complete the degree in three years, including summers. The HELP curriculum is designed to include dissertation milestones in courses to keep students on schedule. In the first year, for instance, students develop a dissertation topic. In the second year, they develop their dissertation proposal and prepare to collect data. In the program's final year, students analyze their findings and write the dissertation. Other required classes cover topics such as ethics and law, finance and administration, program development and assessment, and leadership theory. Classwork is delivered in an asynchronous format, and students meet with faculty members for mentoring and advisement through synchronous online meetings. Students enter the program in the fall semester.

Online Doctor of Education in Higher Education Leadership and Practice

Offered Online

University of West Georgia

College of Education

Carrollton, Georgia

CAEP accredited

College of Education and Human Services

Valdosta, Georgia

CAEP accredited

Boise State University

College of Education

Boise, Idaho

Bradley University

College of Education and Health Sciences

Peoria, Illinois

CAEP accredited

Bradley University has an online Doctor of Education with tracks in higher education administration and PK-12 educational leadership. The higher ed track prepares students for leadership roles at institutions of higher education, from community college to university. The PK-12 program only accepts students who are seeking superintendent licensure in Illinois. The Bradley Ed.D. program has a focus on practicality. Instructors have experience in public schools and institutions of higher learning that they can share with students. The research component of the degree employs an action research methodology. The program also emphasizes the importance of social justice in education and leadership and prepares graduates to address injustice in their schools. The program requires 48 credits, including 12 credits in core classes, an internship, an action research project, and 15 credits in the concentration.

Online Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) in Educational Leadership - Community College Leadership

Offered Online

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

Offered Online

Concordia University-Chicago

College of Education

River Forest, Illinois

CAEP accredited

College of Education

University Park, Illinois

CAEP accredited

The College of Education at Governors State University has an online Ed.D. in Interdisciplinary Leadership that prepares leaders to solve real-world problems by making data-informed decisions and using strategic planning. Three concentrations are available: Superintendent (P-12), higher education administration, or not-for-profit/social entrepreneurship leadership. Students must complete at least 60 credits, including a capstone project. The curriculum includes 18 credits in core classes, 33 credits in the concentration area, and 9 credits in the capstone. For the capstone project, students must complete a quantitative or qualitative inquiry into a topic related to their concentration area. The capstone project includes an internship or fieldwork that allows the candidate to lead activities in an organization, school, or district. All courses are offered online, and students can complete the degree in four years, although they have up to seven years to complete all the requirements.

Online Doctor of Education in Interdisciplinary Leadership - Higher Education Administration

Chicago, Illinois

Educators who want to gain expertise in learning technology can earn an Ed.D. in Educational Psychology and Technology from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology. Students can select from three concentrations: higher education learning and technology, K-12 education learning and technology, or instructional design. Graduates will be skilled in using technology to improve student learning outcomes and to support organizational productivity. Those skills can be valuable in a variety of fields, including education, nonprofits, business, and government. Classes cover topics such as integrating technology in learning systems and the impact of technology on cognition. Classes are delivered online, but students must attend two residency sessions at The Chicago School. These four-day meetings focus on special topics in the field and provide in-depth learning. Candidates are required to complete a dissertation. Students have five years from enrollment to complete all the requirements for the degree.

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

Offered Online

Online Ed.D. in Educational Psychology and Technology - Instructional Design

Offered Online

Online Ed.D. in Educational Psychology and Technology - K-12 Education Learning and Technology

Offered Online

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Department of Educational Policy, Organization, and Leadership

Champaign, Illinois

The Ed.D. in Education Policy, Organization, and Leadership at the University of Illinois has four concentrations available online: diversity and equity in education, global studies in education, human resource development, and learning design and leadership. Classes for the Ed.D. are delivered online using synchronous video sessions along with asynchronous elements. Each class meets once a week, and the classes are scheduled for Mondays-Thursdays in the late afternoon or evening. It is mandatory to attend the synchronous sessions. Classes typically run for eight weeks during the fall and spring semester and six weeks over the summer. Overall, the curriculum includes 64 credits, including 24 credits in the specialization and 16 credits in a cognate, plus research courses. Candidates must complete three written qualifying exams and a doctoral dissertation. For their dissertation, students relate what they have learned to a problem of professional practice.

University of St Francis

College of Education

Joliet, Illinois

CAEP accredited

Individuals who want leadership roles in education, health care, service organizations, or private companies can gain the appropriate knowledge through the Doctor of Education program that the University of St. Francis delivers online. The online Ed.D. in Educational Leadership has a concentration in leadership, learning, and stewardship. The degree requires 60 credits, including 36 credits in concentration classes covering topics such as organizational change, human resources, and ethical governance. Students also complete two experiential leadership project courses. The curriculum includes 24 credits in required core courses that cover research and the dissertation experience. Each dissertation course is lead by a faculty mentor who helps guide students through the dissertation process. Applicants must have a master's degree with a minimum GPA of 3.0.

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

Offered Online

Indiana

Baker University

School of Education

Baldwin City, Kansas

CAEP accredited

Individuals who want to increase their skills in the field of online learning and training for various settings can earn a Doctor of Education in Instructional Design and Performance Technology from Baker University. This Ed.D. is useful for people who want to lead and direct training and performance needs in organizations including schools, health care, government, and corporations. Classes for this 59-credit program are delivered online, and students can finish all the required courses and dissertation in as few as three years. The program uses a cohort model, with students moving as a group through the classes. Classes last for seven weeks each, and students spend two years on coursework. The program also requires two field experiences. The third year of the program is devoted to working on a dissertation. About 70% of students who enter this program finish it, which is much higher than the national average of 40%.

Online Doctor of Education in Instructional Design & Performance Technology

Offered Online

Kansas State University

College of Education

Manhattan, Kansas

CAEP accredited

Kansas State University has an online Doctor of Education for educators who work with K-12 students and for those who work with adult learners. The Ed.D. in Curriculum and Instruction focuses on practice and leadership for K-12 educators. The degree is offered 100% online. The curriculum includes 39 credits in the emphasis area, 15 credits in foundational knowledge, 12 credits in research courses, 12 credits for internships, 16 credits for doctoral research, and 16 credits for the dissertation. The Ed.D. in Adult Learning and Leadership prepares educators as researchers or practitioners in adult education. Through their selection of electives, students can develop a specialization in leadership, teaching and learning, community development, technology, training, or workforce development. The Ed.D. requires students to attend two residential courses, which can each be completed in a week-long format or over multiple weekends. The degree requires an internship and doctoral research project.

Doctor of Education in Curriculum and Instruction

Offered Online

Online Doctor of Education in Adult Learning and Leadership

Offered Online

Southwestern College

Professional Studies

Winfield, Kansas

CAEP accredited

Southeastern College Offers an Ed.D. in Educational Leadership with two available tracks. Educators with K-12 licensure can take a PK-12 track that adds an endorsement in building or district leadership. The second track is in higher education leadership. Classes are delivered primarily online and include synchronous and asynchronous components. Students are also required to attend two summer residencies on campus in Wichita, Kansas. The summer residencies each last for a week and are part of regular summer courses that run for eight weeks. One residency course covers research and the other covers publication writing. Experiential learning is also built into this doctorate program. Students work with a mentor in the institution or school system where they are employed to develop leadership skills and enhance the learning experience through field projects. Students can enter this program in the spring, summer, or fall semester.

Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership - Higher Education

Offered Online

Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership - PK-12

Offered Online

Kentucky

Murray State University

Department of Educational Studies, Leadership, and Counseling

Murray, Kentucky

CAEP accredited

CAEP accredited

Educators who want to gain a research-rich background to lead change can earn a Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership from the University of Kentucky. This program is delivered 100% online, but students can attend an optional doctoral student summer colloquium (or "Doc Week") in Lexington each July. This event allows online students to meet and network with faculty and students, hear speakers, and enjoy social events. There is no charge to participate in Doc Week, although students must pay any travel-related and lodging expenses. The program pathway covers four years or 11 semesters. Students start in the fall semester. In the second spring semester, they develop a dissertation topic and begin research. Students use a mixed-methods action research design and their research addresses a leadership problem of practice. The dissertation typically takes about a year to complete. Graduates are prepared for roles such as principal or administrative dean.

Online EdD in Educational Leadership

Offered Online

University of the Cumberlands

Department of Education

Williamsburg, Kentucky

CAEP accredited

The University of the Cumberlands has an accelerated Ed.D. that allows students to gain leadership skills while also enhancing their depth of knowledge in a specialty area. Classes for this degree are delivered completely online, and students can earn the degree in less than three years. The curriculum requires 60 credits in three component areas. Students must complete 24 credits in leadership core classes covering topics such as organizational decision making, program planning, and the change process. Candidates also complete 18 credits in professional research, which includes research classes and a dissertation. Students also take 18 credits in a specialty content area, so they can enhance knowledge in their specialty. Available content areas include business, criminal justice, English, health science, history, information technology, mathematics, nursing, religion/ministry, and student personnel services. Applicants must have a master's degree with a GPA of 3.5 or higher.

Online Doctorate in Educational Leadership

Offered Online

Louisiana

Grambling State University

College of Education

Grambling, Louisiana

CAEP accredited

Grambling State University's Department of Educational Leadership offers a 100% online Ed.D. in Developmental Education. Graduates are prepared for roles in traditional classrooms and in workplace settings where they can help the nontraditional learner through their skills in counseling, administration, instructional design, and management. Students who earn this Ed.D. may find roles in post-secondary education, human services, business, or government. As part of the 60-credit curriculum, students select a minor area of study, selecting from three options: curriculum and instruction design, higher education administration and management, or student development and personnel services. Each minor includes four classes for a total of 12 credits. Students also take 27 credits in development education classes, as well as classes in statistics and research methods. Students with fewer than five years of work experience in developmental education must complete an administrative internship. All candidates must pass a comprehensive exam and prepare a dissertation.

Online EdD in Developmental Education

Offered Online

Northwestern State University of Louisiana

School of Education

Natchitoches, Louisiana

University of New England

Department of Education

Biddeford, Maine

The focus of the Doctor of Education at the University of New England is transformative leadership. Students develop the skills to transform themselves, their organization, and their community through their study of development theory, social theory, and adult development. The program is for leaders who work in education, health care, nonprofits, NGOs, public agencies, or private organizations. This 51-credit program is delivered completely online. Candidates even defend their dissertations online, so they never have to go to campus. Work on the dissertation is built into the curriculum for this Ed.D. That way, students develop a dissertation proposal by the end of the second year and complete data collection during the third year. Students move through the program as a cohort and develop supportive relationships with fellow students. Small cohorts of students also progress through the dissertation stage together. Students can start the program in the fall, spring, or summer.

Online Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership

Offered Online

Maryland

Johns Hopkins University

School of Education

Baltimore, Maryland

CAEP accredited

Johns Hopkins University has three specializations for the online Doctor of Education: entrepreneurial leadership in education; urban leadership; or mind, brain, and teaching. This program prepares practicing educators to use evidence-based practices to improve educational outcomes and solve educational challenges. Students can complete the program in three years, although they may take up to five years to finish the classwork. However, they must complete the applied dissertation within seven years of starting the degree. In the applied dissertation, students examine a problem of practice or an issue that is of concern to the organization they work for. Students identify the causes, propose a solution, conduct applied research, and evaluate how effective their solution is. The degree requires between 48 and 54 credits after a master's degree. Coursework is 100% online with synchronous and asynchronous elements. Students are encouraged, but not required, to take part in three-day summer residencies.

Morgan State University

School of Education

Baltimore, Maryland

CAEP accredited

Education professionals who want senior-level roles at community colleges can prepare through the online Ed.D. in Community College Leadership that Morgan State University offers. This program is designed to address the unique situations that community college administrators and faculty members encounter. The curriculum reflects the knowledge base and competencies recommended by the American Association of Community Colleges, including advocacy, organizational strategy, resource management, and collaboration. Morgan State uses an educational leadership learning and cohort model that allows students to explore and work on issues that are relevant to community college leadership. Students work in teams to research trends and issues while seeking solutions to problems that community colleges face. Classes are delivered in five-week sessions, so students can complete three courses per traditional semester. The degree requires 60 credits, including an internship or practicum at a community college, and a dissertation. Morgan State has offered this degree since 1998.

Online Doctor of Education in Community College Leadership

Offered Online

Massachusetts

Bay Path University

School of Education

Longmeadow, Massachusetts

For Bay Path's Online Ed.D. in Higher Education Leadership & Organizational Studies, you can choose the standard 8-semester/3-year program or a 6-semester/2-year "All But Dissertation" (ABD) pathway. The 3-year program is packed with 100% online coursework, annual weekend intensives, and a great deal of group work. The curriculum leans heavily on change management & innovative practice. In addition to taking part in cohort-based signature seminars, you'll be asked to tackle three sequential research courses and an action-focused Dissertation in Practice.

EdD in Higher Education Leadership & Organizational Studies

Offered Online

Boston College

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

Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts

CAEP accredited

Andrews University

Department of Leadership

Berrien Springs, Michigan

CAEP accredited

Andrews University offers an online option for its Ed.D. in Higher Education Administration. The Ed.D. prepares experienced practitioners for high-level policy-making or administrative roles. (The university also offers a Ph.D. in Higher Education Administration for students whose goal is research or teaching.) Ed.D. students study the policies, practices, and issues faced by colleges and universities. They also develop skills in leadership and management as they prepare for roles such as college administrators, faculty members, or policymakers. One feature that sets Andrews apart from other programs is the international study tour. A recent class went to Vietnam and Indonesia. Before starting the program, all students are required to attend a weeklong summer orientation on campus in Berrien Springs, Michigan. The Ed.D. is a 60-credit program with most classes delivered online and minimal face-to-face requirements. Students complete a dissertation and must submit a research-based article to a peer-reviewed publication.

Online Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership

Offered Online

Online Doctor of Leadership (D.Lead)

Offered Online

Central Michigan University

School of Education

Mount Pleasant, Michigan

CAEP accredited

The Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership program at Central Michigan University offers two tracks. The K-12 leadership concentration is for individuals who want to serve as a principal, superintendent, or curricular leader. The higher education leadership program prepares students for roles at colleges and universities such as president, dean of students, or an administrator overseeing functions such as finance, enrollment, or alumni relations. The 63-credit hybrid program uses a cohort format, with students entering in the fall and following a set schedule through the program. Central Michigan combines online classes with two face-to-face meetings of the cohort. The online portions of the program include asynchronous elements and scheduled synchronous meetings every other Saturday. All students must complete a field-based experience with the requirements based on the student's professional experience and career goals. Students are also required to pass comprehensive exams and complete a dissertation.

Online EdD in Educational Leadership

Offered Online

Online EdD in Educational Leadership - Higher Education Leadership

CAEP accredited

Bethel University has two online options for an educational doctorate. The Ed.D. in Higher Education Leadership is designed for individuals who want roles as leaders in colleges and universities. This 61-credit program is available online, where courses start every eight weeks. Classes include topics such as organizational leadership in higher education, leading in a complex and pluralistic society, strategic leadership, and institutional assessment. Students are required to attend a week of on-campus intensives each year. The online Ed.D. in K-12 Administration prepares educators for licensure as a principal, superintendent, or special education director. This is also a 61-credit program that requires a yearly intensive at the campus in St. Paul, Minnesota. Courses include operations and personnel administration, resource management, legal issues in school administration, and an internship for principals or superintendents. Students can complete the coursework for either degree in three years, and then complete their dissertation.

Online Doctor of Education in Higher Education Leadership

Offered Online

Online Doctor of Education in K-12 Administration

Offered Online

Capella University

School of Education

Minneapolis, Minnesota

CAEP accredited

School of Teaching & Learning

Moorhead, Minnesota

CAEP accredited

Educators who want to advance their careers in educational leadership at either the P-12 level or in higher education can prepare by earning a Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership from Minnesota State University Moorhead. All the classes for this degree are delivered online, and students must attend two summer residencies. Each residency lasts for one week, and students take part in residencies in the first and second summers they are in the program. The online degree requires eight consecutive semesters to complete. Students take two eight-week courses per semester, and the program uses an interactive online format. Students move through the program as part of a cohort, enabling them to develop a strong network. Clinical assignments allow students to put theory into practice and conduct action research that informs their dissertation. Cohorts typically include mid-career and advanced professionals to ensure a variety of viewpoints are represented.

Online Ed.D. Educational Leadership

Offered Online

Saint Cloud State University

College of Education

Saint Cloud, Minnesota

CAEP accredited

St. Cloud State University offers an Ed.D. in Higher Education Administration that students can complete 100% online. Classes are generally asynchronous, so students can access them on their own schedule, and coursework is delivered in 8-week and 16-week sessions. The curriculum for this program requires 72 credits, but students may be able to apply up to 12 master's degree credits. Students can complete the program in four years. All candidates are required to complete a dissertation. As an option, Ed.D. students can apply to attend the annual study-abroad program in Italy that the Department of Educational Leadership and Higher Education offers. In this program, participants study at the University of Macerata. Students can also attend the Higher Education Administration Spring Leadership Institute, an annual conference examining research in the field of higher education. Students enter this Ed.D. program in the fall semester.

Online EdD in Higher Education Administration

Offered Online

Saint Mary's University of Minnesota

Graduate School of Education

Winona, Minnesota

Students in the online Doctor of Education in Leadership program at Saint Mary's University of Minnesota combine online classes with summer residencies in the Twin Cities. Students are required to attend three residencies, which each last for five days. Online classes have both synchronous and asynchronous elements. The degree requires students to earn 61 credits. Students can complete the required coursework in less than three years, attending classes in the fall, spring, and summer semesters. After that, they take a comprehensive exam and move on to the dissertation. Some students can complete all the requirements in four years, and they may take a maximum of eight years from starting the program. Online students begin coursework in May and attend their first residency in July. In addition to educators, this program is appropriate for individuals who work in health care, government, nonprofits, and business.

Blended Format Education Doctoral Degree in Leadership

Offered Online

University of St. Thomas

College of Education, Leadership and Counseling

Saint Paul, Minnesota

CAEP accredited

The Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership and Learning at the University of St. Thomas prepares educators for leadership roles in a variety of settings, such as principal, central office, higher education, student affairs, and adult education. Available concentrations include PK-12 administration, higher education administration, music education, leadership in student affairs, and adult learning. Classes are delivered online in the fall and spring semesters, and students are required to attend a two-week summer residency in St. Paul, Minnesota, each year they are in the program. The 66-credit program is designed so that students can earn their degrees in four years. While students often begin the program with a summer residency, they may enter the program earlier and take a concentration class. During their third and fourth years in the program, candidates work on a dissertation.

Walden University

Riley College of Education & Leadership

Minneapolis, Minnesota

CAEP accredited

CAEP accredited

Students earning a Doctor of Education from Winona State University select from six available emphasis areas: curriculum and instruction, higher education, technology education, special education, indigenous studies, or organizational administration. This is an accelerated online program that prepares practitioner-scholars to address problems of practice and improve education outcomes. Classes are delivered online in a mostly asynchronous format, although classes may have synchronous elements. Students are also required to attend two summer residencies in Winona, Minnesota. Students can complete the degree in six consecutive terms, starting in the summer semester. The second year of the program is devoted to completing an action research project that leads to a dissertation. Applicants must have a master's degree with a GPA of 3.5 or higher. Individuals whose master's degree is not in an education field may apply, but they may be required to take leveling classes before starting Ed.D. courses.

Mississippi

University of Southern Mississippi

Department of Educational Research and Administration

Hattiesburg, Mississippi

CAEP accredited

Educators interested in administrative careers can select from two fully online programs at the University of Southern Mississippi. The Ed.D. in Educational Administration prepares educators to lead P-12 schools and districts. The program meets Mississippi's P-12 administrator licensure standards. Students must have a mentor, either a principal or assistant principal, to supervise the student's practicum and evaluate performance. Candidates for this degree complete a field-based capstone project instead of a dissertation. The educational administration doctorate requires 54 credits. Southern Miss also has a part-time, fully-online Ed.D. in Higher Education Administration. Candidates are required to complete an action-oriented research capstone project in which they identify, investigate, and provide solutions to a problem in higher education. This is also a 54-credit degree, including 12 credits in electives. Applicants must have at least three years of experience in higher education administration, although their previous degrees do not have to be in higher education.

Online EdD in Educational Administration - P-12

Offered Online

Online Doctor of Education in Healthcare Education and Leadership - Part Time

Offered Online

College of Saint Mary

Department of Education

Omaha, Nebraska

The Ed.D. in Educational Leadership at The College of Saint Mary is designed for professionals in education, health care, business, and leadership who want to teach in higher education, take a leadership role, or develop curriculum. The program uses a cohort format where the same group of up to 18 students progresses through the required classes together. Most classes last for 8 weeks. The program includes classes designed to help students prepare their research proposal and dissertation, including three classes that focus on writing the first three chapters of the dissertation. The degree requires 87 credits, but students may transfer up to 36 credits from a master's degree. While classes are offered online, students interact with professors and classmates virtually. Students also attend a virtual orientation before they begin classes. Students can complete the program in three years.

Online Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership

Offered Online

Creighton University

Department of Interdisciplinary Studies

Omaha, Nebraska

CAEP accredited

The Ed.D. in Interdisciplinary Leadership at Creighton University is designed for individuals who want to lead change in their communities and workplaces. Graduates are prepared for careers such as school administrator, chief executive, and other leadership posts. This is an online program with two required residencies at the Creighton campus in Omaha, Nebraska. The first residency serves as an orientation when students meet the faculty and other members of their cohort. The second residency is for the defense of the student's dissertation. The program requires 60 credits, and online classes last for eight weeks each. Students take one class at a time. Research for the dissertation is evidence based and can address challenges students have encountered in their industry or workplace. Students can complete the Ed.D. from Creighton in three to four years. Students may enter the program at the start of the fall or spring semester.

Doctorate of Education in Interdisciplinary Leadership

Offered Online

Nebraska Methodist College of Nursing & Allied Health

Healthcare Management Department

Omaha, Nebraska

Nebraska Methodist College offers an Ed.D. in Education and Leadership in Healthcare that is designed for individuals who want to serve in leadership roles in health care organizations or academia. Full-time students can complete the degree in two years, and the college also has a three-year plan of study. This program doesn't require a dissertation. Instead, students complete a capstone practice project where they apply what they have learned to a real-world problem. Classes are delivered online, and students are required to attend two three-day learning intensives. The intensives are held in the summer at the Nebraska Methodist campus in Omaha, Nebraska. The 44-credit curriculum includes courses in leadership, organizational change, information technology, and teaching methods. Applicants must have a master's degree, and the college prefers applicants with a health care degree. Students can start the program in the fall or spring semester.

EdD in Education & Leadership in Healthcare

Offered Online

University of Nebraska-Lincoln

Department of Educational Administration

Lincoln, Nebraska

CAEP accredited

Students who enter the Ed.D. in Educational Leadership and Higher Education program at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln can choose from three concentrations. The choices are educational leadership, higher education administration, or community college leadership. Online courses follow the university's schedule for regular semesters and summer sessions. Ed.D. students must come to Lincoln to present their dissertation proposal and to defend their dissertation. They can also take research residency seminars over the summer that combine on-campus time with online content. This degree requires 96 graduate credits past the bachelor's degree. For students with a master's degree, that means about 60 credits. Students take 12 credits in core courses covering educational leadership and higher education, 12 credits in the concentration, 12 to 15 electives based on the student's career goals, and 12 research credits. Ed.D. candidates complete a dissertation that focuses on a problem of practice.

CAEP accredited

The College of Saint Elizabeth uses an unusual delivery model for its Ed.D. in Higher Education Leadership. Designed to provide students with maximum flexibility, the Ed Choice delivery model allows students to choose to attend class online or in person and the ability to switch from one mode to another weekly. One thing that facilitates flexibility is the fact that the same professor teaches the class, whether it is presented online or in the campus classroom. The Ed.D. is a 50-credit program that students complete over three years. In the first year, students take classes covering ethical and moral leadership, policymaking, strategic planning, and issues in higher education. The second year covers enrollment management, diverse learners, student affairs, and resource allocation. Students also take classes in research and scholarly writing in preparation for work on their dissertation. The final semesters are dedicated to the dissertation.

EdD in Educational Leadership - Higher Education

Offered Online

EdD in Educational Leadership - PreK to 12th Grade

Offered Online

Saint Peter's University

Caulfield School of Education

Jersey City, New Jersey

CAEP accredited

The Ed.D. in Educational Leadership with a concentration in higher education at Saint Peter's University is designed for mid-career professionals. It prepares students for leadership roles in academics, administration, student life, and other areas of higher education. This online program requires students to complete 48 credits, including a dissertation. Students begin to prepare for the dissertation project at the start of the program, and they can adapt the subject to their professional interests. The program uses a semester format, and students can complete the coursework for the degree in about two and a half years. The intention is for students to complete and defend their dissertation in the following year. Saint Peter's uses a cohort format for this program, allowing a group of students to develop a supportive network. Faculty for this program include staff from the School of Education and adjunct professors who are experienced practitioners.

Online EdD in Higher Education

Offered Online

Offered Online

North Carolina

Appalachian State University

Reich College of Education

Boone, North Carolina

CAEP accredited

Appalachian State University's online Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership allows students to select from six concentrations: educational administration, expressive arts and inquiry leadership, higher education administration, instructional technology and leadership, interdisciplinary studies, and literacy in exceptionalities. The program uses a cohort structure, and Appalachian State selects cohort members from diverse educational settings. Online cohorts start in the fall semester. The Ed.D. requires at least 60 credit hours, with 33 credits in core classes, 15 to 18 credits in electives for the concentration, 3 to 6 credits in an internship, and 6 to 9 credits in the dissertation. Students with an Ed.S. may waive up to 30 credits. The online program includes both synchronous and asynchronous classes. Additionally, online students must attend a two-and-a-half-day summer residency that functions as a mandatory orientation and another day and a half in the winter as a mandatory networking summit.

University of North Carolina at Greensboro

Department of Kinesiology

Greensboro, North Carolina

CAEP accredited

The only online Ed.D. in Kinesiology in the U.S. is through the University of North Carolina Greensboro. This four-year program is designed for practicing professionals who have at least three years of full-time professional experience in the field of kinesiology. The doctorate focuses on scholarship, leadership, advocacy, and teaching. The program requires 54 credits, including 42 credits in coursework and 12 in the dissertation. In addition to online coursework, the program requires students to visit the campus three times. The first visit is a three-day orientation program in June before students begin classwork in the fall semester. The second on-campus visit occurs in May of the third year when students present their dissertation proposals, and the final visit occurs a year later for dissertation defense. UNC Greensboro has offered an Ed.D. in Kinesiology since 1966, and more than half of the department's faculty are involved with the Ed.D. program.

Online EdD in Kinesiology

Offered Online

North Dakota

North Dakota State University-Main Campus

School of Education

Fargo, North Dakota

CAEP accredited

North Dakota State University offers an Ed.D. in Education with three available emphasis areas: adult and community education, institutional effectiveness, and organizational learning and leadership. Students in two of those emphasis areas can further specialize by selecting a concentration area. Students in the occupational and adult ed program can concentrate on adult and community education, career and occupational education, or instructional technology. Those in the institutional analysis option can concentrate in the analysis of adult and post-secondary institutions or in the assessment of K-12 curriculum in public and private schools. The Ed.D. uses an interactive video network to make the program distance-accessible. Video-conferencing classes meet in the evenings. Classes that require face-to-face meetings on campus typically meet during the weekend. Students can transfer up to 30 credits from a master's degree toward the Ed.D., which requires 90 credits. All candidates must complete a dissertation.

Online Doctor of Education in Adult and Community Education

Offered Online

Online Doctor of Education in Institutional Effectiveness

Offered Online

Online Doctor of Education in Organizational Learning and Leadership

Offered Online

University of North Dakota

Department of Teaching and Learning

Grand Forks, North Dakota

CAEP accredited

The Doctor of Education in Educational Practice and Leadership at the University of North Dakota has five specialized tracks. The higher education track prepares administrators and professionals for leadership roles in colleges. The school leadership track prepares educators for school administration positions. The special education track helps practitioners to become educational diagnosticians. The teacher education track prepares college professors of education to teach in P-12 schools. The instructional design and technology track gives practitioners an understanding of how to integrate technology, curriculum design, and human learning. Students can complete this online Ed.D. in three years while working full time. There is no requirement to come to campus. Students use their workplace as a laboratory during coursework and for the required dissertation in practice. All candidates complete three classes in core coursework, three courses in scholarly tools, and specialization classes. Students may enter the program in the fall or spring.

Ohio

Franklin University

School of Education

Columbus, Ohio

The online Doctor of Education in Organizational Leadership offered by Franklin University allows students to focus on PK-12 educational leadership, higher education leadership, or organizational leadership. This 58-credit program includes 16 credits in the research core, 16 credits in the leadership core, 8 credits in the focus area, 8 credits in electives, and a 10-credit dissertation in practice. The program devotes four classes to the dissertation in practice, offering guidance to students as they complete the project prospectus, determine their methodology, collect data, write, revise, and defend the dissertation. Students are also required to pass a comprehensive exam. Franklin's program is designed so that students can earn the Ed.D. in three years, and online students can enter the program in August, January, or April. Classes are offered 100% online.

Online Doctor of Education in Organizational Leadership - Higher Education Leadership

Offered Online

Online Doctor of Education in Organizational Leadership - Organizational Leadership Focus

University of Dayton

School of Education and Health Sciences

Dayton, Ohio

CAEP accredited

The University of Dayton's Ed.D. in Leadership for Organizations is designed for professionals who lead mission-driven organizations. It's appropriate for leaders in schools and education systems, nonprofits, health care systems, and government agencies. Online classes are delivered with live-streaming features. Twice during the program, at the end of the first and third years, students come to Dayton for on-campus immersion sessions. Overall, the curriculum includes 60 credits, and students can complete the degree in three years. One focus of this program is a dissertation in practice, which students work on throughout their three years in class. The dissertation requires students to complete an action research study, and they can select a topic that is relevant to their current organization and implement possible solutions to study at work. Students join a research affinity group to help their classmates clarify ideas while working on the dissertation.

Doctor of Education in Leadership for Organizations

Offered Online

Oregon

Oregon State University

College of Education

Corvallis, Oregon

CAEP accredited

Educators preparing for leadership roles in higher education can choose from two options in Oregon State University's Ed.D. in Adult and Higher Education. The career options are community college leadership and leadership in higher education. Classes in the first two years of this program are hybrid and combine online classwork with two face-to-face meetings per term. In-person meetings occur in downtown Portland on a Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. Summer classes are completely online. Cohorts take one practical course and one theory course per term. This is a 114-credit program, although students may be able to transfer up to 36 credits from a master's degree. Classes cover topics such as organizational theory, ethical practice, legal issues in higher education, and educational finance. All students are required to complete a practice-focused internship. Candidates also must complete a dissertation in which they research a problem or issue related to higher education.

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

Offered Online

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

Offered Online

Pennsylvania

California University of Pennsylvania

Department of Secondary Education and Administrative Leadership

California, Pennsylvania

CAEP accredited

School of Education

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

CAEP accredited

CAEP accredited

The Ed.D. in Educational Leadership at Millersville University is designed for individuals who are rising to leadership levels at the school district or state level in Pennsylvania. The program is a partnership between Millersville University and Shippensburg University. By partnering, the universities can take advantage of Shippenburg's program for school superintendent eligibility and Millersville's expertise in online learning environments. Applicants to this program must have a master's in education and have a role that requires a certificate in supervision or administration. Program content focuses on how poverty affects student achievement and how technology can be used for more effective learning strategies. This is a part-time program with a cohort model. Each cohort has 14 to 16 students. The program uses a combination of blended, online, hybrid, and residency-based classes. In-person classes meet in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. Residency classes require students to perform work in their school district.

Online Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership

Offered Online

Point Park University

School of Education

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Working professionals can earn an Ed.D. in Leadership and Administration in three years of online coursework at Point Park University. Three concentrations are available: professional leadership, superintendent's letter of eligibility, and K-12 administration with principal certification. Graduates are prepared to serve as organizational or instructional leaders in sectors such as education, nonprofits, or business and industry. The program emphasizes six performance domains: authenticity, culture, vision, quality, systems and service, and communication. This 54-credit degree program uses a cohort format. Students complete 18 credits in the concentration during the first year, and 18 credits in theory and research in the second year. During the program's final year, candidates complete 18 credits for their dissertation. Students enter the program in the fall semester and take two courses per semester to earn a degree in three years.

Online Doctor of Education in Leadership and Administration

Offered Online

Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania

College of Education

Slippery Rock, Pennsylvania

CAEP accredited

Educators interested in higher education leadership or special education can earn a relevant online Ed.D. from Slippery Rock University. The Ed.D. in Special Education is for educators and human service agency workers who want to prepare for leadership positions in schools, NGOs, or government agencies that serve children or adults with disabilities. This 60-credit degree uses online courses with synchronous and asynchronous components in the fall, spring, and winter. The curriculum includes content and leadership core, special education core, research core, and dissertation. During summers, students attend weekend face-to-face classes. Cohorts enter the program in the spring semester, and students can complete the degree in three years. Slippery Rock's Ed.D. in Educational Leadership and Administration is aimed at individuals who want to serve in leadership roles in higher education. The three-year, 60-credit program is 100% online, with optional in-person dissertation seminars. Students enter the program in the fall semester.

Online Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership and Administration

Offered Online

Online Doctor of Education in Special Education

Offered Online

Wilkes University

School of Education

Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania

Wilkes University's low-residency Doctor of Education is for individuals who want to advance their career with an administrative or leadership role. Students can earn an Ed.D. in Educational Leadership with a concentration in educational technology, educational leadership studies, or curriculum and instruction. Another option is the Ed.D. in K-12 Administration with a Pennsylvania Superintendent's Letter of Eligibility. Most coursework for this program is presented online, although students must attend three residencies of their choice while enrolled in the program. The U.S. residencies take place in Wilkes-Barre in August each year. The program also schedules international residencies. To earn the degree, students must complete 60 post-master's credits. The curriculum includes 9 credits in the leadership core, 30 credits in the content area, 12 credits in research courses, and 9 credits for the dissertation. Candidates can complete the coursework in three or four years before they begin work on their dissertation.

Rhode Island

Johnson & Wales University

College of Education

Providence, Rhode Island

The hybrid Ed.D. in Educational Leadership offered by Johnson and Wales University has two tracks: elementary-secondary education and higher education. The program uses a cohort model that allows students to develop a supportive network of peers and results in focused discussion. The hybrid format uses a mix of online delivery of coursework and an every-other-weekend schedule of meetings in Providence, Rhode Island, on Friday evenings and Saturdays. Students are on campus about eight times per semester. The degree requires 60 credits, including 48 credits in coursework and 12 credits for dissertation work. Candidates must pass a comprehensive assessment and take part in a field research project that focuses on a practical problem or issue. The action research project can be done individually or as a group project. Students may draw upon problems from their workplace for the field research project, which forms the basis of their dissertation.

EdD in Educational Leadership - Elementary/Secondary Education

Offered Online

EdD in Educational Leadership - Higher Education

Offered Online

Offered Online

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

Offered Online

Online Doctor of Education in Educational Practice and Innovation - Learning Design and Technologies

Offered Online

Online Doctor of Education in Educational Practice and Innovation - STEM Education

Offered Online

Tennessee

Carson-Newman University

Adult and Graduate Studies

Jefferson City, Tennessee

CAEP accredited

Educational doctorate students at Carson-Newman University can choose from two concentrations for the Ed.D. in Educational Leadership. The concentration in curriculum and instruction leadership is designed for practicing teachers, lead teachers, instructional coaches, and others interested in curriculum development or assessment. The administration leadership concentration is for individuals who are or aspire to be administrators, supervisors, or hold other leadership positions in the educational system. Each program includes 12 credits in core classes, 24 credits in the concentration (including six credits in a cognate area), 9 credits in research core, and 12 credits for the dissertation. Both programs are delivered in a 100% online format, and students can complete the degree in as few as three years. The program is structured for working educators. During the spring and fall terms, students can complete one three-credit course every eight weeks. During the summer, students can complete up to four courses.

Online Ed.D. in Administrative Leadership

Offered Online

Online Ed.D. in Curriculum and Instruction Leadership

Offered Online

East Tennessee State University

College of Education

Johnson City, Tennessee

CAEP accredited

East Tennessee State University has three options for an Ed.D. from the Department of Educational Leadership and Policy Analysis. Those seeking Tennessee licensure as a beginning administrator can choose the administrative endorsement concentration, which requires a teaching certificate and three years of teaching experience. The school leadership concentration is for educators who have an administrative license and want to work in a public school system central office or enhance their leadership skills. The third concentration is higher education leadership. All students move through the program with an online cohort. The Ed.D. program requires 66 credits beyond the master's degree. The credit distribution includes 18 credits in core classes, 15 credits in the concentration, 15 credits in additional requirements, 6 credits in a cognate, and 12 credits for the dissertation. Online classes use an asynchronous format, and students must attend an online orientation in the first semester.

Doctorate of Education in Global Sport Leadership

Offered Online

Online Doctor of Education in Administrator Endorsement

EdD in P-12 School Administration: Instructional Leadership

Offered Online

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

Offered Online

University of Memphis

Department of Leadership

Memphis, Tennessee

CAEP accredited

The University of Memphis has three online Ed.D. programs. The Ed.D in Instruction and Curriculum Leadership with a concentration in instructional design and technology is delivered completely online. This 54-credit program prepares graduates to research how instructional design and technology affects learning. Students can tailor the required projects and experiences to mesh with their professional goals. This program is delivered in a cohort format with the course schedule available well in advance. Some semesters require students to take three courses, but in that case, one class lasts for 14 weeks and the others are 7-week classes so students never take more than two courses at a time. The other online options result in a Doctor of Education in Higher and Adult Education with a concentration in adult education or higher education. The adult education concentration is for individuals who want leadership positions in health services, business, nonprofits, or community organizations.

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

Offered Online

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

Offered Online

Online Doctorate of Education in Instruction and Curriculum Leadership - Instructional Design and Technology

Offered Online

Vanderbilt University

Peabody College of Education

Nashville, Tennessee

CAEP accredited

Vanderbilt University's online Doctor of Education in Leadership and Learning in Organizations is for individuals who hold or aspire to a leadership position. The goal is to create results-oriented, effective leaders who understand how to bring about systemic change. Throughout this program, students focus on three key areas: leadership and organizational development, data analytics, and learning and design. Faculty from the Peabody College of Education and Human Development deliver online classes in a live format. Students also participate in group discussions and guided learning. During the program, students must come to Nashville three times for on-campus convenings, where they collaborate with other students on projects and problem-solving. For their capstone, students use data to identify an organizational issue, test a solution, and recommend ways to make improvements. This degree requires 54 credits beyond the master's level, and students can complete the requirements in three or four years.

Online EdD in Leadership and Learning Organizations

Offered Online

Texas

Abilene Christian University

School of Education Leadership

Abilene, Texas

College of Education and Human Development

Beaumont, Texas

CAEP accredited

Lamar University's Ed.D. in Educational Leadership has a concentration in global educational leadership. The program prepares educational leaders to be change agents on the local, national, or international level to improve the lives of learners. The degree requires 60 credits. The program is designed to fit into the life of working education professionals. All classes are delivered online, and students never have to travel for the program. Students enter the program in the summer semester, and they can complete the degree in eight semesters. However, candidates have up to 10 years from the start of the program to complete the defense of their dissertation. Faculty from Lamar University's College of Education and Human Development lead the classes for this degree. Lamar reports the average time to earn the degree has been about 2.75 years for the last three graduating classes, and 100% of students graduated within 10 years.

Online Doctorate of Education in Educational Leadership

Offered Online

Sam Houston State University

School of Education

Huntsville, Texas

CAEP accredited

College of Education

Lubbock, Texas

CAEP accredited

Texas Tech University has three options for an online Ed.D. The Doctorate of Education in Educational Leadership is designed for PK-12 educators who want to solve problems of practice in a school or district context. Students must have a professional position in a PK-12 school district that allows them to implement small-scale change so they can complete action research. This 60-credit program combines online courses with several weeklong summer intensives and fall and spring Doctoral Colloquia weekend events. Candidates must complete a problem of practice dissertation. Texas Tech also has an Ed.D. in Higher Education Administration with two areas of emphasis: community college administration or higher education/college/university administration. For this program, classes are online, but students come to campus in Lubbock, Texas, for orientation and three summer professional development sessions. This is a 60-credit program that students can complete in three years, including the problem in practice dissertation.

Online Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership

Virginia

College of William and Mary

Department of Educational Policy, Planning and Leadership

Williamsburg, Virginia

CAEP accredited

CAEP accredited

CAEP accredited

Professional educators can qualify for licensure as a school superintendent in Virginia by completing the Doctor of Education program at Radford University. This 63-credit program is designed so that students can earn their degree in three years of part-time study. The program is delivered completely online and uses seven-week courses so that students can concentrate on one topic at a time and complete two courses per semester. The curriculum is practice-focused, and students complete field experiences and research that centers on solving problems of practice in schools. Courses cover topics such as educational foundations, educational leadership, and applied research. This is a new program, with the first cohort of students entering in January 2020.

Online Doctor of Education

Offered Online

Regent University

School of Education

Virginia Beach, Virginia

CAEP accredited

CAEP accredited

The University of Virginia offers a personalized course of study for its Ed.D. in Curriculum and Instruction. Students base their study on their professional knowledge and research interests. Candidates take 18 credits in the curriculum and instruction core, 18 credits in the research methods sequence, 6 credits in electives, and 12 credits in an area of emphasis. Available emphasis areas include curriculum and instruction, instructional technology, gifted students, English as a second language, or educational innovation. Students are also required to complete an internship with 200 clock hours of work in a relevant professional setting. Instead of a dissertation, UVA requires Ed.D. students to complete a capstone research project where they identify a problem and investigate ways to address the issue. This online degree is available in a full-time or part-time format. Full-time students can complete the degree in three years. Part-time students may take up to seven years.

EdD in Curriculum and Instruction

Offered Online

Virginia Commonwealth University

School of Education

Richmond, Virginia

CAEP accredited

Instead of specialization tracks, the Ed.D. in Leadership program at Virginia Commonwealth University organizes students into learning communities. Applicants must indicate if they want to be in the general leadership community or the higher education leadership community. Both groups take the same courses, but instructors may use different cases and examples based on the community. VCU requires a minimum number of students to create a learning community. This 36-month program is delivered online. However, students must attend two in-person meetings on Saturdays in the summer. The 48-credit program uses a cohort model with cohorts entering the program in the summer semester. During the final year, students work on a collaborative group capstone study that requires them to develop a project for a client, collect data and interpret it, and develop recommendations for the client. They also present and defend a scholarly document.

Online Doctor of Education in Leadership

Offered Online

Online Doctor of Education in Leadership - General Leadership

Offered Online

Online Doctor of Education in Leadership - Higher Education Leadership

Offered Online

Virginia Tech

School of Education

Blacksburg, Virginia

CAEP accredited

The Ed.D. in Integrative STEM Education at Virginia Tech is designed for individuals who hold a master's degree in education or a STEM field. Program content looks at how STEM disciplines are interconnected and how educators can help students to transfer skills and knowledge among the subjects to solve real-world problems. Program graduates are prepared for a career in educational research, postsecondary education, teacher education, or educational leadership. Virginia Tech notes the program has a 100% postsecondary placement rate for Ed.D. graduates. Online classes for this degree use a format of synchronous meetings, and students are required to complete a two-semester residency at Virginia Tech. The curriculum includes 15 credits in the STEM education core, education electives, research courses, and a dissertation. Students may apply their master's coursework toward the 90 total credits required for this Ed.D.

EdD in Curriculum and Instruction - Integrative STEM Education

Offered Online

Washington

City University of Seattle

School of Applied Leadership

Seattle, Washington

University of Wisconsin-La Crosse

Professional Studies in Education

La Crosse, Wisconsin

The Ed.D. in Student Affairs Administration and Leadership at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse has a focus on systemic inequities and social justice in higher education. This 54-credit program has no residency requirements, and classes are presented in an asynchronous format. Students move through the program in three years as part of a cohort of 12 to 15 candidates. Work on the dissertation is embedded in the program, including a dissertation planning course and research methods classes. Candidates can attend an optional writer's retreat. Another unusual feature of this Ed.D. is the university's cooperative offerings with other Ed.D. programs in the University of Wisconsin system. Through this partnership, students can take specialized elective classes in first nations, educational leadership, or sustainability education. The program begins in the summer, and students take two courses per term - fall, summer, and spring - and complete their degree in the third spring.

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

Offered Online

University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point

School of Education

Stevens Point, Wisconsin

The University of Wisconsin Stevens Point offers an Ed.D. in Educational Sustainability that prepares students for leadership positions in business, community, nonprofits, K-12 schools, and higher education. The curriculum explores sustainability from several angles, such as ethical action, systems thinking, and transformative learning. Students take five elective classes so they can tailor the program to their interests. Classes are delivered 100% online, but students are required to attend a four-day residency each summer they are in the program. The first residency is an orientation, and the others serve as a symposium. This is a 54-credit degree, and cohorts move through the program in three years. Requirements include an applied residency project, where students complete field-based applied research, and a dissertation. Cohorts enter the program in the summer with a June orientation. Applicants must have a master's degree, but it doesn't need to be in the field of education.

Ed.D. in Educational Sustainability

Offered Online

Wyoming

University of Wyoming

College of Education

Laramie, Wyoming

CAEP accredited

The University of Wyoming has four Doctor of Education degrees that are delivered primarily online or are otherwise distance-accessible. The Ed.D. in Learning, Design, and Technology is delivered online and requires a one-day orientation in Laramie, Wyoming, the first fall semester. This is an 81-credit degree that trains students to use advanced research methods to design solutions to workplace challenges. The Ed.D. in Curriculum and Instruction includes classes that may be delivered online, through video or audio conferencing, or intensive weekends. Students may enter the program in any semester. The Ed.D. in Higher Education Administration is offered online with a required one-day on-campus orientation. The degree requires 75 to 77 credits, and students may start in the fall or spring semester. The Ed.D. in Educational Leadership prepares students for leadership roles. Students must follow a specific course map, including an internship, to become eligible for a superintendent endorsement in Wyoming.

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

Featured Schools

How to Choose the Best Online Ed.D. Program

Ranking Methodology

A Note About COVID-19

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

23 Lehigh University

Curriculum

Admissions

Is This Online Ed.D. Right for You?

22 The College of William & Mary

Curriculum

Admissions

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21 Boise State University

Curriculum

Admissions

Is This Online Ed.D. Right for You?

20 University of Arkansas

Curriculum

Educational Leadership

Human Resource and Workforce Development

Adult and Lifelong Learning

Admissions

Is This Online Ed.D. Right for You?

19 University of Nebraska Lincoln

Curriculum

Educational Studies

Educational Administration

Admissions

Is This Online Ed.D. Right for You?

18 Fordham University

Curriculum

Admissions

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17 University of Kentucky

Curriculum

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16 Virginia Commonwealth University

Curriculum

Admissions

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15 University of Arizona

Curriculum

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14 Texas A&M University-College Station

Curriculum

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13 Boston University

Curriculum

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12 University of Florida

Curriculum

Curriculum & Instruction

Educational Technology

Special Education

Admissions

Is This Online Ed.D. Right for You?

11 Florida State University

Curriculum

Admissions

Is This Online Ed.D. Right for You?

10 Boston College

Curriculum

Admissions

Is This Online Ed.D. Right for You?

9 University of Virginia-Main Campus

Curriculum

Admissions

Is This Online Ed.D. Right for You?

8 Arizona State University

Curriculum

Admissions

Is This Online Ed.D. Right for You?

7 University of Georgia

Curriculum