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

22 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 applicable to any administrator in the PK-20 range ? UK may be right up your alley. The Department of Educational Leadership Studies in 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 Ed.D. curriculum includes 42 credits of coursework plus at least 4 credit hours for a mixed-methods action research (MMAR) dissertation. You’ll be expected to tackle 18 hours of a leadership core (e.g. Leadership for Organizational Learning, Leadership in Educational Organizations, etc.), 15 hours of a research method core, 3 hours of a writing core, and 6 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.

Is This Online Ed.D. Right for You?

PK-20 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 can start at 5:30 p.m. EST during the week and 9 a.m. EST on Saturdays.

Candidates 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. If your native language is not English, a TOEFL or IELTS score may be required.

21 University of Arkansas

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

CAEP Accreditation: Yes
Carnegie Project on the Education Doctorate (CPED) Member: No
Credits: 42 for Educational Leadership; 96 for other options (~33-42 master’s credits + ~54-63 doctoral credits at U of A)
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 educational arenas—the Arkansas Leadership Academy is just one example of its expertise. Here 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 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 occasional campus sessions.

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 these online doctorates are not for newbies. And GRE scores are required for all of U of A’s online doctorates.

• Applicants to the Educational Leadership program must have an Ed.S. or the equivalent (e.g. district-level certification) and a valid teaching license.
• Applicants to the HR and Workforce Development program must have a master’s degree and previous work experience.
• 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.

20 The College of William & Mary

• Online Executive Ed.D. 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 Ed.D. 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 this option, 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 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. Executive Leadership in Organizations) 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.

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 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. GRE or MAT scores are usually required (but waived due to COVID-19). See the section on International Applicants if you’re applying from abroad.

19 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 in Practice (DiP) that addresses a challenge in your school or district.

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 two immersions on the Westchester campus.

Fordham is a private school, so per credit tuition prices are correspondingly high. In addition, the university wants to see candidates who hold a master’s degree with a 3.5 GPA at the graduate level and have at least 3 years of appropriate leadership experience in a PK–12 educational institution. Unfortunately, online Ed.D. students are not eligible for GSE-based scholarships.

18 University of Nebraska Lincoln

• Online Ed.D. in Educational Administration – P-20 Education

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 at UNL)
Length: 3-5 years
On-Campus Components: Week-long summer academies; dissertation proposal & defense

UNL’s doctorates are offered by its gung-ho Department of Educational Administration (EDAD). The Online Ed.D. in Educational Administration – P-20 Education is technically hybrid, but we felt the campus elements were achievable for educational leaders with summer vacations (see the FAQs). To get a sense of faculty credentials, check out the EDAD’s latest research initiatives & outreach programs.

Curriculum

The Online Ed.D. in Educational Administration – P-20 Education has 3 different concentrations:

• P-12 System Level School Leadership with the option to add a superintendent endorsement
• Higher Education Administration
• Community Colleges

Coursework includes credits in system-level school improvement, research methods, data for decision making, and electives. All students complete a Dissertation in Practice. Superintendency candidates also tackle a field-based internship in Nebraska.

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.

Educational Administration candidates should have a master’s degree—see the program page for other prerequisites. The GRE is not required.

17 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. See the Ed.D. Program Handbook for more details.

Is This Online Ed.D. Right for You?

Technology 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.

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. The GRE is not required, but you’re welcome to submit scores.

16 Virginia Commonwealth University

• Online Ed.D. in Leadership: General Leadership
• Online Ed.D. in Leadership: Higher Education Leadership

CAEP Accreditation: Yes
Carnegie Project on the Education Doctorate (CPED) Member: Yes
Credits: 48
Length: 3 years
On-Campus Components: Online with 2-3 Saturday Classes in Summer OR On-Campus

VCU offers its cohort-based Ed.D. in Leadership in an online or face-to-face format. As an online student, you’ll take courses through Blackboard and only have to attend face-to-face classes on Saturday sessions in the summer term (3 in the first year; 2 in the second). When you apply, you’ll select a learning community in either General Leadership or Higher Education Leadership. VCU will then tailor the coursework & case studies to suit your cohort’s needs.

Curriculum

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

Is This Online Ed.D. Right for You?

If you enjoy studying & working with others, then VCU’s online Ed.D. may be just the ticket. This is one of the few doctorates to include a group-based capstone. VCU’s well-respected—and highly ranked—School of Education also offers research collaboration opportunities with faculty and work with local partnerships (e.g. Metropolitan Educational Research Consortium). Plus it runs a number of research centers in PK-12 arenas (e.g. STEM, teacher leadership, minority education, etc.).

Ed.D. applicants should have a master’s degree and either satisfactory GRE/MAT scores or a writing sample. A personal interview may be requested.

15 Boston University

• 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.

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.

BU wants to see Ed.D. candidates who hold a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree at the time of application. GRE and MAT scores are not required.

14 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.
• The second year involves credits in research tools & policy, with courses in policy studies, public policy in higher education, and the like.
• 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.).

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.

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. 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.

13 University of Arizona

• Online Ed.D. in Educational Leadership

CAEP Accreditation: No
Carnegie Project on the Education Doctorate (CPED) Member: No
Credits: 60
Length: 3 years
On-Campus Components: 100% online (check with program coordinator)

UA’s Online Ed.D. in Educational Leadership is a practical, part-time program with a focus on social justice. Aspiring educational leaders will be prepped to serve vulnerable students, families, and communities. This doctorate looks to be 100% online, with no residency requirements, but it’s always best to double-check with the Ed.D. program coordinator.

Curriculum

UA’s online Ed.D. is spread out over 3 years. In the first 2 years, you’ll tackle 2 courses in the fall and spring semesters and 3 courses in the summer semester. In the final year, you’ll take 2 courses in the fall and 3 courses in the spring, including a 6-credit Dissertation in Practice (DiP). The curriculum covers a wide range of leadership topics, including Market-Based Education Reforms, Policy Analysis, and Bilingual Education. In Year 2, you can choose a course in Superintendency OR Principalship.

Is This Online Ed.D. Right for You?

UA’s program is a particularly good fit for aspiring K-12 principals and superintendents who want to combine practical training (e.g. policy analysis) with research into issues surrounding social justice, race, and culturally responsive leadership. UA’s tuition rates are fairly reasonable for an education doctorate and out-of-state students pay the same rate as in-state students.

Expectations for candidates are high. UA wants to see online Ed.D. applicants who have a master’s degree, a cumulative 3.5 GPA on graduate work, and current employment as an administrator (or previous leadership experience). The GRE is not required.

12 Texas A&M University-College Station

• Online Ed.D. in Curriculum & Instruction

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

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

Curriculum

The first 2 years cover major topics in curriculum and instruction, as well as research methods and educational leadership (e.g. 21st Century Integration of Theory in Educational Settings). The final 2 years are primarily concerned with seminars, internships (e.g. Shadowing and Interviewing Leaders) and your Record of Study (ROS)—a practical, problem-based research project. The Ed.D. Prospectus outlines the complete curriculum and a typical calendar of study.

Is This Online Ed.D. Right for You?

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

Candidates must have a master’s degree and a minimum of 5 years of successful teaching experience, preferably in PK-12 schools. You’ll also be required to supply GRE scores.

11 Johns Hopkins University

• Online Ed.D. in Entrepreneurial Leadership in Education
• Online Ed.D. in Instructional Design in Online Teaching and Learning
• Online Ed.D. in Mind, Brain & Teaching
• Online Ed.D. in Urban Leadership

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 at JHU)
Length: 3-7 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 final research project. In other words, it’s fairly customizable.

For the Dossier Research Project, 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.

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.

This is a competitive and limited admissions doctoral program 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. JHU wants to see candidates with a master’s degree and a 3.0 GPA; it also strongly encourages applicants to submit GRE scores. International students will have additional requirements.

10 University of Florida

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

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

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

Curriculum

Curriculum & Instruction

Half of the 60-credit Online Ed.D. in Curriculum and Instruction – Teachers, Schools, and Society (TSS) is devoted to required courses (e.g. Teacher Leadership, Critical Pedagogy, 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 60-credit online doctorate in Computer Science Education is for K-12 educators who want to apply their learning in school or district settings. The 54-credit doctorate in Educational Technology is much more of a research program.

Special Education

The 60-credit Online Ed.D. in Special Education is split into core courses/doctoral seminars (e.g. Inquiry in Special Education, School Improvement, Critical Pedagogy, etc.), research requirements, and a 12-credit area of specialization (e.g. dyslexia, early childhood, disability in society, etc.).

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.

• Candidates in Curriculum & Instruction are expected to have a master’s or specialist degree in education with a 3.0 GPA. 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. GRE scores are temporarily waived due to COVID-19.
• Candidates in Educational Technology & Computer Science Education must have a master’s degree. GRE scores are temporarily waived due to COVID-19.
• Candidates in Special Education should have a master’s degree with a minimum 3.0 GPA. GRE scores are temporarily waived due to COVID-19.

9 Boston College

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

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 Executive 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 group-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’ll also focus on 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.

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.

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. The GRE is not required.

8 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 and Department of Counseling and Human Development Services have 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.

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).

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.

7 Arizona State University

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

CAEP Accreditation: No
Carnegie Project on the Education Doctorate (CPED) Member: Yes
Credits: 90 (30 credits for the master’s degree + 60 doctoral credits at ASU)
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.).

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 & helpful professors while LSCs foster collaboration. Plus per credit tuition rates are the same for in-state and out-of-state students.

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. You’ll also be expected to hold an active professional position (e.g. classroom teacher, counselor, administrator, or other position) that allows you to implement change. GRE scores are not required.

6 University of Southern California

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

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

One of USC’s key strengths is urban education. Equity, diversity, ethics, and organizational change are watchwords in the USC Rossier School of Education. USC Rossier also happens to have 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 contains a core of up-to-date courses in topical areas (e.g. Urban Education, Leadership Enactment), 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 43-unit program, you would take coursework in areas such as Leadership, Creativity & Innovation, Organizational Changes, and the like.
• In the 60-unit program, 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. There are annual immersion weekends on the USC Los Angeles campus.

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. Candidates 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. GRE or GMAT scores are optional.
• 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). Applicants are expected to have a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution (at minimum) and at least 6 years of leadership experience.

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.

5 Indiana University-Bloomington

• Online Ed.D. in Curriculum and Instruction – Science Education
• Online Ed.D. in Curriculum and Instruction – Art Education
• Online Ed.D. in Instructional Systems Technology
• Online Ed.D. in Literacy, Culture, and Language Education

CAEP Accreditation: Yes
Carnegie Project on the Education Doctorate (CPED) Member: Yes
Credits: 60
Length: 3 years
On-Campus Components: 100% online for Curriculum & Instruction subjects; mandatory conference attendance for others

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

Curriculum & Instruction

If you’re interested in a particular subject, you can opt for an online doctorate in Science Education or Art Education. These 60-credit programs have the same structure. You’ll take 27 credits in the major, 9 credits in inquiry requirements (e.g. Strategies for Educational Inquiry), 9 credits in a minor, 6 credits in electives, and 9 credits in the dissertation.

Instructional Systems Technology

The customizable Online Ed.D. in Instructional Systems Technology is composed of major requirements (doctoral research credits + IST electives), inquiry requirements, 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.

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.

Ed.D. candidates at IUB should have a bachelor’s degree and master’s degree from an accredited institution and a minimum undergraduate GPA of 2.75.  International students must provide a résumé and TOEFL score. The GRE is not required for applicants with a U.S. bachelor’s or graduate degree.

4 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 at UVA)
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 from the Department of Curriculum, Instruction & Special Education 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 24 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.), 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.

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.

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 GRE scores (waived for COVID-19).

3 University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

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

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

With six 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 International Education Administration & Leadership (IEAL) concentration cover topics such as Education Abroad, Global Issues in Learning, Globalizing Educational Policy, Organization Development, and the like.
• Courses for the Learning Design & Leadership (LDL) concentration cover topics such as New Learning, Assessment, e-Learning Ecologies, and the like.
• Course for the LDL Technology Specialist concentration cover topics such as New Media, eLearning Ecologies, Advanced Learning Technologies, and the like.

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.

Doctoral candidates are expected to have a master’s degree from an accredited institution and a minimum GPA of 3.0. Global candidates should read the International Applicant Criteria.

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: 100% online

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. Students also take part in virtual immersive residencies.

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.

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.

Candidates should 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). The GRE is not required. International applicants can check the FAQ section for advice.

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 at Vanderbilt)
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. The Department of Leadership, Policy, and Organizations is packed with interesting faculty. 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:

1. Leadership & Organizational Development (e.g. Leading Inclusive Organizations, Public Policy & Administration, Economics of Human Resources, etc.)
2. Learning and Design (e.g. Psychological Perspectives on Learning)
3. Data and Analytics (e.g. Applied Statistics, Data Science, etc.)

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

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.

Candidates should have a master’s degree or 30 credit hours of graduate-level study from an accredited institution (3.0 GPA or higher) and at least 3 years of relevant leadership experience. A high level of verbal and quantitative ability is expected (e.g. GRE, GMAT, or other indicators of those skillsets). A TOEFL or IELTS score or the equivalent is required for non-English speakers.