Best Online EdD Programs: 2024

If you’re an educator who wants to lead a school or one of its departments, instruct other educators, oversee curriculum design, or research and shape educational policy, getting your doctorate in education (EdD) is essential. With many online EdD programs to choose from, deciding the one that best supports your needs and career goals may be a challenge.

In the college ranking below, we’ve listed the best online EdD programs for 2023 to help jumpstart your search. It identifies standout programs offering flexible study plans and customizable degree tracks designed to give you an individualized learning experience. These programs allow you to study when you want and how you want, all while giving you the specialized skills you need to advance your career in education. Learn more about this year’s top-ranked online EdD programs and see which one is the best fit for you.

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About the Ranking
Base Methodology for OnlineColleges.me’s 2024 Online College Rankings
1. Create List of Eligible Schools and Programs
To be eligible for this ranking, schools were required to meet the following criteria based on government data provided by The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS).
• Institutional accreditation from an organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
• At least one program in the subject area offered partially or fully online.
2. Assign Weightings
After creating the list of eligible schools, OnlineColleges.me data scientists assigned weights and ranked schools based on a mix of affordability, support services, and online program availability metrics. Online program availability and overall affordability metrics received the heaviest weightings.
Online Program Availability
• Number of online programs in subject area reported by school to the U.S. Department of Education. Because exact numbers change often and can be difficult to verify, we use a range-based scoring system: 0-5 online programs = 1 star; 6-10 = 2 stars; 11-15 = 3 stars; 16-20 = 4 stars; 21+ = 5 stars. In our design, laptop icons = stars.
• For degree-specific pages, ex: Psychology degrees, we list the current number of online programs available at that school for that degree type, as self-reported by the schools.
Affordability
• Cost – Relative cost of attendance compared to peer schools on the list. Based on tuition and fees per academic year.
• Students w/ Institutional Aid – Percentage of students who receive financial aid from the school itself.
Support Services
• Academic Counseling – Existence of this service on campus or online.
• Career Placement – Existence of this service on campus or online.
About Our Data
OnlineColleges.me’s rankings use the latest official data available from The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). Most recent data pull: July 2024
• 1

  Concordia University-Chicago

  River Forest, IL

  Private not-for-profit $$

  Concordia University – Chicago offers several online EdD/PhD programs to meet a variety of student needs and goals. Those who want district-level administrative responsibility can enroll in the Educational Leadership track with Ohio Superintendent Licensure. For students looking for school-level responsibility, the Principal Preparation track is best suited for their needs. The final leadership track is in Teacher Leadership with Ohio Teacher Leader Endorsement. For all of these programs, students will have the benefit of receiving the most affordable education doctorate tuitions in the state, as well as the ability to network with other teachers and administrators across the state.

  Program Highlights:

  Doctor of Education

  • Credits: 61-67
  • Length: 4 years
  • Cost: $468/credit
  • Mode: Online
  • Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission

  Online Programs

  6

  Academic Counseling

  Yes

  Career Placement

  Yes

  Student/Faculty Ratio

  12/1

• 2

  Cardinal Stritch University

  Milwaukee, WI

  Private not-for-profit $$$

  Anyone who wants to pursue leadership positions in higher education should consider getting their Doctorate in Leadership for the Advancement of Learning and Service in Higher Education from Cardinal Stritch University. The program from Stritch places a heavy emphasis on research, so graduates will leave being great researchers and preparers of research. This program is ideal for those holding leadership positions in two- and four-year colleges, universities, and community and technical colleges. After graduating from the program, students will be able to go back to these positions with the means of creating substantial change within their organization.

  Program Highlights:

  Doctorate in Leadership for the Advancement of Learning and Service in Higher Education

  • Credits: Varies
  • Length: Varies
  • Cost: $810/credit
  • Mode: Online
  • Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission

  Online Programs

  4

  Academic Counseling

  Yes

  Career Placement

  Yes

  Student/Faculty Ratio

  9/1

• 3

  Union University

  Jackson, TN

  Private not-for-profit $$$

  Students pursuing an Ed.D from Union University have the option of specializing in either P-12 school administration or higher education. For those who choose the P-12 school administration specialization, they can enroll in three different tracks: instructional leadership, teacher leadership, or leadership in school reform. No matter which program/track a student enrolls in, they can complete all requirements online. All of these degree options will blend theory and practice, classic knowledge and current research, analysis and synthesis, and macro-perspective and micro-functionality so graduates can take on leadership and teaching positions at any education level.

  Program Highlights:

  Doctor of Education

  • Credits: Varies
  • Length: 3-3.5 years
  • Cost: $715/credit
  • Mode: Online
  • Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

  Online Programs

  2

  Academic Counseling

  Yes

  Career Placement

  Yes

  Student/Faculty Ratio

  10/1

• 4

  Liberty University

  Lynchburg, VA

  Private not-for-profit $$

  Liberty University offers multiple online EdD programs to meet a wide range of student goals and needs. These include specializations in administration and supervision, curriculum and instruction, educational leadership, and higher education administration. Each of these specializations offer different tracks as well. While enrolled in one of these doctorate programs from Liberty, students wil conduct their own research that culminates in a capstone project that provides practical solutions to modern challenges in education. Graduates will be prepared to be educational administrators, university faculty members, senior-level educational leaders, or educational policymakers.

  Program Highlights:

  Doctor of Education

  • Credits: 54
  • Length: 2.5 years
  • Cost: $495/credit
  • Mode: Online
  • Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

  Online Programs

  4

  Academic Counseling

  Yes

  Career Placement

  Yes

  Student/Faculty Ratio

  17/1

• 5

  Bethel University

  Saint Paul, MN

  Private not-for-profit $$$

  Bethel University offers two online Doctor of Education degrees to meet a variety of student needs. The first is an EdD in Higher Education Leadership and the other is an Ed.D. in K-12 Administration. The higher education leadership specialization is a great option for those looking to make positive change in education by becoming effective and inspiring leaders. Those who graduate with this degree will be prepared to take on leadership roles at colleges and universities in a range of different departments that include academics, advising, enrollment, diversity and inclusion, student development, and career services among many others. On the other hand, the K-12 administration specialization is great for students who want to pursue leadership roles in the K-12 settings. After graduation, students will be prepared to be principals, superintendents, deans and assistant principals, and equity directors. Both programs are offered fully online and can be completed in as little as 3 years, plus a dissertation.

  Program Highlights:

  Ed.D. in Higher Education Leadership

  • Credits: 61
  • Length: 3 years
  • Cost: $45,750 (total tuition)
  • Mode: Online
  • Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

  Ed.D. in K-12 Administration

  • Credits: 61
  • Length: 3 years
  • Cost: $47,580 (total tuition)
  • Mode: Online
  • Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

  Online Programs

  2

  Academic Counseling

  Yes

  Career Placement

  Yes

  Student/Faculty Ratio

  12/1

• 6

  Gardner-Webb University

  Boiling Springs, NC

  Private not-for-profit $$

  Online Programs

  1

  Academic Counseling

  Yes

  Career Placement

  Yes

  Student/Faculty Ratio

  13/1

• 7

  Baker University

  Baldwin City, KS

  Private not-for-profit $$$

  Online Programs

  1

  Academic Counseling

  Yes

  Career Placement

  Yes

  Student/Faculty Ratio

  10/1

• 8

  New England College

  Henniker, NH

  Private not-for-profit $$$$

  Online Programs

  1

  Academic Counseling

  Yes

  Career Placement

  Yes

  Student/Faculty Ratio

  13/1

• 9

  Texas Tech University

  Lubbock, TX

  Public $$

  Online Programs

  4

  Academic Counseling

  Yes

  Career Placement

  Yes

  Student/Faculty Ratio

  19/1

• 10

  Belhaven University

  Jackson, MS

  Private not-for-profit $$$

  Online Programs

  1

  Academic Counseling

  Yes

  Career Placement

  Yes

  Student/Faculty Ratio

  8/1

• 11

  Brenau University

  Gainesville, GA

  Private not-for-profit $$$

  Online Programs

  3

  Academic Counseling

  Yes

  Career Placement

  Yes

  Student/Faculty Ratio

  11/1

• 12

  University of Nebraska-Lincoln

  Lincoln, NE

  Public $$

  Online Programs

  2

  Academic Counseling

  Yes

  Career Placement

  Yes

  Student/Faculty Ratio

  16/1

• 13

  Indiana University-Bloomington

  Bloomington, IN

  Public $$

  Online Programs

  2

  Academic Counseling

  Yes

  Career Placement

  Yes

  Student/Faculty Ratio

  16/1

• 14

  University of Florida

  Gainesville, FL

  Public $$$

  Online Programs

  2

  Academic Counseling

  Yes

  Career Placement

  Yes

  Student/Faculty Ratio

  17/1

• 15

  Holy Family University

  Philadelphia, PA

  Private not-for-profit $$$

  Online Programs

  1

  Academic Counseling

  Yes

  Career Placement

  Yes

  Student/Faculty Ratio

  13/1

• 16

  Concordia University Texas

  Austin, TX

  Private not-for-profit $$$

  Online Programs

  1

  Academic Counseling

  Yes

  Career Placement

  Yes

  Student/Faculty Ratio

  12/1

• 17

  Carson-Newman University

  Jefferson City, TN

  Private not-for-profit $$

  Online Programs

  1

  Academic Counseling

  Yes

  Career Placement

  Yes

  Student/Faculty Ratio

  14/1

• 18

  University of Wyoming

  Laramie, WY

  Public $$

  Online Programs

  1

  Academic Counseling

  Yes

  Career Placement

  Yes

  Student/Faculty Ratio

  14/1

• 19

  Olivet Nazarene University

  Bourbonnais, IL

  Private not-for-profit $$$

  Online Programs

  1

  Academic Counseling

  Yes

  Career Placement

  Yes

  Student/Faculty Ratio

  14/1

• 20

  Xavier University of Louisiana

  New Orleans, LA

  Private not-for-profit $$

  Online Programs

  1

  Academic Counseling

  Yes

  Career Placement

  Yes

  Student/Faculty Ratio

  13/1

• 21

  University of St Francis

  Joliet, IL

  Private not-for-profit $$$

  Online Programs

  1

  Academic Counseling

  Yes

  Career Placement

  Yes

  Student/Faculty Ratio

  13/1

• 22

  Arkansas State University

  Jonesboro, AR

  Public $

  Online Programs

  1

  Academic Counseling

  Yes

  Career Placement

  Yes

  Student/Faculty Ratio

  14/1

• 23

  Ashland University

  Ashland, OH

  Private not-for-profit $$

  Online Programs

  1

  Academic Counseling

  Yes

  Career Placement

  Yes

  Student/Faculty Ratio

  16/1

• 24

  Ball State University

  Muncie, IN

  Public $$

  Online Programs

  3

  Academic Counseling

  Yes

  Career Placement

  Yes

  Student/Faculty Ratio

  14/1

• 25

  Northern Illinois University

  Dekalb, IL

  Public $$

  Online Programs

  2

  Academic Counseling

  Yes

  Career Placement

  Yes

  Student/Faculty Ratio

  16/1

• 26

  University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus

  Denver, CO

  Public $$

  Online Programs

  1

  Academic Counseling

  Yes

  Career Placement

  Yes

  Student/Faculty Ratio

  17/1

• 27

  Gonzaga University

  Spokane, WA

  Private not-for-profit $$$$

  Online Programs

  1

  Academic Counseling

  Yes

  Career Placement

  Yes

  Student/Faculty Ratio

  11/1

• 28

  The University of Alabama

  Tuscaloosa, AL

  Public $$$

  Online Programs

  2

  Academic Counseling

  Yes

  Career Placement

  Yes

  Student/Faculty Ratio

  20/1

• 29

  William & Mary

  Williamsburg, VA

  Public $$$

  Online Programs

  1

  Academic Counseling

  Yes

  Career Placement

  Yes

  Student/Faculty Ratio

  11/1

• 30

  Missouri Baptist University

  Saint Louis, MO

  Private not-for-profit $$$

  Online Programs

  1

  Academic Counseling

  Yes

  Career Placement

  Yes

  Student/Faculty Ratio

  18/1

• 31

  University of Arizona

  Tucson, AZ

  Public $$$

  Online Programs

  1

  Academic Counseling

  Yes

  Career Placement

  Yes

  Student/Faculty Ratio

  15/1

• 32

  St. Thomas University

  Miami Gardens, FL

  Private not-for-profit $$$

  Online Programs

  1

  Academic Counseling

  Yes

  Career Placement

  Yes

  Student/Faculty Ratio

  11/1

• 33

  Murray State University

  Murray, KY

  Public $$

  Online Programs

  1

  Academic Counseling

  Yes

  Career Placement

  Yes

  Student/Faculty Ratio

  17/1

• 34

  University of Kentucky

  Lexington, KY

  Public $$$

  Online Programs

  1

  Academic Counseling

  Yes

  Career Placement

  Yes

  Student/Faculty Ratio

  16/1

• 35

  Maryville University of Saint Louis

  Saint Louis, MO

  Private not-for-profit $$$

  Online Programs

  1

  Academic Counseling

  Yes

  Career Placement

  Yes

  Student/Faculty Ratio

  13/1

• 36

  University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

  Champaign, IL

  Public $$$$

  Online Programs

  1

  Academic Counseling

  Yes

  Career Placement

  Yes

  Student/Faculty Ratio

  20/1

• 37

  University of Mississippi

  University, MS

  Public $$

  Online Programs

  1

  Academic Counseling

  Yes

  Career Placement

  Yes

  Student/Faculty Ratio

  16/1

• 38

  Point Park University

  Pittsburgh, PA

  Private not-for-profit $$$$

  Online Programs

  1

  Academic Counseling

  Yes

  Career Placement

  Yes

  Student/Faculty Ratio

  12/1

• 39

  Fordham University

  Bronx, NY

  Private not-for-profit $$$$$

  Online Programs

  1

  Academic Counseling

  Yes

  Career Placement

  Yes

  Student/Faculty Ratio

  13/1

• 40

  Southern Nazarene University

  Bethany, OK

  Private not-for-profit $$$

  Online Programs

  1

  Academic Counseling

  Yes

  Career Placement

  Yes

  Student/Faculty Ratio

  14/1

• 41

  University of South Dakota

  Vermillion, SD

  Public $$

  Online Programs

  1

  Academic Counseling

  Yes

  Career Placement

  Yes

  Student/Faculty Ratio

  15/1

• 42

  Kansas State University

  Manhattan, KS

  Public $$$

  Online Programs

  2

  Academic Counseling

  Yes

  Career Placement

  Yes

  Student/Faculty Ratio

  18/1

• 43

  Concordia University-Saint Paul

  Saint Paul, MN

  Private not-for-profit $$

  Online Programs

  1

  Academic Counseling

  Yes

  Career Placement

  Yes

  Student/Faculty Ratio

  20/1

• 44

  Boise State University

  Boise, ID

  Public $$

  Online Programs

  1

  Academic Counseling

  Yes

  Career Placement

  Yes

  Student/Faculty Ratio

  18/1

• 45

  University of Southern Mississippi

  Hattiesburg, MS

  Public $$

  Online Programs

  2

  Academic Counseling

  Yes

  Career Placement

  Yes

  Student/Faculty Ratio

  18/1

• 46

  The University of Montana

  Missoula, MT

  Public $$

  Online Programs

  1

  Academic Counseling

  Yes

  Career Placement

  Yes

  Student/Faculty Ratio

  18/1

• 47

  Edgewood College

  Madison, WI

  Private not-for-profit $$$$

  Online Programs

  2

  Academic Counseling

  Yes

  Career Placement

  Yes

  Student/Faculty Ratio

  12/1

• 48

  University of Northern Colorado

  Greeley, CO

  Public $$$

  Online Programs

  1

  Academic Counseling

  Yes

  Career Placement

  Yes

  Student/Faculty Ratio

  16/1

• 49

  Texas A & M University-Kingsville

  Kingsville, TX

  Public $

  Online Programs

  1

  Academic Counseling

  Yes

  Career Placement

  Yes

  Student/Faculty Ratio

  17/1

• 50

  Kennesaw State University

  Kennesaw, GA

  Public $$

  Online Programs

  4

  Academic Counseling

  Yes

  Career Placement

  Yes

  Student/Faculty Ratio

  22/1

• 51

  University of West Alabama

  Livingston, AL

  Public $$

  Online Programs

  1

  Academic Counseling

  Yes

  Career Placement

  Yes

  Student/Faculty Ratio

  14/1

• 52

  The University of Findlay

  Findlay, OH

  Private not-for-profit $$$$

  Online Programs

  1

  Academic Counseling

  Yes

  Career Placement

  Yes

  Student/Faculty Ratio

  14/1

• 53

  Florida State University

  Tallahassee, FL

  Public $$

  Online Programs

  2

  Academic Counseling

  Yes

  Career Placement

  Yes

  Student/Faculty Ratio

  21/1

• 54

  University of Memphis

  Memphis, TN

  Public $$

  Online Programs

  1

  Academic Counseling

  Yes

  Career Placement

  Yes

  Student/Faculty Ratio

  16/1

• 55

  Regent University

  Virginia Beach, VA

  Private not-for-profit $$$$

  Online Programs

  3

  Academic Counseling

  Yes

  Career Placement

  Yes

  Student/Faculty Ratio

  19/1

• 56

  College of Saint Mary

  Omaha, NE

  Private not-for-profit $$$$

  Online Programs

  1

  Academic Counseling

  Yes

  Career Placement

  Yes

  Student/Faculty Ratio

  9/1

• 57

  Nova Southeastern University

  Fort Lauderdale, FL

  Private not-for-profit $$$$$

  Online Programs

  2

  Academic Counseling

  Yes

  Career Placement

  Yes

  Student/Faculty Ratio

  17/1

• 58

  Texas A & M University-College Station

  College Station, TX

  Public $$

  Online Programs

  1

  Academic Counseling

  Yes

  Career Placement

  Yes

  Student/Faculty Ratio

  19/1

• 59

  University of Louisiana at Monroe

  Monroe, LA

  Public $$

  Online Programs

  1

  Academic Counseling

  Yes

  Career Placement

  Yes

  Student/Faculty Ratio

  18/1

• 60

  University of North Carolina Wilmington

  Wilmington, NC

  Public $

  Online Programs

  1

  Academic Counseling

  Yes

  Career Placement

  Yes

  Student/Faculty Ratio

  17/1

• 61

  Lipscomb University

  Nashville, TN

  Private not-for-profit $$$$

  Online Programs

  1

  Academic Counseling

  Yes

  Career Placement

  Yes

  Student/Faculty Ratio

  14/1

• 62

  Tennessee State University

  Nashville, TN

  Public $$

  Online Programs

  1

  Academic Counseling

  Yes

  Career Placement

  Yes

  Student/Faculty Ratio

  12/1

• 63

  Appalachian State University

  Boone, NC

  Public $

  Online Programs

  1

  Academic Counseling

  Yes

  Career Placement

  Yes

  Student/Faculty Ratio

  16/1

• 64

  Morgan State University

  Baltimore, MD

  Public $$

  Online Programs

  1

  Academic Counseling

  Yes

  Career Placement

  Yes

  Student/Faculty Ratio

  13/1

• 65

  East Carolina University

  Greenville, NC

  Public $

  Online Programs

  1

  Academic Counseling

  Yes

  Career Placement

  Yes

  Student/Faculty Ratio

  19/1

• 66

  Texas A & M University-Commerce

  Commerce, TX

  Public $

  Online Programs

  1

  Academic Counseling

  Yes

  Career Placement

  Yes

  Student/Faculty Ratio

  21/1

• 67

  University of Houston

  Houston, TX

  Public $$

  Online Programs

  1

  Academic Counseling

  Yes

  Career Placement

  Yes

  Student/Faculty Ratio

  23/1

• 68

  University of West Georgia

  Carrollton, GA

  Public $

  Online Programs

  2

  Academic Counseling

  Yes

  Career Placement

  Yes

  Student/Faculty Ratio

  19/1

• 69

  Barry University

  Miami, FL

  Private not-for-profit $$$$

  Online Programs

  1

  Academic Counseling

  Yes

  Career Placement

  Yes

  Student/Faculty Ratio

  15/1

• 70

  Oregon State University

  Corvallis, OR

  Public $$$

  Online Programs

  3

  Academic Counseling

  Yes

  Career Placement

  Yes

  Student/Faculty Ratio

  18/1

• 71

  Morehead State University

  Morehead, KY

  Public $$$

  Online Programs

  1

  Academic Counseling

  Yes

  Career Placement

  Yes

  Student/Faculty Ratio

  15/1

• 72

  Northwestern State University of Louisiana

  Natchitoches, LA

  Public $$

  Online Programs

  1

  Academic Counseling

  Yes

  Career Placement

  Yes

  Student/Faculty Ratio

  19/1

• 73

  Radford University

  Radford, VA

  Public $$

  Online Programs

  1

  Academic Counseling

  Yes

  Career Placement

  Yes

  Student/Faculty Ratio

  14/1

• 74

  University of Mary

  Bismarck, ND

  Private not-for-profit $$$$

  Online Programs

  1

  Academic Counseling

  Yes

  Career Placement

  Yes

  Student/Faculty Ratio

  11/1

• 75

  The University of Texas at Tyler

  Tyler, TX

  Public $$

  Online Programs

  1

  Academic Counseling

  Yes

  Career Placement

  Yes

  Student/Faculty Ratio

  19/1

• 76

  University of Wisconsin-Stout

  Menomonie, WI

  Public $$

  Online Programs

  2

  Academic Counseling

  Yes

  Career Placement

  Yes

  Student/Faculty Ratio

  18/1

• 77

  Sam Houston State University

  Huntsville, TX

  Public $$

  Online Programs

  3

  Academic Counseling

  Yes

  Career Placement

  Yes

  Student/Faculty Ratio

  21/1

• 78

  Towson University

  Towson, MD

  Public $$

  Online Programs

  1

  Academic Counseling

  Yes

  Career Placement

  Yes

  Student/Faculty Ratio

  16/1

• 79

  East Tennessee State University

  Johnson City, TN

  Public $$

  Online Programs

  1

  Academic Counseling

  Yes

  Career Placement

  Yes

  Student/Faculty Ratio

  16/1

• 80

  William Carey University

  Hattiesburg, MS

  Private not-for-profit $$$

  Online Programs

  1

  Academic Counseling

  Yes

  Career Placement

  Yes

  Student/Faculty Ratio

  14/1

• 81

  The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga

  Chattanooga, TN

  Public $$

  Online Programs

  1

  Academic Counseling

  Yes

  Career Placement

  Yes

  Student/Faculty Ratio

  18/1

• 82

  California State University-Fresno

  Fresno, CA

  Public $$

  Online Programs

  2

  Academic Counseling

  Yes

  Career Placement

  Yes

  Student/Faculty Ratio

  23/1

• 83

  Central Michigan University

  Mount Pleasant, MI

  Public $$$

  Online Programs

  2

  Academic Counseling

  Yes

  Career Placement

  Yes

  Student/Faculty Ratio

  18/1

Knowledge & Skills You’ll Acquire Earning Your Online EdD

Online EdD programs teach you the administrative skills and policy knowledge needed to work in education, whether as an organizational leader, a teacher or trainer, or a public official. Through instruction by experienced experts, you’ll build a professional profile that qualifies you for high-level strategic roles in educational institutions and other arenas. Here are just a few of the learning outcomes you can expect to achieve by the time you graduate with an online EdD. 

Common Courses in Online EdD Programs

While each online EdD program differs somewhat based on the school and available specializations, most share a common structure with similar course offerings. Core courses provide a sound foundation in the main theories and practices used by education professionals, while free electives or concentration-specific classes allow you to build specialized expertise. Here are some common offerings you can expect to encounter in your studies. 

FAQs About Earning Your Education Doctorate Online

Earning your education doctorate online is a huge undertaking, and you likely have many unanswered questions. Getting the answers you need before committing to a program will help you select one that meets your needs and positions you for future success. Below are answers to some of the most common questions those beginning their search for an online EdD often have.

• Can I earn my EdD completely online?

  Programs like Boise State’s EdD in Educational Technology, Concordia University Chicago doctorates, and Lamar University’s Educational Leadership doctorates all use fully online formats ideal for busy working professionals. You may need to attend an in-person orientation session before you start classes, but all program requirements can be completed remotely. Other programs, like Texas A&M’s Higher Education Doctorate (EDD) and the University of Arkansas’ Doctor of Education in Adult and Lifelong Learning, offer hybrid or blending learning options. 

• What careers are available for EdD graduates?

  Online doctoral programs in education provide a versatile and transferable course of study that opens a range of career opportunities and set you up for long-term career advancement. Graduates are fully prepared for leadership roles and high-level positions as teachers, education administrators, program directors, and research consultants. Here are just a few positions available to graduates of an online EdD program.

  • Academic Dean or Provost 
  • Curriculum Director
  • Instructional Coach
  • Policy Researcher 
  • School Superintendent 

• What accreditation should online education doctoral programs have?

  All online EdD programs should be administered by schools with proper institutional accreditation, which comes from independent agencies recognized by the U.S. Department of Education or CHEA and ensures that a school’s academic programming meets acceptable standards of quality and excellence. Some programs also possess programmatic accreditation, an extra credential that provides additional backing and value. Most online EdD programs receive programmatic accreditation from the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation. 

• What’s required to get into an online EdD program?

  Admissions requirements for online EdD programs are similar to other graduate programs except that applicants must hold relevant master’s degrees. Additional components include a recent resume or curriculum vitae, official academic transcripts, recommendation letters from past teachers or supervisors, and a personal statement that speaks to career goals and intent to study. GRE requirements vary widely. Programs like Morehead State University’s EdD make the test optional while others, like Indiana University for its EdD in Literacy, Culture, and Language Education, waive it completely. 

• How much do online doctoral programs in education cost?

  Key factors affecting the overall cost include the type of school (i.e., public vs. private colleges), availability of financial aid, and your residency status. Public universities like Indiana University and the University of West Florida offer cheaper tuition rates starting at around $400 per credit for in-state residents to just over $600 for out-of-state residents, while private schools like Drexel cost more at $1,396 per credit. Some schools, like Liberty University at just under $36,000, charge a flat rate for online study. 

• How long will it take me to earn my education doctorate online?

  Most online EdD programs last three to five years. Johns Hopkins’ Doctor of Education, Baylor’s EdD, and the University of Dayton’s EdD in Leadership for Organizations give you a good idea of what you can expect in terms of length and pacing for most programs. Individual courses of study do vary, though, and your enrollment status can extend or expedite your timeline with full-time students typically graduating sooner than part-time learners who work while earning their EdDs. Additionally, attending an accelerated program like the Doctor of Education in Leadership program at Trevecca Nazarene University graduates you in just over two years. 

• What specializations are available for online EdD programs?

  Available specializations focus your studies and give you a deeper set of skills in the area of your choice. Virtually all online doctoral programs in education offer specializations in subjects like curriculum design, educational leadership or administration, and public policy. As you weigh your options, consider your interests and career goals alongside the options available at each school. Here are a few specializations you can expect to encounter in your search. 

  • Curriculum Development / Instructional Design
  • Educational Administration
  • Educational Leadership
  • Education Policy
  • Higher Education
  • Human Resource Development
  • Reading and Literacy
  • Special Education

Examining the Value of Earning Your Online EdD

Higher levels of educational attainment lead to higher pay and lower rates of unemployment overall. This means that when you earn your online EdD you’re not just obtaining the highest credential in your field, but you’re also setting yourself apart as a desirable job candidate with transferable, in-demand skills. The careers below are all attainable with an online EdD, and each profession logs higher earnings and greater job growth potential than average.