Explore Top EdD Programs Online (Doctor of Education)
Earning an EdD degree online can be a convenient way to get the training you need to move into educational leadership. Get the inside scoop on top-ranked programs, what it takes to get in, succeed, graduate, and take the next step toward the career you truly want.
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- EdD vs PhD
Online EdD programs have become increasingly popular among mid-career educators who wish to attain the highest levels of leadership. However, selecting the right program can be challenging. It is essential to comprehend accreditation requirements, evaluate costs, and ensure the program format is flexible enough to accommodate a busy schedule. Our college rankings provide an excellent starting point, listing the top online EdD programs based on key criteria such as affordability, accreditation, and the level of student support services provided. Discover which schools rose to the top and identify the online EdD program that best suits your needs.
Ball State University
Muncie, Indiana
Public
University of Northern Colorado
Greeley, Colorado
Public
Kennesaw State University
Kennesaw, Georgia
Public
Northwestern State University of Louisiana
Natchitoches, Louisiana
Public
Sam Houston State University
Huntsville, Texas
Public
Brenau University
Gainesville, Georgia
Private
Mississippi State University
Mississippi State, Mississippi
Public
Nova Southeastern University
Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Private
Regent University
Virginia Beach, Virginia
Private
Texas A & M University-College Station
College Station, Texas
Public
Texas A & M University-Commerce
Commerce, Texas
Public
Texas Tech University
Lubbock, Texas
Public
Indiana University-Bloomington
Bloomington, Indiana
Public
Gallaudet University
Washington, District of Columbia
Private
University of Northern Iowa
Cedar Falls, Iowa
Public
Boston University
Boston, Massachusetts
Private
Kansas State University
Manhattan, Kansas
Public
University of New England
Biddeford, Maine
Private
Types of Online Doctorates in Education
Given the professional goals and demographics of most EdD students, online EdD programs are typically designed for working professionals and individuals with family or personal obligations. As a result, EdD programs available online are developed with flexibility in mind, often allowing students to self-pace. Students will be happy to find that numerous options exist for online doctorates in education that can bring their professional goals within reach. These options include:
Full-Time Online EdD Programs
Prospective students frequently inquire about the expected length of time required to complete an online EdD program when reviewing program brochures and websites. Most programs estimate that completion will take approximately three years. However, this timeframe is based on full-time study, which generally involves taking one to three courses per semester year-round for three semesters per year. A full-time course load is ideal for individuals who wish to earn their degree quickly and have a professional and personal schedule that can accommodate it.
Part-Time EdD Programs Online
While most EdD programs offer a full-time track to accommodate students with full-time jobs, some individuals may have additional professional or personal obligations that make it challenging to manage even this accommodating curriculum. In such cases, a part-time track may be a better option, allowing students to more effectively balance work, family, and community responsibilities with their studies. This option is also well-suited for individuals who are not in a hurry to complete their degree and prefer a learning style that is less pressured. Typically, a part-time curriculum adds one to two years to the overall length of time required to complete an online EdD program.
Hybrid or Blended
Many online programs that offer the Doctor of Education have their coursework available 100% online, including the capstone project or dissertation. But some schools may have on-campus requirements before graduation, such as a dissertation defense that must be conducted in-person before a committee. These EdD programs can be considered as hybrid or blended online programs, with elements of in-person and online coursework. While not as convenient as programs that are 100% online, they can still be desirable if you wish to have face-to-face interactions with faculty, advisors, and fellow classmates.
Online EdD with No GRE
Many schools require applicants to submit their GRE or other standardized test scores as part of the admissions process, particularly at more competitive programs and well-known schools. However, not all individuals interested in pursuing an EdD can afford the time and expense required to prepare for and take this exam. In recognition of this additional challenge, some schools have made the GRE optional or replaced it with another application item, such as a writing assessment. Some schools have even eliminated the GRE requirement altogether.
Online EdD Program Concentrations
In recognition of the diversity of the education field, most EdD programs online make available a host of concentrations or specializations for students to focus on. Some are fairly common while others are more unique. If you’re interested in a common concentration, you have a wider range of programs to choose from. If you’re interested in one that’s less common, understand that you’ll have a far more limited number of programs you can consider. We discuss some of the more popular concentrations below.
Leadership
When most people think of a successful school, they think of great teachers and disciplined students. But creating this environment conducive for learning is not so simple. It takes the ability to manage multiple individuals at different levels and various areas of expertise. EdD students who focus on this area of specialization will learn how to create this successful learning environment. This includes learning communication, management, and analytical skills to coordinate the many moving parts within an academic setting.
Curriculum & Instructions
This concentration focuses on the development of research-based theories and principles to create the most effective learning environment possible for teachers and students. This means creating strategic academic goals and a curriculum that’s able to meet those goals. The curriculum will focus mostly on the classroom setting, but EdD students may learn about improving education within a corporate setting as well.
Higher Education
As its name implies, this concentration places an emphasis on education at the post-secondary level, primarily in colleges and universities. The curriculum will focus on learning styles and considerations of adult learners. Coursework will examine past, current and potential future issues in higher learning, including policy, governance, finance, and diversity in not just the academic setting, but government, nonprofit, and corporate settings as well.
Quantitative Methods in Education
This concentration is tailored for individuals who prefer numbers, statistics and using quantitative methods for policy analysis. The classes will therefore not only cover quantitative methods for research and data analysis, but also teach students to apply these findings to modify existing teaching methods, engage in independent research, and shift academic policy within an organizational setting.
How Much Does an Online EdD Cost?
The cost of obtaining an online EdD degree can vary significantly depending on several factors, including state of residency, type of school (public versus private), prior academic coursework, pace of learning, time to completion, and the availability of scholarships, grants, or other forms of gift-based financial aid. It is difficult to provide an exact figure for the cost of an EdD program. However, we have compiled a selection of various schools with online EdD programs to provide you with a rough idea of what you can expect in terms of tuition.
| School Name | No. of Credits | Cost/Credit | Total Tution Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of New England Online | 51 | $830 | $42,330 |
| Johns Hopkins University | 54 | $2,100 | $113,400 |
| Capella University | 64 (quarter credits) | Varies | $32,000 max (tuition cap) |
| Baylor University | 54 | $1,785 | $96,390 |
| Penn State World Campus | 37 | $1,017 | $37,629 |
How Long Do Online EdD Programs Take?
It’s hard to predict how long an EdD program will take due to the self-pacing provided by an online curriculum. In addition, there’s the final capstone project or dissertation, where students have some flexibility on how long they can take to complete it. But generally speaking, the typical student will take about three years to complete their EdD degree when taking classes full-time. Many programs allow for an extra few years for students to complete the required coursework as well as their dissertation or capstone project.
EdD vs PhD in Education: What’s the Difference?
The EdD, or Doctor of Education, is similar to the PhD, or Doctor of Philosophy, in that they are both terminal degrees in the education realm. However, they are not necessarily interchangeable. Depending on your career goals and desired job, one degree is far more useful and appropriate than the other.
For example, the EdD is best suited for those wishing to work in an administrative role concerning education policy and strategy. In contrast, a PhD is better suited for those who wish to work in academia, whether it be teaching future education leaders, developing post-secondary education curriculums to train future teachers, or engaging in research.
What Are the Admissions Requirements for an Online EdD Program?
Admissions requirements for online EdD programs vary by school and program. Some of the general requirements for a doctorate program in education include:
Online application
Transcripts for all post-secondary education
Letters of recommendation
Personal statement
Application fee
Curriculum vitae or resume
Proof of an undergraduate and master’s degree
However, students applying to some of the more competitive programs, or those interested in a specific concentration, may also be required to provide:
GRE or other standardized test scores
A minimum undergraduate GPA (usually at least a 3.0 on a 4.0 scale)
Writing sample
Proof of a minimum amount of relevant professional experience
Do You Need to Complete a Dissertation?
The majority of EdD online programs culminate in a dissertation or capstone project. Dissertations typically involve theoretical research resulting in a research project that must be defended before a committee. In contrast, a capstone project usually involves a different type of deliverable, such as a report or portfolio, and focuses on a practical problem or issue. However, in most EdD programs, the differences between a dissertation and capstone project are relatively minor. Both provide opportunities for students to engage in research and apply what they have learned to a practical issue or concern within the education field.