online phd programs for education

College of Professional Studies

Northeastern University’s online Doctor of Education program provides experienced adult learners, working professionals, and scholar-practitioners from diverse backgrounds and perspectives with the practical knowledge and experience they need to transform the learning landscape. Students gain innovative approaches to create authentic change in their communities. The program was selected as the Carnegie Project on the Education Doctorate's Program of the Year for 2022-2023.

The Doctor of Education program is designed to be completed in three to four years of study—following a fast-paced quarter system in lieu of a traditional semester format. Students choose from five concentrations to create a curriculum that matches personal and professional interests. The program's dissertation in practice process will begin at the onset of your coursework as you identify your problem of practice and develop an action plan—incorporating cycles of data collection and analysis, collaboration, change work, and reflection—culminating in the dissemination of your action research findings. Our students come from diverse disciplines and professions, seeking more than just a degree. You'll gain a practical education that translates to your everyday working environment.

While all EdD courses can be completed online (except for hybrid courses in Seattle and Charlotte), annual in-person two-day residencies are held on campus. Residencies focus on networking and tools for career success and allow you to connect with faculty and fellow scholars to share knowledge and experience. You'll attend residencies* in your first and second years of the program at one of our campuses in Boston, Charlotte, or Seattle.

The Northeastern Doctor of Education degree is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE) and was selected as Program of the Year by the Carnegie Project on the Education Doctorate Program for 2022-2023.

*Please note: International students enrolling in the online EdD program will be provided with an option to complete the residency through online participation in interactive sessions with fellow scholars offered during the residency period.

More Details

Unique features.

• You will choose one of five concentrations—higher education administration, innovative teaching and learning, transformative school leadership, workplace learning, and integrative studies—to focus your studies and further customize your curriculum.
• You'll begin dissertation in practice work at the onset of your program. You'll select a compelling educational/organizational challenge and will be assigned a faculty advisor to support your research throughout the program.
• All coursework is online—providing flexibility for working professionals. Your residencies will be fulfilled in person*, at one of our campuses in Boston, Charlotte, or Seattle.
• You'll learn alongside faculty practitioners—engaging with respected leaders who contribute to the field as authors, journal editors, school board members, bloggers, and podcasters.

*In-person participation in the residency is also available for international students.

Concentrations

• Higher Education Administration: The higher education administration concentration provides an opportunity for experienced higher education professionals to expand their previous understanding of practices within all sectors of postsecondary education—and also advance their professional practice by developing and deepening their understanding of the roles of colleges and universities in our society. Sectors examined include community colleges, four-year colleges, for-profit institutions, and research universities.
• Innovative Teaching and Learning: The innovative teaching and learning concentration focuses on transforming education through innovation, justice, and policy, by providing engaging opportunities for current and aspiring teaching and learning specialists working in various education spaces. The concentration focuses on teaching and learning both inside and outside the bounds of P-20 schools and focuses on developing and leading innovative curricula as well as professional development.
• Transformative School Leadership: The transformative school leadership concentration provides innovative opportunities for experienced education professionals who are current and aspiring leaders of early childhood centers, public or private schools, or school districts. The concentration prepares students to lead and transform educational spaces and be equipped to shape the needs of education in K-12, higher education, organizational contexts, and beyond.
• Workplace Learning: The workplace learning concentration helps professionals gain a deeper understanding of, recognize, and influence real-life social inequalities faced by marginalized populations in the workplace. Courses allow students to advance their professional practice by developing and deepening their knowledge of workplace learning, organizational dynamics, learning strategy, and ethics.
• Integrative Studies: The integrative studies concentration provides an opportunity for students to design a program of study that fits their own professional goals and includes the required foundation and research courses, concentration courses from any EdD concentration, and electives from the Doctor of Education or Doctor of Law and Policy programs.

Program Objectives

Northeastern's Doctor of Education program is designed for experienced professionals interested in deepening their understanding of education, organizational development, and leadership. Throughout the program, students examine various approaches to critical, practice-based issues, learn research methods, and conduct a doctoral research study that investigates a compelling educational or organizational challenge.

2022-2023 Doctor of Education Program of the Year

The Carnegie Project on the Education Doctorate selected Northeastern's EdD program as the 2022-2023 Program of the Year, noting the “redesigned Dissertation in Practice Curriculum and the adoption of action research as its guiding methodology …” The committee praised “the program’s efforts to move beyond the typical five-chapter dissertation and engage scholarly practitioners in the acquisition of skills to realize meaningful change in their local contexts, emphasizing social justice.”

Testimonials

– sara ewell, phd, assistant dean, graduate school of education, – frawn morgan, current student, doctor of education, – aaron b., program graduate, looking for something different.

A graduate degree or certificate from Northeastern—a top-ranked university—can accelerate your career through rigorous academic coursework and hands-on professional experience in the area of your interest. Apply now—and take your career to the next level.

Program Costs

Finance Your Education We offer a variety of resources, including scholarships and assistantships.

How to Apply Learn more about the application process and requirements.

Requirements

• Online application
• Academic transcripts: Official undergraduate and graduate degree documentation
• Describe the problem of practice
• Explain why you want to investigate it
• Provide a strong rationale for the significance of the problem
• Minimum work experience: Three years in a related field
• Professional resumé: Must summarize work and education history, include an outline of your educational/academic skills with examples such as research and teaching experience, affiliations, publications, certifications, presentations, and other professional skills.
• Faculty recommendation: Must be from a faculty member in your previous graduate program who can attest to your readiness for doctoral work. If you are no longer acquainted with a faculty member, please choose a professional who can speak of your academic capabilities to engage in doctoral-level research and writing. Recommendations should be presented as a letter attached to the general recommendation form.
• Two professional recommendations: Must be from individuals who have either academic or professional knowledge of your capabilities, a supervisor, mentor, or colleague. It is preferred that one letter of recommendation come from your current employer and/or supervisor. Recommendations should be presented as a letter attached to the general recommendation form.
• Proof of English language proficiency: ONLY for students for whom English is not their primary language.

Are You an International Student? Find out what additional documents are required to apply.

Admissions Details Learn more about the College of Professional Studies admissions process, policies, and required materials.

Admissions Dates

Our admissions process operates on a rolling basis; however, we do recommend the application guidelines below to ensure you can begin during your desired start term:

Domestic Application Guidelines

International Application Guidelines *

*International deadlines are only applicable if the program is F1 compliant.

Industry-aligned courses for in-demand careers.

For 100+ years, we’ve designed our programs with one thing in mind—your success. Explore the current program requirements and course descriptions, all designed to meet today’s industry needs and must-have skills.

View curriculum

The core of the mission of the program is to allow educators to remain in the places they work, focus on a problem of practice, and through experiential learning and site-specific research opportunities in the program, make an immediate impact in their professional environments. The program explicitly integrates research and practice for professionals so they develop the requisite skills for conceiving, designing, conducting, and producing original site-based research in order to effect ethical change related to real-life problems of practice.

Our Faculty

Northeastern University faculty represents a broad cross-section of professional practices and fields, including finance, education, biomedical science, management, and the U.S. military. They serve as mentors and advisors and collaborate alongside you to solve the most pressing global challenges facing established and emerging markets.

Joseph McNabb, PhD

Cherese Childers-McKee, PhD

By enrolling in Northeastern, you’ll gain access to students at 13 campus locations, 300,000+ alumni, and 3,000 employer partners worldwide. Our global university system provides students unique opportunities to think locally and act globally while serving as a platform for scaling ideas, talent, and solutions.

Below is a look at where our Education & Learning alumni work, the positions they hold, and the skills they bring to their organization.

Where They Work

• Boston Public Schools
• Chicago Public Schools
• NYC Department of Education
• Lockheed Martin
• Veterans Affairs
• Johns Hopkins
• Columbia University

What They Do

• Media Consultant
• College President
• Chief Information Officer
• Instructional Designer
• Diversity Officer
• Founder-CEO
• VP of Student Services
• Community Services Director

What They're Skilled At

• Experiential Learning
• Team Building
• International Education
• Change Agency
• Entrepreneurship
• Urban Education
• Strategic Management
• Student Engagement

Learn more about Northeastern Alumni on  Linkedin .

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Education (Online), EdD

School of education.

To address the dramatically changing landscape of education in the 21st century, which includes new research on the science of learning, advances in technology, and the emergence of a for-profit education sector, the Johns Hopkins School of Education offers an innovative online Doctor of Education degree program. This EdD program is designed to prepare an exceptional corps of educational practitioner-scholars, both nationally and internationally, who can set a high standard for transformational leadership in education, apply evidence-based practices to improve educational outcomes, and meet the vast challenges associated with improving learning outcomes in both public and private educational environments.

For more information about the EdD program, please visit  https://education.jhu.edu/academics/edd/ . If you have any questions about the EdD program, please contact  [email protected] .

Admission Requirements

At minimum, applicants to the EdD program should hold a master’s degree from an accredited college or university. Previous degrees must document high academic achievement (a minimum GPA of 3.0) in an area of study closely associated with the objectives of the program. If the earned degree or credit is from an educational institution abroad, the candidate’s academic record must be evaluated by a credential evaluation agency before consideration for admission. Applicants must submit the online admission application form, application fee, official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attended, a curriculum vitae (résumé), online interview, and two letters of recommendation signed by each recommender. These letters should include the following:

• A professor with whom the applicant worked in their master's program who can speak to the applicant's competency to conduct rigorous scholarly work, and
• A colleague/supervisor from the applicant’s professional context/industry who can attest to the applicant's qualifications to pursue a doctorate, the applicant's impact on the recommender’s  professional practice, and knowledge of and support for the applicant's proposed area of research/Problem of Practice.

Additionally, applicants will submit a personal statement including responses to the following:

• Describe a significant Problem of Practice relevant to your current context/industry of professional practice.
• Indicate the importance of this problem within the applicant’s industry and/or their specific context of professional practice.
• Discuss the potential underlying causes for or contributing factors related to this Problem of Practice.
• Discuss the ways in which this problem aligns with at least one or two areas of interest.

All applicants who meet the entrance requirements will be asked to submit video and written responses to question prompts.

International students must fulfill the general requirements for admission and complete additional requirements—see  https://education.jhu.edu/admission-financial-aid/admissions/international-applicants/ .

Note: This program is not eligible for student visa sponsorship .

Students who enter the program will be required to successfully complete a series of pre-orientation modules prior to enrollment in the program. All students are expected to show competence in the content areas of these modules.

Please note that for the online EdD program, an offer of admission is for the specific cohort to which an application is submitted. Students may accept or decline the admission offer only; deferring to a future cohort is not an option.

Program Requirements

Program structure and requirements.

Program requirements include a minimum of 90 graduate credits. Students must enter the program with a master’s degree with a minimum of 36 graduate-level credits, which will be transferred into the EdD program. If a student does not have the required 36 master’s credits, the student will be admitted on a conditional basis and must complete the additional graduate-level credits at an accredited college or university. Students with post-master’s graduate credit in related education content completed prior to admission to the EdD program may petition to transfer in an additional six credits of equivalent coursework with appropriate documentation and with the approval of the EdD program director. Thus, students must complete between 48 and 54 credits at the doctoral level at JHU. The program includes the following required coursework components (subject to change):

• Foundations of Education (15 credit hours)
• Applied Research & Evaluation (12 credit hours)
• Areas of Interest / Electives (15 elective credit hours)
• Doctoral Dossier Research (12 credit hours)*

In addition to successfully completing all the coursework requirements, candidates must also satisfy written assessments and an oral comprehensive examination that document attainment of competencies. They must also complete either an Applied Dissertation or a Dossier Style Dissertation research project, depending upon the year the candidate was admitted to the program as per the following table:

Students who extend their program of study may be required to enroll in additional independent study credits.

With permission, students admitted between Fall 2013 and Fall 2020 may opt into the Dossier Style Dissertation if they choose not to do an intervention.

Problems of Practice and Doctoral Dossier

Students examine a Problem of Practice (POP)—an area of concern they have observed within their professional context—that becomes the focus of the student's Doctoral Dossier, which consists of three main projects described below.

As part of our commitment to social justice, the EdD program does not privilege one form of communication over another. Thus, all components of the Doctoral Dossier can be communicated in a modality of the student’s choosing: video, oral, scholarly writing, or public-facing writing. The Doctoral Dossier is embedded within the EdD program coursework, providing students the unique opportunity to examine an issue important to their field.

To begin their Doctoral Dossier process, students will spend their first year working on a Scholarship of Integration project (Project 1) that focuses on exploration and identification of underlying causes of and factors associated with their chosen POP. Using systems thinking, which includes perspective-taking, and the research literature, students will document their exploration in an introductory narrative that provides the rationale and supporting evidence for their decision to further pursue their research topic throughout their doctoral journey.

During the second year, following completion of the Scholarship of Integration project, students will choose one of the following two options for Project 2:

1. Scholarship of Application: Demonstrate the application of the research to practice. The purpose of this project is to a) consider how the research perpetuates and/or disrupts oppression, b) critique relevant systems, structures, and institutions, and c) determine avenues to effectively disseminate evidence to a wider audience and stakeholder group.

Example projects include: historical analysis of a topic, curriculum creation, community organization, autoethnography, instructional pedagogy, and others.   

2. Scholarship of Teaching: Development and improvement of pedagogical practices. Students examine teaching processes and assessments improve practice.

Example projects include : autoethnography of one’s teaching, innovative teaching materials, curricula, development of new courses, or development of a new pedagogical framework.   

During the third year, following completion of Project 2, students will choose one of the following:

• The scholarship option NOT chosen for Project 2, or
• Scholarship of Discovery: Search for new knowledge. Students conduct evidence-based research that leads to knowledge creation.    

Example projects include: written, oral, or other modalities of research, scholarly publications, empirical study, working paper, or book chapters.                

During the fourth year, students will complete Project 3, write an Executive Summary that ties their three projects together, and write a final reflection of their doctoral journey. The Doctoral Dossier will be presented and assessed during the fourth year.

Students are expected to complete four years of coursework and independent research concurrently. This program is cohort-based, thus if students require a leave of absence for any reason, they will return in the appropriate course sequence with the next cohort the following year.

Problems of Practice and Dossier Style Dissertation (for students admitted Fall 2021 and Fall 2022*)

Students examine a Problem of Practice (POP), which is an area of concern that they have observed within their professional context. This POP becomes the focus of the student's Dossier Style Dissertation. The Dossier Style Dissertation is embedded within the EdD program coursework, which provides students with a unique opportunity to examine an issue important to the organization in which they are employed.

During the first year in the program, students synthesize research literature to understand factors relevant to the POP from a broader systems perspective. During the second year of the program, students conduct an empirical project to investigate their POP within their professional context. Students are expected to collect and analyze data to further understand and refine their identified problem. Based on the evidence in the literature review and empirical project, students will engage in a final project that may further explore an aspect of their POP or articulate a potential solution.

Students will demonstrate mastery of first- and second-year competencies through written and oral comprehensive assessments, which will serve as indicators of readiness for conducting their applied research. Students will then evaluate the effectiveness of this solution as their Applied Project (Year 3). Characteristics of the Dossier Style Dissertation that make it unique to this program include:

• Written assignments within courses that focus on the student's POP.
• Coursework that leads students to consider applications that hold the potential for significant change or impact within their organization and/or have implications for policy.
• Dossier Style Dissertation components that are embedded within coursework and distributed across the three years of the program.

Although somewhat different from a traditional dissertation in its completion and focus, students are nevertheless expected to demonstrate mastery of the relevant literature, to obtain extant and/or collect additional data, and to interpret the results in light of previous studies. The Dossier Style Dissertation will be presented at a final oral defense before a Dossier Style Dissertation Panel.

Typically, we expect that students would complete three years of coursework and independent research concurrently. It is possible that some students may need more than three years to complete their research, in which case they will be required to enroll in at least one credit hour per semester after completion of the required 90 credit hours.

*Students admitted Fall 2021 can choose to complete either the Dossier Style Dissertation or the Applied Dissertation described below. Fall 2022 students may only complete the Dossier Style Dissertation.

Problems of Practice and Applied Dissertation (for students admitted Fall 2013-2021*)

Students examine a Problem of Practice (POP), which is an area of concern that they have observed within their professional context. This POP becomes the focus of the student's Applied Dissertation research. The Applied Dissertation is embedded within the EdD program coursework, which provides students with a unique opportunity to examine an issue important to the organization in which they are employed.

During the first year in the program, students examine their articulated POP to identify underlying causes and associated factors. During the second year of the program, students develop a potential solution, such as an intervention or policy change, and a plan to study the implementation of this intervention as well as proximal outcomes. Students will demonstrate mastery of first- and second-year competencies through written and oral comprehensive assessments, which will serve as indicators of readiness for conducting their applied research. Students will then evaluate the effectiveness of this solution as their Applied Dissertation (Year 3). Characteristics of the Applied Dissertation that make it unique to this program include:

• Coursework that leads students to consider solutions that hold the potential for significant change or impact within their organization and/or have implications for policy.
• Dissertation components that are embedded within coursework and distributed across the three years of the program.

Although somewhat different from a traditional dissertation in its completion and focus, students are nevertheless expected to demonstrate mastery of the relevant literature, to obtain extant and/or collect additional data, and to interpret the results in light of previous studies. The dissertation will be presented at a final oral defense before the student’s Dissertation Advisory Committee.

Typically, students will complete three years of coursework and independent research concurrently. It is possible that some students may need more than three years to complete their research, in which case they will be required to enroll in at least one credit hour per semester after completion of the required 90 credit hours.

*Students admitted Fall 2013-2020 must complete the Applied Dissertation. Students admitted Fall 2021 can choose to complete either the Dossier Style Dissertation or the Applied Dissertation. Fall 2022 students may only complete the Dossier Style Dissertation.

Learning Outcomes

Program goals.

Upon successful completion of the EdD, we expect that graduates will:

• Participate as a self-reflexive, social justice-oriented learner within diverse educational or learning communities.
• Analyze and critique educational practice and research from a social justice and systems perspective.
• Apply relevant methodologies to address critical challenges in education.
• Demonstrate a curiosity for, and a systematic approach to, at least one major topic of study within education resulting in an emerging expertise.
• Integrate research and practice-based knowledge to develop research-informed decisions and opinions about educational experiences, processes, policies, and institutions.
• Communicate effectively to diverse audiences about educational research, experiences, processes, policies, and institutions.

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Best Online Doctor of Education Programs for 2024

Online Doctor of Education programs have become as rigorous as their on-campus counterparts. For many Education Ed.D. candidates, an online degree might even be the smarter choice. Online programs offer flexibility, affordability, access to innovative technologies, students from a diversity of career backgrounds, and global opportunities.

This unranked list appears in alphabetical order.

Showing 1 - 25 of 66 results

Arcadia university - doctor of education in educational leadership (deel), from the school, university of dayton - online doctor of education (ed.d.) in leadership for organizations, vanderbilt university - online doctor of education in leadership and learning in organizations, a.t. still university of health sciences - doctor of education in health professions, abilene christian university - online doctor of education (ed.d.) in organizational leadership program, andrews university - ed.d. in educational leadership, arizona state university - doctor of education (ed.d.) in leadership and innovation, aspen university - doctor of education (ed.d.) in leadership and learning, baylor university - online doctor of education (ed.d.) in learning and organizational change, boise state university - doctor of education in educational technology, boston college - doctor of education (ed.d.) in educational leadership (psap) program, bradley university - online doctor of education-higher education administration program, cabrini university - doctor of education (edd) in organizational learning and leadership online, capella university - doctor of education program, concordia university chicago - ed.d. program in leadership, drexel university - online doctorate in educational leadership and management (ed.d.), edgewood college - doctoral program in educational leadership, florida state university - educational leadership & policy - ed.d. program, fordham university - doctor of education (ed.d.) in educational leadership, administration and policy, grand canyon university - online ed.d. degree: doctor of education, indiana university - online doctor of education in literacy, culture, and language education, johns hopkins school of education - online ed.d. program, kennesaw state university - education doctorate in educational leadership (ed.d.), lamar university - doctor of education in educational leadership, liberty university - online doctor of education (ed.d.) program.

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Doctorate in Education Program Guide

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Take our quiz and we'll do the homework for you! Compare your school matches and apply to your top choice today.

• A doctorate in education (Ed.D. or Ph.D.) is an advanced and rigorous degree.
• A Ph.D. or Ed.D. prepares you to address issues and improve the education field.
• Students gain advanced knowledge, research skills, and leadership development.
• Career paths include academia, leadership roles, consulting and policy analysis.

Educators do their best, but sometimes the system isn't perfect. Problems fall through the cracks and create more problems. There may be an issue you have a dream of fixing one day.

A doctorate in education (Ed.D. or Ph.D.) can help you do that.

A Ph.D. in education helps you gain in-depth working knowledge of educational theories, research, and practices. You'll be able to work with leading researchers and faculty and build a strong network of fellow educators.

Earning an Ed.D. in education can prepare you for leadership roles such as a school principal, university president, or superintendent. Some programs prepare graduates for other community leadership roles. It can also prepare you to become doctoral faculty within an Ed.D. program itself.

If you don't know which you want to pursue, or you want to know the difference between an Ed.D. and Ph.D. , we're here to help. The sections below cover what you need to know about getting a doctorate in education.

Popular Online Programs

Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.

What Can You Expect From a Doctorate in Education?

A doctorate in education is rigorous . It's an advanced degree with challenging coursework and dissertation research. It offers a variety of valuable experiences and outcomes, from developing leadership skills to pursuing specialized career paths.

Degree Types

Ph.d. in education.

A Ph.D. program typically prepares students for advanced research in education. It's a research-oriented degree that emphasizes scholarly research, theoretical frameworks and contributing to the knowledge base in education.

Ed.D. in Education

An Ed.D. program often focuses on developing skills and knowledge for academic leadership roles. It's a professional practice-oriented degree that applies research and theory to real-world educational contexts.

Common Curricula

The curriculum of a doctorate in education depends on if it's a Ph.D. or an Ed.D. program.

Specializations will also impact curricula — educational psychology covers different topics than education policy would.

Both Ph.D. programs and Ed.D. programs usually cover advanced theories, research, and practical applications in education. Coursework may explore educational leadership, research methods, curriculum development, educational policy, and instructional design.

Some programs may offer courses that lead to teaching licensure or certification. But not all do. Non-certification programs are typically for people pursuing non-teaching positions, such as educational research, administration, or faculty roles in higher education. A non-licensure program may emphasize areas like educational policy analysis or program evaluation.

Program Formats

A doctorate in education degree has several program formats. Each has its own set of advantages and disadvantages. They include:

• Benefits: Face-to-face interaction with faculty and peers, access to campus resources and facilities
• Drawbacks: Limited flexibility for working professionals, potential relocation or commuting challenges
• Benefits: Flexibility to study at your own pace and location, ideal for working professionals, reduced travel and relocation expenses.
• Drawbacks: Limited in-person interaction, potential challenges with self-motivation and time management

Hybrid (In-Person and Online)

• Benefits: Blend of face-to-face interaction and online flexibility, suitable for those seeking some on-campus experience while maintaining flexibility
• Drawbacks: May require periodic travel or scheduled on-campus sessions, potential for challenges balancing work and study commitments

Full-Time Study

• Benefits: Allows for faster program completion, immersive learning experience, potential for full-time research or assistantship opportunities
• Drawbacks: Requires significant time commitment, may be challenging for those balancing work or personal obligations

Part-Time Study

• Benefits: Allows for flexibility to balance work and study, accommodates personal commitments
• Drawbacks: Longer program completion time, potential challenges with maintaining motivation and focus

Program Costs

The tuition for a doctorate in education can vary based on several factors. The institution can play a significant role in determining the cost. Prestigious universities often have higher tuition rates compared to less renowned institutions.

Average Annual Tuition and Fees: Online vs. On-Campus Programs

Online Doctorate in Education

On-Campus Doctorate in Education

The program format also impacts tuition. Online programs sometimes have lower tuition due to reduced campus infrastructure costs. Full-time students generally pay higher tuition rates than part-time students due to campus-specific fees and higher course loads..

Other associated costs include textbooks, technology fees, research expenses and potentially housing and travel expenses for in-person programs.

Admission Requirements

Most doctorate in education programs require a master's degree. Beyond that, Ph.D. in education requirements can vary. Some programs may prefer several years of related work experience. Others look for candidates who have leadership skills in an educational setting or teacher certifications. Or, it can be a combination of all the above.

The following are typical general admission requirements for a doctorate in education program:

• Master's Degree: Most programs require applicants to hold a master's degree in education or a related field. Applicants typically need a strong foundation in educational theory and research. Most programs also require a minimum grade point average of 3.0.
• Recommendation Letters: Programs often request 1-3 letters of recommendation from people who can speak to your capabilities. Ideally, they should have knowledge of your academic abilities, work experience, leadership potential, and commitment to the field of education.
• Resume or Curriculum Vitae: A resume or curriculum vitae (CV) highlights your educational background, work experience, research involvement, publications, and other relevant achievements.
• Purpose Statement: A purpose statement is a written essay about your passion and alignment with the program. Here, you'll explain your motivations for pursuing a doctorate in education, research interest and career goals.
• Test Scores: Some but not all Ph.D. programs require applicants to take the Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) and meet score expectations . Fewer Ed.D. programs require it, but some still do.

Doctorate in Education Concentrations

Educational administration.

Educational administration prepares students for leadership roles in educational settings. Key skills taught in the concentration include strategic planning, organizational management, policy analysis, and ethical decision-making.

Career paths may include roles as principals, superintendents, district administrators, or educational consultants.

Higher Education

A higher education concentration develops skills and knowledge for leadership roles in colleges and universities. Learning outcomes include gaining expertise in higher education policy, administration, research, and pedagogy. Possible career paths include roles as higher education administrators, faculty members, policy analysts, or researchers.

Curriculum Instruction

Curriculum instruction involves the design, strategies and assessment of curricula. Gaining expertise in curriculum development, instructional leadership, and research are common points of focus in this concentration. Career paths include curriculum specialists, instructional coordinators, and educational consultants.

Educational Leadership

Educational leadership focuses on leadership skills and knowledge specific to educational settings. Students learn about topics like strategic planning, organizational management, policy analysis, and educational equity. Career paths include K-12 administration, district leadership, and educational consulting.

Human Resource Development

Human resource development (HRD) prepares students to lead, design, and implement effective training and development programs in organizations. Learning outcomes include advanced knowledge in adult learning theories, organizational development, and strategic HRD. Career paths may include HRD consultant, training manager, or professor in HRD-related fields.

What Can You Do With an Online Doctorate in Education?

A doctorate in education provides many career options . One path you can take is entering academia as a professor. You could also pursue leadership roles in K-12 institutions. For example, you could become a principal or superintendent, or a higher education leader. Other careers include educational consulting, policy analysis and research.

With a doctorate in education, you can make a meaningful impact in various settings. Common examples include schools, colleges, government agencies, nonprofit organizations, and research institutions.

According to November 2023 Payscale data , the average base salary for someone with a doctorate in education is $87,000.

Frequently Asked Questions About Doctorates in Education

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Ed.D. vs. Ph.D. in Education: What is the difference?

Students of both an Ed.D. or Ph.D. are prepared with the skills to impact education positively, but from different perspectives. An Ed.D. focuses on practical application in education and prepares students for educational leadership, such as a principal, superintendent, or college president. A Ph.D. is a research-focused degree.

Can you get an Ed.D. or a Ph.D. in education online?

Yes, there are many online programs for an Ed.D. or a Ph.D. in education. Schools like the University of Arizona, Drexel University and Walden University offer online doctorates in education. Each program typically has a main focus. For example, Arizona State University's online doctor of education is in leadership and innovation.

How many years does it take to get a doctorate in education?

How many years it takes to get a doctorate in education varies by program, required credits, and whether you're a full-time or part-time student. The average time to complete an Ed.D. is three years. Whether you already have a master's degree or have completed doctorate coursework can also affect completion time.

Do all doctorate in education programs require a master's degree?

Many doctorate in education programs require a master's degree, but some will allow you to earn a master's degree as part of the Ph.D. curriculum. These programs may make accommodations for students with a bachelor's who want to jump directly into a doctoral program.

Is getting an online doctorate in education worth it?

An online doctorate in education can be worth it for several reasons. A Ph.D. and Ed.D. are the highest level of education a person can earn in the field. NCES data shows online education doctoral programs are cheaper than in-person programs. Online programs also provide flexibility and convenience.

Note: The insights on this page — excluding school descriptions — were reviewed by an independent third party compensated for their time by BestColleges. Page last reviewed January 25, 2024.

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Online Doctor of Education Degree

Online Doctoral Degree in Education: An Overview

• Special education. 
• Higher education administration. 
• Educational psychology.  
• Adult education.  
• Curriculum and instruction. 

Jobs for Education Doctorate Degree Holders

Degree requirements.

• Challenges in urban education. 
• Human lifespan development. 
• Diversity, equity and inclusion.  
• Applied research and evaluation. 
• Development and improvement of pedagogical practices. 
• Theories and practices of leading organizations. 
• Ethical leadership and social justice. 
• How will you pay for the degree? Do you qualify for scholarships, grants or other financial aid? Is your employer subsidizing all or part of your education expenses? Are you taking out a student loan, and if so, what are the terms of this loan, including interest?
• How much income will you have while in school?
• Will you take classes full time or part time? How long will it take you to complete your desired degree program?
• Is this degree required for your desired role?
• How soon after obtaining this degree can you reasonably expect to work in your desired role?
• What is the average salary for your desired role, and how does that compare with your current salary?
• Is your desired degree in a growing field or one with expected demand?

Example courses

• Leading organizational change
• Evaluation of education policies and programs
• Current issues and trends in education
• Online teaching and learning
• Introduction to research methods

Job Outlook and Salary

Pay for online doctorate in education degree .

Best Online Doctorate in Education (EdD) Programs for 2024

Today’s leaders are faced with new challenges—and one way to elevate leadership skills and find improved ways to run an organization is to enroll in a degree program. That’s why Fortune compiled a list of the top online doctorate of education (Ed.D.) in organizational leadership degree programs. In total, we ranked eight Ed.D. in organizational leadership programs. This ranking was last updated August 2022.

Earn an Ed.D. Online—Lead Change in Your Industry

Hawai‘i Pacific University M.Ed. in Educational Leadership

1. Vanderbilt University

• ACCEPTANCE RATE
• CREDITS REQUIRED TO GRADUATE
• RETENTION RATE
• $2169 per credit

2. Drexel University

3. Trevecca Nazarene University

• $699 per credit

Maryville University’s Doctor of Education | Online

4. Baylor University

• $1785 per credit

5. Abilene Christian University

• $767 per credit hour

6. Spalding University

• $825 per credit

7. Virginia Commonwealth University

8. University of Dayton

What you’ll learn in an Ed.D. organizational leadership program

What is educational leadership and why is it important.

Educational leadership is the science of helping individuals achieve success through the management and improvement of educational programs. While it often refers to administrative positions within primary and secondary schools, as well as higher education, degrees in educational leadership can also provide skills to develop new solutions in any field. Continuing education is booming in corporate America, and chief learning officer (CLO) positions are an increasingly important and fast-growing position for graduates of doctorate of education (Ed.D.) programs. These programs help students build transformative leadership skills to spur initiative and foster change both in traditional educational and corporate work environments.

Ed.D. program requirements

Admission requirements.

Admission requirements can vary on a school-to-school basis, but generally include all or a combination of:

• Successful completion of a bachelor’s degree and oftentimes a master’s degree, as demonstrated by an official transcript released by the issuing college or university
• A resume or curriculum vitae that emphasizes relevant work and experience
• A personal statement that allows applicants to differentiate themselves from other candidates and explain their goals for completing a doctorate in education degree program
• One or more letters of recommendation from supervisors, professors, alumni, or other professionals 

Is a master’s degree required to get an Ed.D. in organizational leadership? 

Degree prerequisites vary depending on each school and program, though typically, a master’s degree is needed prior to enrolling in an Ed.D. program. Some programs, like Vanderbilt University’s online Ed.D. program, don’t require a master’s degree—though it can often boost a candidate’s application. 

Do you need to take the GRE for an Ed.D. in organizational leadership? 

Like other program prerequisites, whether or not you need to take the GRE test (and submit your score) will depend on the institution. Among the eight Ed.D. programs on Fortune’s ranking, none of the schools require applicants to submit a GRE score. That said, a GRE score may be an application requirement for some universities and other Ed.D. program options that didn’t appear on Fortune’s ranking.  

Frequently Asked Questions

An Ed.D is a doctorate in education , and it’s a program meant for individuals who hope to become leaders in their field—and it prepares students for administration or leadership positions in academics and beyond. The focus of these programs is to give students the skills to develop new solutions within the industry. Through coursework and collaboration among peers, students will be able to use what they learn and apply it to both their work and dissertation. 

If you’re looking to make a difference in organizational leadership, and earn a higher salary—the answer is yes. A doctorate in education can teach students how to use resources available to them in efforts to combat institutional issues. What’s more, this degree program provides individuals with a professional network and a greater appreciation and deeper passion for the education industry. Additionally, applicants who are already working in the field will have the option to move up the ladder and achieve their career goals with an advanced degree.

The perspective gained by students enrolled in organizational Ed.D programs lends itself to multiple roles in the education industry, particularly leadership roles—that can mean becoming a university dean, a principal, or a superintendent. People beyond education may find value in this degree, as well, and it’s applicable in corporate roles such as a chief learning officer . A doctorate in education in organizational leadership is tailored to those who hope to lead effectively and ethically. A Nova Southeastern University Ed.D program professor told Fortune that the program’s goal is to make its lessons, assignments, and discussion relevant in the real world. Programs with a focus on organizational leadership give students the time and space needed to develop the resources to address challenges in their given industry, with the goal of finding long-lasting solutions.

How long it will take to earn a doctorate in education can depend on two things: Whether a student is full-time or part-time and whether the program is online. But of course, there are multiple factors that contribute to the length of time needed for different programs, like credits needed to graduate and specializations. Ed.D programs can generally take two to three years to complete; for example, Vanderbilt University’s Ed.D. program in leadership and learning is a three-year commitment.

While both a Ph.D and an Ed.D. are graduate degree paths that typically appeal to people who want to pursue careers in education, they have different purposes . An Ed.D is for people who want leadership positions in the education field, whereas a Ph.D really focuses on the study of education itself. Most students who earn a Ph.D in education go on to become professors. The options are wider with a doctorate in education, in that students can pursue leadership roles in both primary and secondary education. 

Online Ed.D. programs offer accessibility and flexibility for those people looking to leadership roles in education or more broadly. By attending classes online, students can choose the institution and degree program that’s the best fit for them—while still obtaining transformative skills which can be utilized in corporate and traditional educational environments. Online programs can make the task of balancing school, a full-time job, and personal commitments more manageable, and can potentially save on cost.  

Since an Ed.D. is similar to a traditional Ph.D., some programs do require a research-based project, typically fulfilled as a dissertation. However, some Ed.D. programs don’t require a dissertation at all, and other programs have shifted to alternative examination strategies, such as a capstone project or dissertation in practice (DiP). In addition to eliminating Ed.D. specializations, Johns Hopkins University is also moving to a choose-your-own-adventure style in which students present their work in a variety of formats beyond the traditional dissertation model.

• Ed.D. vs. Ph.D.
• Tuition and Financial Aid FAQ
• Faculty and Leadership
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Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) in Leadership and Learning in Organizations

The online program from vanderbilt peabody college of education and human development, request more information.

Ranked as a top-6 education school in the nation by  U.S. News & World Report  in 2023, Vanderbilt Peabody College of education and human development offers the transformative Peabody experience to forward-thinking leaders inspired to drive organizational change across industries . 1

Gain Critical Leadership Skills for Any Industry

Earn an Ed.D. from a Top-Ranked Education School 1

Apply New Practices Directly to Your Career

Vanderbilt Has the #1 Online Doctorate in Education, According to Fortune Education 2022 Rankings 2

Peabody College faculty developed the doctor of education (Ed.D.) in leadership and learning in organizations with the aim of bridging the divide between theory and practice. The curriculum they built equips Ed.D. students with the deep understanding and contextual experience they need to implement positive change in diverse career fields and communities.

Visit the Ed.D. admissions page to view upcoming deadlines and application requirements.

The Vanderbilt Peabody Online doctoral program is  designed for mid-career professionals who have at least three years of leadership experience . While ranging in age and background, all students in the online Ed.D. have this in common: They are motivated to build on their organizational leadership skills and are committed to creating meaningful change within their industry. 

Build on a Strong Leadership Foundation

Earn a Peabody Online Doctor of Education.

Advancing Your Career in Education and Organizational Leadership

Leaders who want to improve organizations — to drive better results for the people they serve — will find an effective path for advancement in the Peabody Online Ed.D.

Whether corporate, nonprofit, educational, or governmental, workplace communities need support and direction to foster development, leverage resources, create solutions, and resolve complex challenges . The Ed.D. develops inquisitive, results-oriented professionals who can confidently drive widespread change.

Peabody Online Ed.D. students will strengthen their skills in:

• Organizational communication
• Management and leadership
• Inquiry and assessment of systemic issues
• Data analytics for leadership
• Learning and program design

The Ed.D. curriculum prepares students to identify, assess, and resolve organizational challenges from a learning and design perspective, which teaches students to make a positive impact in any industry. Through intensive, applied learning, professionals in the program will be empowered to implement advanced techniques that improve their day-to-day efficacy and long-term career success.

“My peer group is spectacular. It’s just an incredible group of very motivated, bright, and kind people from a lot of very different backgrounds . When I first started the program, I did wonder if I would be the only one who did not come from academia or a teaching background, and that’s very much not the case.”

Amrita Bhowmick, Ed.D. ’22 Chief community officer at Health Union Chapel Hill, North Carolina

Ph.D. vs. Doctorate in Education

Both a Ph.D. in education and a doctorate in education (Ed.D.) are advanced doctoral degrees that emphasize the study of learning and development, but they  differ greatly in curricular and research content, and in potential career outcomes .

An Ed.D. is for professionals who want to solve organizational challenges and improve their abilities as leaders in a wide range of industries and settings.

A Ph.D. in education is for those pursuing a career in education research or teaching within a college or university setting.

If you are wondering “What is a doctorate in education?” or have other doctoral degree-related questions,  visit our Ed.D. vs. Ph.D. page .

What Can I Do with a Doctorate in Education?

Ed.D. programs typically explore advanced management practices, leadership theory, the science and structure of organizations, and curriculum development. While students may apply these subjects to education, they are not limited to this field. The range of curricular topics prepares many Ed.D. graduates to advance in their current positions or seek out new leadership opportunities across industries.

The Peabody Online Ed.D. places a unique emphasis on organizational leadership . The program focuses on three core areas: leadership theory and practice, learning and design, and data analytics. Students examine these subjects as they apply to any organization, be it a higher education institution, a private company, a nonprofit, or a community group. Grounded in theory and practice, this focused study empowers graduates to improve outcomes within any organizational system.

Ed.D. Career Options

Graduates may advance in or enter fields such as:

• Public policy
• Human resources
• Health care
• Government and military
• Criminal justice

Students may advance in or rise into leadership roles such as:

• Chief learning officer
• Policymaker or analyst
• Educational consultant
• Director of human resources
• Training and development manager
• Academic dean
• Superintendent

Top executives, such as chief learning officers or school superintendents, have an annual median salary of $107,680. 3

Take the Next Step toward Advanced Leadership

Now is the time to start your Peabody Online application or request additional information. Scholarships are available.

The Peabody Ed.D. Online Experience

Students in the online Ed.D. complete 54 hours of course work across three areas of leadership and learning: leadership and organizational development, learning and design, and data and analytics . The course work is delivered through a sophisticated online platform and customizable tools that enable advanced collaboration, discussions, and learning.

Learn more about our unique Peabody Online experience .

Weekly Online Classes

Live, online classes led by the Peabody faculty serve as the starting point for engaging group discussions, question-and-answer sessions, and guided learning. The classes take place live on our online platform, allowing students to interact face-to-face no matter where they are.

The program is designed for established professionals. Classes are held weekly during the evening, Central Time, Monday through Thursday . Class attendance is required for all students.

Capstone Project

Using their knowledge and existing data, students identify a real-world organizational issue or problem of practice, test a solution, and make recommendations for long-term improvement. Students then present their projects in front of a faculty panel for assessment.

On-Campus Convenings

Convenings organized by Peabody Online bring students and instructors together, in person, for in-depth discussions, collaborative projects, and creative problem-solving exercises meant to demonstrate students’ new mastery of subject matter and leadership skills.

Students are required to attend three convenings throughout the duration of the program. Each on-campus convening takes place at Vanderbilt University’s campus in Nashville, Tennessee, and happens over the course of two days.

Hours of course work

Final capstone project

Renowned and Supportive Faculty

Our multi-disciplinary faculty members are experienced professionals and experts in their fields. They have designed a high-quality, insightful curriculum, and many serve as mentors who guide Ed.D. students toward success.

All Peabody faculty work toward the objective of helping students give back to their communities. Their dedication ensures that students feel supported as they take the next steps in their careers.

Learn more about our faculty and leadership.

Class Profile

The Peabody Online Ed.D. community comprises leaders from various industries and diverse personal, educational, and geographic backgrounds. Peabody Ed.D. students are inquisitive scholars: They value different perspectives and exchange knowledge with classmates in order to develop innovative solutions.

79 percent of students have 8 or more years of professional experience .

Students range from 25 to 68 years old, with a median age of 39.

States represented

Historically underrepre-sented 4

“I’m starting to see nuances and ideas connect that I didn’t know existed before. I think it’s making me a better not-for-profit leader , and I certainly think it’s making me a more thoughtful supervisor and program leader.”

Michael Hill, Ed.D. ’22 President of the Chautauqua Institution Washington, D.C.

About Peabody College

Founded in 1785, Peabody College of education and human development is known as a world-class research institution dedicated to education, policy, and public service. Ranked one of the nation’s best graduate schools of education in the country by U.S. News & World Report , Peabody College has a longstanding mission to make a meaningful difference in education and leadership. 1

Peabody College also offers graduate and doctoral degree programs on campus. Learn about our on-campus programs.

Get Started Now

Find out how Peabody Online can help you reach your ambitious career goals.

1 U.S. News & World Report ,  Best Education Schools in 2023 . (accessed July 2023) arrow_upward Return to footnote reference

2   Fortune, Best Online Doctorate in Education (EdD) Programs in 2022 . Accessed December 2022. arrow_upward Return to footnote reference

3 Bureau of Labor Statistics, Top Executives  (2020). Accessed May 2021. arrow_upward Return to footnote reference

4 African-American, American Indian/Alaska Native, Asian, Hispanic, and Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander arrow_upward Return to footnote reference

Doctor of Philosophy in Education

Additional Information

• Download the Doctoral Viewbook
• Admissions & Aid

The Harvard Ph.D. in Education trains cutting-edge researchers who work across disciplines to generate knowledge and translate discoveries into transformative policy and practice.

Offered jointly by the Harvard Graduate School of Education and the Harvard Kenneth C. Griffin Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, the Ph.D. in Education provides you with full access to the extraordinary resources of Harvard University and prepares you to assume meaningful roles as university faculty, researchers, senior-level education leaders, and policymakers.

As a Ph.D. candidate, you will collaborate with scholars across all Harvard graduate schools on original interdisciplinary research. In the process, you will help forge new fields of inquiry that will impact the way we teach and learn. The program’s required coursework will develop your knowledge of education and your expertise in a range of quantitative and qualitative methods needed to conduct high-quality research. Guided by the goal of making a transformative impact on education research, policy, and practice, you will focus on independent research in various domains, including human development, learning and teaching, policy analysis and evaluation, institutions and society, and instructional practice.   

Curriculum Information

The Ph.D. in Education requires five years of full-time study to complete. You will choose your individual coursework and design your original research in close consultation with your HGSE faculty adviser and dissertation committee. The requirements listed below include the three Ph.D. concentrations: Culture, Institutions, and Society; Education Policy and Program Evaluation; and Human Development, Learning and Teaching . 

We invite you to review an example course list, which is provided in two formats — one as the full list by course number and one by broad course category . These lists are subject to modification. 

Ph.D. Concentrations and Examples

Summary of Ph.D. Program

Doctoral Colloquia  In year one and two you are required to attend. The colloquia convenes weekly and features presentations of work-in-progress and completed work by Harvard faculty, faculty and researchers from outside Harvard, and Harvard doctoral students. Ph.D. students present once in the colloquia over the course of their career.

Research Apprenticeship The Research Apprenticeship is designed to provide ongoing training and mentoring to develop your research skills throughout the entire program.

Teaching Fellowships The Teaching Fellowship is an opportunity to enhance students' teaching skills, promote learning consolidation, and provide opportunities to collaborate with faculty on pedagogical development.

Comprehensive Exams  The Written Exam (year 2, spring) tests you on both general and concentration-specific knowledge. The Oral Exam (year 3, fall/winter) tests your command of your chosen field of study and your ability to design, develop, and implement an original research project.

Dissertation  Based on your original research, the dissertation process consists of three parts: the Dissertation Proposal, the writing, and an oral defense before the members of your dissertation committee.

Culture, Institutions, and Society (CIS) Concentration

In CIS, you will examine the broader cultural, institutional, organizational, and social contexts relevant to education across the lifespan. What is the value and purpose of education? How do cultural, institutional, and social factors shape educational processes and outcomes? How effective are social movements and community action in education reform? How do we measure stratification and institutional inequality? In CIS, your work will be informed by theories and methods from sociology, history, political science, organizational behavior and management, philosophy, and anthropology. You can examine contexts as diverse as classrooms, families, neighborhoods, schools, colleges and universities, religious institutions, nonprofits, government agencies, and more.

Education Policy and Program Evaluation (EPPE) Concentration

In EPPE, you will research the design, implementation, and evaluation of education policy affecting early childhood, K–12, and postsecondary education in the U.S. and internationally. You will evaluate and assess individual programs and policies related to critical issues like access to education, teacher effectiveness, school finance, testing and accountability systems, school choice, financial aid, college enrollment and persistence, and more. Your work will be informed by theories and methods from economics, political science, public policy, and sociology, history, philosophy, and statistics. This concentration shares some themes with CIS, but your work with EPPE will focus on public policy and large-scale reforms.

Human Development, Learning and Teaching (HDLT) Concentration

In HDLT, you will work to advance the role of scientific research in education policy, reform, and practice. New discoveries in the science of learning and development — the integration of biological, cognitive, and social processes; the relationships between technology and learning; or the factors that influence individual variations in learning — are transforming the practice of teaching and learning in both formal and informal settings. Whether studying behavioral, cognitive, or social-emotional development in children or the design of learning technologies to maximize understanding, you will gain a strong background in human development, the science of learning, and sociocultural factors that explain variation in learning and developmental pathways. Your research will be informed by theories and methods from psychology, cognitive science, sociology and linguistics, philosophy, the biological sciences and mathematics, and organizational behavior.

Program Faculty

The most remarkable thing about the Ph.D. in Education is open access to faculty from all Harvard graduate and professional schools, including the Harvard Graduate School of Education, the Faculty of Arts and Sciences, the Harvard Kennedy School, the Harvard Law School, Harvard Medical School, and the Harvard School of Public Health. Learn about the full Ph.D. Faculty.

Jarvis R. Givens

Jarvis Givens studies the history of American education, African American history, and the relationship between race and power in schools.

Paul L. Harris

Paul Harris is interested in the early development of cognition, emotion, and imagination in children.

Meira Levinson

Meira Levinson is a normative political philosopher who works at the intersection of civic education, youth empowerment, racial justice, and educational ethics. 

Luke W. Miratrix

Luke Miratrix is a statistician who explores how to best use modern statistical methods in applied social science contexts.

Eric Taylor

Eric Taylor studies the economics of education, with a particular interest in employer-employee interactions between schools and teachers — hiring and firing decisions, job design, training, and performance evaluation.

Paola Uccelli

Paola Ucelli studies socio-cultural and individual differences in the language development of multilingual and monolingual students.

View Ph.D. Faculty

Dissertations.

The following is a complete listing of successful Ph.D. in Education dissertations to-date. Dissertations from November 2014 onward are publicly available in the Digital Access to Scholarship at Harvard (DASH) , the online repository for Harvard scholarship.

• 2022 Graduate Dissertations (265 KB pdf)
• 2021 Graduate Dissertations (177 KB pdf)
• 2020 Graduate Dissertations (121 KB pdf)
• 2019 Graduate Dissertations (68.3 KB pdf)

Student Directory

An opt-in listing of current Ph.D. students with information about their interests, research, personal web pages, and contact information:

Doctor of Philosophy in Education Student Directory

Introduce Yourself

Tell us about yourself so that we can tailor our communication to best fit your interests and provide you with relevant information about our programs, events, and other opportunities to connect with us.

Program Highlights

Explore examples of the Doctor of Philosophy in Education experience and the impact its community is making on the field:

Reshaping Teacher Licensure: Lessons from the Pandemic

Olivia Chi, Ed.M.'17, Ph.D.'20, discusses the ongoing efforts to ensure the quality and stability of the teaching workforce

Lost in Translation

New comparative study from Ph.D. candidate Maya Alkateb-Chami finds strong correlation between low literacy outcomes for children and schools teaching in different language from home

25 Best Online Doctoral Programs in Higher Education [2024 Guide]

If you want to build an exciting career in the stimulating environment of colleges and universities, you may consider online doctoral programs in higher education.

You may find yourself in mid-career, thinking about the next step to propel you forward in your professional life. Or you may be completing your undergraduate degree and considering your next academic move.

Editorial Listing ShortCode:

With an EdD in Higher Education, you may advance your expertise and qualify for top positions in postsecondary administration.

Universities Offering Doctorate in Higher Education Degree Programs

Methodology: The following school list is in alphabetical order. To be included, a college or university must be regionally accredited and offer degree programs online or in a hybrid format.

1. Andrews University

Andrews University offers several options for higher education administration graduate degrees. Students can choose from the Master of Arts, Educational Specialist, Doctor of Education (EdD), or PhD in the field. Both the EdD and PhD doctoral programs are designed for professionals hoping to take on policy-making or senior administration roles.

Andrews University  is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

2. Appalachian State University

Students can choose from six concentrations in Appalachian State University’s Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership program.

Those who select the Higher Education concentration will take 60 credits in courses on emerging issues, writing for professional educators, policy analysis in higher education, designing culturally responsible learning environments, and institutional effectiveness.

Appalachian State University  is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

3. Colorado State University

Students in Colorado State University’s PhD in Higher Education program will gain real-world insight from scholar-practitioners and develop the skills and knowledge needed to become scholar-practitioners themselves.

The program prepares students for senior management positions in higher education administration, student services, enrollment management, academic support leadership, and housing and auxiliary services.

Colorado State  is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission.

4. Concordia University – Chicago

Concordia University – Chicago offers both Doctor of Education (EdD) and PhD programs in Higher Education. The EdD program prepares students for leadership roles within higher education while the PhD program prepares students to do research in the field or teach at the collegiate level. Both programs share many similar courses.

Concordia University Chicago  is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

5. Drexel University

The educational leadership and management doctoral program at Drexel University can be taken entirely online by part-time or full-time students.

There are no residency requirements and ten areas of concentration available, including one in Higher Education. Students in this concentration learn to effectively use innovative technology to serve their communities.

Drexel University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

6. East Carolina University

East Carolina University’s Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership program features a concentration in Higher Education.

In addition to the core courses required for the doctoral degree, students who choose this concentration will also take courses that include policy development and analysis, politics and power in education, and educational planning.

East Carolina University  is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

7. Fairleigh Dickinson University

The Doctor of Education in Higher Education program at Fairleigh Dickinson University has a diverse, comprehensive curriculum.

Popular courses cover topics like enrollment and retention, leadership, developing globally minded solutions to educational problems, applying data analytics, educational innovation, and creating a diverse and inclusive college culture. Financial aid is available to students who qualify.

FDU is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

8. Gwynedd Mercy University

The online accelerated executive Doctorate in Educational Leadership program at Gwynedd Mercy University is a 54 credit program that provides students with advanced skills and knowledge in many aspects of education.

These include education policy and regulation, faculty management and development, curriculum development, education research, and community outreach and relations.

Gwynedd Mercy University  is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. The Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

9. Indiana State University

Students in Indiana State University’s PhD in Educational Administration program can select the Leadership in Higher Education concentration to prepare for leadership roles within 2 year and 4 year colleges and universities.

The curriculum consists of coursework delivered in multiple formats and a 2 semester long, field-based internship to give students real-world experience.

Indiana State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

10. Liberty University

Liberty University’s PhD in Higher Education Administration program takes about 3 years to finish, can be completed entirely online, and allows students to transfer half of the required credits from previously attended universities.

Required courses include policy analysis, college and university administration, teaching the college student, and assessment and accreditation.

Liberty University  is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

11. Maryville University

Maryville University’s Doctor of Education in Higher Education Leadership program is a cohort-model program that allows students to complete all required coursework online.

This includes the residency, which can be completed face-to-face if students prefer. Students work on their coursework and dissertations simultaneously and can potentially graduate in 32 months.

The Maryville University of Saint Louis is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission.

12. Missouri Baptist University

Missouri Baptist University’s higher education leadership doctoral program utilizes the practitioner-scholar education model and offers competitive tuition.

All courses are built on the school’s foundational belief that education and faith are the world’s two greatest powers for change. The degree prepares students for jobs as deans, presidents, professors, and directors.

Missouri Baptist University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

13. Notre Dame of Maryland University

The PhD in Higher Education Leadership for Changing Populations program at Notre Dame of Maryland University helps prepare students to become leaders in schools and universities with culturally diverse populations.

Emphasis is placed on education policy and practice and effective organizational management. Tuition is affordable, and there’s no residency requirement.

Notre Dame of Maryland University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

14. Nova Southeastern University

Students enrolled in Nova Southeastern University’s higher education leadership doctoral program can earn their Doctor of Education without having to submit or defend a dissertation. All coursework can be completed online, but students must attend one mandatory summer institute as part of their curricula. Most students finish in 3 years.

NSU  is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

15. Oregon State University

The Doctor of Education in Adult and Higher Education program at Oregon State University can be undertaken mostly online, but during the first two years of the program, students will be required to attend two face-to-face cohort meetings twice per term. These are held on the school’s downtown Portland campus.

Oregon State University is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.

16. Regent University

Regent University’s PhD in Higher Education program assists students in gaining deeper understanding of the entire college administration field. Key courses in the curriculum focus on policy and professional practice and examine historical issues, contemporary issues, and finance in higher education, all presented from a Christian worldview.

Regent University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

17. Saint Cloud State University

The Doctor of Education in Higher Education Administration program from Saint Cloud State University is 100% online and flexible. Students can choose between 8 week and 16 week course terms and can earn their degrees in 4 years. The curriculum is comprehensive and advanced, and the school doesn’t charge out-of-state tuition.

St. Cloud State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

18. Saint Peter’s University

Students interested in higher education at Saint Peter’s University can enroll in the Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership program and select the Higher Education concentration.

The program requires 48 credits for completion. Notable courses include historical trends in higher education, grants, philanthropy and development, and qualitative research design.

Saint Peter’s University  is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

19. Texas Tech University

Students at Texas Tech University have two concentration options as part of the Doctor of Education in Higher Education Administration program: Community College Administration or Higher Education College and University Administration.

Both concentrations can prepare students for careers in various higher education fields. On-campus orientation and on-campus summer sessions are required.

Texas Tech University  is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

20. University of Florida

University of Florida’s higher education hybrid doctoral program can prepare students for senior administrative positions in both postsecondary-focused nonprofit organizations and higher education institutions.

It’s a cohort-model program that was one of the original Kellogg Foundation Community College Leadership programs in the nation. It’s designed specifically for working professionals.

The  University of Florida  is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

21. University of Memphis

The higher education doctoral program at University of Memphis is specifically designed for professionals already working in higher education who are looking to move into mid- to senior-level management positions.

The program can be completed online and can also prepare students for board member jobs or jobs within higher education-related agencies.

The University of Memphis is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

22. University of Nebraska – Lincoln

University of Nebraska – Lincoln’s inter-departmental Doctor of Education in Educational Studies program allows students to choose from three concentrations.

Students who select the Educational Leadership and Higher Education concentration should receive the academic and professional development skills needed to become higher education leaders and administrators. There’s also a PhD option.

The  University of Nebraska-Lincoln  is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

23. University of North Dakota

The Educational Practice and Leadership program at University of North Dakota features six unique concentrations, including the Higher Education concentration. The program requires 90 credit hours for completion and usually takes about 3 years to finish. Courses can be taken online, and graduate assistant funding is available to qualifying students.

The University of North Dakota is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

24. University of Southern Mississippi

The University of Southern Mississippi’s Doctor of Education in Higher Education program has recently been redesigned to accommodate the needs of working professionals looking to move into more pertinent leadership roles. The program can be taken entirely online, and students don’t have to pass the GRE for admittance.

The  University of Southern Mississippi  is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

25. Wilmington University

Students in Wilmington University’s higher education leadership doctoral program will enjoy a flexible curriculum taught by highly qualified faculty.

They learn to become leaders who empower others, advocate for meaningful change and continuous improvement, and behave with integrity, fairness, inclusivity, and impeccable ethics. Law, policy, and governance are also taught.

Wilmington University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

Online Higher Education Doctoral Programs

The EdD in Higher Education is a doctorate in education with higher education (postsecondary) as the chosen track or area of concentration. In this way, it differs from the type of EdD that you could earn for advancement in the field of K-12 education.

An EdD is known as the doctoral degree for practitioners working in the field of education. With an EdD in Higher Education, you may step into top administrative positions in colleges or universities, employee training positions in business and industry, or research and policy positions in education governance.

Some EdD programs in higher education focus exclusively on this area of concentration. Other programs feature higher education leadership as a specialization area within a more generalized EdD in educational and organizational leadership.

Some of the course topics an EdD program in higher education might cover include organizational management, law and ethics in higher education, and financial management in higher education.

These types of courses help provide the foundation for you to build a knowledge and skill base that may allow you to step into top managerial roles within the framework of higher education administration. In most cases, a doctoral degree consists of 60 credit hours beyond the masters degree.

Some institutions offer dual masters and doctorate degree programs. A dual program allows you to complete the 30 credit hours of a masters degree and the additional 60 hours of the doctoral program all in one continuous degree program.

Higher Education Careers & Salaries

According to the National Center for Education Statistics, about 19.7 million students enrolled in US colleges and universities last semester. With such a large population of students, it’s understandable why colleges and universities need well-prepared administrators.

Postsecondary institutions must run efficiently to deliver top-notch instruction and handle the administrative tasks that serve the needs of their students.

Higher education administrators are responsible for facilitating students’ enrollment and progress through their degree programs toward completion and graduation. The administrative apparatus of any institution provides recordkeeping, evaluation, student services, and much more.

With an EdD in Higher Education, you may qualify to head up a department within a university administration or even become a college president. Top positions in higher education include president (chief executive officer), provost or academic dean, or dean of students.

Other administrative positions involve managing departments, such as financial aid or student affairs.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics , professionals with an EdD in Higher Education may qualify for the jobs listed below.

Postsecondary administration is a growing area of employment. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 4% growth rate for the next decade.

The typical career track for someone with an EdD in Higher Education involves working in the administration of public or private colleges, universities, junior colleges, community colleges, or postsecondary professional trade schools. But there are also opportunities for careers in business and industry.

You might use your EdD to become the managing director of an employee training program in a business or industry. Additionally, you might look for an opportunity to perform research and influence policy in an organization for postsecondary education governance.

Choosing an Online Doctorate in Higher Education

As you research the different online education programs offered by various universities for EdD in Higher Education, keeping an eye out for some specific factors may help you narrow down your choices.

Some of these factors may include:

• University with regional accreditation
• Professional accreditation for education degree programs
• Intermittent on-campus residency requirements

If you’re interested in a specialized area of higher education, you may also want to consider these factors:

• Reputation of the teaching faculty
• Faculty members’ areas of research and publication
• Opportunities for research collaboration with faculty members
• Opportunities for specialization within the curriculum
• Opportunities for practicum or internship experiences

It may also help to investigate these financial aspects associated with your choice of graduate school:

• Cost of tuition and fees
• In-state or out-of-state tuition
• Opportunities for financial aid, grants, and scholarships

Pursuing your degree online may offer convenience and allow you to complete the degree while continuing to work and maintain any family responsibilities. You may want to consider these aspects of the online education environment:

• Tech support availability for learning platforms
• Scheduling and ease of navigation for online classes
• Ability to communicate quickly and easily with faculty
• Ease of online interaction with peers to discuss coursework and projects

With any doctorate degree program such as a higher education or online doctorate in special education , the degree program that is best for you is often the one that best fits your personal needs and goals.

Curriculum & Courses

While you pursue the Doctor of Education in Higher Education, you’ll take numerous courses to prepare you for career advancement in this exciting field.

Similar to a masters program in higher education , here is an overview of courses that may appear in your program:

• Leadership in Higher Education : You’ll learn theories and develop skills for leadership in higher education, including management, communication, and organizational strategies.
• Law and Ethics in Higher Education : This course will investigate legal and ethical issues that impact students, faculty, staff, and administration in postsecondary educational institutions.
• Assessment and Evaluation in Postsecondary Education : You’ll learn how to analyze data for the purpose of improving student outcomes in higher education.
• Organizational Management: Explore varied approaches to structuring and managing a large organization, such as a college or university.
• Strategic Planning in Higher Education : Study best practices in leadership for establishing shared visions and goals for long-range planning in higher education.
• Postsecondary Education Governance : This course will explore leadership approaches to the management of external and internal governance frameworks in higher education.
• Financial Management in Higher Education : You may learn strategies for fundraising, fiscal planning, fiscal responsibility, and integrity in postsecondary education.
• Higher Education Academic Programs : This course will discuss current models for structuring and assessing degree programs in higher education.
• Research Methods : You’ll learn principle elements of academic research and scholarly writing, building toward the dissertation or doctoral capstone.
• Dissertation or Doctoral Capstone : Design and conduct independent research and report findings in a comprehensive dissertation document under the supervision of a dissertation advisor and committee. Many universities also offer the option of a capstone project in lieu of a dissertation.

As you search for the degree program that is right for you, you may keep in mind that some programs offer opportunities for specialization.

For example, you may want to specialize in leadership in higher education or in higher education administration. Your interests and career goals may affect your need for specialization.

Admissions Requirements

The EdD is a terminal degree for practitioners in the field of education. So, only the most qualified candidates are admitted to these degree programs. Here is a list of criteria that universities may be looking for:

• Master’s degree in higher education or related field with minimum GPA
• GRE or GMAT score, if required
• Evidence of work experience in higher education
• Letters of recommendation
• Writing sample

Some universities may require minimum scores on the Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) or the Graduate Management Admissions Test (GMAT). Many institutions, though, have eliminated these test requirements in recent years.

Some schools will often waive the requirement to submit test scores if you can show evidence of work experience in higher education.

Accreditation

As you research online EdD in Higher Education degree programs, you may want to take note of their accreditation status. Your future advancement may depend, in part, on evidence of holding an EdD from an accredited university.

An institution that holds regional accreditation has been recognized from one of these organizations:

• Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
• Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
• New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)
• Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)
• Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
• WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)

You might also look for accreditation of the EdD degree program itself. The National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE) and the Council for Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) are two organizations that accredit degree programs in Education.

Financial Aid and Scholarships

You may be able to offset your investment in an EdD with increased future earnings. Additionally, you may be eligible to access funds through financial aid, grants, scholarships, or employer tuition programs.

To start the process, you may complete and submit your FAFSA form at the Federal Student Aid website. The William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan Program is also frequently accessed by graduate students.

Other forms of financial assistance may include financial aid from state or institution sources. In some cases, a work-study program may also provide financial assistance while you complete your degree.

Grants and scholarships are sometimes available for doctoral students who qualify. Foundations, community organizations, and alumni associations offer scholarships at various institutions as well.

If you’re already working in higher education, there’s a chance your employer may share the expense for you to get your EdD degree.

What Can You Do with a PhD in Higher Education Administration?

With a PhD in Higher Education Administration, you may move into top positions in college or university administration. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, you may become a college registrar, academic dean, college president, or dean of student affairs.

On the other hand, you may also go into research and teaching as a university professor in the field of higher education. There is a tremendous amount of overlap in regard to the careers pursued by professionals with PhD and EdD degrees.

What’s the Difference Between an EdD vs. PhD in Higher Education Administration?

Your choice to pursue the EdD or the PhD in Higher Education may be dictated by your professional aspirations in the field. It depends on whether you seek career advancement in administration and leadership or in research and teaching.

An EdD in Higher Education is generally seen as the degree for a practitioner in the field. For professionals in postsecondary administration, leadership, and student affairs, the EdD is the terminal degree focusing on professional practice.

The PhD in Higher Education is known as the degree that focuses on research and preparation for teaching at the undergraduate and post-graduate levels.

While a PhD still often requires the completion of a dissertation, many EdD degrees now have the option of completing a capstone project in lieu of writing a dissertation. Your capstone requirement will depend on the program and university you ultimately choose.

How Much Does an Online Doctorate in Higher Education Cost?

Tuition costs vary from one institution to another. A search of online EdD in Higher Education programs reveals a wide range of cost, from $420 to $1,785 per credit hour.

When calculating costs of various programs, you may want to include the extra expenses of books and fees. Some online degree programs waive the fees that are associated with face-to-face programs on campus, which can help lower the overall cost.

You may also consider the costs of the on-campus residency requirements that are included in many online EdD programs.

How Long Does It Take to Get a Higher Education Doctorate?

On average, you may complete a Doctor of Education in Higher Education degree in 3 to 5 years. Your individual schedule, though, may dictate how long it takes for you to complete the degree program.

Some schools offer self-directed degree programs while others require that you move through the program with a cohort of 15 to 20 other students. Additionally, you’ll be working individually when you get to the dissertation or doctoral capstone phase, and some research may require longer timeframes.

Is a Higher Education Doctoral Program Worth It?

Yes, a Doctor of Education in Higher Education is worth it for many students. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, education, training, and library jobs are set to grow at 5% over the next 10 years, faster than the average for all occupations.

Common higher education careers in this field include college president, registrar, provost or academic dean, director of student affairs, and director of employee training.

This degree may open many more doors of knowledge and opportunity for you over other degree programs such as a masters in education administration online . Aside from the opportunities to secure a job promotion, make a career change, or move up the administrative ladder, you may also experience profound intellectual growth as you pursue your EdD.

Getting Your Higher Education Doctorate Online

Deciding to work on your EdD is not a decision to be made in haste. You may decide to research numerous online degree programs, comparing factors that are most important for you.

Regional accreditation may be an important criterion to consider at the outset of your search. You may also want to explore and compare degree program costs if you’re working within a projected budget.

Still another factor you may consider is whether various degree programs offer specializations that will help you advance in the career that interests you. When you find the accredited EdD program that best meets your needs, you may be on your way to an exciting, educational journey!

Lynn University’s graduate education program ranked by U.S. News & World Report

Lynn University’s graduate education program has been recognized as one of the top programs in the nation by U.S. News & World Report in their 2024  Best Graduate Schools rankings.

Lynn’s  Donald E. and Helen L. Ross College of Education  offers two distinguished graduate degree tracks:  educational leadership  and  exceptional student education  (ESE). The master’s in educational leadership is a one-year online program, whereas the Florida Department of Education-certified ESE specialization is available for completion on campus, online or via a hybrid format—ideal for working professionals who aspire to leadership positions in education. 

“The College of Education faculty is extremely pleased and proud to be recognized among some of the nation’s best colleges and universities,” said Kathleen Weigel, dean of the College of Education. “Our graduate students continue to utilize their educational experiences and knowledge to positively impact and improve their respective environments for the good of the children and communities they serve.”

This recognition underscores Lynn’s commitment to providing accelerated, convenient, and affordable education while preparing future education leaders to excel in their careers and contribute meaningfully to society. U.S. News also ranked Lynn in its  Best Online Programs lists for bachelor’s programs, graduate education and MBA programs earlier this year.

For more information about Lynn’s graduate education programs, visit lynn.edu/graduate .

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Pros and Cons of Getting a Doctorate Online

From heightened career advancement opportunities to increased salary potential, there are many reasons why people are choosing to earn doctorate degrees in 2024. Thanks to the proliferation of online doctorate programs, working professionals no longer have to press pause on their jobs to attend classes or complete coursework. Instead, tens of thousands of American professionals each year are rising to meet the growth in doctoral and professional-level occupations. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), such occupations are projected to grow by 13 percent between 2016 and 2026, which is faster than the 7-percent average projection for all occupations.  

If you are interested in earning a doctoral degree, you may have questions such as “Are online doctoral degrees respected?” or “Do I need to earn my degree from an accredited institution?” Discovering the answers to those questions can help you determine whether an online doctorate is a good fit for helping them achieve their professional and personal goals.  

Pros of Online Doctorate Programs  

Online doctoral programs provide students with a long list of benefits. While some may come to mind immediately — the ability to complete coursework from your home office or a breakroom at work, for example — others are less obvious but equally meaningful. Consider several positive elements of both the experience and impact of earning an online doctoral degree. 

Flexibility 

For the average working professional, spare time is a precious commodity. Between personal and professional obligations, an in-personal doctoral program with a rigid class schedule is often a non-starter. The university administrators designing the best online doctoral degree programs understand the time constraints for aspiring students and intentionally offer creative solutions that enhance the lives of professionals rather than burden them. 

The flexibility of an online doctoral program empowers professionals to continue building their careers as they earn their degrees. This flexibility helps the calendar stay manageable and allows students to integrate what they are learning into their jobs in real time. 

Saving Time 

Gone are the days when pursuing a doctorate necessarily meant relocation, residency, or refraining from full-time work. While some individuals will find that a cross-country move for in-person coursework or an all-in approach to academic life best fits their doctoral pursuit, most working professionals are looking for a different path. An online doctoral program offers such individuals a time-savvy approach to further education. There’s no time spent commuting, walking to class, or learning the nuances of a new city and campus. Instead, the online delivery model brings education into the professional’s existing home, workplace and routine.  

Instead of a rush hour drive from the office to an evening lecture, the out-of-class time commitment is simply the opening of a laptop. Frantically looking for parking to make it to a professor’s office hours on time is replaced with a virtual meeting link. Through an online program, students are empowered to make the most of their hours and can devote time and energy to their work, personal life and school.  

There are long-term time savings for online doctoral degree earners as well. Students enrolled in online programs often earn their degrees more quickly than their peers enrolled in in-person programs. The efficient approach to time in online doctoral programs not only allows students to leverage their schedules during the program but after as well, as they graduate ready to make the most of their time in the workplace.  

Personalized Learning 

One of the most beloved features of online doctoral programs is the personalized learning approach. Through both live and asynchronous instruction, students have access to multiple educational modes. Individuals who learn best through reading, for example, can access transcripts for online courses, while those who benefit from writing out their thoughts may find discussion forums especially useful.  

Additionally, the best online doctorate degree programs pair students with faculty mentors — who, because of the virtual nature of the program, can live anywhere in the country — who work and research in fields specific to the student’s interests.  

Maximized Networking 

Online doctorate programs empower working professionals to expand their networks significantly. By connecting with fellow students throughout the country, students enrolled in online doctorates have the opportunity to cultivate a more diverse community of like-minded professionals who are collectively working toward the greater good. The insight, perspective and experiences of individuals from various backgrounds can help students develop a national, and even global, lens for viewing their work, relationships and impact. 

While an in-person educational experience can facilitate good conversation, an online platform creates a greater opportunity for diversified discussion. A principal working in education in a rural area, for example, may be enrolled in an online doctorate of education course with a superintendent in a major city. A business consultant who serves an aging client base may form a connection with an analyst focused on young professionals. Relationships like these can be mutually enriching, expanding perspectives and providing ample opportunity for collaboration, sharing advice and encouraging lifelong learning. 

Cons of Online Doctoral Programs 

While the online doctoral experience is overwhelmingly positive, there are a few factors for aspiring students to bear in mind. By asking the right questions about themselves and the programs they are considering, doctoral hopefuls can find the best fit for their educational futures.  

Net-Based Networking 

While virtual networking has tremendous potential for cultivating an expansive, diverse community, some prefer in-person interaction. For working professionals who find digital communication or relationship-building difficult or uncomfortable, the networking element of online doctoral programs may be challenging.  

Credibility Concerns 

Whether or not online degree programs are respected is an important issue for individuals considering a doctorate. The most critical question is whether or not an accredited institution issues a degree. Students who earn degrees — whether online or in-person — from accredited institutions can feel at ease about the credibility of their program. When a trusted accrediting body gives a program its stamp of approval, that means it meets high educational standards.  

There are several accrediting bodies in the United States, many of which focus on certain types of degree programs or regions of the country. AACSB, for example, accredits business schools. The scope of accreditation for the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) includes distance and correspondence education for eleven states and Latin America. 

Time Management  

Personalized learning, asynchronous instruction and virtual coursework mean that online doctoral students must create schedules and establish the structure for working toward their degrees. Individuals who struggle with time management or self-discipline may find that an in-person educational experience provides them with the rigor and boundaries they need to succeed academically. 

Earn a Doctoral Degree in Business Administration or Education through Marymount University Online 

For most working professionals interested in further education, the pros of an online doctoral degree outnumber the cons. The Online Doctorate of Education (Ed.D.) in Leadership & Organizational Innovation and Online Doctorate of Business Administration in Business Intelligence (DBA) at Marymount University are accredited programs that equip professionals to advance their careers while connecting them with like-minded professionals across the U.S.  

Take the first step toward your doctorate here . 

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Clinical placement requirements are unique for each state. Please see our list of program offerings by state or contact us to determine whether our programs fulfill your state requirements.

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The baccalaureate degree program in nursing at Marymount University is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, 655 K Street, NW, Suite 750, Washington, DC 20001, 202-887-6791.

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To proceed with either the BSN to MSN FNP or the BSN to DNP FNP or the BSN to DNP PMHNP or the MSN PMHNP, you are required to have a bachelor’s degree and hold your RN license.

To proceed with either the PMC-FNP or the PMC-DNP or the PMC-PMHNP, you are required to have a master's degree and hold your RN license.

To proceed with the ABSN, you are required to have a bachelor's degree.

If you don’t meet these requirements but would still like further information, please contact us .

To proceed with the EdD in Educational Leadership and Organizational Leadership degree, you are required to have a master’s degree.

If you don’t meet this requirement but would still like further information, please contact us .

To proceed with the Doctor of Business Administration - Business Intelligence degree, you are required to have a master’s degree.

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UCF Graduate Programs Reach New Heights in U.S. News Rankings Through Research Excellence, Impactful Community Engagement

UCF’s emergency management program ranks No. 1 in the nation, and programs in education and public affairs climbed in U.S. News & World Report ’s Best Graduate Schools rankings.

By Mark Schlueb ’93 ’21MA | April 9, 2024

UCF is a leading metropolitan research university known for helping students unleash their potential and advancing innovation in our community and state. Led by world-class faculty members with unrivaled industry experience, UCF’s graduate programs continue to earn top national recognitions for accomplishing those goals and more.

More than 9,000 UCF students enroll in UCF’s graduate programs to advance their careers or launch new ones. And many are thriving on campus and after graduation in programs ranked among the best in the nation.

U.S. News & World Report has recognized UCF’s exceptional faculty and graduate programs in its 2024 list of Best Graduate Schools. UCF’s emergency management program ranks No. 1 in the nation, and four programs rank in the top 25. Nine graduate programs placed in the top 50 nationally, including five in public affairs, three in education and one in health. U.S. News will release rankings for the engineering and medicine categories at a later date.

“UCF’s world-class faculty excel at providing our graduate students with the knowledge and skills they need to thrive as innovative leaders and creators,” says President Alexander N. Cartwright. “The U.S. News rankings demonstrate that our students graduate well-prepared to unleash their potential in individual, business, and government sectors that are growing in Florida and vital to our economy, health, and quality of life.”

UCF Grads Shape Emergency Responses Nationwide

UCF has a proven track record in emergency management. The university’s Master of Emergency and Crisis Management program — which is offered the College of Community Innovation and Education — has climbed the rankings over seven consecutive years. The homeland security program and its faculty researchers enable students to navigate increasingly complex manmade and natural disasters, while learning from past disasters to improve their preparedness and response in the future.

Graduates of the program go on to become leaders in directing and implementing emergency responses in Florida and throughout the country, including in Boston and Washington, D.C. They are saving lives, helping communities prepare as well as possible to navigate disasters, and putting into practice the lessons they learned from outstanding faculty who contribute to  national research and regional solutions related to crises .

“Our students are equipped to assist communities and organizations in every phase of emergency management — from preparedness and mitigation to response and recovery,” says  Claire Connolly Knox, professor in UCF’s School of Public Administration.

“We are thrilled to be ranked No. 1 and nationally recognized again as a leader in emergency and crisis management,” she adds. “This honor highlights the innovative and community-focused research by our faculty and continuous engagement with community partners invested in our outstanding students and alumni.”

Other highlights include:

• 12 in Education — Student Counseling and Personnel Services
• 15 in Public Affairs — Nonprofit Management, up three spots since last year
• 21 in Public Affairs — Public Management and Leadership, up five spots since last year
• 27 in Public Affairs — Public Finance and Budgeting
• 32 in Education — Curriculum and Instruction
• 41 in Health — Physical Therapy
• 42 in Best Education Schools, up four spots since last year
• 47 in Public Affairs
• 59 in Nursing — Doctor of Nursing Practice

UCF’s many strong rankings are a testament to the excellence of UCF’s faculty, who bring to the classroom extensive experience in academia, industry and research, as well as to the university’s commitment to help students unleash their potential in a culture focused on collaboration and finding solutions that benefit our society.

UCF students who have graduated from the nonprofit management program have gone on to make a big impact by helping communities in Florida and beyond. In one example, more than 12 years ago, program graduate Eric Camarillo ’16 ’19MNM launched faith-based nonprofit organization SALT Outreach Inc. in Central Florida to help provide services to the homeless, including mobile shower trailers, laundry, clothing, haircuts, mail services and help with employment. SALT has grown to more than 30 staff members who help hundreds of people every day.

“Throughout the School of Public Administration, our faculty, staff and advisory boards have worked hard to ensure we are offering students in Central Florida, across the country and around the globe a world-class, innovative education,” says Doug Goodman, professor and school director. “We are honored to be recognized as leaders in emergency management, nonprofit management, public leadership management and public finance and budgeting, fields that are critical to the health and well-being of our citizens and the success of our communities.”

The Best Graduate Education Schools category includes graduate-level educator preparation and advancement programs, such as teacher education, school counseling and psychology, educational leadership, and curriculum and instruction, all offered through the College of Community Innovation and Education. The college offers graduate students numerous opportunities to collaborate closely with expert faculty, from receiving mentorship and support in research and scholarship to engaging in robust internships and field experiences with school district, nonprofit and agency partners. Some faculty members also lead federally funded projects that offer tuition assistance and prepare students to work with students in high-need schools.

UCF’s continued rise has also drawn praise from other outlets:

• In February, U.S. News & World Report released its best online program national rankings, which placed UCF tied at No. 7 in the nation for best online bachelor’s programs. Of the 14 UCF national rankings from U.S. News , six online programs made the top 10, two made the top 15 and three were in the top 50. UCF has ranked in the top 20 overall Best Online Programs for the past seven years.
• In March, The Princeton Review and PC Gamer recognized UCF’s game design programs among the best in the world. The graduate Florida Interactive Entertainment Academy is ranked No. 1 in the world for the fourth time in five years. The undergraduate game design program, Games and Interactive Media (GaIM) in UCF’s Nicholson School of Communication and Media, achieved its highest ranking ever, advancing to No. 5 in the world.
• Sports Business Journal named Orlando the No. 1 Best Sports Business City for event hosting, including the NBA, Orlando City and Orlando Pride Soccer, the nation’s premier tennis center, college football bowl games, the NFL Pro Bowl, U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials, the Arnold Palmer Invitational — and, of course, the UCF Knights. With its inaugural season in the Big 12 Conference in 2023, UCF has skyrocketed to unprecedented success as the youngest Power Four program in the country. With one of the country’s  top graduate sports business programs , UCF has also provided a pipeline of talented graduates to some of the nation’s biggest sports brands.

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Founded to help fuel talent for the nearby space industry , UCF continues to build its reputation as SpaceU. Here's a look at the early days of UCF's space ties and journey to new frontiers.

College of Education grad program ranks in Top 40 among U.S. public universities

The Purdue University College of Education ranks #48 in 2024 Best Education Schools – Graduate  Education , according to the 2024 U.S. News & World Report rankings released Apr. 9. This is an increase from #49 in 2023.

Education is among the five top-ranked academic disciplines at Purdue ranked by the USNWR .

“We are #2 in Indiana, and in the top 19% nationally,” said Wayne E. Wright , College of Education associate dean for research, graduate programs, and faculty development.

This ranking places Purdue’s College of Education graduate program in the Top 40 among U.S. public universities, at #37.

“While this is a very small improvement over our ranking last year, it is evidence that our graduate programs are strengthening — especially in the area of research,” said Phillip J. VanFossen , interim dean of the College. “In fact, the College has one of the highest levels of research productivity at Purdue.”

“We are thrilled to see our graduate program move even higher in the 2024 U.S. News and World Report Rankings,” Wright said. “We truly have outstanding programs and faculty who are dedicated to teaching and providing our students with highest quality education.”

U.S. News & World Report is a recognized leader in ranking colleges, programs, and graduate schools. Each year, Purdue’s College of Education strives to continually improve its programs and relies on the rankings to help promote and serve as a recruiting tool for prospective students seeking a quality online educational experience.

U.S. News and World Report rankings of the 2024 Best Graduate Schools – Education programs https://www.usnews.com/best-graduate-schools/top-education-schools/purdue-university-main-campus-06068   

Source: Wayne E. Wright, [email protected]

These are the best graduate school programs in Wisconsin, according to U.S. News & World

Top graduate schools in Wisconsin landed on the latest U.S. News & World Report list ranking more than 2,000 programs across the country. U.S. News & World Report published its 2024-'25 report in April, ranking graduate programs in business, education, law and nursing, among other fields.

University of Wisconsin-Madison's the School of Education tied for first overall with Teacher's College, Columbia University, according the report. That's up from third overall and second among public universities last year.

Several of Marquette University's graduate programs moved up on the list, including the master's program in the College of Nursing, which moved up from 66 to 58.

Schools were evaluated based on expert opinion and statistical data measuring the quality of the school's faculty, research and post-graduate outcomes. You can find the full list on the U.S. News website for graduate rankings on their website www.usnews.com/best-graduate-schools .

Top business graduate programs in Wisconsin:

• University of Wisconsin-Madison: #43

Top law graduate programs in Wisconsin:

• University of Wisconsin-Madison: #36 (tie)
• Marquette University: #68 (tie)

Top nursing graduate programs in Wisconsin:

• Marquette University: #58 (tie)
• University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee: #82 (tie)
• University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire: #107 (tie)
• University of Wisconsin- Oshkosh: #118
• Alverno College: #119 (tie)
• Milwaukee School of Engineering: #153-169

Top medical graduate programs in Wisconsin:

• University of Wisconsin-Madison: #35 (tie)

Top education graduate programs in Wisconsin:

• University of Wisconsin-Madison: #1 (tie)
• University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee: #169 (tie)
• Marquette University: #192

Top Engineering graduate programs in Wisconsin:

• University of Wisconsin-Madison: #27 (tie)
• Marquette University: #142 (tie)
• University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee: #177 (tie)

RELATED: Here's how Wisconsin universities ranked in the 2024 Best Colleges list

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2025 Best Graduate Schools

Article by UDaily Staff Photo by Evan Krape April 09, 2024

UD programs remain among the best in the nation, according to U.S. News and World Report

In the 2025 edition of Best Graduate Schools , U.S. News and World Report ranked the University of Delaware's graduate programs among the best in the nation.

“As we continue to enhance and expand our excellent graduate programs to meet the needs of our students and society, it is gratifying to see the expertise and hard work of our faculty and staff nationally recognized,” said UD President Dennis Assanis. “We are proud of the positive impact that our graduate students are making on the world, and we look forward to even greater successes ahead empowered by their UD education.”     

UD’s consistently top-ranked physical therapy program remained in the top three nationwide. This is the first year U.S. News and World Report ranked speech-language pathology programs with UD’s inaugural ranking at #32.

“Excellent graduate preparation is central to the University of Delaware's mission as a world-class research institution," said Louis Rossi, dean of UD’s Graduate College and vice provost for graduate and professional education. "Our graduate programs are producing the thinkers, leaders and innovators who are tackling the world's greatest challenges. We are excited about these rankings, which indicate their excellence."

Physical Therapy, 2

Non-profit Management, 16 (up from 23)

Public Management and Leadership, 18 (up from 23)

Public Finance and Budgeting, 21

Speech-Language Pathology, 32

Education Schools, 34

Public Affairs Schools, 34

Computer Science, 70 (up from 77)

Nursing: Master's, 79 (up from 82)

Nursing: Doctor of Nursing Practice, 110

Part-Time MBA, 150

The preceding list only includes subject areas evaluated in this year's edition published to date. U.S. News and World Report has delayed the announcement of two programs that were slated to be included in the rankings: Best Engineering Schools and Programs, and Best Clinical Psychology Programs. The lists will be updated as soon as the data are available.

Other UD graduate programs have been ranked in previous years. The full listing of UD graduate programs ranked by U.S. News and World Report is available on the Institutional Research and Effectiveness Rankings  webpage . Please note the programs and specialties used by U.S. News might vary slightly from the names of degree programs used by UD.

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