best phd education programs online

• Best Online Ed.D. Programs

Best Online Ed.D. Programs Of 2024

Updated: Dec 11, 2023, 10:55am

The highest degree educators and educational leaders can earn is the doctorate. At this level, schools offer doctor of philosophy (Ph.D.) and doctor of education (Ed.D.) degrees. These share some similarities and outcomes but may differ in scope and content.

Ph.D. programs generally qualify people for work in research and academia, while Ed.D. degrees typically equip learners for educational leadership roles. Ed.D. degrees often have shorter graduation timelines, too, allowing graduates to enter the workforce more quickly.

As more schools embrace distance education, grad students benefit from online Ed.D. programs offering flexible scheduling and asynchronous coursework. This guide covers the top doctorate in education online programs, exploring each degree’s accreditation, curriculum, tuition costs and delivery methods.

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Our Methodology

We scored eight accredited, nonprofit colleges offering online Ed.D. programs in the U.S. using 15 data points in the categories of credibility, affordability, student outcomes and student experience. We pulled data for these categories from reliable resources such as the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System; private, third-party data sources; and individual school and program websites. Data is accurate as of June 2023.

We scored schools based on the following metrics:

Student Outcomes:

• Overall graduation rate
• Median earnings 10 years after graduation

Affordability:

• In-state graduate student tuition
• In-state graduate student fees
• Alternative tuition plans offered
• Median federal student loan debt
• Percentage of students in federal student loan deferment

Student Experience:

• Student-to-faculty ratio
• Socioeconomic diversity
• Availability of online coursework
• Total number of graduate assistants
• More than 50% of graduate students enrolled in at least some distance education

Credibility:

• Fully accredited
• Programmatic accreditation status
• Nonprofit status

We listed all eight schools in the U.S. that met our ranking criteria.

Find our full list of methodologies here .

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Best Online Ed.D. Degree Options

Should you enroll in an online ed.d. program, accreditation for online ed.d. programs, how to find the right online ed.d. for you, frequently asked questions (faqs) about online ed.d. programs, johns hopkins university, union university, university of dayton, morehead state university, university of new england, liberty university, nova southeastern university, regent university.

Graduate Tuition

$1,900/credit

Percentage of Grad Students Enrolled in Distance Education

Overall Graduation Rate

Johns Hopkins University , located in Baltimore, Maryland, features an online Ed.D. program with five available areas of interest: creativity, advanced learning and twice exceptionality; digital age learning and educational technology; entrepreneurial leadership in education; mind, brain and teaching; and urban leadership.

All pathways include foundational coursework, applied research and elective classes. Each student must complete 12 credits of doctoral dossier research, including an oral defense.

• Our Flexibility Rating: Learn around your 9-to-5
• School Type: Private
• Application Fee: $80
• Degree Credit Requirements: 54 credits
• Program Enrollment Options: Part time
• Notable Major-Specific Courses: Computational thinking for K-12 educators, technology for learner variability
• Concentrations Available: N/A
• In-Person Requirements: No

$695/credit

At Jackson, Tennessee’s Union University , students can pursue an online Ed.D. in educational leadership with accreditation by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP). Union University applies a Christ-centered focus, and learners advance through the curriculum in cohorts.

The program features concentrations in higher education and P-12 school administration. Both tracks require a dissertation after completing 60 credits with a minimum 3.2 GPA, along with written and oral exams. Students complete the degree after successfully defending their dissertations to faculty.

• Our Flexibility Rating: N/A
• Application Fee: $50
• Degree Credit Requirements: 60 credits
• Program Enrollment Options: Full time
• Notable Major-Specific Courses: Legal issues in school governance, teacher leadership
• Concentrations Available: Higher education, P-12 school administration (with sub-concentrations in instructional leadership, teacher leadership and leadership in school reform)
• In-Person Requirements: Yes, for summer residency

$1,455/credit

The doctorate in education online program at Ohio’s University of Dayton (UD) focuses on leadership for organizations. The curriculum covers intercultural proficiency, advocacy and how to build learning communities. Students attend weekly remote classes and complete two on-campus immersions to build connections with peers and faculty.

UD doctoral students complete a nine-credit “dissertation-in-practice” throughout the program to explore issues in organizational leadership. Faculty members guide learners through the process, from choosing a topic to applying their findings in real-world scenarios.

• Application Fee: Free
• Program Enrollment Options: Part time, full time
• Notable Major-Specific Courses: Qualitative research, program evaluation
• In-Person Requirements: Yes, for on-campus immersions 

$570/credit

Morehead State University (MSU) in Kentucky offers a three-year online Ed.D. program with concentrations across several student ages and types. MSU aims to foster graduates who merge practice, scholarship and servant leadership. The program requires a four-day course that takes place on campus.

Learners complete the program with doctoral capstone projects. These projects take a research focus, allowing students to analyze data and apply their findings to improve learner outcomes. MSU offers flat-rate tuition for all online students, regardless of their location. Each distance learner pays an additional $15 per credit for online classes.

• Our Flexibility Rating: Learn on your schedule
• School Type: Public
• Application Fee: $30
• Notable Major-Specific Courses: Principles of leadership: service to others; action research and grant writing
• Concentrations Available: Adult and higher education leadership; P-12 administrative leadership; educational technology leadership; exceptional child leadership; career and technical education leadership
• In-Person Requirements: Yes, for four-day, on-campus course

$1,020/credit

The online Ed.D. program at Biddeford, Maine’s University of New England (UNE) uses asynchronous coursework for maximum flexibility, allowing students to remain employed while earning their degrees.

UNE features an “integrated dissertation” process that occurs within several courses and allows learners to take a qualitative, quantitative or combined approach. Each student pairs with a two-person advisory team for their research. Online students pay a $150 tech fee per semester.

• Degree Credit Requirements: 51 credits
• Notable Major-Specific Courses: Policy analysis, organizational dynamics

$595/credit (full time)

Liberty University , located in Lynchburg, Virginia, features several doctorate in education online programs, including Ed.D. degrees in educational leadership; curriculum and instruction; higher education administration; and special education. These programs have all received CAEP accreditation.

Liberty’s transfer-friendly policies allow learners to bring up to 27 credits from previous education. After finishing 12 research-focused credits, students complete a capstone project across four courses.

• Notable Major-Specific Courses: Issues and trends in learning technologies; culture and educational leadership
• Concentrations Available: Administration and supervision; curriculum and instruction; educational leadership; higher education administration; instructional design and technology; special education
• In-Person Requirements: Yes, some degrees require a practicum and internship

$1,550/credit

At Fort Lauderdale, Florida’s Nova Southeastern University (NSU), students can pursue one of nine online Ed.D. specializations, such as educational leadership or reading education. NSU offers these classes fully online, but learners must attend an in-person Summer Institute conference.

NSU prioritizes real-world applications of coursework to prepare graduates for the workforce. Regardless of their chosen specialization, students can choose between completing a dissertation or strategic research project.

• Degree Credit Requirements: 55 credits
• Notable Major-Specific Courses: Strategic planning, academic writing
• Concentrations Available: Educational leadership; curriculum and teaching; higher education leadership; human services administration; instructional technology and distance education; organizational leadership; reading education; special education; sports leadership
• In-Person Requirements: Yes, for in-person conference residency

$800/credit

The online Ed.D. program at Regent University blends synchronous and asynchronous delivery to mirror the classroom experience while providing greater freedom. Students can choose from 10 concentrations, including exceptional education executive leadership, adult education and Christian education leadership.

Regent’s dissertation comprises 16 credits. The process begins with students creating a prospectus and culminates with a defense. Each online learner pays a $700-per-semester fee, $150 less than students at the Virginia Beach, Virginia campus.

• Degree Credit Requirements: 61 credits
• Notable Major-Specific Courses: Qualitative data analysis, educational statistics
• Concentrations Available: Adult education; advanced educational leadership;
• Christian education leadership; curriculum and instruction; educational psychology; educational technology and online learning; exceptional education executive leadership; higher education leadership and management; K-12 school leadership; special education
• In-Person Requirements: Yes, some concentrations require an internship

With the recent boom in distance education, many schools have expanded their online offerings to every degree level, including doctoral degrees. While remote learning provides some distinct benefits over in-person instruction, consider your personal learning style before committing to a program.

As you research online Ed.D. programs, take note of their delivery method. Asynchronous delivery, which does not require set class times, offers flexibility in watching lectures and finishing assignments. However, this method requires you to remain motivated and organized to complete your tasks on time. Some schools employ a hybrid approach, blending online and in-person classes or mixing synchronous and asynchronous work.

If a program uses exclusively synchronous delivery, make sure the set log-in times work with your schedule. Online Ed.D. programs may also include in-person residency requirements. Always ensure you can travel for any necessary trips to campus before applying.

The following section covers other considerations for prospective online learners.

Schools voluntarily undergo a process known as accreditation in which third-party agencies evaluate their curriculums, student outcomes and resources. Programs and departments within institutions may also pursue programmatic accreditation from specialized accreditors.

Institutional Accreditation

Always prioritize schools with institutional accreditation. Earning a degree from an accredited school qualifies you to transfer credits among institutions, apply for federal financial aid and receive licensure. The U.S. Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) recognize the following institutions to provide institutional accreditation:

• WASC Senior College and University Commission
• New England Commission of Higher Education
• Middle States Commission on Higher Education
• Higher Learning Commission
• Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
• Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

If you aren’t sure of a school’s accreditation status, use CHEA’s directory to look up prospective institutions.

Programmatic Accreditation

The primary accreditor for education programs is the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP). Employers typically do not require candidates to graduate from a CAEP-accredited Ed.D. program. However, programmatic accreditation signals that graduates completed a rigorous curriculum that effectively prepared them for the workforce.

Some programs display their accreditation on their degree pages. If not, you can find accredited programs using CAEP’s search tool .

Consider Your Future Goals

At this point in your educational journey, you likely have a strong sense of your professional goals. Use this knowledge to identify the right doctorate in education program .

For example, if you want to work in academia, it may make sense to prioritize programs that focus on research. Ed.D. programs with assistantships give you the opportunity to practice alongside professors and other faculty. If you plan to pursue educational leadership , seek programs that provide real-world experience through internships and other applied learning opportunities.

Understand Your Expenses and Financing Options

A graduate education requires a significant investment of time, energy and—perhaps most importantly—finances. Unlike Psy.D. and Ph.D. programs, Ed.D. degrees are less likely to be fully funded through apprenticeships, fellowships or work-study opportunities . However, some schools do offer these funding options.

The National Center for Education Statistics reports that public graduate schools charge in-state students an average of $11,554 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state learners pay an average of $21,000. Annual tuition and fees for private schools average $20,015. Note that these figures apply to graduate schools rather than doctoral programs specifically.

Yearly tuition among the schools on our list varies significantly, from about $8,000 to more than $25,000. On average, our ranked schools charged about $14,500 in annual tuition.

To lower your financial burden, research any available forms of aid. Fill out the FAFSA to receive information about your eligibility for different aid sources, including direct unsubsidized loans and grad PLUS loans. However, these carry interest and require repayment. Before relying on loans, look for forms of funding that you do not need to repay, like grants and scholarships.

Schools and private organizations offer scholarships and grants based on factors like need, identity and academic achievement. Students attending online Ed.D. programs can apply for programs like the $4,000 Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education Grant and AFCEA’s STEM teacher scholarships .

Is an Ed.D. still called a doctor?

Yes, graduates who complete an Ed.D. program—resulting in a doctor of education degree—can use the title of “doctor.”

Can you become a professor with an Ed.D.?

Yes, holding an Ed.D. typically qualifies you to teach at the college level, though you may also need professional experience.

How long does an Ed.D. take?

An Ed.D. may take three to seven years to complete, depending on enrollment status. Full-time students typically take three to four years, while individuals who opt for part-time study extend this timeline.

Matt Whittle has experience writing and editing accessible education-related content in health, technology, nursing and business subjects. His work has been featured on Sleep.org, Psychology.org and NurseJournal.org.

Doctorate in Education Program Guide

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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.

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.

Popular Doctoral Programs in Education

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

What Is a Doctorate in Education Degree?

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Doctoral Programs in Education Courses and Concentrations

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

How to Apply for a Doctorate in Education Program

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.

How Much Does a Doctoral in Education Degree Cost?

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.

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 April 2024 Payscale data , the average base salary for someone with a doctorate in education is $88,000.

Frequently Asked Questions About Doctorates in Education

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.

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Best Online Doctorate in Education (EdD) Programs for 2024

• Philadelphia

*Please note that not all schools offer this specific type of information.

1. Vanderbilt University

2. Drexel University

3. trevecca nazarene university, earn an ed.d. online—lead change in your industry.

Earn Your Doctor of Education Online from Vanderbilt Peabody College

Advance your career today. Apply for the upcoming cohort and you could be a student in the online Ed.D. in leadership and learning in organizations this summer. Master’s required.

4. Baylor University

5. Abilene Christian University

6. Spalding University

7. Virginia Commonwealth University

8. University of Dayton

Hawai‘i pacific university m.ed. in educational leadership.

Complete in as few as 12 months

The online M.Ed. in Educational Leadership from Hawai‘i Pacific University equips future-focused educators with enhanced leadership skills and the latest instructional technologies to activate transformative change in their schools, communities, and workplaces.

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.

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Methodology for Fortune’s ranking of online doctorate of education in organizational leadership (Ed.D.) programs