A doctorate in education (Ed.D.) is one of two types of doctoral credentials educators can earn. Ed.D. programs maintain a stronger applied focus than theory-heavy, research-oriented doctor of philosophy (Ph.D.) programs. As such, active practitioners and professionals aspiring to positions of institutional leadership often favor Ed.D. degrees.
Some Ed.D. programs offer concentration options that allow enrollees to specialize their learning. Concentrated degrees build targeted, advanced skills that focus on specific practice areas or learning settings. If you're ambitious and passionate about a particular aspect of education, a concentrated Ed.D. may appeal to you.
As learners pursue master's degrees in growing numbers, doctoral credentials can give you a competitive edge in the job market. Explore the best online doctorate of education programs with our degree guide and ranking, which profiles top learning opportunities.
Popular Online Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Top Online Ph.D. Programs in Education
Why Get an Online Doctorate in Education?
A doctorate in education can expand your employment options. Educators with Ed.D. degrees can work in K-12 schools and postsecondary institutions, occupying a variety of leadership, administrative, and developmental roles.
Ed.D. programs engage with current issues in education and related research through an applied, practical lens. You can use the insights you gain from your Ed.D. to make positive, lasting change in students' lives.
As a doctoral degree, an Ed.D. demonstrates expertise. The degree may boost your job prospects and give you an edge when competing against candidates with bachelor's or master's credentials.
Ed.D. degrees can equip learners with the knowledge they need to lead institutions through periods of change, an especially relevant skill set in our evolving educational landscape.
Many of the best online doctorate of education programs feature flexible schedules that let you balance schooling with external commitments. A distance learning program can help you upgrade your credentials while remaining in your current job.
Did You Know?
According to Payscale data from June 2024, professionals with Ed.D. degrees earn an average salary of $88,000 per year.
In its 2020-21 survey of principals, the Institute of Education Sciences found that just 11% of public K-12 principals and only 9% of private school principals held a doctorate.
Does Accreditation Matter for Online Doctoral Degrees?
The best online doctorate of education programs all share one crucial feature: proper accreditation. You should only enroll in schools with valid institutional accreditation. Use this Department of Education tool to confirm the accreditation status of any school on your list.
If you're enrolling in an online program based in another state, make sure your jurisdiction will recognize the degree you earn. Research this information on each school's website or confirm that the institution participates in the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements.
Some doctorate in education programs also hodl optional programmatic accreditation, which may indicate elevated quality. You can also look for endorsements from education-specific accreditors like:
For more information, consult this accreditation resource.
What to Expect From an Online Doctorate in Education
Online doctorate in education programs typically emphasize educational leadership and the practical applications of education theory and research. Credit requirements and program timelines vary, but in general, you should expect to commit about 3-5 years to completing your degree.
Doctorates typically conclude with a dissertation — a long-form academic work based on independent research. Many doctoral programs, including Ed.D. programs, break up the dissertation process across the length of the degree to ensure you make consistent progress on your project as you advance toward graduation.
While many schools offer generalist Ed.D. programs, some institutions also offer concentrations. You can also use your dissertation to pursue a specialized study path.
Understand Admission Requirements
Most schools require applicants to hold a master's degree in education. In some cases, you may have a path to admission with an advanced degree in a related area, such as developmental or educational psychology.
GPA requirements vary, but schools generally look for a strong academic record. Many institutions continue to move away from testing requirements, but you may still encounter programs that require scores from exams like the GRE.
Most schools will ask you to submit a personal essay explaining what you hope to get from the program. This document, along with your letters of recommendation, can have a major impact on your application's outcome.
One or more years of teaching experience may also strengthen your application, even if not explicitly required.
Explore Degree and Specialization Options
A strong practical focus differentiates Ed.D. programs from Ph.D. degrees in education, which tend to place more emphasis on research and theory. If you envision yourself as a school-based practitioner, an Ed.D. may appeal to you more. You may prefer a Ph.D. if you want to work in academia or education research.
You can also explore specialized Ed.D. programs if you have specific learning goals. Common specialization options include:
Curriculum and instruction
Educational leadership
Educational technology
Reading and literacy
Some schools also offer even more focused concentration options, including specializations in subfields like sports leadership or adult learning.
Discover Popular Courses
Your exact curriculum will depend on factors like the school or concentration you choose. Ed.D. programs can offer diverse electives and typically allow learners to customize their specialized areas of knowledge through their dissertations.
Even so, many programs share a common set of courses, including:
Analysis of education policy
Diversity considerations in education
Research design (qualitative, quantitative, and/or mixed methods)
Leadership theory
Managing organizational change
Organizational dynamics and analysis
How Much Will an Online Ph.D. in Education Cost?
The National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) tracks graduate school cost data for both public and private institutions. According to NCES data for the 2022-23 school year, graduate students at private schools paid an average of $20,015 in tuition and required fees. That same year, graduate students at public institutions paid $11,554 on average.
Studying online can be more affordable than learning on campus: Schools sometimes apply lower tuition rates to their online programs, including public schools offering in-state tuition to all enrollees. Fully online students also avoid the relocation, commuting, and parking costs that can dramatically increase expenses.
In addition to scholarships, fellowships, and grants, schools may offer special funding to doctoral students. Often, these include tuition remission and a stipend in exchange for work as a teaching or research assistant. These options are more common for campus-based enrollees, but investigate each program on your list to find out what they offer online learners.
If you need to take out loans, do so wisely. Seek federal loans instead of private ones, and only borrow the absolute minimum amount of money you need.
Price Check
In 2023, the NCES reported that 55% percent of U.S. graduate students received a form of financial aid other than a loan in the 2019-20 school year.
What Can You Do with a Doctorate in Education?
Professionals with Ed.D. degrees usually work in educational institutions. In these settings, top administrators earn a median salary in the six-figure range. However, as the table below indicates, job growth projections for many of these roles are relatively flat. This may result in high competition for a limited number of available openings.
Ed.D. degrees can also lead to interesting opportunities in the corporate world and other private-sector settings. Businesses sometimes hire Ed.D. graduates to design, develop, and lead their internal training and professional development initiatives. Some organizations even maintain a C-suite position in this area, usually under the chief learning officer title.
Though not included in the table below, an Ed.D. degree can also lead to a classroom-based teaching career. However, teachers seeking advanced credentials typically pursue an education specialist (Ed.S.) degree — a terminal postgraduate professional degree — instead of a doctorate.
| Job | Median Annual Salary (2024) | Job Growth Rate (2024-2034) |
|---|---|---|
| Chief Learning Officer | $105,350 | +4% |
| Elementary, Middle, or High School Principal | $104,070 | -2% |
| Instructional Coordinator | $74,720 | +1% |
| Postsecondary Education Administrator | $103,960 | +2% |
| Postsecondary Education Teacher | $72,090 | +2% |
| Training and Development Specialist | $65,850 | +11% |
Explore Other Doctoral Degrees in Education
Online Doctorate in Education Administration
Online Doctorate in Special Education
Online Doctorate in Education Leadership
Online Doctorate in Adult Education
Online Doctorate in Curriculum And Instruction
Online Doctorate in Reading And Literacy
Frequently Asked Questions About Doctoral Degrees in Education
A doctorate in education is a terminal degree best suited for individuals seeking advanced positions or leadership roles in educational institutions. There are two types: theory- and research-focused Ph.D. degrees, and practitioner-oriented Ed.D. degrees.
