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
#1 Best Online Doctorate in Education
Ball State University
- Muncie, IN
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Ball State University offers in-person doctorate programs on its campus in Muncie, Indiana, as well as online programs. Working professionals take advantage of the flexible program to earn their degree around their other commitments.
Pursuing a doctorate requires a large time commitment. students take required classes, pass exams, and write a research-based dissertation.
Ball State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, a regional accrediting body.
Ball State University Numbers:
Average Price After Financial Aid: $13,533
Percentage of Learners Awarded Financial Aid: 91%
Percentage of Students Awarded Loans: 56%
Student Admission Rate: 77%
Transfer Credits Toward Degree: No
Percent Online Enrollment
44%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
#2 Best Online Doctorate in Education
East Tennessee State University
- Johnson City, TN
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Located in Johnson City, Tennessee, East Tennessee State University enrolls students as a public institution. The school offers an online doctorate in . The doctoral program builds on the student's prior knowledge to strengthen advanced skills.
An online doctorate can help students pursue an advanced degree while maintaining a full-time job. Students considering the program can reach out to a faculty advisor to learn about any in-person requirements.
The terminal degree in childhood education prepares graduates for leadership roles in their field. Doctoral students typically complete their degree within five years. Graduates work in academic, research, or practice careers after completing the program.
East Tennessee State University Numbers:
In-state Graduate Tuition: $8,640
Out-of-state Graduate Tuition: $23,760
Admission Rate: 86%
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 15-to-1
Percent Online Enrollment
56%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#3 Best Online Doctorate in Education
Hampton University
- Hampton, VA
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
An online doctoral degree from Hampton University helps professionals advance their careers and pursue new opportunities. Employers value the graduate-level education and training of the doctor of philosophy in counselor education and supervision.
Students may receive credit for hands-on learning opportunities, such as internships. The institution's website provides details about how to earn credit for graduate-level experiential learning. To prepare for careers, degree-seekers can participate in networking events through student organizations.
The school holds accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, a regional accrediting body.
Hampton University Facts:
Students Awarded Financial Aid: 96%
Students Receiving Loans: 66%
Acceptance Rate: 36%
Awards Transfer Credits: No
Percent Online Enrollment
11%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#4 Best Online Doctorate in Education
Indiana State University
- Terre Haute, IN
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Located in Terre Haute, Indiana, Indiana State University offers on-campus and online programs as a public institution. The doctor of philosophy in educational administration trains graduates for advanced careers through a flexible learning format. The doctoral program builds on the student's prior knowledge to strengthen advanced skills.
A doctorate requires intensive studies. The online learning format helps graduate students balance school with other responsibilities. Doctoral students often arrange to complete in-person activities in their local areas.
As the terminal degree in , a doctorate represents the highest level of education in the field. Doctoral students generally spend 3-6 years earning their degree. After earning a doctorate, graduates work in academia, research, and practice.
Indiana State University Facts:
Total Online Doctoral Programs: 4
In-state Graduate Tuition: $7,542
Out-of-state Graduate Tuition: $14,814
Admission Rate: 90%
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 18-to-1
Percent Online Enrollment
47%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
#5 Best Online Doctorate in Education
Liberty University
- Lynchburg, VA
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Located in Lynchburg, Virginia, Liberty University offers on-campus and online programs as a private institution. The school offers online doctoral programs in many academic and professional subjects, including a Ph.D. in education. Prospective applicants can contact the program for more information about admission requirements and start dates.
While a doctorate requires intensive study, the online format helps students balance their degree with other responsibilities. Students considering the program can reach out to a faculty advisor to learn about any in-person requirements.
A doctoral degree, the highest level of education builds expert-level knowledge. Most doctoral programs require 4-6 years of study, though the length varies depending on the program and the student's enrollment option. The degree leads to opportunities in academia, research, and practice.
Liberty University Numbers:
Total Online Doctoral Programs: 9
Graduate Tuition: $7,980
Average Cost per Credit: 750
Admission Rate: 51%
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 17-to-1
Percent Online Enrollment
92%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#6 Best Online Doctorate in Education
Regent University
- Virginia Beach, VA
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Located in Virginia Beach, Virginia, Regent University offers on-campus and online programs as a private institution. Regent provides a flexible route to a doctorate in education. Prospective applicants can learn more about start dates, doctoral tracks, and admission requirements by contacting the program.
The online learning format helps doctoral students complete an advanced degree while working full time. Doctoral students often arrange to complete in-person activities in their local areas.
Doctoral students typically spend 4-6 years in school.
Regent University Facts:
Total Online Doctoral Programs: 12
Graduate Tuition: $15,552
Admission Rate: 86%
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 29-to-1
Percent Online Enrollment
92%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#7 Best Online Doctorate in Education
Texas Tech University
- Lubbock, TX
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Ph.D. in curriculum studies and teacher education students receive valuable knowledge and training for their careers.
Texas Tech University may award credit for internships and service-learning experiences. Students can explore the school’s website to learn how to earn credit for internships and graduate-level hands-on learning opportunities. Degree-seekers can join student organizations to network with other students and access professional development opportunities.
Texas Tech University has received accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Texas Tech University at a Glance:
Grad Tuition Rate: $5,958 in-state; $13,428 out-of-state
Number of Online Master's Programs: 14
Online Doctorate Programs Offered: 1
Percent Online Enrollment
52%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#8 Best Online Doctorate in Education
Union Institute & University
- Cincinnati, OH
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
A private institution, Union Institute & University welcomes degree-seekers to its main campus in Cincinnati, Ohio. The school offers an online doctorate in interdisciplinary studies. Prospective applicants should contact the program to learn more about the admission requirements.
An online doctorate can help students pursue an advanced degree while maintaining a full-time job. The school offers academic advising, library access, and career counseling for distance-learning doctoral students.
A doctoral degree, the highest level of education in interdisciplinary studies, builds expert-level knowledge. Doctoral students generally earn their degree in 3-6 years. Graduates pursue careers in academia, research, or practice.
Union Institute & University At a Glance:
Graduate Tuition: $14,652
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 8-to-1
Acceptance Rate
Not provided
Percent Online Enrollment
99%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
#9 Best Online Doctorate in Education
University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus
- Denver, CO
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus is a public college based in Denver, Colorado. The online Ph.D. in education and human development prepares doctoral students for advanced roles in their field. Prospective applicants should contact the program to learn more about the admission requirements.
Designed for full-time professionals, the program makes it easier to balance school with work. Online doctoral students can visit campus to meet with fellow students or to walk at graduation.
The terminal degree in education and human development, a doctorate prepares graduates for leadership roles in their field. Most doctoral students complete their degree within five years. The program prepares learners for careers in academia, research, and practice.
University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus At a Glance:
Total Online Doctoral Programs: 6
In-state Graduate Tuition: $6,786
Out-of-state Graduate Tuition: $22,590
Admission Rate: 67%
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 17-to-1
Percent Online Enrollment
31%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
#10 Best Online Doctorate in Education
University of Northern Colorado
- Greeley, CO
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
University of Northern Colorado is a leader in e-learning. A doctoral degree from this school gives professionals the highest credential possible in their field.
Students first complete 1-3 years of coursework followed by dissertation research and exams. With a doctorate, graduates can pursue many different careers, including research and academic careers.
The school is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
University of Northern Colorado at a Glance:
Online Master's Programs Offered: 15
Number of Online Doctorate Programs: 3
Grad Tuition: $10,867 in-state; $19,620 out-of-state
Percent Online Enrollment
32%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
At Affordable Colleges Online, we use a proprietary ranking system and data from reputable sources like the U.S. Department of Education to help you find the best school for your needs. Our most important metric -- affordability -- accounts for 60% of our formula. We also consider academic quality, program offerings, online enrollment, and graduation rates.
This ranking is from 2023. To learn more, consult our school ranking methodology.
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:
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.
Jobs for Graduates with a Doctorate in Education
| Job |
2023 Median Annual Salary |
Job Growth Rate (2022-32) |
| Chief Learning Officer |
$103,840 |
+3% |
| Elementary, Middle, or High School Principal |
$103,460 |
+1% |
| Instructional Coordinator |
$74,620 |
+2% |
| Postsecondary Education Administrator |
$102,610 |
+4% |
| Postsecondary Education Teacher |
$73,240 |
+4% |
| Training and Development Specialist |
$64,340 |
+6% |
Sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics
Explore Other Doctoral Degrees in Education
Frequently Asked Questions About Doctoral Degrees in Education
What is a doctorate 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.
How long does it take to get a doctorate in education?
If you study full time, you can usually complete your doctorate in education in about 3-5 years. Your completion timeline may also depend on how intensive your program is and on your dissertation's requirements.
What is the difference between a Ph.D., Ed.D., and Ed.S.?
Ph.D. degrees mainly focus on academic theory and research, whereas practitioner-focused Ed.D. programs emphasize applied practical skills. Both are doctorates. In contrast, an Ed.S. is not a doctoral-level credential. Classroom educators typically pursue Ed.S. programs, which culminate in a terminal postgraduate professional degree.
Is an online Ph.D. recognized by employers?
Yes, as long as you earn your Ph.D. or Ed.D. at an accredited institution, employers should recognize your online degree. Distance learning has become widely normalized. Most schools do not even indicate that you completed your degree online when issuing diplomas or transcripts.
Can I do a doctoral degree program without a master's?
Some schools offer admission pathways to exceptional students without a master's degree, but many Ed.D. programs require applicants to hold a master's degree. In some cases, schools also prefer or require that prospective Ed.D. or Ph.D. enrollees have a teaching license and one or more years of professional teaching experience.
What is the fastest you can get a Ph.D.?
It depends on your program's structure and design, but most doctoral students take 4-6 years to earn their degree. Shorter programs may require only three years, but it is rare for learners to complete a doctorate in less time than that.
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