30 Online Ph.D.s In Education-Related Degrees

If you’re looking for a flexible degree, Capella University might be the best option for you. In an alumni outcomes survey in 2017, 89% of doctoral alumni agreed that Capella offered the perfect amount of flexibility for completing a degree. 

Capella’s Doctor of Education is an Ed.D. that is perfect for aspiring K-12 or higher education leaders. It includes a variety of specifications and emphasizes the importance of applied research. These include adult education, educational leadership, reading and literacy, performance improvement leadership, and curriculum and instruction.

You’ll be able to start working on your capstone from day one of this program, with each assignment building seamlessly on the last. The curriculum is professionally aligned and grounded in real-world principles. Even better, this degree is affordable, with a $10,000 Capella Progress Reward available to certain students to help them finance their doctoral degrees.

Columbus State University, located in Columbus, GA, is ranked one of the Top Performers on Social Mobility by U.S. News & World Report. What does this mean? The school has a commitment to student success and is one of the best at enrolling and graduating large numbers of disadvantaged students.

A cohort-based program, the Ed.D. in curriculum and leadership at Columbus State University is offered as a unique blend of online and traditional learning. As a student here, you’ll attend some of your classes from home and others at Frank Brown Hallin in uptown Columbus, GA. The degree requires 63 credit hours and is perfect for aspiring educational leaders, higher education administrators, and classroom teachers.

To be eligible for admission, you must hold a master’s degree with a GPA of at least 3.5. You will need to submit official GRE scores as well as evidence of four years of experience in a leadership role or school setting.

Want an online school that offers all the amenities you would receive when studying on campus? Texas A&M is one of the best when it comes to student services. Here, you’ll have access to nonremedial tutoring, health services, and even career placement services—even when studying from afar.

The Doctor of Education in curriculum and instruction at Texas A&M University is offered through an online cohort model. It requires 64 credit hours of study and includes 300 hours of two separate professional internships. You’ll explore major themes such as professional development, parent and community involvement, and leadership roles in school change initiatives.

You will be admitted to this program in a cohort. You should have at least five years of successful teaching experience, along with a master’s degree and GRE scores. You will also need to submit writing samples and contact information for three professional references.

At Texas Tech University, you don’t have to break the bank in order to receive a world-class education. In fact, nearly half of all undergraduates here receive some sort of need-based financial aid, with an average need-based grant or scholarship award of more than $7,700!

The Ph.D. in educational leadership policy at Texas Tech University prepares graduates who are critically engaged policymakers in education. Offered fully online, the degree consists of 63 interdisciplinary credit hours of study. The curriculum includes field-based internships and a theory-to-practice curriculum. 

With a flexible cohort-based approach, all students in this program have the freedom to pursue in-depth research. They also receive extensive hands-on training in research methods, leadership, and policy theory, as the degree combines the best of both policy and practice. The program uses video conferencing so that all students can engage in a virtual classroom as if they were studying face-to-face.

If you’re looking for an online university with a Christian worldview, look no further than Liberty University. All programs at this school encourage students to follow God’s calling as they develop the values they need to make a lasting difference in the world. The education programs here are some of the most community-focused as a result.

The online Ed.D. in curriculum and instruction at Liberty University is offered 100% online and includes multiple tracks, including those in middle grades education, special education, secondary education, general education, and of course, elementary education. You’ll explore core course topics such as curriculum theory and issues and trends in teaching and learning.

The degree requires just 54 credit hours and takes most students about three years to complete. Classes are offered in eight-week chunks, making it one of the most convenient and fast-paced programs of its kind.

As the third-largest university in the state of Georgia, you would think that online learning at Kennesaw State University is anything but personalized. That’s far from the case. Despite the fact that there are more than 35,000 students here, learning is highly personalized and rigorous.

The Doctor of Education in teacher leadership at Kennesaw State University prepares classroom leaders who are teachers in their schools. It includes nine credit hours of leadership coursework, along with extensive classes in initiatives that can help in leading professional learning, supervising other educators, and emerging technology initiatives. The degree culminates with a three-hour residency project. 

You’ll have access to instruction from highly-regarded faculty along with extensive technology and student success services. The university has one of the best reputations and is regularly featured in U.S. News & World Report’s America’s Best Colleges issues.

If you’re looking for a large university with a prestigious list of accomplishments, look no further than Arizona State University. This school, which is home to one of the largest undergraduate populations in the country, has graduated notable figures like Barry Bonds, Jimmy Kimmel, and David Spade. 

You don’t have to have celebrity aspirations in order to succeed here, though. Designed with practicing educator-leaders in mind, the Ed.D. in leadership and innovation at Arizona State University is transformative and community-oriented. It is offered both face-to-face as well as online, with both sharing almost identical coursework. A cohort-based program, it emphasizes action research and includes several options for advanced professional study. 

While enrolled in your second semester of study, you’ll be placed into a leader-scholar community consisting of five to seven students and one faculty member. You’ll meet regularly to receive personal and academic support.

Not sure whether online learning is the right choice for you? Not to worry.  UNC Charlotte, North Carolina’s urban research university, has plenty to offer everyone. Courses in the educational leadership program are offered face-to-face, online, and in hybrid formats so that you can take classes in the format that makes the most sense to you. 

With courses offered both part-time and full-time, this program can be completed in as little as four years. You’ll be enrolled in a cohort, taking just two classes each semester, as you are taught by world-recognized scholars and practitioners.

This degree includes low distance learning tuition rates and numerous scholarship and financial aid opportunities. You’ll have plenty of opportunities to pursue fellowships, grants, and assistantships, too. In fact, most students here are given the opportunity to collaborate on research with faculty and to present their research at conferences like the Association for the Study of Higher Education.

With a low student-to-faculty ratio of just 18:1, it’s easy to see why the University of Nebraska-Lincoln is regarded as a Best Value School by U.S. News & World Report. This public university offers a variety of degrees both on-campus in Lincoln, NE as well as through the online classroom. 

Regardless of where your interests in education lie, this program could be the perfect one for you. You can specialize in educational leadership and higher education, with additional sub-concentrations offered like community college leadership, higher education administration, and educational leadership. 

You’ll need to complete six credit hours of on-campus research residency seminars as part of this program, but all other courses are offered on the regular semester and summer session schedule of the university. You can also take classes in the summer in a hybrid fashion if you don’t want to study exclusively online.

The online educational leadership program at the University of Arkansas is about so much more than just collecting courses. Instead, it provides learners with access to a broad network of K-16 partners and distinguished alumni all around the country.

Taught by a faculty who are committed to providing the most relevant and rigorous classroom experience, the program combines practice and theory to help candidates learn how they can become better practitioners in their work. While most classes can be completed online, once a semester you will travel to campus for an intensive weekend cohort seminar. 

Tuition is incredibly affordable for a hit program, with rates starting at just $430.69 per credit hour. Several scholarships are available as well.

With concentrations like K-12 leadership, K-12 curriculum, higher education leadership, and educational technology, there’s no reason not to consider the Ed.D. in educational leadership at Central Michigan University. 

This highly customizable program is offered in hybrid cohorts. You’ll follow the same set schedule of courses with the same group of students from start to finish. All classes are delivered predominantly online, with two separate face-to-face summer meetings per cohort. You’ll build an extensive professional network and enjoy the sense of community that this program provides. 

Requiring 63 credit hours, this Ph.D. in education has low tuition rates starting at just $726 per credit hour. It will provide you with all the credentials you need to become a school or college administrator. To apply, you must possess a master’s degree from a regionally accredited institution with a GPA of no lower than 3.5. Three years of professional education experience is also required.

Located in Tuscaloosa, AL, the University of Alabama is the flagship campus of the University of Alabama system. In fact, it’s frequently referred to as “the capstone.” That reputation speaks volumes, but if you’re still not convinced, consider this: The University of Alabama is ranked as one of the Best Value Schools by U.S. News & World Report.

If you’re ready to succeed as an elementary-level administrator, you should consider the Ph.D. in elementary education at the University of Alabama. This program emphasizes the contextual basis for learning and allows students to interact with dedicated researchers on a daily basis. As a student in this program, you will be able to explore research areas and emerging technologies that are of interest to you and to participate in national annual meetings of various professional associations. 

To apply, you will need to possess a master’s degree along with a minimum GPA of 3.0. You will need to submit GRE test scores as well.

Just 80 miles from Cincinnati, the University of Kentucky is located in Lexington, KY. Here, there are more than 120 master’s programs to choose from as well as a large assortment of degrees at the doctoral level. 

The courses offered in the doctoral program in educational leadership at the University of Kentucky support full-time working professionals, allowing them to work from anywhere and at any time. It is meant to be completed in a hybrid format and includes core courses such as School Technology Leadership, Policies of Educational Leadership, and Evidence-Based Decision Making. 

Tuition for this program starts at just $726 per credit hour. This rate is the same regardless of your residency. All doctoral programs at the University of Kentucky operate as cohorts, allowing students to get to know their peers and faculty on a deeper level.

With a student-to-faculty ratio of just 17:1, class sizes at the University of Massachusetts are surprisingly small—and that’s despite a large undergraduate enrollment of more than 14,000 students!

The Ed.D. in leadership and schooling at the University of Massachusetts is designed for aspiring educators who wish to complete terminal degrees. The curriculum is carefully crafted around a scholar-practitioner model with the flexibility that makes it possible for students to complete their classes during the spring, fall, and summer semesters—entirely online. Only one on-campus summer residency is required each year. 

Although all students in this program will receive an Ed.D., you can also choose to add an option in STEM education. This is perfect for students who wish to work in STEM-designated schools or have backgrounds in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics. Regardless of your ultimate career goals, you’ll take just two courses each semester and graduate in only three years.

Rowan University has a legacy of creating some of the country’s best educators. In fact, this school has its origins as a teacher preparation college. Now, although it is a leading research institution and well-known for its eco-friendly initiatives, Rowan maintains its commitment to offering high-quality education degrees to learners all around the country. 

The Ed.D. in educational leadership at Rowan University focuses on creating authentic leaders who have the leadership skills necessary to teach at the preschool through the secondary level. You can apply to either a hybrid or an online cohort. If you choose to study online, you’ll only have to attend three different residencies on campus in Glassboro, NJ. 

The curriculum consists of 60 credit hours with a total of 16 courses (along with a 12-credit hour dissertation). To apply, you must have a master’s degree and a GPA of at least a 3.5 on a 4.0 scale. A resume, interview, three letters of recommendation, and three admissions essays are also required.

If you think that the GRE and MAT are some of the most devilish creations ever invented, then you might want to consider the University of South Carolina. The university’s Doctor of Education in curriculum studies does not require test scores from either examination for admission—and besides that, it’s one of the best programs in the country if you’re looking for an online Ph.D. in education. 

You will be supported through every step of the process as you complete this doctoral degree. It can be completed 100% online and provides all learners with resources from dedicated student services staff. You’ll be able to connect with classmates and instructors from around the country with the program’s innovative and integrated instructional methods.

The degree is perfect for aspiring curriculum specialists. It focuses on the potential problems that arise in educational settings, and is research-focused. It’s also affordable, with tuition starting at just $515 per credit hour for teachers who are already certified in the state of South Carolina.

The University of Colorado Denver is the state of Colorado’s only public urban research university. Here, the programs are one-of-a-kind and groundbreaking. For example, this school was the first to create alternative licences in Colorado in partnership with Teach for America. Six different programs are available fully online, along with seven licensure, endorsement, and certificate programs. 

There is also a hybrid doctoral program that is available primarily online—the Doctor of Education in leadership for educational equity. This program is perfect for leaders who wish to become agents of change in their schools and communities. It provides tools for leaders of schools and is offered in a cohort-based setting. 

You’ll work closely with your peers as you pursue a three- or five-year pathway to graduation. The department has partnerships with schools through the Center for Practice Engaged Educational Research, too, enabling students to work with faculty and peers on identified problems in the field. You won’t find a more hands-on or data-driven program!

You can earn a doctoral degree from one of the northwest’s top three colleges of education—at half the cost—with Boise State University. Renowned for its high-value programs, these schools have tuition that starts at less than $10,000 per year. Quality isn’t sacrificed for that sticker price, though, as the university is still ranked within the top 30 of all public universities by U.S. News & World Report. 

The doctoral program in curriculum and instruction at Boise State University is customizable, allowing students to tailor their studies to their future goals and past experiences. You’ll develop your skills in four broad areas: curriculum and instruction, research methods, learning and cognition, and a specialization area of your own choosing. A variety of cognates are available, including bilingual education, early childhood and/or special education, educational leadership, and more.

Just 50 miles from Denver, the University of Northern Colorado is one of the best schools in the state at which to earn a doctoral degree. In fact, the university is home to more than 100 graduate majors, including award-winning options in health and education. 

With 64 credit hours required, the educational Lleadership Ed.D. at the University of Northern Colorado is one of the best. It’s available as the equivalent to a Ph.D., or as a separate Ed.S. in educational leadership. The latter is the perfect option for candidates who already hold M.A. degrees and want to obtain a principal license while they obtain their doctoral degrees. 

Both include areas of specialization, such as administrator licensure, so that you can tailor your learning to your specific career goals. You’ll take a mixture of face-to-face and online courses. Most students graduate in just two to two and a half years. Sample classes include School Finance and Budgeting and Instructional Leadership and Supervision.

Ready to become an agent of change in education? If so, you should consider the online doctoral degree in educational leadership at William Carey University. 

This private school, which boasts a small student-to-faculty ratio of just 15:1, is located in Hattiesburg, MS. Here, you’ll find dozens of high-quality programs, but some of the best are offered off-campus—in the online classroom. In the educational leadership program, you’ll take 63 credit hours of study with courses broken down into an advanced leadership core, a research core, and a research process core. 

You’ll only need to visit campus twice throughout the duration of your studies, but often, you can substitute these visits for Skype chats instead. You’ll take classes in short five- to ten- week chunks, allowing you to maximize your learning and get the most out of each individual class.

Founded only in 1978, Regent University might be a young university—but that certainly doesn’t mean that it hasn’t made its mark. This school is one of the country’s top universities with a Christian worldview, offering bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral programs to learners all around the world. 

The Ph.D. in education at Regent University is offered entirely online for maximum convenience. It is best for students who wish to pursue careers in academia, as it examines both the theories and methods of teaching and learning. It includes unique concentrations in things like character education, educational psychology, K-12 school leadership, and special education.

Regardless of the concentration you choose, you’ll benefit from a research-based program that will prepare you specifically for the challenges of your career. You will also have access to a wealth of resources, including online tutoring, online weekly chapel, and career services.

East Tennessee State University, located in Johnson City, TN, is known for its unique program offerings. The school has an accredited degree in bluegrass, old-time, and country music, along with a master’s degree in storytelling and an Appalachian studies major. 

The doctoral degree in education at East Tennessee State University is equally one-of-a-kind. It comes with multiple concentration areas, including those in classroom leadership, administrative endorsement, higher education leadership, and school leadership. Regardless of the pathway you select, these programs are perfect for students who wish to work in the PreK-12, post-secondary, or private sector. 

Admission to this terminal degree requires the completion of an online application form along with transcripts from all colleges attended. You’ll also need to submit a resume, personal essay, and four letters of recommendation that showcase your ability to do graduate-level work. You will also need to submit scores from the GRE.

North Greenville University was founded in 1892, but it first opened its doors as a high school instead of a major university. Today, this school is a private Baptist university located in Tigerville, SC. Despite its small enrollment and recent designation as a full-fledged university (only in 2006 did it receive this recognition!), this school has one of the best doctoral programs in education. 

The Doctor of Education consists of 60 credit hours. All classes are offered in a hybrid-fashion and are only eight weeks in length. You don’t have to have any teaching experience to apply, and with two start dates during the year, getting started is easy. You’ll learn everything you need to know to be a trained educational leader, including skills in apple research, problem-solving, social intelligence, and systems thinking. 

The degree has two potential tracks: one in K-12 leadership and one in higher education leadership. Both are terminal degrees that are perfect for working professionals.

Want to get your hands dirty? If so, Drexel University might be one of the best places for you to do it. This school, home to more than 26,000 students, is an integrated cooperative education program that allows all students the opportunity to gain up to 18 months of paid, full-time work experience in their field of choice. 

The online Doctor of Education is perfect for aspiring leaders who wish to guide organizations through uncertain times. It can be completed in as little as three years on a full-time basis, or five if you want to work full-time. No residencies are required, but there are nine separate concentration options available so that you can tailor your degree to your unique area of interest.

Northwest Nazarene University is just one of eight liberal arts colleges in the United States that is affiliated with the Church of Nazarene. It is home to two colleges, which offer a combined 60 bachelor’s degrees, 11 master’s degrees, and one exceptional Ph.D. program—the Ph.D. in education. 

Offered as both a Ph.D. and an Ed.D, this program offers flexible course delivery so that you can continue to work while you earn your degree. The program lasts just 26 months and is taught by skilled faculty with extensive experience in research and K-12 education. 

Courses are offered in a cohort model, with one two-week on-campus summer session required. Here, you’ll prepare for your dissertation and engage in hands-on research activities. You’ll also take classes like Policy Influence and Development and Professional and Ethical Leadership.

Andrews University wasn’t always known as Andrews—in fact, at its founding in 1874, it was referred to as Battle Creek College. This school was the first higher education institution started by Seventh-day Adventists and is the world’s second-largest Christian school system. 

Available as a master’s and a doctoral program, the curriculum and instruction program at Andrews University is a terminal degree that consists of 61 credit hours of study. While enrolled full time, most students can complete this degree in just six years. A research-oriented program, it includes both online and evening courses to accommodate working professionals. 

In this NCATE-accredited program, you will benefit from extensive partnerships with other universities, unions, and districts, receiving access to some of the best hands-on learning opportunities around.

Founded in 1868 by leaders of the American Missionary Association, Hampton University opened its doors after the Civil War with the goal of providing education to freedmen. A private, historically black university located in Hampton, VA, this school has a rich history and some of the best (and most modern!) online degrees in the country. 

The Ph.D. in educational management at Hampton University includes specializations in STEM leadership, special education, pre-K-12 education, and higher education. It is an accelerated program that consists of 66 credit hours of study. Each course lasts only nine weeks, enabling most students to graduate in just two and a half years.

When you graduate from Fordham University, you will join a large group of prestigious alumni. Faculty and alumni include U.S. representatives and senators, various cardinals of the Catholic church, multiple ambassadors and governors, award-winning actors, and more. You don’t have to aspire to fame and fortune in order to enroll in one of Fordham’s top online programs, though. 

The Doctor of Education in educational leadership, administration, and policy at Fordham is designed for aspiring community leaders. The curriculum focuses on four core disciplines: policy and advocacy, leading teaching and learning, educational leadership and organizational change, and engaging and transforming schools, districts, and communities. 

Classes are offered face-to-face online and through multimedia activities. There are also two in-person immersion experiences required.

Concordia University Texas first opened its doors to just 26 bright young students on its original site in Austin, TX. Today, the school has an enrollment of more than 5,000 students and offers degrees in a wide variety of fields.

A three-year, online program, the Doctor of Education at Concordia University includes two summer residencies in Austin, TX. It’s perfect for aspiring organizational trainers and education professionals who wish to complete their degrees in a short amount of time. 

The program consists of 24 credit hours of core classes along with 36 credit hours of specialization courses. Two specializations are available: curriculum and instruction and educational leadership. The latter enables students to sit for the Texas Superintendent Examination.

If you choose to study at Pepperdine University, rest assured that you won’t be rooted in one place. With a main campus in Malibu, CA, the school also has six graduate campuses in southern California, one in Washington, D.C., and several international locations in China, England, Italy, Switzerland, Germany, and Argentina. 

Pepperdine is also home to a robust online learning community. The online Doctor of Education in educational leadership, administration, and policy prepares leaders in private and public education from around the world. It’s offered in a hybrid format and requires students to take two trips—one domestic and one global—to enhance their experiential learning opportunities. 

The small class sizes and cohort model allow students to build their leadership skills and new relationships. The dedicated career services center is devoted singularly to the field of education to provide students access to networking and career opportunities.