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Compare online Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) programs

Change lives as an influential leader in education.

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Why earn a doctorate in education online?

Gain a global perspective

Expand your understanding of diverse viewpoints and educational practices from around the world.

Learn on a flexible schedule

Maintain a healthy work-life balance with flexible schedule options and self-paced coursework.

Unlock advanced learning objectives

Refine your knowledge of educational theories, research methods, leadership principles, and policy issues.

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What is an Ed.D.?

An Ed.D., or Doctor of Education, is a doctoral degree that equips learners with advanced knowledge and skills in the field of education. It’s a terminal degree or the highest level of education attainable in this area. An Ed.D. program typically emphasizes the application of educational theory and research to real-world contexts, including leadership, administration, policy analysis, and other practical aspects of education.

Admission requirements for an online Doctor of Education

Admission requirements for online Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) programs can vary from one institution to another. Be sure to review the admission guidelines provided by your preferred program. 

Here are a few common admission requirements:

  • Master’s degree from an accredited institution

  • Official transcripts

  • Résumé

  • Professional work experience 

  • Letters of recommendation

  • Statement of purpose

Many online doctorate programs no longer require GRE or GMAT test scores to apply. If you don't have your master's degree yet, explore online master's in education programs online.

How to apply

Apply for an Ed.D. program 100% online at any time. Ed.D. programs available through edX have application deadlines and start dates throughout the year.

Online Ed.D. curriculum and instruction

The curriculum of an online Ed.D. program prepares learners for advanced leadership, research, and decision-making roles in the field of education and related industries. While specific curriculum details can vary between institutions and programs, here are the topics that may be covered in an Ed.D. program:

  • Educational leadership and management

  • Research methods and inquiry

  • Curriculum development and instructional strategies

  • Educational policy and advocacy

  • Educational psychology and human development

  • Diversity, inclusion, and social justice

  • Educational assessment and data analysis

  • Ethics and professionalism

Most Ed.D. programs culminate in a doctoral dissertation or capstone project. This research-based project addresses a significant issue in the field of education and demonstrates the learner's ability to conduct original research, contribute to educational practice, and apply theory to real-world situations.

Want to learn more about the field of education? Explore online master’s in educational leadership and master of arts in teaching programs online

Jobs for professionals with an online Ed.D. degree

Professionals with an online doctorate in education (Ed.D.) degree have a wide range of career opportunities available to them, particularly in leadership, administration, research, and policymaking roles.

Here are some potential job roles that individuals with an online Ed.D. might pursue:

  • University president

  • Chief learning officer

  • School superintendent

  • Policymaker

  • School principal

  • College provost

  • Curriculum director

Doctor of Education salary

An online Ed.D. can help you reach your top-level career aspirations. While specific salary figures may vary depending on job setting, location, and experience, online Ed.D. professionals can expect competitive compensation.

  • College or university professor: USD79,640 median annual per yearFootnote 1

  • Corporate executive: USD98,980 median annual per yearFootnote 2

  • Instructional coordinator: USD63,740 median annual per yearFootnote 3

  • Postsecondary education administrator: USD96,910 median annual per yearFootnote 4

  • School principal: USD98,420 median annual per yearFootnote 5

Frequently asked questions

Ed.D. stands for "Doctor of Education." It is a doctoral-level academic degree that focuses on advanced studies and expertise in the field of education. An Ed.D. prepares education professionals for leadership, research, and administrative roles within educational institutions, policymaking organizations, and related fields.

An online Ed.D. program can offer several benefits for individuals seeking to advance their careers in education and related fields. They might include flexible schedule options, self-paced coursework, networking opportunities, and field experiences.

The duration to complete a Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) program can vary based on several factors, including the specific program structure, your enrollment status (full time or part time), the pace at which you complete coursework, and any prior credits that may be transferable. On average, however, an Ed.D. program typically takes around 3 years to complete.

An Ed.D. focuses on practical application and leadership in education, emphasizing applied research and preparing graduates for administrative and policy roles. A PhD in education is research-oriented, emphasizing original scholarly research and preparing graduates for academic, research, and theoretical contributions to the field.

The cost of an online Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) program can vary significantly depending on factors such as the institution, program duration, and whether you're an in-state or out-of-state learner. Review your preferred program’s tuition information for specific details.

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