The 2020 Guide to Online Doctorate in Education (EdD) Programs

Delivered online by the Baylor School of Education, the EdD in Learning and Organizational Change prepares students to apply essential teaching principles toward managing the dynamics of organizational change. The program is designed for experienced educators[MD2] and learning and development professionals interested in driving positive change in school systems, corporations, governmental or non-governmental agencies, and community programs.

Earn your Doctor of Education (EdD) in Leadership for Organizations in an immersive online program from University of Dayton. In as few as three years, you can graduate ready to design solutions and enact changes that benefit all involved in an organization. Learn in live, online classes, conduct a dissertation and collaborate with classmates and faculty regularly throughout the program. Master’s required. No GRE.

Vanderbilt University’s top-ranked Peabody College offers an Ed.D. in leadership and learning in organizations online. Through live online classes, engaging collaborative course work, and in-person learning opportunities on campus in Nashville, Tennessee, the program empowers influential leaders to address systemic challenges and drive positive change within the workplace. The program consists of 54 credit hours, which can be completed on a full- or part-time schedule. A master’s degree is required to apply.

The online Doctor of Education (EdD) in Organizational Change and Leadership program from the USC Rossier School of Education prepares candidates to influence change in educational environments and a range of organizations. The program blends face-to-face online classes with immersive experiences, enabling you to gain the skills needed for leadership positions without leaving your job or relocating. A master’s degree is not required.

Through Fordham University’s online Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) program, current educational leaders gain the skills and knowledge they need to expand their leadership role to improve education in schools, districts, and communities and make a positive impact on children from diverse backgrounds. The curriculum focuses on teaching Ed.D. candidates improvement science methods, as outlined by the Carnegie Project on the Education Doctorate (CPED).

ATSU’s Doctor of Education Health Professions (EdD) focuses on developing health profession educators. The program focuses more on experience-based teaching rather than research-based. Practicing clinicians, health care educators, and leaders/directors who strive to teach in this area can benefit from this program. ATSU’s program is online, and ideal for students to work at a pace that benefits them.

Contact Information:

• Email: [email protected]
• Phone Number: 877.626.2878
• A.T. Still University's website

Andrews’ EdD in Education Leadership prepares leaders in educational agencies and organizations. This program requires courses in advanced research and focuses more on these research-based methodologies. Upon completion of the program, students can bring advanced research and updated practices into their career of choice. The agencies and organizations help schools and other education leaders make decisions in regards to school policies and practice.

Contact Information:

• Email: [email protected]
• Phone Number: 269-471-6054
• Andrew's University Website

ASU’s Doctor of Education (EdD) in Leadership and Innovation is designed for practicing educator-leaders who work in a range of settings and want to lead change and implement innovation to improve their practice and create better learning opportunities for students of all ages.

Contact Information:

• Email: [email protected]
• Phone Number: 866.277.6589
• Arizona State University's website

Aspen University offers an online doctoral program for those seeking careers in health care administration and leadership, higher education or K12 leadership, and organizational leadership or organizational psychology. Students will work on the guidance of their professors as well as in their flexible scheduling plan. The program allows students to balance other commitments while pursuing their degree.

Contact Information:

• Email: [email protected]
• Phone Number: 1.800.373.7814
• Aspen University's website

Boise State University’s Doctor of Education in Educational Technology program exposes students to the growth and change in education, its turn into online classrooms, emerging technologies, leadership, and innovative pedagogies. This program is entirely online with no on-campus or in-person requirements allowing flexibility for an educator. Boise State allows one cohort per year with each one starting in May. The average size of the cohort is 12-15 students.

Contact Information:

• Email: [email protected]
• Phone Number: 208.426.4875
• Boise State University's website

Concordia University Chicago offers a EdD in Leadership - Health and Human Performance. This doctorate is an interdisciplinary degree program that focuses on those who want to pursue academic, clinical, leadership, and/or research roles in health, exercise, kinesiology, human performance, and other related areas. This rigorous program examines the issues that come from physical activity, health promotion, and human performance. This program also promotes small class sizes (with only 18 students per class) as well as classes that start every eight weeks.

Contact Information:

• Email: [email protected]
• Phone Number: 708.888.2031
• Concordia University's website

Drexel’s Doctor of Education program helps innovative leaders grow with the uncertain times in education. This program is heavily based on research and relies on collaboration to challenge ways of thinking that can affect educational and business environments alike. Drexel’s program allows students to be finished within 3 or 5 years with a part-time plan to allow students to work full-time.

Contact Information:

• Email: [email protected]
• Phone Number: 877.215.0009
• Drexel University's website

Edgewood College’s Doctorate in Education works in collaboration with faculty, educators, and other business/educational leaders to prepare students for their future in an education setting. Students explore research that is relevant to improving schools, districts, and other higher education institutions. At Edgewood, the Higher Education leadership EdD is offered in a face-to-face setting as well as online. This program is designed as a cohort supported by other professionals.

Contact Information:

• Email: [email protected]
• Phone Number: 607.663.3297
• Edgewood College's website

Grand Canyon University offers an online Doctorate of Education program where students work closely with fully experienced and trained faculty. This program benefits those who want to advance their careers in education in areas such as leadership, organizational development, special education, and adult learning.

Contact Information:

• Email: [email protected]
• Phone Number: 855.GCU.LOPE
• Grand Canyon University's website

Indiana University’s EdD program prepares students for senior leadership positions in education. The courses are project-based (rather than theoretical) and teach students to be an effective school leader. Although it is an online program, students must attend one colloquium or conference event on Indiana's Bloomington campus

Contact Information:

• Email: [email protected]
• Phone Number: 812.856.8500
• Indiana University's website

Johns Hopkins’ Doctor of Education helps students strive for skills in leadership, professional development, and networking. Students will also work with researchers from various backgrounds and interests. This EdD program is designed as a cohort where the students explore entrepreneurial leadership and teaching as well as instruction design for the online classroom, urban leadership, and the progression of technology in education.

Contact Information:

• Email: [email protected]
• Phone Number: 877.548.7631
• Johns Hopkins University's website

Kennesaw State University’s Doctor of Education program strives to bring experienced leaders into the changing world of education. Through this program, students will learn more about strategic planning, instructional development, and areas of critical need. This program also strives to challenge previous educational practices and teach about the innovation up and coming in education.

Contact Information:

• Email: [email protected]
• Phone Number: 470.578.4377
• Kennesaw State's website

Lamar University’s Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership is solely online and allows educators to obtain their degree while working full time. Each session is in 8-week increments and can be completed in 8 semesters. The start date is during the summer only. Lamar’s EdD prepares educational leaders to study the change in all settings of education and to be a part of that change.

Contact Information:

• Email: [email protected]
• Phone Number: 409.880.7011
• Lamar University's website

Liberty University’s online doctoral programs include concentrations in education administration, curriculum development, and learning theory. Students will also use their own research to complete a dissertation in their area of study. From K-12 through the university level, students can study a level of interest to them.

Contact Information:

• Email: [email protected]
• Phone Number: 800.424.9596
• Lamar University's website

Maryville University’s Doctorate in Higher Education Leadership can be completed on campus or online. The program can be completed in 32 months and also has multiple start dates. Students strive to become a top educator as they explore classroom dynamics as well as sharpening their research skills. Their cohort model allows students to complete their coursework and dissertation simultaneously.

Contact Information:

• Email: [email protected]
• Phone Number: 866.266.0574
• Maryville University's website

Morehead State University offers a Doctor of Education that allows educators to remain on the job while completing their program. Through the program, students will conduct research, study instructional design, and how to better implement curriculum development and technology. Morehead State requires 60 hours of coursework to complete the doctorate. Students are also required to take the GRE, GMAT, or MAT upon application.

Contact Information:

• Email: [email protected]
• Phone Number: 606.783.2261
• Morehead State's website

New Mexico State University offers a cohort model for their Doctor of Education programs. This cohort will be a hybrid model with 80% of the classes being face-to-face and 20% online. This program focuses on social justice and border issues as well as implementing research/theories with collaboration from New Mexico faculty. Students will learn practices that serve a variety of populations in all schools/districts.

Contact Information:

• Email: [email protected]
• Phone Number: 800.621.7440
• New Mexico State University's website

Northwest Nazarene University’s Doctor of Education program is a cohort style model that begins every spring. Through NNU, students will learn ways to bring their skills to the K-12 classroom. The skills can be learned and assessed within 26 months. NNU also offers a 2-week on campus summer session where students meet and prepare for their dissertation.

Contact Information:

• Email: [email protected]
• Phone Number: 877.668.4968
• Northwest Nazarene University’s Website

North Central’s Doctorate of Education helps students apply what they learn in this program to their current field of work. The program also focuses on theoretical practices to advance the state of education. To apply for this online program, students do not need to take the GRE. Also, a new round of courses begins each Monday and can take approximately 40 months to complete.

Contact Information:

• Email: [email protected]
• Phone Number: 866.776.0331
• North Central University’s Website

Nova Southeastern University’s Doctor of Education program can be completed in three years and is also taught in Spanish and English. This bilingual program is requires a dissertation and specializes in curriculum teaching, leadership, higher education, human services, technology, and reading education. Students can choose to complete online and can attend a 3 full-day live session that occurs every five weeks. Full-day class sessions are also available.

Contact Information:

• Email: [email protected]
• Phone Number: 305.609.6846
• Nova Southeastern University’s Website

Regent University’s Doctor of Education program uses applied research and practice-oriented coursework to prepare students in becoming principals, superintendents, and administrators. Their course sessions are 8 weeks long with multiple start date options. In order to be accepted, prospective students need to submit an unofficial transcript for review. The courses are all online as well.

Contact Information:

• Email: [email protected]
• Phone Number: 800.373.5504
• Regent University’s Website

Rowan University offers a Doctor of Education program that can be taken online or in a hybrid format. Educational leaders will collaborate throughout the program to examine innovative ways to enhance the classroom as well as implement theories into practice. The online option is 100% online with 3 in-person residency meetings. The hybrid option is a combination of face-to-face and online classes. The programs begins each fall.

Contact Information:

• Email: [email protected]
• Phone Number: 856.256.4747
• Rowan University’s Website

SHSU’s Doctor of Education program is entirely online and in a cohort format. This program takes approximately 3.5 years to complete and begins each summer. Once completed, prospective students can work in public schools, libraries, higher education, and adult education. SHSU’s EdD program helps students develop and administer support at all school levels and trains individuals through observation and evaluations in practical settings.

Contact Information:

• Email: [email protected]
• Phone Number: 936.294.1971
• Sam Houston State University’s Website

St. Thomas University’s EdD program can be completed is as few as 36 months. This program examines consulting practices, ethics, and how to deal with crisis/change management in an evolving world of education. Careers can include school administrators, business leaders, and higher education professors. A GRE is not required, and the program is offered year-round.

Contact Information:

• Email: [email protected]
• Phone Number: 855.215.4021
• St. Thomas University’s Website

The Doctor of Education in Educational Administration at Texas A&M, Commerce is for K-12 school administrators who want to foster growth in Texas schools. This program is fully online and intended for Texas principals and superintendents. Students will focus on administration as well as governing education organizations, research application, and innovation. Prospective students can apply for the spring or fall semesters. TAMUC encourages applicants to have strong academic ability as well as a commitment to education.

Contact Information:

• Email: [email protected]
• Phone Number: 903.468.8723
• Texas A&M University, Commerce Website

Trevecca Nazarene University (TNU) offers a Doctor of Education in Leadership and Professional Practice. This program is 100% online and can take 27 months to complete. Students will focus on one class at a time during the program. Students will also focus on leadership skills that can be used in education, the military, and ministry. Since the program is entirely online, the student will receive course materials via mail. TNU supports Nashville, its surrounding communities, and beyond.

Contact Information:

• Email: [email protected]
• Phone Number: 615.852.8413
• Trevecca Nazarene University’s Website

Trident University International’s Doctor of Education is for practicing education professionals. This program exposes students to the innovation in education at all levels as well as how to lead complex organizations. To complete the program, students must complete 60 hours of coursework and complete a dissertation requirement. The program is also 100% online with guidance from experience faculty. Student may also pick a concentration of K-12 leadership or higher education leadership.

Contact Information:

• Email: [email protected]
• Phone Number: 800.579.3197
• Trident University International’s Website

Union University’s Doctor of Education program is offered in the spring each year. The program is cohort-based meaning all students will start the courses at the same time. Union University also follows the “Educator Preparation Program” in that the teacher-student dynamic is one of sensitivity, reflection, and faith. This cohort program can be completed in 3.5-4 years. While the cohort promotes relationships and bonding, the required dissertation is individualized. At Union University, the students reflect Christ as they lead.

Contact Information:

• Email: [email protected]
• Phone Number: 731.661.6544
• Union University’s Website

The University of Arkansas offers a cohort-style program for its Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership. This program prepares students for careers as a principal, administrator, or superintendent. The cohort meets once a semester to go over theories, discuss new innovations in education, and debate current issues affecting schools. In year 3 of the program, students will meet with the cohort to present their dissertations. This program also only begins in the summer semester.

Contact Information:

• Email: [email protected]
• Phone Number: 800.952.1165
• University of Arkansas Website

The University of Florida offers a cohort-style program for its Doctor of Education in Curriculum and Instruction. This program prepares current educators with applications that can learn through their online courses and take home to their current schools. This cohort focuses also on theory and research. The cohorts are created and begin every other year with the next one beginning May 2020. The online courses vary between 8-16 weeks in length and also require a summer week-long conference on campus. Throughout the process, students will also prepare a dissertation over a topic of their choice.

Contact Information:

• Email: [email protected]
• Phone Number: 352.273.4204
• University of Florida Website

The University of Houston offers a Doctor of Education in Professional Leadership. This program is geared towards the educator who plans to remain in the education setting. Students will analyze current issues in urban settings and participate in group collaborations. Students will put their coursework into action through a practicum where they will work in a true classroom setting. The EdD at UH also begins every fall semester when a new cohort is created.

Contact Information:

• Email: [email protected]
• Phone Number: 713.743.0958
• University of Houston’s Website

The University of of Illinois’ EdD focuses on social justice and the transformative approaches to take in a changing education environment. This program also emphasizes diversity and equity in a school setting from pre-k to 16 years of age. Students will study how learning relates to leadership skills, teaching styles, as well as to all aspects of disability, race, gender, sexual orientation, social class, and poverty. A dissertation is also required for the program.

Contact Information:

• Email: [email protected]
• Phone Number: 217.333.0807
• University of Illinois' Website

The University of of Massachusetts offers a Doctor of Education for educators who are pursuing leadership roles in school districts or in departments of higher education. UMASS EdD begins in the summer and take approximately 3 years to complete. All courses are online and students take two courses per semester. Also, there is a one-week on campus summer residency that is required for all students.

Contact Information:

• Email: [email protected]
• Phone Number: 877.698.6277
• University of Massachusett’s Website

The University of of Missouri offers a EdD that is a blended format - some campus visits are required. This program is for educators who want to continue their career while getting a EdD. Once completed, educators can then become principals, superintendents, directors, university administrators, and faculty. Though the program is blended, students will be required to attend campus courses during the first two summers. During the fall and spring, students will be paired with an assigned partner institution. The program can also be synchronously online for those assigned to a virtual cohort.

Contact Information:

• Email: [email protected]
• Phone Number: 573.882.2491
• University of Missouri’s Website

The University of Nebraska - Lincoln offers a Doctor of Education in a number of specialties. Students focus on P-12 grade levels of educational administration with high interest in higher education, human resources development, student affairs, and community college administration. In addition to the 96 course hours to be completed, students must complete an oral exam as well as a dissertation. The courses are online, and on-campus seminars are required in the first three years of beginning the program.

Contact Information:

• Email: [email protected]
• Phone Number: 402.472.2875
• University of Nebraska - Lincoln’s Website

The University of New England offers an online Doctor of Education that can be completed in three years. This program is entirely online with no residency required. In addition, the program is cohort-based with three cohorts formed per year. A dissertation is required and is also presented online. The focus of UNE’s EdD is transformative leadership with the self, the organization, the community, and the schools.

Contact Information:

• Email: [email protected]
• Phone Number: 800.994.2804
• University of New England’s Website

The University of Northern Colorado’s Doctor of Education leads all educational leaders to continue working at all levels in schools. Their program has flexible schedule that allows students to continue working as an educator while completing their coursework. The internship required for UNC can be completed at the student’s home school. Their focus is to apply theory into practice. UNC’s program is a hybrid with a classes being face-to-face and online. The entire program takes 2-2.5 years to complete.

Contact Information:

• Email: [email protected]
• Phone Number: 970.351.2831
• University of Northern Colorado’s Website

The University of South Carolina offers a Doctor of Education in two concentrations: Educational Technology and Curriculum Studies. Both areas state approximately 36 months to complete and require 60 hours of coursework each. With the Educational Technology concentration, students are required to attend an orientation with their cohort at the start of the program. USC does require a dissertation in both areas and offers courses to prepare for the research and presentation of the dissertation.

Contact Information:

• Email: [email protected]
• Phone Number: 855.290.3839
• University of South Carolina’s Website

The University of St. Francis offers a telecommuter/distance learning environment for their Doctor of Education programs. Students can choose to concentrate in Superintendent Endorsement or Stewardship, Leadership, and Learning. Both concentrations required a dissertation and 60 hours of coursework. This program is also cohort-based so students work as a unit to examine the changes in education as well as work together to complete the dissertation process. Both concentrations also take approximately 3.5 years.

Contact Information:

• Email: [email protected]
• Phone Number: 800.735.7500

The University of the Cumberlands offers a Doctor of Education that is 100% online. The students do have the option of on-campus classes that meet on Saturdays, if desired. The program has several designs that allow students to find a schedule that balances with their own. UC strives to lead education into the future with new innovations. Ths EdD guides the students to implement the same in their own schools. A dissertation is required in the program which takes less than three years to complete.

Contact Information:

• Email: [email protected]
• Phone Number: 855.791.7201
• University of the Cumberlands’ Website

The University of West Florida’s Doctor of Education helps students assume administration and leadership positions in school settings. The program addresses educational issues that affect our schools and explore ways to integrate technology and innovative designs into the classroom. Currently, UWF offers an EdD in Curriculum and Assessment and Instructional Design and Technology. Both programs are 100% online and are also offered in the Fall, Spring, and Summer semesters.

Contact Information:

• Email: [email protected]
• Phone Number: 850.474.2768
• University of West Florida’s Website

The University of West Georgia’s Doctor of Education addresses critical issues in higher education administration. The students will learn to influence future decisions in regards to school ethics, policy, and leadership. UWG’s EdD is 100% online and also includes a 2-day orientation during the first summer. An intensive Virtual Dissertation Preparation Seminar is also included. This program can last as long as three years but could take four or more. This is a 60 credit program.

Contact Information:

• Email: [email protected]
• Phone Number: 678.839.5572
• University of West Georgia’s Website

Valdosta State University offers a Doctor of Education in Curriculum and Instruction. Through this program, students will continue to work as experienced practitioners in a variety of educational settings. Student will also apply theoretical concepts to curriculum, issues facing today’s schools, higher education, and educational agencies. The required dissertation is the culmination of the student’s research and study while at Valdosta. Students may seek assistance from faculty as they prepare their work.

Contact Information:

• Email: [email protected]
• Phone Number: 229.333.5633
• Valdosta State University’s Website

William Carey University offers a Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership that is fully online. This online format helps students become change agents in education and promotes visionary planning for the future. WCU also utilizes a cohort with a summer start with students taking two courses each trimester. Next, students will take one class during the first 5-week term then a second during the next 5-week term. As the program progresses, students will later move to 10-week periods.

Contact Information:

• Email: [email protected]
• Phone Number: 601.318.6774
• William Carey University’s Website

William Howard Taft University’s Doctor of Education is offered in two concentrations: Educational Technology and Leadership and Charter School Administration. Both areas teach students to become change agents in their schools and communities. This program also promotes leadership and management in educational and public service settings. No classroom meetings or seminars are required in this online format. A dissertation is required as is a qualifying exam at the end of all coursework.

Contact Information:

• Email: [email protected]
• Phone Number: 877.894.8238
• William Howard Taft University’s Website