The Online Doctorate in Education

New Mexico State University offers two types of online doctoral programs in education: a Doctorate of Education (EdD) and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD). Major areas of concentration include Curriculum & Instruction (C&I) and Education Leadership. For C&I, the curriculum covers a range of concentrations, such as Learning Design and Technology, Critical Pedagogies and Early Childhood Education. A blended program, C&I requires students to use the University's online learning management system to take classes during the fall and spring semesters, and attend two weeks of on-campus courses during summer sessions. Like C&I, the Education Leadership program is also a blended program, requiring both online classes and on-campus instruction. The 63 credit-hour EdD includes 39 credit-hours in core educational leadership coursework, while the 78 credit-hour PhD option also requires an additional 15 hours of research-focused study.

The University of Wyoming offers two online doctoral degree paths for students in education with a concentration in Adult and & Postsecondary Education: the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) and Doctor of Education (EdD). The PhD program can prepare graduates to pursue positions of academic scholarship and research, while the EdD program is designed to prepare graduates for leadership positions at postsecondary institutions.

The EdD in Adult & Postsecondary Education requires between 77 and 80 credit hours of study, delivered either through online classes or audio conferencing. Students are also required to complete two annual on-campus residencies at the Laramie, Wyoming campus. The PhD program requires 81 credit-hours of study, with classes delivered via online, on-campus or through a blended format. Students in the PhD program must complete an extended residency of one to two years of classwork on campus.

The University of Nebraska-Lincoln offers students the opportunity to select from two online doctoral paths in Educational Leadership and Higher Education: the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) and the Doctor of Education (EdD). The EdD is a fully online doctoral program, while the PhD does include a 6-credit on-campus residency requirement.

Both programs share core curriculum components in topics such as administrative theory, educational administration research and educational law. The PhD is designed for individuals pursuing careers in academic scholarship, providing them with a firm understanding of both qualitative and quantitative research methods in education, as well as practical, real-world issues that impact educators and researchers alike. The curriculum of the EdD program is designed to develop the critical thinking and educational leadership skills of students looking to pursue administrative positions in higher education.

The University of Florida offers a diverse array of online doctoral programs in education for prospective students looking to specialize in areas such as educational leadership and educational administration leadership. Each EdD doctorate program is designed for the working professional, delivered in a blended format of online learning and campus-based weekend or summer sessions.

The EdD in education at the University of Florida is a professional, application-based program of study designed to enhance and advance the skill sets of practicing educators working in areas such as in K-12 settings, higher education, faculty development and instructional design.

East Tennessee State University offers students a fully-online Doctorate of Education (EdD) degree in educational leadership. Students may customize their educational experience in one of three concentrations: administration, post-secondary and private sector leadership or school leadership. The goal of the program it to enhance and develop the skills of individuals working in educational leadership positions, whether in the K-12 setting, at community or four-year colleges or in private sector organizations.

The core curriculum focuses on quantitative and qualitative research, leadership studies and administration theory. A dissertation is required for graduation. Students may take classes via both asynchronous (no time-specific meetings required) and synchronous (requires scheduled class-time and instruction) formats through the university’s D2L online learning platform.

The University of West Georgia offers a doctorate in education program with concentrations in School Improvement, Professional Counseling and Supervision and Nursing Education. While classwork can be completed entirely online or through distance learning technology, each concentration does have one on-campus orientation requirement.

The EdD in Nursing Education is designed to prepare graduates to train the nurses of tomorrow through an 11-semester, 60-credit doctoral program. The EdD in School Improvement is a 3-year, 60 credit-hour doctoral degree that offers students the opportunity to develop the knowledge and skills necessary to make systemic changes to K-12 schools and educational systems. The Professional Counseling and Supervision EdD is a 36 credit-hour program that can be completed in two years of continual studies, and can helps professional counselors to advance in their careers.

The online Doctor of Education (EdD) in Curriculum and Instruction is a professional degree designed to prepare individuals for administrative and leadership positions in both education and allied health. Students may select from two concentrations in the online EdD program: Curriculum and Instruction or Health Professions Education (HPRE). A 60-credit program, the curriculum is divided into three components, including program core classes, major concentration coursework and a dissertation.

The Curriculum and Instruction program prepares graduates to impact educational policy and instruction at both the K-12 and higher education level. The HPRE doctorate offers allied health professionals the opportunity to advance conceptual knowledge and practical skills in both health information and care delivery in today’s modern health care system.

The Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership (EdD) at Lamar University is a fully-online, 60 credit-hour program. Students admitted to the program can typically complete the program in 8 semesters of study.

Designed for educators seeking advanced leadership positions in their school and community, the EdD in Educational Leadership allows students to specialize their studies in one of three concentrations: Effective Schooling, Diversity and Multiculturalism or Higher Education and Technology. Curriculum is divided into four major components, including 21 credit-hours of core classes, 15 credit-hours in elective classes, 12 credit-hours of research and a 12 credit-hour dissertation.

The online doctoral education programs at Liberty University offer students the opportunity to complete a program of study in multiple areas of concentration, such as educational leadership or counselor education. Both Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) and Doctor of Education (EdD) options are available, depending on the specific program. All programs can be completed entirely online; however, the EdD programs in Educational Leadership and Curriculum & Instruction require three on-campus intensive sessions at the university's Lynchburg, Virginia campus.

The PhD in Counselor Education is a 63 credit-hour program that also includes a 6 credit-hour experienced-based internship as part of the graduation requirements. The EdD program is a 60 credit-hour degree that also requires a 6 credit-hour dissertation to graduate.

Texas Tech University offers students a robust selection of online doctoral programs in education, culminating in either a Doctor of Education (EdD) or Doctor of Philosophy (PhD). Specializations include Agricultural Education, Higher Education and Curriculum and Instruction. The graduate program is designed for the professional development of educators and higher education professionals to pursue advanced academic scholarship, research or leadership positions in their respective fields.

Both the EdD and PhD programs in Education are offered in a hybrid format, allowing students to complete a majority of their coursework online, with minimal face-to-face residencies. The EdD in Agricultural Education is a 64 credit-hour program which utilizes virtual learning environments and interactive video conferencing. The EdD in Higher Education requires annual, week-long visits during the summer session of the first three years of the program.

The online PhD programs in education at Indiana State University afford students the opportunity to select from two concentrations: school administration and higher education leadership. The PhD in school administration is designed for educators in K-12 settings, covering topics ranging from educational law to educational thought. Available entirely online, students typically can complete core coursework in one year of study, with another 18 to 24 months required to complete the dissertation.

The PhD in higher education leadership is taught through a blended model of online and on-campus instruction and workshops. Designed for higher education professionals working in administrative leadership at two- and four-year college institutions, the curriculum combines the conceptual study of higher education and its social and philosophical foundations. The program also requires a two-semester, field-based internship under the supervision of an on-site representative and university supervisor.

The online graduate programs in education at the University of Memphis afford students the opportunity to select from multiple degree avenues, including adult education and higher education. The Doctor of Education (EdD) degrees can be completed entirely online with one a one-week visit to campus during each summer of the program.

The EdD in Adult Education is designed to prepare graduates to pursue academic scholarship or for advanced positions in their respective industries. On the other hand, the EdD in Higher Education is for individuals seeking senior positions within higher education, both at universities and colleges at and education-related organizations.

The doctoral programs in education at Texas A&M University offer prospective students the opportunity to complete their studies through an online learning format in multiple concentrations, including Agricultural Education and Curriculum and Instruction. The online Doctor of Education in Curriculum and Instruction is a 64-semester credit-hour program, designed to prepare teachers for leadership positions in a K-12 setting. In addition to completing their coursework through online classes, students must also complete two 150-hour internships during the third year of studies.

The online Doctor of Education in Agricultural Education is a unique joint venture between Texas A&M University and Texas Tech University. The program uses a blended learning format including virtual learning environments and video conferencing, as well as two required face-to-face meetings each year.

The Doctor of Philosophy in Instructional Design at Idaho State University is a blended graduate program. Divided between 52 credits of instruction through fully-online classes and 15 core classes taught either online or via video conferencing, the program is designed to prepare students with the theoretical knowledge and technical skills required to assume leadership positions within the field of instructional design in education.

The PhD relies on practical, experience-based instruction in the research, design and implementation of educational curriculum to meet specific outcomes. Instructional design PhD students complete their coursework in four major areas: core professional studies (12 credits), research and statistics (15 credits), instructional design specialty studies (30 credits) and a dissertation (10 credits).

The Interdisciplinary Leadership Doctorate of Education (EdD) program at Governors State University is designed to effectively teach leadership and decision-making skills of professionals in four specialized areas: education superintendent (PK-12), higher education administration, public safety and social entrepreneurship (nonprofit).

Students may complete their coursework entirely online or choose from a hybrid (on-campus and online) learning format. In the EdD program, students are exposed to fundamental concepts and applications of strategic planning, ethical practices, organizational leadership, community relations and research. The program requires a final capstone project, which involves the creation and oral defense of a research-based practicum project.

The Doctor of Education (EdD) in Adult and Community College Education at North Carolina University is an executive program, designed to be completed through a blended model of face-to-face instruction on the weekends and online classes. The program is designed for education professionals in or seeking leadership positions in higher education, including 4-year institutions and community colleges.

Prospective students must possess a master’s degree and passing scores on the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) to be considered for admission. The degree program can be completed in three and half years of set curriculum.

Texas Tech University offers students a robust selection of online doctoral programs in education, culminating in either a Doctor of Education (EdD) or Doctor of Philosophy (PhD). Specializations include Agricultural Education, Higher Education and Curriculum and Instruction. The graduate program is designed for the professional development of educators and higher education professionals to pursue advanced academic scholarship, research or leadership positions in their respective fields.

Both the EdD and PhD programs in Education are offered in a hybrid format, allowing students to complete a majority of their coursework online, with minimal face-to-face residencies. The EdD in Agricultural Education is a 64 credit-hour program which utilizes virtual learning environments and interactive video conferencing. The EdD in Higher Education requires annual, week-long visits during the summer session of the first three years of the program.

The online Doctor of Education in Teacher Leadership at Kennesaw State University is designed to prepare K-12 educators for leadership positions in both their schools and respective school districts. A 45-credit hour performance program, the EdD in Teacher Leadership includes four main areas of study: certification in teacher leadership, advanced teacher leadership, research and a dissertation. Students must also complete a 6-month residency in addition to a final capstone project to graduate.

Graduates of the program earn a Service (S) certificate in Teacher Leadership and are prepared to serve as teaching mentors, have an understanding of best teaching practices, the ability to take a research-based approach to teaching and advanced knowledge of curriculum design and implementation.

The Doctor of Education in Higher Education Leadership and Innovation at Wilmington University is an online doctoral program that can typically be completed in three years of study. The program is designed for the professional development of individuals working in higher education, such as administrators or faculty. A 57-credit program, the EdD is divided into three major components: core coursework, an experienced-based field internship and an applied research dissertation/capstone project.

The EdD curriculum covers areas such as adult development, supervisory behavior, higher education policy and material resources. The internship requires at least 120 hours of work, which offers students the opportunity to apply their classroom-based knowledge to real-world situations and problems.

The Doctor of Education in Curriculum & Instruction from the University of South Carolina is an online degree program that prepares educators and administrators for leadership positions in both K-12 and higher education settings. A 36-month program, the doctoral degree requires 60 credit-hours of study including an applied research dissertation.

The program is divided into core curriculum courses, research courses, cognate courses, a comprehensive examination and the dissertation. Topics of instruction range from curriculum leadership and diversity in curriculum to research in education and research in teaching.

The Education Doctorate (EdD) in Information Systems Technology is Indiana University's first fully online doctorate program, one that is designed for professionals working in either human performance improvement or instruction design. A 60 credit-hour program of study, the curriculum offers a comprehensive instruction in a variety of related-areas, including educational technology, instructional design, performance technology, instructional technology and workforce learning and performance improvement.

Through conceptual and practice-based instruction in learning environments, analysis and design, students are able to apply their research to craft a range of instructional materials. A single on-campus visit is required to attend the university's annual instructional technology conference. In addition, a dissertation is required of all students in the program.

The Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership at the University of New England is a fully-online doctoral program that does not have a residency requirement. A 51 credit-hour program, the degree is accredited by the New England Association of Schools & Colleges (NEASC).

Divided into a three-year program of study, the EdD in Educational Leadership concentrates the curriculum around areas such as policy analysis, transformative leadership, qualitative research methods and ethical leadership. During the final year of the program, online students are required to complete and defend a 12-credit dissertation that focuses on applied research in the field.

The online EdD in Educational Leadership is designed to be completed in five years (10 semesters) of study. The program includes 60 semester hours of coursework, including 12 semester hours dedicated to the dissertation. Students may select from a variety of concentrations for the EdD, such as higher education, P-12 and community college leadership.

Designed for professionals pursuing administrative or leadership positions in K-12 or higher education settings, the EdD program offers a comprehensive curriculum that covers core topics in areas such as educational research, qualitative analysis and leadership theory. Although students may complete their benchmark classes via online studies, the doctoral program does require two residencies at the Glassboro, New Jersey campus: a four-day visit before the program starts and a three-day visit at the conclusion of the second year of study to prepare for dissertations.

The online Doctor of Education in Higher Education and Organizational Change from Benedictine University is a professionally-oriented degree that offers students a specialized, interdisciplinary program of study. It also sets the foundation for the pursuit of advanced careers in higher education administration and leadership.

The degree program is split into thirds. Year one focuses on foundational instruction in organizational change and institutional planning. Year two moves to the study of current issues and trends that impact the organization of higher education, including emerging technologies or resource management. Year three is dedicated to the student's research, writing and defense of a dissertation.

Online students receive customized, personal support from an advisor, access to instructors and professors through online chat and virtual office boards, and may access their coursework online at their convenience.

The online Doctor of Education (EdD) in Educational Psychology and Technology at The Chicago School of Professional Psychology is a research-focused, professional degree. The degree offers students the opportunity to select from one of three concentrations: Higher Education (Learning and Technology), Organizational Learning and Technology and K-12 Education (Learning and Technology). A 60-credit program, the degree is designed to be completed in three years of part-time study.

Although students may complete their coursework through online classes, the department does require students to participate in two 2.5 day residencies at one of the university’s campuses.

The Doctor of Education (EdD) program at the University of the Cumberlands offers two specialization tracks for prospective students: Educational Leadership and Counselor Education. The EdD in Educational Leadership is a 60 credit-hour doctoral program that can be completed entirely online. The curriculum focuses on preparing educators for academic leadership roles through comprehensive instruction in areas such as strategic planning, leadership theory, adulthood learning and online learning.

The EdD in Counselor Education and Supervision is a hybrid-model doctoral program that allows students to complete a majority of their studies online, with minimal face-to-face residencies required. Curriculum in the program is designed to prepare graduates to develop advanced administrative and clinical counseling skills to pursue supervisory or leadership positions both in higher education teaching environments and in private practice.

The doctoral programs in education at Northwest Nazarene University are available in two formats: a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) and a Doctor of Education (EdD). Although both focus on educational leadership, the PhD is a research-based degree that emphasizes the study of educational trends, while the EdD is an application-based degree that focuses research on policies and practices that impact school systems.

A 22-month program, the doctoral program in education can be completed through online classes that allows flexibility for students, as well as a two week on-campus session held during the summer to prepare students for their dissertation. Curriculum covers a spectrum of topics, from data analysis, policy development and effective leadership to qualitative research.

The online Doctor of Education (EdD) in Leadership seeks to foster a better understanding of complexities of educational organization, studying the intersection of knowledge and inquiry, to maximize the leadership skills of current and future educational administrators in both the K-12 and higher education settings. The program includes multiple concentrations of study including Teacher Leadership, Technology Leadership, Executive Leadership, Curriculum Leadership and Higher Education Leadership.

Graduates of the program will have completed an application for graduation, maintain a 3.0 cumulative GPA as well as completed the university's Advanced Inventory of Leadership Experiences.