education doctoral programs maryland

EdDPrograms.org

Ed.D. Programs in Maryland

Johns Hopkins or UMES? Salisbury or Towson? Our practical guide to doctoral education degrees in Maryland is here to answer your questions. In addition to school listings (with links to curricula & tuition costs), you'll discover a comparison of online Ed.D. programs, info about Ed.D. fellowships & tuition breaks, and a list of certification requirements. There's even a career & networking section, with data on MD administrative jobs and salaries.

Earning a Doctor of Education Degree in Maryland

You may want to put a Maryland doctoral program in education on your shortlist. Our school listings contain two highly ranked juggernauts —Johns Hopkins and University of Maryland College Park—and a number of solid schools from the University System of Maryland (USM). Like JHU and UMCP, Salisbury is part of the Carnegie Project on the Education Doctorate (CPED) . Morgan State, which is a historically black public research university, is another contender.

To get a sense of the landscape, take a look at the curricula and costs in our school listings . This Maryland Ed.D. guide also contains info on online Ed.D. programs , ideas for Ed.D. scholarships & fellowships , and a rundown of administrative certification . Once you’ve decided on an Ed.D. (or three), have a quick glance at our career section . We’ve dug up county-specific data on administrative jobs & salaries and provided links to local job boards. You’ll also find a full listing of educational leadership associations (e.g. MASSP) and ideas for conferences & training opportunities .

Online Doctor of Education Programs in Maryland

Online ed.d. providers in maryland.

• Johns Hopkins University (CAEP-accredited)
• Morgan State University (CAEP-accredited)

What to Know About Maryland Online Ed.D. Programs

We located two online doctorates of education in Maryland: one private, one public. In the private sphere, it’s Johns Hopkins—a school with a superb reputation for education and an active member of the CPED initiative . JHU’s 90-credit Online Ed.D. comes in three specializations: Entrepreneurial Leadership in Education , Mind, Brain & Teaching , and Urban Leadership . These offerings tend to attract students from around the globe.

The 90-credit number is misleading, since it includes transfer credits for your master’s degree and any post-master’s work. That means you’ll only have to complete 48-54 doctoral credits at JHU. The 3-5-year program contains career-building components: an applied dissertation , short summer residencies, and interdisciplinary coursework. But the honor of having JHU on your résumé also comes with a private university tuition price. See our Funding section for scholarship ideas.

In the public realm, you might consider Morgan State University. It has a 60-credit Online Ed.D. in Community College Leadership that’s aimed at folks who aspire to senior level leadership roles and professorships within a community college setting. Students complete it, on average, in six years.

This online Ed.D. has a lot to recommend it. It’s a cohort-based program that’s been running for many years (always a good sign). It’s available face-to-face or in a 100% online version. The curriculum includes team-based work and an internship or practicum at a community college. And it’s affordable. If you are an in-state resident or can take part in the SREB program (see the terms in our Funding section), you’ll be looking at an achievable budget.

Note: If neither of these options appeal, our overview of online Ed.D. programs contains a listing of online Ed.D.s in every state, plus our rankings of the top Doctor of Education programs.

Doctoral Education Funding in Maryland

Internal scholarships, fellowships & awards.

Universities have a habit of hiding their Ed.D. funding in strange places. To save you time, we’ve listed potential opportunities for institutional aid (e.g. internal scholarships, tuition breaks, etc.). You’ll probably need to supplement these sources with external aid (e.g. federal & private loans, tuition reimbursement from work, etc.). The Graduate School and/or the Office of Financial Aid can help you with options.

Bowie State University

BSU has a section on BSU Scholarships , but we didn’t see much beyond the general Graduate scholarship (and you’ll need to check if Ed.D. candidates are considered). However, the university does offer a payment plan. BSU employees (current and retired) and their family members should also take a look at the page on Tuition Remission .

Frostburg State University

FSU has a section on Financial Aid for Grad Students , with details on  Scholarship Programs . In particular, take a look at the Dr. Kelly Hall Doctor of Education Scholarship. Graduate Assistantships are only open to master’s students.

Johns Hopkins University

In the Ed.D. FAQs section , JHU states that modest Ed.D. program scholarships are available ($500-$2,000 per semester). You don’t need to apply for these—scholarships are merit-based and are awarded by the Ed.D. Admissions Committee. You’ll find more funding options in the list of School of Education (SOE) Grants & Scholarships —you will need to fill out an application for these. International students are ineligible for both sources. JHU also offers a monthly payment plan .

Morgan State University

The School of Graduate Studies has a comprehensive section on Graduate Aid and Funding , with details on fellowships, assistantships, and the FAFSA. You can also look into MSU’s payment plans .

Are you from out-of-state and interested in the Online Ed.D. in Community College Leadership? Be aware that MSU has an agreement with the SREB. If your state does  not have a university offering a comparable online program, a letter can be submitted for in-state tuition.

Salisbury University

The Office of Graduate Studies has sections on Graduate Assistantships and Graduate Scholarship & Fellowship Information . If you’re a resident of a nearby state, check to see if you can apply for the Good Neighbors Graduate Scholarship (i.e. reduced tuition on non-resident rates).

Ed.D. students are also eligible for couple of Salisbury University Scholarships : the modest Diane D. Allen Scholarship and the Audrey C. Christopher Endowment for Education . You may also want to investigate options for Graduate Research Grants .

Towson University

Graduate assistantships and teaching assistantships are available for doctoral students—TU recommends you contact the Ed.D. Program Director for more info. The Office of Graduate Studies has a list of Graduate Fellowships & Scholarships , such as the Terminal Degree Fellowship program. We didn’t see any general doctorate of education scholarships in the Towson University Foundation Scholarships database, but you may find awards that relate to your area of particular interest. TU also has a payment plan .

University of Maryland College Park

UMCP’s Ed.D. is an unusual program—a closed cohort offered in collaboration with local school systems—so traditional financial aid may not be relevant. Talk to the program coordinator about possibilities.

University of Maryland Eastern Shore

The Department of Education has a useful section on Financial Aid and Scholarships (internal & external)—doctoral students can apply for the Graduate Studies Grant Award. The School of Graduate Studies also has advice on Financial Assistance, with details on the Connective Graduate Studies Endowment Scholarship (students in Educational Leadership programs can apply), and USM Tuition Remission . There’s a separate section on Graduate Assistantships. And there’s a payment plan .

Note: If a university name is missing from the list, we didn’t find specific examples of Ed.D. funding beyond private & federal loans and external aid.

School Administrator Certification Requirements in Maryland

Administrative & supervisory certification.

The Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) handles certification for public school teachers, administrators, and specialists in public schools. Administrative and supervisory certification areas include:

• Supervisors of Instruction, Assistant Principals, and Principals (i.e. Administrator I & II)
• Superintendent (i.e. Superintendent I & II)
• Library Media Administrator
• Supervisor of Guidance
• Supervisor of School Psychological Services
• Supervisor of Pupil Personnel
• Supervisor of Special Education
• Supervisor of Teachers of Hearing Impaired

Certification requirements for each area can be found in COMAR 13A.12.04​ , but we’ve also given you a brief rundown of the first two categories below.

One way to fulfill the education requirement for certification is to complete an MDSE-approved program . If you look at the MDSE’s list of Approved Programs by Certification Areas (i.e. Administration), you’ll notice many of the same names in our school listings . Many prep programs in Maryland take the form of a post-master’s certificate, but a few Ed.D. programs (e.g. Towson and UMES) are designed to meet MDSE certification standards—when in doubt, ask the Ed.D. program coordinator.

Administrator I Certificate

The Administrator I Certificate qualifies an individual to be assigned as a supervisor of instruction or assistant principal. To earn it, you must:

• Hold a master’s degree from an Institution of Higher Education (IHE).
• Have completed 27 months of satisfactory teaching performance on a professional certificate or satisfactory performance as a certified specialist as defined in COMAR 13A.12.03 .
• An MSDE-approved program which leads to certification as a supervisor of instruction, assistant principal, or principal that includes the Professional Standards for Educational Leaders .
• An approved program which leads to certification as a supervisor of instruction, assistant principal, or principal in accordance with the interstate agreement.
• 18 semester hours of graduate coursework taken at an IHE at the post-baccalaureate level to include a balance of content in certain instructional categories—see COMAR 13A.12.04​.04 for details.

Administrator II Certificate

The Administrator II Certificate qualifies an individual to be assigned as a school principal. To earn it, you must:

• Complete the requirements for Administrator I.
• Present evidence of a qualifying score on the MSDE-approved School Leaders Licensure Assessment from ETS.

COMAR 13A.12.04​.04 has more details for principals who are coming to Maryland from out-of-state, as well as info on special provisions for this certificate.

Superintendent I Certificate

The Superintendent I Certificate qualifies an individual to be assigned as a county deputy superintendent, assistant superintendent, or associate superintendent through either Traditional or Reciprocal Certification. In the traditional way, you must:

• Have completed 27 months of satisfactory teaching performance or satisfactory performance as a certified specialist as defined in COMAR 13A.12.03 in a PreK-12 setting.
• Have completed 24 months of satisfactory administrative or supervisory experience in a PreK-12 setting.
• An MSDE-approved program which leads to certification as a superintendent.
• A program offered by an IHE leading to certification as a superintendent in the state in which the institution is located.
• 45 semester hours of graduate coursework, including a minimum of 15 semester hours in education administration taken at an IHE.

COMAR 13A.12.04​.03 has more details on requirements for Reciprocal Certification for out-of-state candidates.

Superintendent II Certificate

The Superintendent II Certificate qualifies an individual to be a county superintendent through either Traditional or Reciprocal Certification. To earn the traditional certificate, you must meet almost the same requirements for the Superintendent I Certificate.

However, in the educator preparation pathway, the MDSE will want to see that you’ve tackled coursework covering public school administration, supervision, and methods of teaching. For the last preparation pathway, it also expects you to have 60 semester hours of graduate coursework—including a minimum of 24 semester hours in education administration.

COMAR 13A.12.04​.03 has more details on the prep pathways and requirements for Reciprocal Certification for out-of-state candidates.

Educational Leadership Jobs in Maryland

Educational leadership career outlook.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) tracks employment & salary data for elementary & secondary school education administrators and postsecondary education administrators across the U.S. Maryland is looking good. It employs a respectable number of K-12 administrators, especially for a small state. The Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV and Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD metropolitan areas are predictable job hotspots.

You can dig deeper into these numbers by visiting the MSDE’s Division of Assessment, Accountability, and Information Technology , which publishes Maryland Public Schools Report Cards . We particularly recommend the section on Staff Publications . Here you can view professional staff categories (e.g. superintendents) in each Maryland county/agency by type of degree and years of experience. There are also data on total employment numbers of each category. For example, Baltimore is a strong employer of K-12 directors, coordinators & supervisors.

State data for Maryland postsecondary education administrators aren’t always available, though the Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD metropolitan area continues to be popular. So you may wish to consult the Maryland Higher Education Commission (MHEC)’s Annual Data Book , which encompasses all of Maryland’s public postsecondary institutions. Check out the section on Full-Time & Part-Time Staff to view actual employment numbers (UMCP is the clear winner.)

Educational Leadership Salaries

You’ll find mean wage data for all kinds of Maryland educational administrators in the BLS’s section on State Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates for Maryland . Salaries for elementary & secondary school education administrators are particularly strong—the state is often in the top wage bracket, along with its neighbor, Delaware. Better yet, the MSDE’s section on Staff Publications has up-to-date salary schedules for public school professionals, with stats on superintendents, CFOs, directors, and more.

The wage story for postsecondary education administrators is similarly rosy. You’ll frequently see Maryland among the top paying states in the country, along with New Jersey and Delaware. The MHEC’s Annual Data Book doesn’t publish salaries for staff at Maryland public colleges & universities, but it does list average salaries of full-time faculty. Large UM institutions are usually the highest payers (e.g. UMCP and UMB). The Baltimore Sun Media also keeps track of university wages in the Public Salaries Archive . You can search by name or institution, but not by title.

Educational Leadership Job Boards

Large job sites (e.g. HigherEdJobs, SchoolSpring, LinkedIn, TopSchoolJobs, etc.) will have postings for educational administrative positions in Maryland. But we also wanted to highlight a few state resources.

• ASBO MD&DC posts current Job Opportunities for business officials, as well as links to HR departments in Maryland counties.
• MABE advertises current Maryland Superintendent Vacancies ; PSSAM has a similar section on Career Opportunities for superintendents, interim superintendents, etc.
• Each Maryland county (e.g. Harford County Public Schools) will have job postings under its Careers or Human Resources section. The MDSE has links to all Local Education Agencies (i.e. counties).
• USM provides links to USM Institutions’ Offices of Human Resources (i.e. job openings in many of Maryland’s public universities).

Educational Leadership Organizations in Maryland

Educational leadership associations.

• Association of School Business Officials of Maryland and the District of Columbia (ASBO-MD&DC) : ASBO-MD&DC is a professional organization which provides programs and services to Maryland school business officials.
• Maryland Association of Boards of Education (MABE) : MABE is a private, non-profit organization dedicated to serving and supporting boards of education in Maryland. All 24 Maryland boards of education are members of MABE.
• Maryland Association of Colleges of Teacher Education (MACTE) : MACTE is a voluntary state association composed of higher education institutions and related organizations involved in educator preparation programs.
• Maryland Association for Supervision & Curriculum Development (Maryland ASCD) : Maryland ASCD is a state affiliate of ASCD. Members include school system administrators, teachers, college & university faculty, and others.
• Maryland Association of Elementary School Principals (MAESP) : MAESP is a professional association that offers service, support, and advocacy for Maryland’s elementary school leaders. It has ~900 members and it’s a state affiliate of NAESP.
• Maryland Association of Secondary School Principals (MASSP) : MASSP is a state affiliate of NASSP. Membership is open to middle level and high school principals, assistant principals, and other school administrators—building, district, and state.
• Maryland College Personnel Association (MCPA) : MCPA is a state division of the ACPA. It serves and represents student personnel professionals at colleges and universities across the state of Maryland.
• Maryland State Education Association (MSEA) : MSEA is the state’s teacher union and a state affiliate of the NEA. It has ~74,000 members, including teachers, administrators, higher education faculty, certificated specialists, and more.
• Public School Superintendent’s Association of Maryland (PSSAM) : PSSAM membership is made up of the 24 school superintendents representing each of the local agencies in the State of Maryland.​

Educational Leadership Professional Groups

• Council of Educational, Administrative and Supervisory Organizations of Maryland (CEASOM) : CEASOM is an umbrella organization comprised of seventeen organizations involved in the areas of educational administration and supervision, teacher preparation, facilities management and support, and professional development. Check out the Scholarships section.

Note: State and national educator organizations often have funds available for continuing education (e.g. Ed.D.). Check the website and ask about opportunities.

Educational Leadership Events in Maryland

Educational leadership conferences.

• ASBO-MD&DC Annual Fall Conference : This boutique one-day conference for school business officials typically focuses on a relevant theme. It’s held in November.
• ASBO-MD&DC Annual Spring Conference : This four-day event for Maryland school business officials usually takes place in May.
• Common Ground Maryland : This popular professional development event in May is the brainchild of CEASOM, in collaboration with professional organizations in Maryland and the MSDE. It attracts ~1,200 educational leaders.
• MABE Annual Conference : MABE’s flagship event in October attracts around 150 school board members and other educational leaders from across the state.
• MAESP Annual Conference : This three-day conference for elementary school administrators and school leaders usually occurs in March.
• MASSP Spring Conference : MASSP organizes a three-day event for middle & secondary school administrators in late March.
• MCPA Conferences : MCPA hosts two events—a Fall Conference, which happens in October, and an Administrative Professionals Conference, which occurs in April.

Educational Leadership Training

• ASBO MD&DC Professional Development : Maryland school business officials and staff can investigate ASBO’s Allen Gaddis Leadership Academy , foundations courses , certification program , webinars, and more.
• MABE Professional Development : MABE’s programs are designed for new & veteran board members, but programs like the Legal Services Seminars have wider applications.
• MSDE Office of Leadership Development & School Improvement : This Maryland Department of Education Office runs the Leading for School Improvement Institute , Promising Principals’ Academy , and Leadership Presentations .

School Listings

8 Schools Found

College of Education

Bowie, Maryland

Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership

• Curriculum Info
• How To Apply

Department of Educational Professions

Frostburg, Maryland

Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership - Adult and Professional Learning Facilitation

Offered Online

Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership - Educational Instructional Technology

Doctor of education in educational leadership - higher education leadership, doctor of education in educational leadership - pk12 leadership.

School of Education

Baltimore, Maryland

Online EdD in Entrepreneurial Leadership in Education

Online edd in instructional design in online teaching and learning, online edd in mind, brain and teaching, online edd in technology integration in k-16 education, online edd in urban leadership, edd in community college leadership, edd in mathematics education, edd in science education, edd in urban educational leadership, online doctor of education in community college leadership.

Department of Graduate Studies and Research

Salisbury, Maryland

EdD (Ed.D.) Contemporary Curriculum Theory and Instruction: Literacy Program

Department of Educational Technology and Literacy

Towson, Maryland

Doctoral of Education in Instructional Technology - Digital Learning

Doctoral of education in instructional technology - distance education, doctoral of education in instructional technology - early childhood, doctoral of education in instructional technology - elementary education, doctoral of education in instructional technology - english language learning/multiculturalism, doctoral of education in instructional technology - instructional design, doctoral of education in instructional technology - leadership, doctoral of education in instructional technology - leadership, administrator 1 certification track, doctoral of education in instructional technology - reading, doctoral of education in instructional technology - secondary education, doctoral of education in instructional technology - special education.

Department of Graduate Studies

Princess Anne, Maryland

Doctorate in Education Leadership

University of maryland-college park.

College Park, Maryland

Doctor of Education in School System Leadership

Education in School System Leadership, Ed.D.

The Doctorate of Education (Ed.D.) in School System Leadership is a “Practice Based” doctoral program designed to develop leaders who can create and lead collaborative and inclusive system improvement initiatives.  The program enrolls cohorts of students who work together over 36 months to identify, investigate and solve real school system problems.  The Ed.D  in School System Leadership is approved by the Maryland State Department of Education for Superintendent II certification. 

Signature Program elements:

• Grounded in the practices of improvement science
• Courses offered in non-standard semester schedule through all day Saturday seminars and online modules
• Program culminates in a Capstone Project that focuses on improving or eliminating a real problem of practice within a school system
• Graduates of the program receive a Superintendent Endorsement (The only program of its kind in the state of Maryland)
• Minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale in all undergraduate courses taken at a regionally accredited college or university
• Minimum GPA of 3.5 on a 4.0 scale in all graduate courses completed to fulfill requirements of a Master’s degree
• Master’s degree in a field relevant to education leadership
• Maryland Administrator I Certification or equivalent
• Minimum 3 years of successful experience in an educational leadership position
• 3 Letters of Recommendation from individuals familiar with candidates’ leadership potential, relevant experience, and ability to succeed in a rigorous graduate program. A minimum of one letter must be from someone who has served as a supervisor of the applicant
• Professional Statement
• Supplemental Application: Applicants respond to 3 questions related to educational leadership
• Personal interview with program faculty

Overview of Application Process

The application process for the EDUC Ed.D. Program is a two-part process involving an initial screening application to the School Leadership (EDUC) Ed.D. Program, followed by a formal application to the University of Maryland. The program will be accepting applications for the fall 2024 admissions cycle.  Please check back for more information.

Step 1:  (Unofficial) Screening Application Process - Deadline: Extended to June 14, 2024

To start the application process, please go to College of Education EDUC School Leadership Admission Application (umd.edu) . All materials are to be submitted to the program for screening.  Additional screening exercises are conducted which may include an interview.  Complete the PDF fillable graduate application located within the initial online application.  ( Applications  now open for fall 2024 ): College of Education EDUC School Leadership Admission Application (umd.edu)

Note:  You must be a U.S. Citizen or a pending U.S. Citizen to apply to this program.

Upload the following required application materials:

• Copy of official transcripts from all institutions from which you received 9-credits or more; must have degree posted and cumulative GPA's on transcripts.  *See note below if you have international transcripts.
• Personal Statement and Resume'
• 1 Letter of Recommendation speaking to Leadership Skills (you will need a total of 3 for the official application)
• Answer 3 questions listed in the initial application

*Note:  If you have an international transcript, we will need the following transcript

• A copy of the original transcript(s) in the original language, certificate/diploma along with a Literal English Translation. (WES evaluations are NOT accepted.)  https://gradschool.umd.edu/admissions/international-admissions
• In some cases, English Proficiency Exam may be required. TOEFL or IELTS or PTE.   (Philippine transcripts require Exam scores.)  For more information on score requirements, visit the Graduate School English Proficiency Exam webpage.  https://gradschool.umd.edu/admissions/english-language-proficiency-requirements

Step 2:  Program faculty screen applicants and recommend for full application

Candidates who are successful through the program screening process are recommended to formally apply to the University of Maryland, Graduate School (Deadline: Extended to June 14, 2024)

Application and Admission Timeline (Subject to Change):

• Application Portal Opens (Contact Judy Foster,  [email protected]  in order to submit)
• Completed applications are reviewed by Ed.D. Team
• Promising candidates are invited to interview with Ed.D. Team
• Notification to candidates recommended to apply to officially apply to the University of Maryland Graduate School begins June 28, 2024 through July 12, 2024
• Fall Semester Classes Begins August 26, 2024.

Zoom Information Sessions

APPLICATIONS OPEN SPRING 2024

EARN YOUR DOCTORATE OF EDUCATION IN SCHOOL SYSTEM LEADERSHIP

Grounded in the practices of improvement science Courses offered in non-standard semester scheduled through all day Saturday seminars and online modules Students participate in coursework, field experiences and cutting edge experiential learning Program culminates in a Capstone Project that focuses on improving or eliminating a real problem of practice within a school system Graduates of the program receive a Superintendent II Endorsement (The only program of its kind in the state of Maryland) Target participants: Cohorts of 15-20 mid to upper level school system administrators

Zoom Information Sessions are being held:

January 16, 2024 (7-8:15 pm) February 21, 2024 (7-8:15 pm) March 6, 2024 (7-8:15 pm) Register Here: https://umd.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJMqf-uopzgjEt1xUpqHHlEMLGW9aclbeik1

This is a cohort model program.  A diverse cohort of 15-20 educational leaders/administrators from across the state participate in courses offered online and through all-day Saturday seminars.

• 60 credits (post-Master’s)
• 27 credits in 6 Core Topical Seminars (4 credits each)
• 9 credits in Applied Research, Assessment and Evaluation courses (3 credits each)
• 4 credits (2 courses) in professional inquiry and written communication
• 5 Key Assessments
• Extensive externship and portfolio requirement
• 8 credits of  Apprenticeship (Extensive externship & portfolio requirement)
• 12 credits of Capstone credits (6 credits of 828: mid-program assessment and 6 credits of 829)

Screening and admissions: Judy Foster, [email protected]   Program :  Dr. Douglas Anthony, [email protected]     Tuition and Financial : Valerie Foster,  [email protected]

Applying is a two-step process:   The next cohort will start Fall 2024. 

• Application Portal will Open March 15, 2024  (contact [email protected] in order to submit)
• Program will Review Submitted/Completed applications: May 17 , 2024 
• Notifications to candidates recommended to apply to Graduate School begins June 14, 2024
• Fall Semester classes begins August 26, 2024

Zoom Information Sessions:

Higher Education, Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)

Students are required to complete 90 credits beyond the Bachelor's degree, including 12 credits of EDHI899 . Coursework may be satisfied prior to study. 

Advance to Candidacy: In addition to course requirements, students must successfully pass a comprehensive exam in order to advance to candidacy.

Post-Candidacy: Complete at least 12 credits of EDHI899 doctoral dissertation research as well as successfully defend and submit an original dissertation. 

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Online Doctor of Education (EdD) Programs in Maryland

There are four schools in Maryland that offer Doctor of Education (EdD) programs online. Frostburg State University, Johns Hopkins University, Morgan State University, and Salisbury University all have EdD programs that students can complete through entirely online study, without any campus visit requirements. Through the programs at these schools, students can pursue EdD specializations such as Community College Leadership; Literacy Studies; Education Leadership with a focus in Adult and Professional Learning Facilitation; PK-12 Leadership; Digital Age Learning and Educational Technology; Urban Leadership; and Mind, Brain, and Teaching.

All four schools listed on this page are non-profit institutions regionally accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE). Frostburg State University’s College of Education and Morgan State’s School of Education and Urban Studies are also accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Preparation (CAEP).

Schools in Maryland with Online EdD Programs

Frostburg State University offers an online EdD in Educational Leadership with specialization options in Adult and Professional Learning Facilitation, Higher Education Leadership, and PK12 Leadership. This program is 100% online and requires no campus visits, and is comprised of 60 credit hours. All students, regardless of their chosen specialization, take the same Educational Leadership Core Courses, which include Introduction to Educational Leadership Doctoral Studies; Educational History, Politics, and Policy of American Education; Educational Assessment; Strategic Planning and Data-Driven Decision-Making; Educational Research I and II; Leading Diverse Educational Organizations; and Organizational Change and Leadership Theory. After their core classes, students take courses specific to their selected specialization. Students of the PK12 Leadership specialization take Human Resources, Educational Law and Ethics, and Educational Finance, while students of the Adult and Professional Learning Facilitation specialization take Principles and Theories of Adult Learning, Leading Others to Lead Adult Learning, and Problems of Practice in Leading Change Initiatives in Adult Learning. Finally, students of the Higher Education Leadership specialization take courses in Higher Education Structure and Governance, Higher Education Finance, and Current Issues in Higher Education Leadership and Law.

All students of the EdD in Educational Leadership at Frostburg State University are required to complete a Doctoral Practicum, through which they apply the skills, strategies, and concepts they have learned in their classes to a real-world role in education leadership. Students’ culminating experience in the program is their dissertation, which provides them with the opportunity to study a problem of practice in education leadership within their place of work. Students receive guidance from their dissertation chair, as well as a faculty committee that reviews their dissertation proposal, dissertation drafts, and final defense.

At Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, students can pursue a Doctor of Education online in one of five specializations: Creativity, Advanced Learning, and Twice Exceptionality; Digital Age Learning and Educational Technology; Entrepreneurial Leadership in Education; Urban Leadership; and Mind, Brain & Teaching. Offered by their School of Education, the cohort-based program requires the completion of between 48 and 54 doctoral-level credits (a total of 90 graduate credits are needed to earn the EdD; however, students must enter with a minimum of 36 credits from either their master’s degree or other graduate-level work to apply toward the doctorate). Students typically finish the required coursework and dissertation in three years, but can opt for a longer completion schedule, if needed. Courses are delivered entirely online, using a mix of asynchronous and synchronous instruction.

The curriculum for this program is comprised of four components: 15 credits of Foundations of Education, 12 credit hours of Applied Research & Evaluation, 15 credit hours of Electives/Areas of Interest courses, and 12 credit hours of Doctoral Dossier Research. Students of the Creativity, Advanced Learning, and Twice Exceptionality specialization can take courses in Creativity in Education, Leadership of Gifted Education and Talent Development Programs, and Research in Gifted Education, Creativity, and Twice Exceptionalities. The Digital Age Learning and Educational Technology specialization includes course options in Computational Thinking for K-12 Educators, Explorations in Blended and Hybrid Learning, and Instructional Design for Online Learning. Students who select Entrepreneurial Leadership in Education for their specialization can take courses in Entrepreneurship in Education, Data Driven Decision Making, and Talent Management and Organizational Finance for Entrepreneurial Leaders. The Mind, Brain, and Teaching area of interest features classes in Fundamentals of Cognitive Development, Cognitive Processes of Literacy and Numeracy, and Special Topics in Brain Sciences. Finally, students of the Urban Leadership specialization can take courses in Organizations and Institutions, Partnerships and Community Organizing, and Approaches to Urban Education.

For their culminating experience, students complete a Dossier Style Dissertation, wherein they investigate a Problem of Practice (PoP) that is relevant to their work context. The Dossier Style Dissertation is divided into three main projects that students complete over the course of their enrollment. In their first year, students complete a Scholarship of Integration project, through which they identify the underlying causes of their PoP. In their second year, students complete either a Scholarship of Application or a Scholarship of Teaching project; while the former focuses on using research to critique current educational systems, structures, and practices, the latter focuses on using research to directly impact instructional processes in the field. Finally, in their third year, students conduct a Scholarship of Discovery project, where they analyze the results of their research and produce an Executive Summary that connects their three projects and produces new knowledge that will help practitioners improve education practices.

Also located in Baltimore, Morgan State University offers a Doctor of Education in Community College Leadership online through its School of Education and Urban Studies (SEUS). The 60-credit program is designed to help prepare students in the seven core competency areas designated by the American Association of Community Colleges as essential to effective community college leadership: Community College Advocacy, Organizational Strategy, Leadership Development, Resource Management, Communication, Collaboration, and Professionalism. Coursework can be completed entirely online using the Blackboard learning management system, and there are no campus residency requirements. However, students must take part in a specialized internship or practicum in a community college setting toward the end of their studies.

Morgan State’s online EdD in Community College Leadership can be completed in three years, depending on how long it takes students to finish their dissertation. In their first year, students take courses in areas such as Leadership and Administration of Community Colleges, Educational Research, Social Justice and Equity, Community College Planning and Management, Finance and Budgeting, Qualitative Research Methods, and Technology in Contemporary Community Colleges. The second year features courses in Student Development in Community College, Legal Aspects of Education, Community College Trustees and Governing Boards, The Community College Presidency, Quantitative Research Methods, and Politics of Higher Education. During their third year, students primarily focus on developing and writing their dissertation, receiving guidance from program faculty as needed. This is also when they typically take part in their field internships.

Salisbury University located in Salisbury has an online EdD in Literacy Studies that prepares education practitioners with the research, theory, and strategic skills and insight to develop and improve literacy learning programs across different environments. This 57-credit program is offered fully online, and follows a cohort model with synchronous classes. Students can complete the program in approximately four years–three years of content coursework and one year of dissertation research and writing. The curriculum for the program consists of courses such as Foundations of Research; Strategies for Inquiry; Perspectives in Theory: Lenses for Critical Understandings of Education; Oral Discourse, Cognition and Diversity; Literacy Policy and Practice Analysis; Comprehension and Strategic Learning: Theory, Research and Practice; and Social Context of Curriculum.

Students must pass several milestones during their enrollment as a way to ensure their preparedness for their dissertation work. The first milestone is a Preliminary Exam, which students must pass in order to qualify to take their Comprehensive Exam. Passing the Comprehensive Exam is necessary for students to advance to Candidacy and commence work on their dissertation. For their dissertation work, students receive mentorship, feedback, and guidance from faculty advisors, as well as structured support from courses such as Research Seminar I: Writing the Literature Review and Research Seminar II: Conducting a Pilot Project. Students’ dissertation culminates in a dissertation defense and submission of their dissertation to ProQuest for publishing.

Students interested in pursuing their EdD in a different specialization, such as Early Childhood Education, Curriculum and Instruction, Organizational Leadership, or Special Education may want to consider an online program offered by a school out of state. Many institutions across the country have online EdD programs that accept students from Maryland. To learn more about additional concentration options and browse available programs, check out our Online EdD Program Specializations page.

Online EdD Programs in Maryland

The following a list of online Doctor of Education programs offered by schools in Maryland. To learn more about either of the EdDs discussed on this page, click the corresponding link below to visit the program’s website.

Frostburg State University

Online Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership (with Specializations in Adult and Professional Learning Facilitation, Higher Education Leadership, and PK12 Leadership) (Masters to Doctorate)

Johns Hopkins University

Online Doctor of Education (EdD) (with Specializations in Creativity, Advanced Learning, and Twice Exceptionality; Digital Age Learning and Educational Technology; Entrepreneurial Leadership in Education; Urban Leadership; and Mind, Brain & Teaching) (Masters to Doctorate)

Morgan State University

Online Doctor of Education (EdD) in Community College Leadership (Masters to Doctorate)

Salisbury University

Online Doctor of Education in Literacy Studies (Masters to Doctorate)

Doctorate in Education Degrees in Maryland

If you are dedicated to expanding your leadership knowledge and making a difference in the transformation of education, the Doctorate of Education or Ed.D provides the advanced skills and knowledge required to solve the complex issues that affect education in real-world applications. Education reform requires a high level of sophistication that needs an in-depth understanding of research, policy and finance. Your exceptional knowledge will enable you to manage highly intricate organizational systems, publish research in your field and provide the insight and resources to other teachers and students.

The Ed.D preparation can present lucrative and rewarding opportunities in education. If you want to reach the next level in your career consider earning your doctorate in education at one of the many accredited colleges or universities featured here. Make sure you contact multiple schools to compare the benefits of each program that interests you. That’s the best way to be confident that you made the right decision for your education.

Earning Your Ed.D in Maryland

Your program of study may be comprised of your personal design and selection of an area of mastery. Many specialties are available in Ed.D curriculum and you may define your interest and focus in specialties such as:

• Organizational Leadership: Behavioral health
• Curriculum and Design Specialist
• Administration and Organizational Management
• Educational Leadership: Higher Education

The curriculum is carefully planned to meet the needs of your specialty or strengthen your area of certification. Courses that pertain to your personalized area in your Ed.D may include some of the following:

• Urban Politics and Education Policy
• Critical Pedagogy: Theory and Research
• Theoretical Perspectives on Learning

Outlook for Graduates in Maryland

Numerous opportunities are offered to the Ed.D graduate by public, private and nontraditional areas of employment. Maryland continues to maintain the best public schools in the country. As reported in the Washington Post , the state has succeeded to produce the best school system for students and teachers for the 5th year in a row. Maryland supports teachers and values their dedication to education and provides incentives for advanced degrees.

For those who are interested in higher education, Maryland supports professors and their assistants with excellent resources and access to educational provisions. Professors that work in universities enjoy a salary that is far above the median of the country as is reported by the Chronicle of higher Education at approximately $142,300.

Educators may find lucrative positions and employment in the private areas of education. Private corporations such as PCI Strategic Management, Fortune 500 companies and Millennial Media are only a few of the opportunities that are available in the industrial areas of education. Advanced scholarly practitioners can also find excellent positions with Pearson Publishing, private life coaching and educational consulting.

The Benefits of Achieving an Ed.D

Scholarly practitioners are needed to address critical issues that affect all forms of education on a fundamental and in real-world situations. An Ed.D can provide you with the tools, skills and knowledge to resolve the problems of education reform, the failings of enacted legislation and improve the policy to regain the autonomy of institutes of learning. The challenges of education reform define complex problems that require a high level of sophistication and knowledge. Your Ed.D may provide you with the many rewards and challenges of contributing to education as an agent of change that impacts global communities.

Start moving ahead in the field of education with your EdD from one of the accredited college listed below. We make it simple for you to connect with schools. With EducationDegree.com you have a direct connection to the schools that can help you accomplish your goals!

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Pursue a doctoral degree at University of Maryland Global Campus to achieve expertise and reach the pinnacle of your career. UMGC's doctorates offer the exceptional scholarship, distinguished faculty, and dissertation support of traditional programs but with greater flexibility, shorter residencies, and a special emphasis on knowledge you can apply right away. CEO Magazine has recognized UMGC as one of the premier global DBA providers in 2022. Gain the ultimate credential and bring more leadership to the table with a doctorate that aligns with your professional life and accommodates your busy schedule at UMGC.

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Best Online Doctorates In Education Of 2024

Published: May 15, 2024, 10:59am

If you’re a rising or mid-career education professional, you may have considered earning a doctorate in education, whether it’s a Ph.D. or a Doctor of Education (Ed.D.).

A doctoral degree can lead to higher earning potential and better job opportunities, including leadership roles in education, government, and both the nonprofit and private sectors. But earning that doctorate involves a multiyear commitment—and often a hefty price tag.

Earning your doctorate in education online can make this career step more accessible. Online degree programs often cost less than their on-campus counterparts, and they offer more flexibility, allowing you to keep working while you complete your studies.

To help jump-start your program search, we ranked the 10 best U.S. colleges and universities offering online doctorates in education according to metrics such as affordability, flexibility and student outcomes. Get the details on each program, learn why accreditation is critical for any degree and find out what to consider before committing to online study.

Why You Can Trust Forbes Advisor Education

Forbes Advisor’s education editors are committed to producing unbiased rankings and informative articles covering online colleges, tech bootcamps and career paths. Our ranking methodologies use data from the National Center for Education Statistics , education providers, and reputable educational and professional organizations. An advisory board of educators and other subject matter experts reviews and verifies our content to bring you trustworthy, up-to-date information. Advertisers do not influence our rankings or editorial content.

• 6,290 accredited, nonprofit colleges and universities analyzed nationwide
• 52 reputable tech bootcamp providers evaluated for our rankings
• All content is fact-checked and updated on an annual basis
• Rankings undergo five rounds of fact-checking
• Only 7.12% of all colleges, universities and bootcamp providers we consider are awarded

Our Methodology

We ranked 149 accredited, nonprofit colleges offering online education doctoral programs in the U.S. using 14 data points in the categories of student experience, credibility, student outcomes and affordability. We pulled data for these categories from reliable resources such as the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System ; private, third-party data sources; and individual school and program websites.

Data is accurate as of February 2024. Note that because online doctorates are relatively uncommon, fewer schools meet our ranking standards at the doctoral level.

We scored schools based on the following metrics:

Student Experience:

• Student-to-faculty ratio
• Socioeconomic diversity
• Availability of online coursework
• Total number of graduate assistants
• Portion of graduate students enrolled in at least some distance education

Credibility:

• Fully accredited
• Programmatic accreditation status
• Nonprofit status

Student Outcomes:

• Overall graduation rate
• Median earnings 10 years after graduation

Affordability:

• In-state graduate student tuition and fees
• Alternative tuition plans offered
• Median federal student loan debt
• Student loan default rate

We chose the 10 best schools to display based on those receiving a curved final score of 86% or higher.

Find our full list of methodologies here .

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Degree Finder

Best online doctoral degrees in education, should you enroll in an online doctorate in education program, accreditation for online doctoral degrees in education, how to find the right online doctorate in education for you, frequently asked questions (faqs) about online doctoral degrees in education, johns hopkins university, endicott college, university of central florida, alverno college, union institute & university, gwynedd mercy university, university of southern mississippi, ball state university, indiana university bloomington, liberty university, featured online schools.

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Program Tuition Rate

$2,100/credit

Percentage of Grad Students Enrolled in Distance Education

Overall Graduation Rate

Baltimore, Maryland-based Johns Hopkins University offers a four-year Doctor of Education Program that emphasizes social justice, critical thinking and effective communication.

Designed to accommodate working practitioners, this part-time program is fully online. Students focus on a “Problem of Practice”—a topic of concern that they’ve encountered in their work—which becomes the subject of a culminating dossier-style dissertation project. This project is required for graduation and can take the form of an oral presentation, public-facing or scholarly writing, or a video.

• Our Flexibility Rating: Learn on Your Schedule
• School Type: Private
• Application Fee: $80
• Degree Credit Requirements: 48–54
• Program Enrollment Options: Part time
• Example Major-Specific Courses: Foundations of education, applied research and evaluation
• Concentrations Available: N/A
• In-Person Requirements: No

$1,113/credit

A private institution in Beverly, Massachusetts, Endicott College offers online Ed.D. and Ph.D. in education programs that combine research with practical field experience. The school’s Ed.D. program in educational leadership with a concentration in pre-K-12 education promotes an innovative mindset. This program features primarily online coursework along with residency weekends.

Endicott’s two research-based, fully online Ph.D. programs train students through coursework, mentorship and doctoral apprenticeships. The curriculum and teacher education concentration centers on teacher preparation and development and curriculum theory, while the higher education concentration delves into the administrative, financial, legal and sociocultural dimensions of present-day higher education.

• Application Fee: $50
• Degree Credit Requirements: 51–60 credits
• Program Enrollment Options: Full time
• Example Major-Specific Courses: Advanced qualitative methods, current issues in educational policy
• Concentrations Available: Curriculum and teacher education, higher education, pre-K–12 education
• In-Person Requirements: Yes, in the Ed.D. in educational leadership program

$327/credit

The fully online Ed.D. in curriculum and instruction from the University of Central Florida in Orlando allows students to choose among 13 specialization areas such as curriculum and instruction, health and human performance, and educational psychology.

Core coursework covers topics like learning and motivation, organizational theory in education and identifying complex problems of practice. All specializations include a “Laboratory of Practice” that gives students practical leadership and research experience in a professional setting.

• School Type: Public
• Application Fee: $31
• Degree Credit Requirements: ​​54–57
• Program Enrollment Options: Part time, full time
• Example Major-Specific Courses: Evaluation of school programs; data, assessment and accountability
• Concentrations Available: Curriculum and instruction; education psychology; English language arts; exceptional student education; gifted education; global, international and comparative education; health and human performance; instructional design and technology; ; methodology, measurement and analysis; reading education; social science education; TESOL; K-8 mathematics education; signature research area (mindfulness and meditation in education)
• In-Person Requirements: Yes, a field-based “Laboratory of Practice”

$1,043/credit

Alverno College is a private, Catholic women’s college in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, that offers coeducational graduate programs. The college’s online Ed.D. in education offers three concentration options: K–12 leadership, higher education leadership and teaching and learning in higher education.

Each program places students in a cohort of fellow education professionals who proceed through the program in unison. Small class sizes foster personal and professional connections with fellow students and instructors. All three concentrations provide resources and support for the concluding dissertation from the first semester.

Although Alverno’s online Ed.D. is primarily online, students in all concentrations are expected to attend two on-campus weekend residencies.

• Application Fee: Free
• Degree Credit Requirements: 54–57
• Program Enrollment Options: Accelerated
• Example Major-Specific Courses: Equity in diverse educational settings, higher education curriculum and assessment
• Concentrations Available: Higher education leadership, K–12 leadership, teaching and learning in higher education
• In-Person Requirements: Yes, two on-campus weekend residencies

$795/credit

The Ed.D. Program at Cincinnati’s Union Institute & University emphasizes issues surrounding equity and social justice. Majors in pre-K–12 educational leadership and higher education leadership help students develop the skills needed to lead organizations and institutions toward real-world change.

Structured for maximum flexibility, the 100% online program comprises three terms per year (spring, summer and fall), with a virtual residency at the start of each. Union also allows eligible students to transfer up to 24 credits of previous graduate coursework for an accelerated timetable.

• Degree Credit Requirements: 66
• Program Enrollment Options: Accelerated, part time, full time
• Example Major-Specific Courses: Schools, society and culture; education and social justice; research methods
• Concentrations Available: Educational leadership, pre-K–12; higher education leadership

$980/credit (in-state)

Gwynedd Mercy University (GMercyU), located outside Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, offers an online executive Ed.D. featuring four concentrations geared toward leadership positions in all levels of education (pre-K through college) and in education-related nonprofits and government. Coursework covers topics like assessment, education research and teaching, faculty management and community relations.

Each concentration takes about three years to complete and consists of online coursework, two on-campus residencies, field experience and one week of international study in Limerick, Ireland (costs of the latter are included in tuition).

The program provides a high level of dissertation support from the outset. GMercyU also offers an 18-month ABD variant for students who have completed Ed.D coursework but not the dissertation.

• Our Flexibility Rating: Learn on a Set Schedule
• Application Fee: N/A
• Degree Credit Requirements: 54
• Example Major-Specific Courses: Designing interventions and assessing outcomes, school law and policy in special education
• Concentrations Available: Teaching and learning in higher education, leadership in pre-K–12 schools and school districts, leadership in special education, leadership in higher education
• In-Person Requirements: Yes, on-campus and global residencies

$535/credit

The University of Southern Mississippi ’s fully online Ed.D. in higher education administration dispenses with a dissertation requirement in favor of a capstone research project. This project focuses on real-world problems students have encountered in their professional lives. Capstone courses are scheduled in parallel with the content courses so that students finish the capstone in tandem with their required coursework.

Synchronous classes take place weekly, typically in the evening, allowing students to form a genuine learning community with instructors and classmates. Applicants need a current educator license and at least three years of teaching experience.

• Our Flexibility Rating: Learn Around Your 9-to-5
• Application Fee: $60
• Example Major-Specific Courses: Public school finance, school law

$464/credit (in state)

Ball State University ’s online doctorates in education include three Ed.D. programs and two Ph.D. programs. These programs cater to educators and school administrators who aspire to higher-level teaching positions or leadership roles in policy or administration.

Located in Muncie, Indiana, Ball State’s programs are among the few online doctoral programs in the Midwest. Students may continue working full time through their programs and can choose a start date in the fall, spring or summer to accommodate their schedules. Some programs include an in-person field experience in areas like clinical work, college teaching or in-service training.

Note: The stated 91 to 97 credits may sound like a lot, but Ball State University encourages doctoral candidates in education to transfer credits from their master’s degrees. Students must complete a minimum of 48 credits through Ball State.

• Degree Credit Requirements: 91–97
• Example Major-Specific Courses: Statistical methods in educational and psychological research; behavior studies
• Concentrations Available: Elementary education, literacy/reading education; early childhood education, higher education, community college leadership, adult and community education
• In-Person Requirements: Yes, field experience

$500/credit (in state)

Indiana University Bloomington lets applicants choose among five online doctorates in education—an Ed.D. in literacy, culture and language education, an Ed.D. in instructional systems technology, and an Ed.D. in curriculum and instruction with specializations in art, math and science education.

All four programs require 60 credits and a successfully completed dissertation for graduation. Fully online and asynchronous, these doctorates serve working practitioners who want to teach at colleges and universities or advance to high-level administrative positions in those and other institutions (such as museums, in the case of the art education specialization).

• Application Fee: $70
• Degree Credit Requirements: 60
• Example Major-Specific Courses: Theoretical issues in the study of language and literacies; research seminar in literacy, culture and language education
• Concentrations Available: Literacy, culture, and language education; science education; math education; art education; instructional systems technology

$565/credit

Liberty University is a private, Christian institution in Lynchburg, Virginia. The university’s online doctoral offerings in education consist of six Ph.D. and Ed.D. programs with a wide array of specializations available in areas like curriculum and instruction, higher education leadership and special education.

All courses are fully online and asynchronous, with each course lasting eight weeks to offer learners maximum flexibility. Ph.D. students conclude their course of study with a dissertation, while Ed.D. programs culminate in a research-driven capstone project, developed with a faculty mentor, that addresses a real-world challenge in the education field.

• Degree Credit Requirements: 54–60
• Example Major-Specific Courses: Advanced learning theory and research, history and future of special education
• Concentrations Available: Educational leadership, curriculum and instruction, educational psychology, elementary education, instructional design and technology, middle grades education, online teaching and learning, secondary education, special education, higher education administration, assessment and evaluation, organizational leadership, student affairs, educational law

An online doctorate in education can be a practical option if you need the flexible schedule and lower costs that come with remote learning. However, consider these key questions before you commit to earning a doctorate online:

• Is the program accredited? Before anything else, verify that an accrediting organization approved by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) or the U.S. Department of Education has accredited any school or program you have in mind. Accreditation ensures that the program meets minimum quality standards and that future employers will recognize your doctorate.
• How do you prefer to learn? Consider which mode of online learning best suits your learning style. Synchronous delivery means you log into class at set times every week, whereas asynchronous delivery means your learning schedule is in your hands. Hybrid learning combines these two modes. Decide whether you benefit from more built-in structure or if you’re comfortable creating your own.
• Will distance and location affect your availability? Even though most of their coursework takes place online, some programs listed here require students to attend residencies or other activities on campus. Think about whether factors like travel time or the need for childcare or a pet sitter will affect your ability to fulfill in-person requirements.

Two kinds of accreditation are critical for anyone considering an online doctorate in education. Institutional accreditation confirms an educational institution’s overall quality and effectiveness. It attests to the school’s academic rigor, faculty qualifications, financial governance and student services, among other criteria.

Verify a school’s accreditation via the accreditation page on its website or use CHEA’s directory to research accredited schools, departments and programs.

Programmatic or specialized accreditation applies to specific programs or departments within an institutionally accredited school. In the U.S., the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) is the most prominent accreditor of degree programs in education. You can verify your program’s accreditation using CAEP’s online directory .

Consider Your Future Goals

Settling on the right doctorate in education program is a major decision that will shape your academic and professional trajectory. Before you start researching, ask yourself what you want to get out of your doctoral study. Are you interested in teaching, research, administration, policy or some other aspect of education? Defining your objectives can help you choose a program that fits your needs.

Next, you can begin assessing individual doctorate in education programs. Ph.D. programs often emphasize research and academia, while Ed.D. programs may focus more on practical applications in educational leadership and administration. Decide which type of program matches your career goals and learning preferences.

Finally, examine the student outcomes for any potential program. Consider where graduates have found jobs, how far they’ve advanced in their careers and what contributions they’ve made to the education field. Alumni networks and testimonials can give you insight into the program’s effectiveness in preparing students for the careers they want.

Understand Your Expenses and Financing Options

Tuition costs for the online doctorates covered on this page range from less than $20,000 to more than $110,000. Financing options differ by program, and your eligibility for assistance depends on your financial situation at the time you apply. To find out what types of aid you qualify for, you’ll need to do some research.

Start by filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) to determine your eligibility for federal financial aid programs. Online students are usually eligible for federal aid, but some programs may have specific eligibility requirements, so ask your school’s financial aid office for more information.

The financial aid office may be able to point you to some of the following resources as well:

• Scholarships and grants. Some doctoral students, including those enrolled in online programs, may qualify for these forms of gift aid. Grants and scholarships can be merit-based, need-based or specific to certain disciplines.
• Employer tuition reimbursement. If you’re currently working, ask your employer whether they offer tuition reimbursement or sponsorships. If your doctorate is relevant to your present role or a potential future role within the organization, some employers may be willing to cover at least part of your tuition costs.
• Fellowships. Occasionally doctoral programs will offer fellowships: financial support in the form of a stipend or tuition remission in exchange for research or teaching assistance.
• Student loans. Private loans from banks, credit unions or online lenders are a potential resource, but remember that private loans typically mean higher interest rates and less-flexible repayment options than federal loans.

Scrutinize all terms and conditions, ideally in writing, before you agree to any financing option, to avoid any potentially adverse effect on your financial status after you graduate.

Is it worth getting a doctorate in education?

The value of a doctorate in education depends on several factors, including career goals and financial considerations. If you suspect you’re not fully committed to several more years of academic study, explore other ways you could achieve your career goals in education, such as a professional certification or a specialized training program.

How long does a doctorate in education take?

Earning an online doctorate in education typically takes from three to seven years. Factors that can affect completion time include specific program requirements, whether the student already holds a master’s degree in education and whether they enroll full time or part time.

What is the difference between a Ph.D. and a doctorate?

The terms Ph.D. and doctorate are sometimes used interchangeably, but there are important differences between them. A Ph.D. is a research-oriented doctoral degree in a wide range of academic disciplines, such as the humanities, sciences, social sciences, education and engineering. A “doctorate” refers to a broader category that encompasses all types of doctoral degrees, including Ph.D., Ed.D., J.D., M.D. and Psy.D. degrees.

What is a doctoral degree in education?

A doctoral degree in education, sometimes known as a Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) or a Doctor of Philosophy in Education (Ph.D. in Education), is the most advanced degree in the education field. It prepares teachers, researchers, administrators and other professionals to contribute to the education field through scholarly inquiry, critical analysis and the practical application of knowledge.

Jeff Tompkins is a writer and teacher of English as a Second Language living in New York City. He was born in Hartford, Connecticut, in 1967 and was educated at Brown University and University College London. His articles and reviews have appeared in CHA Review of Books and Films, the Brooklyn Rail, the Chicago Review of Books, PopMatters, Words Without Borders, and other outlets.

EdD in Christian Leadership – Educational Ministries Impact Lives Through the Power of Christian Education

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100% online, 8-week courses

Transfer in up to 50% of the degree total

Develop the Expertise to Lead with Integrity

Liberty University offers a comprehensive online Doctor of Education (EdD) in Christian Leadership with a specialization in educational ministries. This program is designed to equip leaders with the necessary skills to effectively guide and grow organizations in the educational and ministry sectors. The curriculum blends advanced leadership theories with practical application in Christian education settings, making it an excellent choice for those aspiring to roles in church administration, Christian schools, or other faith-based educational environments.

The EdD program is structured to foster a deep understanding of how biblical principles underpin effective leadership and educational strategies. Students are encouraged to develop innovative approaches to ministry challenges, incorporating contemporary educational methods with traditional Christian teachings. The dynamic online learning environment supports interactive engagement with faculty and peers, promoting a rich exchange of ideas and experiences that enhance the learning process.

Moreover, the program’s design reflects a commitment to academic rigor and spiritual growth, helping you prepare to become a thought leader in both your professional and spiritual communities. Students in this program have the opportunity to develop practical skills with a deep philosophical understanding of leadership roles in Christian education, which is essential for driving change and inspiring excellence within faith-based organizations.

Accreditation

Liberty Theological Seminary, as part of Liberty University’s John W. Rawlings School of Divinity, is accredited by the  Commission on Accrediting of the Association of Theological Schools ( ATS ) . Your seminary degree is approved by ATS and has met rigorous accreditation standards, so you can feel confident that your degree is both academically excellent and well-respected among churches, ministries, and nonprofit organizations.

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• Private Nonprofit University
• 600+ Online Degrees
• No Standardized Testing for Admission
• Transfer in up to 75% of an Undergrad Degree
• Transfer in up to 50% of a Grad/Doctoral Degree

Why Choose  Liberty’s Doctor of Education in Christian Leadership Degree?

Choosing Liberty University for your doctoral studies in Christian leadership means opting for a program that is deeply rooted in Christian values and principles. Liberty has been a pioneer in distance education since 1985, offering flexible online learning options without mandatory login times, making it feasible for you to balance your studies with personal and professional obligations.

The program’s comprehensive approach not only focuses on the development of leadership and educational skills but also aims to produce graduates who are prepared to handle ethical and character-driven challenges in leadership roles. Liberty’s program is highly regarded, backed by accreditation from the Commission on Accrediting of the Association of Theological Schools ( ATS ), ensuring that your degree is recognized and respected across various educational and ministerial settings.

In addition to its academic and spiritual rigor, Liberty University is dedicated to supporting you through a variety of resources and a community that values service and leadership. As a student, you’ll have access to state-of-the-art digital resources, comprehensive support services, and a network of like-minded professionals and academics. This community aspect of Liberty’s online programs emphasizes the university’s commitment to your personal and professional development, aligning with its mission to develop Christ-centered leaders for the global community.

Furthermore, Liberty University’s emphasis on integrating faith with learning across all its programs aims to help you advance academically and grow spiritually. The faculty at Liberty are not only subject matter experts but also devoted Christians who are committed to mentoring students to achieve their highest potential. This dual focus on academic excellence and spiritual growth makes Liberty University’s online EdD in Christian Leadership – Educational Ministries a standout choice for professionals looking to make a significant impact in the world of Christian education.

What Will You Study in Our Educational Ministries Doctoral Degree?

The curriculum for the EdD in Christian Leadership with a concentration on educational ministries at Liberty University is extensive and integrates various aspects of biblical leadership and educational administration. Courses include an exploration of biblical and theological foundations of leadership, which lays the groundwork for understanding leadership from a Christian perspective. You will also delve into the biblical and theological foundations of education, enhancing your ability to integrate faith into educational practices.

Further, the program offers specialized courses such as Theological Anthropology in Leadership and Education, focusing on the human aspects within leadership and educational contexts, and Character and Ethics in Leadership and Education, which emphasizes moral and ethical decision-making in leadership roles. Courses like Leadership and Management Theory, Organizational Theory and Development, and Group and Team Dynamics: Theory and Practice in Leadership provide a strong foundation in the functional aspects of leading organizations and teams effectively.

The concentration on educational ministries is particularly rich, with courses like Theological Foundations for Christian Educational Ministries, History and Philosophy of Christian Education, Teaching Strategies and Curriculum Development for Christian Education, and Teaching Across the Lifespan. These courses collectively can help prepare you to design, implement, and evaluate educational programs that are both effective and spiritually enriching.

This program is structured to not only impart knowledge but also to provide practical experiences through a praxis component, where you can apply what you’ve learned in real-world educational and leadership contexts. The integration of theory and practice aims to prepare graduates for various high-level roles within educational and ministerial settings, making it a compelling choice for those looking to make a significant impact in the field of Christian education.

Potential Career Opportunities

• Christian school principal or president
• Church administrator
• Church discipleship coordinator

Featured Courses

• EDMN 525 – Theological Foundations for Christian Educational Ministries*
• EDMN 530 – History and Philosophy of Christian Education
• EDMN 540 – Teaching Strategies and Curriculum Development for Christian Education
• EDMN 545 – Teaching Across the Lifespan

*Course guide coming soon

Degree Information

• This program falls under the  John W. Rawlings School of Divinity .
• View the  Graduate Divinity Course Guides   (login required) .

Degree Completion Plan (DCP) coming soon

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Electronic textbooks are provided for many divinity courses* all for one convenient fee. To continue our mission of providing affordable education, this fee is waived for students who enroll by Summer 2024 D-term.

*Electronic textbooks are not provided for courses that fall under departments outside the School of Divinity.

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Admission Information for the EdD in Christian Leadership Online

Admission requirements.

• A non-refundable, non-transferable $50 application fee will be posted on the current application upon enrollment (waived for qualifying service members, veterans, and military spouses – documentation verifying military status is required) .
• Send official college transcripts (mailed as sealed, unopened copies or sent via a direct electronic transcript system). A regionally or nationally accredited master’s degree with at least 36 credit hours and a minimum 3.0 GPA is required for admission in good standing.
• The Statement of Purpose is an opportunity to demonstrate to application reviewers why you wish to pursue a doctoral degree at Liberty University, and also to showcase graduate-level writing abilities. Develop a well-written statement that describes how previous education and experience has prepared you for doctoral studies, what you hope to achieve by pursuing a doctoral degree, and the personal strengths that will help you succeed in a doctoral program.
• The Doctor of Education (EdD) in Christian Leadership is offered through Liberty University’s School of Divinity, a Christian academic community in the tradition of evangelical institutions of higher education. Accordingly, you will want to review the Liberty University Doctrinal Statement as you prepare to write your Statement of Purpose. You should also understand that program courses are taught from this evangelical theological perspective. Where appropriate, you should integrate clear references to your own biblical worldview as you respond to the questions on the Statement of Purpose.
• How has your previous education and/or work experience prepared you for doctoral studies at Liberty University?
• What is your goal with regard to pursuing a doctoral education at Liberty University?
• Please describe the character and values you possess that will help you succeed in your desired field.
• Submit a School of Divinity Questionnaire (login required) .
• Department Review
• Applicants whose native language is other than English must submit official scores for the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or an approved alternative assessment. For information on alternative assessments or TOEFL waivers, please call Admissions or view the official International Admissions policy .

Preliminary Acceptance

If you are sending in a preliminary transcript for acceptance, you must:

• Be in your final term and planning to start your doctoral degree after the last day of class for your master’s degree.
• Complete a Master’s Self-Certification Form confirming your completion date. You may download the form from the Forms and Downloads page or contact an admissions counselor to submit the form on your behalf.
• Submit an official transcript to confirm that you are in your final term. The preliminary transcript must show that you are within 6 credit hours of completion for a 30-48 credit hour master’s degree or within 9 credit hours of completion for a 49+ credit hour master’s degree.
• Send in an additional, final official transcript with a conferral date on it by the end of your first semester of enrollment in the new doctoral degree.

Transcript Policies

Official college transcript policy.

An acceptable official college transcript is one that has been issued directly from the institution and is in a sealed envelope. If you have one in your possession, it must meet the same requirements. If your previous institution offers electronic official transcript processing, they can send the document directly to [email protected] .

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American Public University System (APUS)

Program disclosure for maryland residents.

Thank you for your interest in our program. As a Maryland resident, we are required to provide you with the following information for your selected program. Please feel free to contact us at [email protected] should you have any questions about your chosen program.

NanoCert™ – Graduate in Teaching Adult Learners Online

Program Length: 0.5 years Number of Credits: 9

Total Cost of Attendance for this Program

The following amounts include costs for the entire program, assuming normal time to completion.There may be additional costs for living expenses.These costs were accurate at the time of posting but may have changed.

Direct Costs (paid to APUS)

• Tuition and Fees (includes any admission, technology, and graduation fees): $4,350
• Admission Fee: $0
• Registration Fee: $0
• Graduation Fee: $0
• Technology Fee: $85 *Note: Actual fees may vary by academic program.

Indirect Costs (not paid to APUS) These indirect codes are allocated in a student’s cost of attendance for living expenses and are not costs billed by APUS.

• Books and Supplies: $0 Cost for books and supplies is based on an average for the courses within this degree program. Students must obtain their own software when required for a course or program. The university book grant (if applicable) provides textbooks, e-books, and other course materials at no cost to students for courses being taken for academic credit.
• Off-campus Room and Board: N/A Room and Board is based on average housing data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
• Personal Expenses: N/A Personal Expenses are based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics consumer expenditure data.
• Transportation: N/A As an online institution, most of our programs do not require any travel, with the exception of our Doctoral programs. Doctoral programs use an average travel cost based on the travel required for the program.
• Loan Fees: N/A Loan fee amounts are based on one academic year per grade level and full annual limits for loan eligibility.

Total Cost of Attendance: $4,350

Refunds and Withdrawals Policy

The APUS refunds and withdrawals policy is available at the following locations:

• APUS Tuition Refund Schedule section of the Student Handbook
• Tuition and Fees page on the APUS public web site

Program Withdrawal Rate

This program's withdrawal rate for students: N/A

Based upon students residing in the State of Maryland who were enrolled in the program as of June 30, 2018. Students are considered withdrawn from their program if they were no longer enrolled and did not graduate from the program as of June 30, 2019. These students may still be enrolled at the University in other programs. Rates for programs with 10 or fewer students enrolled were excluded to protect the confidentiality of students.

Program Completion Rate

The program's completion rate for students: N/A

For Associate, Master's and Doctorate Completion Rates Based upon full-time and part-time students residing in the State of Maryland who started between July 1, 2014 and June 30, 2015. Students have a deadline of 7 years to complete. Rates for programs with 10 or fewer students in a cohort were excluded to protect the confidentiality of the students.

For Bachelor's of Science in Nursing Completion Rate Based upon full-time and part-time students residing in the State of Maryland who started between July 1, 2016 and June 30, 2017. Nursing students have a deadline of 5 years to complete the program. Rates for programs with 10 or fewer students in a cohort were excluded (N/A) to protect the confidentiality of the students.

For Bachelor's Completion Rate (excluding Bachelor's of Science in Nursing) Based upon full-time and part-time students residing in the State of Maryland who started between July 1, 2011 and June 30, 2012. Students have a deadline of 10 years to complete the program. Rates for programs with 10 or fewer students in a cohort were excluded (N/A) to protect the confidentiality of the students.

For Certificate Completion Rates Based upon full-time and part-time students residing in the State of Maryland who started between July 1, 2018 and June 30, 2019. Students have a deadline of 3 years to complete. Rates for programs with 10 or fewer students in a cohort were excluded to protect the confidentiality of the students.

For NanoCert™ Completion Rates Based upon full-time and part-time students residing in the State of Maryland who started between July 1, 2021 and June 30, 2022. Rates for programs with 10 or fewer students in a cohort were excluded to protect the confidentiality of the students.

Median Combined Loan Debt and Median Earnings

The median combined loan debt for students who completed the program during the most recently completed award year is: N/A

The median combined loan debt includes federal and private loans. APUS does not provide institutional loans.

The U.S. Department of Education's College Scorecard reports a salary range of APUS students who received federal financial aid at ten years after graduation. ( https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/school/?449339-American-Public-University-System )

Placement Rate

The Higher Learning Commission (HLC), APUS's institutional accreditor, does not require APUS to calculate a placement rate for either the institution or this program.

Professional Licensure and Certification

This program is not intended to lead to employment in a field that requires licensure or certification in Maryland.

Date Created: 04/22/2023 These disclosures are required by the State of Maryland

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A student's time in graduate school encompasses not only academics, but self-growth and establishing a community that supports and encourages development in all aspects of life. Explore our Student Experience page for: Wellness Resources, University Division of Student Affairs and the SOM Diversity, Equity and Inclusive Excellence (DEIE).

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How to Get Accepted to Multiple Top Business Schools

Maximize every opportunity to emphasize the unique contributions you can bring to an MBA class.

Get Accepted to Multiple Top B-schools

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When applying, it's important tailor your application to each school and have well-developed goal statement that plots the intended career path, experts say.

Nikita Srivastava applied to seven MBA programs and got admitted to three: Yale University School of Management in Connecticut, New York University's Stern School of Business and the University of Chicago's Booth School of Business in Illinois.

“I definitely was not expecting it,” says Srivastava, who chose Booth.

She attributes her multiple acceptances to top B-schools to tying her personal and professional backgrounds to her post-MBA goals. Her background was mainly in communications, media relations and public relations, and she credits her MBA admissions consultant for showing her how to tell her story.

“Lean into what makes you unique," Srivastava advises MBA applicants .  " Think about how this unique quality will enhance the classroom for your peers and professors. Be proud of it and own it.”

Being accepted into multiple B-schools can allow an applicant to weigh program fit, potential opportunities and scholarship offers. Here are some things to consider to increase your chances of being accepted to multiple top business schools .

Apply More Broadly

Getting admitted to numerous MBA programs is a numbers game, says Sam Weeks, an MBA admissions consultant and founder of Sam Weeks Consulting.

“The more business schools a prospective applicant applies to, the more likely they are to be accepted into more than one school. That’s why we recommend to our clients to apply to at least six schools, if possible,” says Weeks, who has an MBA from the University of Oxford in England.

Students should not only apply to more schools to increase their chances of multiple admissions, but also more broadly in terms of school selectivity, experts say.

“This sounds obvious, but there are many applicants who go into this process only considering a limited set of schools with slimmer acceptance odds. They say the ROI is not there for other schools outside their ambitious targeting,” says Alex Leventhal, an MBA admissions consultant at Prep MBA Admissions Consulting.

Leventhal, who has an MBA from Harvard University Business School in Massachusetts, contends that the return on investment is compelling at more schools than most people think. He says applicants should look at the salary data of program graduates and the percentage of graduates who got jobs within three months after graduation.

“For example, the very top consulting firms recruit at a range of schools, and not just the top three,” Leventhal says.

He also suggests looking for joint degree programs to increase your odds by applying to a specialty track that a school is promoting or trying to fill.

Leventhal said he has had "some less-than-stellar clients" get accepted to the University of Pennsylvania's Wharton School , likely because they applied to the Lauder Institute of Management and International Studies joint program "for one of their less popular regional tracks. Or a client who got into Stanford Graduate School of Business because their professional experiences fit so nicely with a limited scholarship program focusing on the sustainable food supply chain.”

Customize Each Application

Schools like to see B-school applicants demonstrate familiarity with their programs, experts say. Leventhal says schools will “look for evidence that you have engaged with their program and talked to current students and alumni.”

Applicants should demonstrate they took the time to research a particular school “and all it has to offer, and consider both what they will learn from the program and how they will add value on campus,” says MBA consultant Scott Edinburgh, founder of Personal MBA Coach.

This means taking time to develop a strong personal story that connects past choices with future goals, says Edinburgh, who has an MBA from Wharton.

Applicants should demonstrate four key things in their tailored applications, he says: “Ability to handle the academic rigor of the target MBA program, leadership potential, how they will uniquely add value on campus and clarity of purpose.”

When applying, Weeks says, it’s important to have a well-developed goal statement that “charts out the applicant's intended career path and the impact they expect to have in their career.” He says those goals should be ambitious but attainable and make sense for the applicant.

Knowing what makes top business schools distinct "and then showing how you fit into those unique scenarios is essential to securing admits,” says Candy Lee LaBalle, an MBA admissions expert and founder of mbaClarity, formerly LaBalle Admissions.

Highlight Extracurricular Activities

Professional accomplishments that demonstrate leadership are great but shouldn’t be the only things highlighted. Edinburgh says applicants should show a passion for driving change.

“Successful MBA applicants are interesting people with plans to leave the world better than they found it in unique ways. Demonstrating passion and a track record of success in working towards this passion goes a long way,” Edinburgh says.

LaBalle says applicants who get admitted to multiple top B-schools tend to be “genuinely curious about the world, about learning, about having their perspectives challenged, and that shows in their hobbies and interests, work and goals.” They care deeply about the world and can demonstrate it, she adds, “whether that is mentoring classmates or starting an NGO that feeds thousands, and everything in between.”

Boost Your GMAT or GRE Score

If your GMAT or GRE score is lower than you had hoped for, take some more time to study and retake the exam.

“It is easier to get admits, and thus multiple admits, if your test score is strong and balanced between quantitative and verbal,” LaBalle says.

She says a strong, above-average test score can make a difference. “While there are many ways to offset a lowish test, the hard truth is that the higher your score, the better your odds of multiple admits.”

Students who don’t do well in the quantitative or analytical parts of the GMAT may prefer to take the GRE. Some business schools accept either test for MBA admissions.

Tests and other application materials aside, experts say securing strong letters of recommendation by supporters invested in your career and future is important to getting accepted to top MBA programs.

Apply to Schools Offering Scholarships

Applying to more schools can mean more scholarships that come with those admissions, which can give you options. Leventhal says his clients have focused on applying to more B-schools the last few cycles because they are increasingly interested in merit scholarships.

“The schools are trying to secure talented applicants with money off the tuition. As the price tag of the MBA has gone up, the merit pull can understandably matter. And schools that are reaches for an applicant generally won’t offer much in the way of merit grants,” Leventhal says.

Srivastava says she received some scholarships with each admissions offer, helping to relieve the burden of paying back student loans after graduation and giving her “freedom to focus on finding a career that would be a good fit for me both personally and professionally.”

A major bonus to getting accepted to multiple B-schools that offer scholarships is leverage, Weeks says. “You are in a strong position to negotiate scholarships.”

That includes awards at the most elite business schools. Students with more than one acceptance can inform schools that they received another offer and ask if any additional scholarship funding is available, he says.

Boost the Odds of MBA Acceptance

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Texas university leaders say hundreds of positions, programs cut to comply with DEI ban

Texas public university leaders say hundreds of positions and programs across state college campuses were eliminated or altered as a result of the state’s new ban on diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives

AUSTIN, Texas -- Texas universities eliminated or changed hundreds of jobs in recent months in response to one of the nation's most sweeping bans on diversity programs on college campuses, school officials told lawmakers Tuesday.

In the fullest public accounting of the new Texas law to date, the head of the University of Texas system announced that its nine academic and five health campuses alone had cut 300 full- and part-time positions. Those campuses combined also did away with more than 600 programs related to diversity, equity and inclusion training.

"You may not like the law, but it is the law,” University of Texas Systems Chancellor James Milliken said.

Milliken was one of several chancellors who GOP state senators called to the Texas Capitol to testify on how campuses are complying with the law signed by Republican Gov. Greg Abbott last year. Texas is among about one-third of states across the nation that have taken steps to limit or prohibit DEI initiatives and practices.

Republican state Sen. Brandon Creighton, in a letter to chancellors in March, said he was concerned that some campuses were trying to skirt the law or find loopholes, such as renaming employing titles or campus offices.

“This letter should serve as a notice that this practice is unacceptable,” Creighton wrote in the letter.

Republican lawmakers in about two dozen states have filed bills seeking to restrict DEI initiatives this year, according to an Associated Press analysis using the legislation-tracking software Plural. Meanwhile, Democrats have sponsored measures supporting DEI in at least 20 states.

Last month, the flagship University of Texas campus in Austin — one of the largest campuses in the U.S. — announced the closure of the school's Division of Campus and Community Engagement and the elimination of jobs in order to comply with the ban.

Earlier this year, the University of Florida announced more than a dozen terminations in response to a similar state ban.

Texas A & M University System Chancellor John Sharp told lawmakers the legislation “makes it crystal clear” that “if you tread back into the bad waters, something bad is going to happen to you.”

On Monday, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Board of Trustees approved diverting $2.3 million of state funds for advancing diversity to instead serve public safety and policing. The move comes as North Carolina’s public university system will consider changing its diversity policy before the legislature steps in.

In Oklahoma, the head of the University of Oklahoma’s Carl Albert Congressional Research and Studies Center announced earlier this month that he was forced to terminate its National Education for Women Leadership program because of an anti-DEI executive order signed by Republican Gov. Kevin Stitt last year. The program trained more than 650 women from dozens of colleges and universities across the country over the past 20 years.

“As one of only a handful of women to have held leadership positions in the Legislature since statehood, I believe this program’s elimination is a terrible loss,” said Democratic Oklahoma state Sen. Kay Floyd in a statement.

Associated Press writer Sean Murphy in Oklahoma City contributed to this report.

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70 years after brown v. board of education, new research shows rise in school segregation.

As the nation prepares to mark the 70th anniversary of the landmark U.S. Supreme Court ruling in Brown v. Board of Education , a new report from researchers at Stanford and USC shows that racial and economic segregation among schools has grown steadily in large school districts over the past three decades — an increase that appears to be driven in part by policies favoring school choice over integration.

Analyzing data from U.S. public schools going back to 1967, the researchers found that segregation between white and Black students has increased by 64 percent since 1988 in the 100 largest districts, and segregation by economic status has increased by about 50 percent since 1991.

The report also provides new evidence about the forces driving recent trends in school segregation, showing that the expansion of charter schools has played a major role.  

The findings were released on May 6 with the launch of the Segregation Explorer , a new interactive website from the Educational Opportunity Project at Stanford University. The website provides searchable data on racial and economic school segregation in U.S. states, counties, metropolitan areas, and school districts from 1991 to 2022. 

“School segregation levels are not at pre- Brown levels, but they are high and have been rising steadily since the late 1980s,” said Sean Reardon , the Professor of Poverty and Inequality in Education at Stanford Graduate School of Education and faculty director of the Educational Opportunity Project. “In most large districts, school segregation has increased while residential segregation and racial economic inequality have declined, and our findings indicate that policy choices – not demographic changes – are driving the increase.” 

“There’s a tendency to attribute segregation in schools to segregation in neighborhoods,” said Ann Owens , a professor of sociology and public policy at USC. “But we’re finding that the story is more complicated than that.”

Assessing the rise

In the Brown v. Board decision issued on May 17, 1954, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that racially segregated public schools violated the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment and established that “separate but equal” schools were not only inherently unequal but unconstitutional. The ruling paved the way for future decisions that led to rapid school desegregation in many school districts in the late 1960s and early 1970s.

Though segregation in most school districts is much lower than it was 60 years ago, the researchers found that over the past three decades, both racial and economic segregation in large districts increased. Much of the increase in economic segregation since 1991, measured by segregation between students eligible and ineligible for free lunch, occurred in the last 15 years.

White-Hispanic and white-Asian segregation, while lower on average than white-Black segregation, have both more than doubled in large school districts since the 1980s. 

Racial-economic segregation – specifically the difference in the proportion of free-lunch-eligible students between the average white and Black or Hispanic student’s schools – has increased by 70 percent since 1991. 

School segregation is strongly associated with achievement gaps between racial and ethnic groups, especially the rate at which achievement gaps widen during school, the researchers said.  

“Segregation appears to shape educational outcomes because it concentrates Black and Hispanic students in higher-poverty schools, which results in unequal learning opportunities,” said Reardon, who is also a senior fellow at the Stanford Institute for Economic Policy Research and a faculty affiliate of the Stanford Accelerator for Learning . 

Policies shaping recent trends 

The recent rise in school segregation appears to be the direct result of educational policy and legal decisions, the researchers said. 

Both residential segregation and racial disparities in income declined between 1990 and 2020 in most large school districts. “Had nothing else changed, that trend would have led to lower school segregation,” said Owens. 

But since 1991, roughly two-thirds of districts that were under court-ordered desegregation have been released from court oversight. Meanwhile, since 1998, the charter sector – a form of expanded school choice – has grown.

Expanding school choice could influence segregation levels in different ways: If families sought schools that were more diverse than the ones available in their neighborhood, it could reduce segregation. But the researchers found that in districts where the charter sector expanded most rapidly in the 2000s and 2010s, segregation grew the most. 

The researchers’ analysis also quantified the extent to which the release from court orders accounted for the rise in school segregation. They found that, together, the release from court oversight and the expansion of choice accounted entirely for the rise in school segregation from 2000 to 2019.

The researchers noted enrollment policies that school districts can implement to mitigate segregation, such as voluntary integration programs, socioeconomic-based student assignment policies, and school choice policies that affirmatively promote integration. 

“School segregation levels are high, troubling, and rising in large districts,” said Reardon. “These findings should sound an alarm for educators and policymakers.”

Additional collaborators on the project include Demetra Kalogrides, Thalia Tom, and Heewon Jang. This research, including the development of the Segregation Explorer data and website, was supported by the Russell Sage Foundation, the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.   

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