doctor of education ranking

20 Best Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) Graduate Schools

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Updated: March 12, 2024 , Reading time: 34 minutes

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A Doctorate in Education or an Ed.D. (or D.Ed.) degree encompasses several educational focus areas beyond teaching. It does include teaching strands as well.

A Doctor of Education (EdD) degree is a type of advanced professional doctorate degree that prepares individuals for roles as education leaders, researchers, and educators within both K-12 and higher education settings.

EdD programs typically require students to have prior knowledge of teaching and educational policies before admission, so it is usually ideal for individuals with an educational background, such as teaching experience or credentials or an advanced degree in the field of education.

Students enrolled in an EdD program will be expected to study and research curriculum design, assessment, and leadership development. The degree program typically takes three to four years to complete, with coursework being tailored to the specific field or focus of the student’s interest.

With an EdD degree, graduates will have the necessary credentials to pursue opportunities in teaching, administration, and research within public schools, universities, companies, or government organizations.

For professionals aspiring to hold positions as university or college presidents, college deans, provosts, administrators, K-12 principals, district superintendents, curriculum designers and consultants, program implementors and evaluators, or work for the government as policymakers, or non-profits as policy advocates and analysts, then a doctorate in education is the way to go.

Quick audio summary:

The National Center for Educational Statistics suggests that education is one of the top five doctorate degrees conferred from 2022 to 2032. In fact, if professional doctorates such as those from the health sciences and legal studies were excluded, education doctorates rank atop and have seen a slow but steady rise in the number of graduates over the ten-year period. 

So, why is this? Why the apparent growth?

One can infer that this is because most higher-learning institutions require their faculty to have advanced degrees. A master’s degree would only get an educator so far. The next sensible option is earning a Ph.D. or an Ed.D. in education and related strands, like higher education, educational policy, leadership, administration, K-12 leadership, curriculum, instruction, etc. 

To avoid confusion between a Ph.D. in education and an Ed.D., the table below summarizes the differences between the two:

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METHODOLOGY

The Best Doctor of General Education Graduate Schools were picked based on these factors:

• Only in-campus and hybrid programs were included in the list. 
• Preference was given to programs that offer more strands or concentrations leading to the Ed.D. degree. This indicates the department or the school’s recognition of the other facets of education and that different skill sets and knowledge bases are required for each sub-discipline. 
• More than the research centers and institutes, preference was given to schools with existing collaborations or partnerships outside their mother universities. Community and interschool partnerships are essential to education programs, as this paves the way for students to land reputable and valuable internships, research opportunities, or even paid work. 
• Other standout features such as immersion opportunities, both local and abroad, the publication of peer-reviewed journals, or other relevant initiatives are also considered.

BEST DOCTOR OF GENERAL EDUCATION GRADUATE SCHOOLS

Columbia university – teacher’s college.

New York, NY

Doctor of Education in Curriculum and Teaching (Ed.D.)

The Teacher’s College (TC) was founded in 1880, but it wasn’t until the last decade of the 19 th century that it would be related to its current parent school, Columbia University. It also quickly transformed from being a purely normal school to include other programs, such as health sciences, psychology, and social sciences, for a more holistic approach to education, or, in the school’s own words : “ how people learn, and how they should be taught, in all fields .”

• The Ed.D. program in Curriculum and Teaching offers seven specializations: Early Childhood Education and Policy, Educational Leadership, and Curriculum Studies. The foci on Gifted Education and Urban and Multicultural Education are some of the unique specializations offered by the program.
• Students can tailor their curriculum according to their chosen concentration. Only three courses are required for all concentrations: Theory and Inquiry in Curriculum and Teaching, Probability and Statistical Inference, and Dissertation Seminar in Curriculum and Teaching.
• Ninety (90) credits are required to complete the program. Up to 40 credits may be applied for a transfer. Program applicants must have teaching experience of at least three (3) years.
• Students may take additional courses should they wish to continue practicing teaching after earning the Ed.D. degree.
• Students can explore various funding options available via TC to support their studies. 

Standout Features of the Program:

In true TC fashion, the school has close to 80 research centers and labs that combine interdisciplinary studies and innovations in education, health science, psychology, information science, and social science. 

TC has various initiatives in partnership with Columbia University, the National Science Foundation, and other renowned institutions and agencies that highlight the vital role of education on relevant topics like climate change , gun control , and national security .

University of California Berkeley

Berkeley, CA

Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) in Leaders for Equity and Democracy (LEAD)

Berkeley’s Department of Pedagogy was instituted in 1892. In 1900, the department was integrated into the graduate school division, thus, the name “Graduate School of Education” (GSE). The Ed.D. degree was launched in 1922. In 2021, GSE revamped the Ed.D. program, which used to focus solely on Educational Leadership. The program was enhanced and is now known as the Leaders for Equity and  Democracy, or LEAD.

• LEAD best suits professionals who are in the administrative and leadership side of education. The program is all about identifying challenges in the education sector, such as social inequality or policy loopholes, and applying evidence-based solutions to these problems. 
• It is a three-year hybrid program that utilizes both cohort-type instruction and flexible learning. Students can enroll in electives offered within the GSE, UC Berkeley, and partner schools such as UC Davis, Stanford, and Mills College.
• While the program is flexible to accommodate working professionals, a four-week residency (or longer) is required.
• Aside from fellowships, special financial aid is available to student parents and caregivers . Travel grants are also available to students participating in conferences. 

The program is highly selective and only 12 students are accepted for every cohort. Since the program is both intensive and supportive (not spoon-feeding), having a small cohort ensures that each student is well taken care of by the LEAD faculty to graduation. 

Berkeley GSE is home to six research centers , including the Policy Analysis for California Education (PACE) . The school also regularly publishes the peer-reviewed journal, Berkeley Review of Education , which tackles educational issues and innovations, and other relevant interdisciplinary topics.  

University of Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh, PA

Doctor of Education (Ed.D.)

The School of Education was established by the University of Pittsburgh (or “Pitt”) in 1910. In the 1930s, the school began offering advanced degrees, such as an M.Ed., Ph.D., and Ed.D. degrees. Today, it houses three departments, focusing on pedagogy and its leadership and policy facets.

• The Doctor of Education program is delivered in a hybrid format and offers eight concentrations , including Educational Leadership, Urban Education, STEM, and Out-of-school Learning. 
• The in-person sessions utilize a cohort model of instruction, which meets one Saturday a month.
• The program requires the completion of 90 credits, with up to 30 credits allowed for transfer.
• The curriculum features an 18-credit requirement in Scholarly Practice, which is equivalent to a capstone research project. It also requires 3-unit laboratory coursework, either an internship activity, an international immersion, or professional work.
• There are several fellowships and scholarships available for students, as well as TA and RA roles, to aid in funding.

The School of Education houses the Center for Urban Education and the Office of Child Development , which could be instrumental to Ed.D. students writing up their research projects. Both centers encourage collaborative efforts between Pitt and the community to transform educational delivery for the ever-changing profile of Pre-K-12 students.

The Falk Laboratory School used to be known as The School of Childhood during the 1920s, which taught English to immigrants. Today, the Falk School serves two main purposes: to educate K-8 students and serve as a training ground for aspiring teachers (undergrad and master’s degree students) enrolled at Pitt. 

University of Pennsylvania (Penn GSE)

Philadelphia, PA

Doctor of Education (Ed.D., various programs)

Penn GSE was officially instituted in 1914, although Education courses were taught at Penn as early as 1893. Graduate degrees were first offered and conferred in 1943.

• Penn GSE has seven education doctorate programs that cater to specific roles in the field of education.
• Teaching, Learning, and Teacher Education Ed.D.   (full-time or part-time)
• Higher Education Ed.D. (part-time)
• Penn Chief Learning Officer Ed.D. (executive style)
• Mid-Career Doctoral Program in Educational Leadership – Ed.D. (executive style)
• The executive programs are held on campus once a week.
• Educational Linguistics Ed.D. (part-time)
• Reading/Writing/Literacy Ed.D. (full-time or part-time)
• These programs span from two years (for executive programs) to six to nine years.
• Funding may come primarily from research assistantships . Other opportunities may come from external fellowships and scholarships , with some available specifically to minority students, like Hispanics or immigrants . 

Penn GSE currently has 38 research centers that foster constant collaboration between the school, the community, and the government through research and dialogue. An example is the Office of School and Community Engagement . The centers are helmed by Penn GSE faculty.

The Educator’s Playbook is a live collection of all published research from Penn GSE faculty and students. The resources posted are free to access by anyone. A free and regular subscription service is also available, so new posts and resources can be directly sent via email.

University of Washington – Seattle

Seattle, WA

University of Washington (UW) pioneered the concept of a “Normal curriculum” in 1878, leading to the institution of a “Normal College” in 1892, an educational institution specifically designed for grooming aspiring teachers. The official establishment of the College of Education at UW was in 1914. 

• Language, Literacy, and Culture
• Mathematics or Science Education
• Teacher Quality and Teacher Education
• It also offers the Leadership for Learning (L4L) Ed.D. program for experienced educators aspiring to move up into leadership and policy-related roles in education.
• As of writing, only the L4L program is accepting students for the Fall 2022 term.
• Students under the  L4L program learn about leadership ethics and equity, evidenced-based leadership, and organizational leadership across educational ecosystems.
• Graduates of the L4L Ed.D. degree may undertake a superintendent internship, which is required for the Initial Superintendent Certificate issued by the state of Washington. 

There are several ways students can explore to help with their funding, such as scholarships and fellowships . As for research work, UW Education houses 33 centers and institutes and 25 research areas, which include studies on Technology in Teaching and Learning, Multicultural Education, and Educational Policy, to name a few. 

UW Education holds regular podcasts that are posted on Soundcloud. Topics are usually about faculty and student research projects and insights on issues and challenges currently plaguing the field of education. Innovations within the field are also discussed on the platform. Previous students are also invited for their insights from their capstone experiences . This is a valuable reference for current students who are currently preparing for their dissertation work.

University of Virginia

Charlottesville, VA

John D. Rockefeller, Sr., doled out the funding for a School of Education to be established specifically – upon Rockefeller’s request – at the University of Virginia in 1905. At present, it is known as the School of Education and Human Development  (SEHD), which houses four departments, including the Departments of Curriculum, Instruction and Special Education (CISE) and Education Leadership, Foundations and Policy (ELFP). 

• Administration and Supervision
• Both of these are offered by the ELFP Department
• Offered by the CISE Department. This strand offers seven areas of focus, including ESL, Instructional Technology, and Gifted Education, to name a few.
• All Ed.D. students take the course “Educational Inquiry for Practitioners.”
• A capstone project is required, which accounts for ten credits. A 6-credit field study is required for students under the  C&I strand. All strands require the completion of 72 credit units.
• Merit-based and need-based grants and awards are available to all students. Student employees can avail themselves of tuition discounts .

The University of Virginia-University of Melbourne partnership allows students of the former to apply for UVa’s Ed.D. – C&I program even before they complete their master’s degree. They must be enrolled in the Master of Education in Evidence-Based Teaching program at UM to qualify for application at UVa. 

UVa’s SEHD houses six research centers , including the acclaimed EdPolicyWorks . It also houses 25 research labs that combine education studies (traditional, health, advanced, and special), social justice, psychology, physiology, and design thinking or modern problem-solving.

University of Georgia

The University of Georgia (UGA) is the first publicly funded higher learning institution in the country, founded in 1785. The UGA Graduate School was formally opened in 1910. Today, it currently offers seven doctors of education programs, with areas of focus ranging from leadership to educational policy.

• Educational Administration and Policy – for aspiring principals and superintendents
• Learning, Leadership, and Organizational Development – for aspiring managers  and leaders with the option of working across industries, not only in  education
• Higher Education (executive style) – for professionals posed to take on educational leadership or directorship roles
• Workforce Education – a specialized program  for aspiring leaders and administrators of career and technical or vocational schools
• Science Education – for science education practitioners looking to teach the subject in higher academia
• A dissertation is required for all programs. 
• Student funding can come from various sources like assistantships, grants, fellowships, scholarships, and awards. Student assistants are required to clock in at least  13 hours of work a week. 

Students can utilize UGA Elements , the university’s web-based repository of all student and faculty output, such as research and editorials. It also houses information on scholarships and funding, as well as other activities within and involving UGA. 

The UGA Advantage (also referred to as “Double Dawgs”) is a 4+1 program designed for exceptional students seeking to complete their undergraduate and graduate studies in five years (or less). It is essentially a  dual-degree program that is beneficial to students both time-wise and cost-wise. To date, more than 100 programs are available in the Double Dawg catalog.

University of South Dakota

Vermillion, SD

The University of South Dakota came to be in 1862. Today, it boasts seven schools, including the Schools of Law and Medicine, the lone institutes of its kind in the state, and the School of Education (SoE). The SoE has five divisions, with the Division of Curriculum and Instruction and the Division of  Educational Leadership offering the Ed.D. programs of the school.

• Adult and Higher Education
• Curriculum Director 
• Director of Special Education 
• Pre-Kindergarten-12 Principal
• School District Superintendent 
• Curriculum and Instruction
• The specificity of these programs allows students to easily choose an area of focus relevant to their career goals.
• All programs require the completion of 90 credit units and dissertation work.
• Students can apply to any of the four scholarships available through the SoE for funding.

Graduate assistantship work is very much welcome in the SOE. Each division hires its assistants who help the faculty in research, teaching, lab work, curriculum and course design, grant application reviews, and other related tasks. Assistants receive a stipend along with tuition discounts. TAs get paid per course.

Students can apply for administrative internships , which allow them to do supervised work in K-12 principal, superintendent, curriculum director, or SPED director roles. Applicants must be currently enrolled in the respective Ed.D. program and have teaching experience of no less than three years. 

Indiana University Bloomington

Bloomington, IN

IU’s School of Education (SoE) has been around since the early 1900s, but it wasn’t until 1923 that it grew into its own when it became independent from the College of Arts and Sciences. It would soon confer degrees in the field, with the Ed.D. degree being conferred for the first time in 1932. 

• Art Education
• Mathematics Education
• These strands are suitable for educators leaning toward curriculum design. They can still practice teaching, armed with a solid research background in their chosen area. 
• Higher Education
• These strands are suitable for aspiring educational administrators, policymakers, or leaders.
• All program strands require the completion of 60 credit units, including a dissertation project. 
• There are three internal funding opportunities open to students. External funding or fellowships may also be availed but must be under the Office of Research, Development, and Innovation guidance.

Ed.D. students can engage in the three research centers of the SoE, which focus on three main areas: educational policy, research, and innovations. The SoE also plays an active role in research initiatives . For example, since 2015, the Carnegie Classification of Higher Education (CCIHE) is now located within the Center for Postsecondary Research, one of the three SoE research centers.

IU’s external immersion for teachers, or the Global Gateway , is one of the most acclaimed in the field of education and teaching instruction. Opportunities are available for aspiring teachers to gain experience with different cultures, such as the Navajos,  and locales, such as urban locales or overseas.

Vanderbilt University – Peabody College

Nashville, TN

Doctor of Education in Leadership and Policy (K-12 or Higher Education) (Ed.D.)

Peabody College was established in 1785 under a different name. In 1889, it changed its name to Peabody Normal College to honor its benefactor, George Peabody. The name change also signified the school’s heightened focus on teaching education-related degrees. In 1979, for financial reasons, Peabody merged with Vanderbilt University, its longtime educational partner.

• K–12 Education Leadership and Policy (in-campus)
• Higher Education Leadership and Policy (in-campus)
• Classes are held on Fridays and Saturdays, so students can still work while pursuing the degree.
• The degree requires the completion of 84 credit units, 30 of which can be accepted as transfer credits from a master’s degree. 
• An independent research work culminates the program. Students can choose from the department’s capstone partners, colleges, and universities within Tennessee and nearby states. 
• Applicants to the Ed.D. program are automatically in the running for merit aid . Should they not get the aid upon admission, outside fellowships and scholarships are also available. 

Aside from the capstone partners, Ed.D. students can choose one of Peabody’s nine research centers. Among these are the IRIS Center and the National Center for Leadership in Intensive Intervention ( NCLII ), funded by the Department of Education.

Peabody College faculty are making their mark in education research and policy. The Department of Leadership, Policy, and Organizations faculty, which houses the Ed.D. degrees, comprises 15 fellows of the American Educational Research Association and four members of the National Academy of Education .

The University of Mississippi

University, MS

Ole Miss School of Education (SOE) was established in 1903. Today, it offers undergraduate and graduate programs focusing on the various levels of education, educational counseling, and educational leadership.

• SOE offers two strands leading to the Ed.D. degree: K12 Leadership and Teacher Education .
• The Teacher Education strand offers four specializations representing the different levels of K-12 education: Early Childhood, Elementary, Special and Secondary education. 
• Students under this strand may apply to the Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education Grants (TEACH) , specifically intended for higher education students from the undergraduate to the graduate levels who specialize in pedagogy.
• The K12 Leadership strand is a hybrid program that utilizes a cohort model that meets for six weekends. The approach to the curriculum is problem-based, combining advanced research and organizational leadership skills. 
• Students under this strand may apply to the North Mississippi Education Consortium (NMEC) Graduate Leadership scholarship , where up to 50% of tuition subsidy may be granted. 

SOE houses several research centers, four of which are closely related to the aforementioned Ed.D. strands. These are:

• Center for Excellence in Literacy Instruction
• Center for Mathematics and Science Education
• These three centers can be beneficial to Ed.D. students under the Teaching Education strand.
• These can be beneficial to students of both Ed.D. strands, but more so for K12 Leadership students, as it concentrates on research and problem-solving.

SoE is home to the Willie Price Lab School , a preschool facility for students aged 3 to 5, and a practicum site for SoE students focusing on early childhood development and learning.

Harvard University

Cambridge, MA

Doctor of Education Leadership (Ed.L.D.)

Founded in 1920, HGSE is the first Harvard school to confer degrees to female students. One year later, HGSE became the first school in the country to offer and confer the Doctor of Education degree (Ed.D).

• HGSE offers the three-year Doctor of Education Leadership program, which focuses on grooming leaders for the management, administration, and transformation of  Pre-K-12 schools, especially public schools.
• The program employs a cohort-type model of instruction, accommodating a maximum of 25 full-time students.
• The program’s curriculum collaborates with three Harvard schools – HGSE, Harvard Business School, and the Harvard Kennedy School. The curriculum combines concepts of pedagogy, management, organizational leadership, and policy analysis and administration.
• Student funding can come from student employment , stipends or allowances, and the required paid residency in the third year of study. Fellowships and grants specifically available to HGSE students can also be applied to for augmented funding.

Third-year students must choose an HGSE partner organization to do their 10-month paid residency as part of the capstone requirement. They are expected to be involved in the organization’s management, strategic, administrative, and planning activities (and other related activities) and create their written capstone from experience. There are currently more than 20 organizations included in the list (which grows by the year), which includes public schools, private organizations, and government agencies related to educational policy.

HGSE has its publishing group, the Harvard Education Publishing Group (HEPG) , which houses the Harvard Education Press, Harvard Educational Revie, and Harvard Education Letter (bi-monthly newsletter). HGSE also has its weekly podcast called Harvard EdCast , which features discussions on how education can be transformed to impact learners of every age. 

University of California Los Angeles (UCLA)

Los Angeles, CA

Doctor of Education – Educational Leadership Program (Ed.D.)

UCLA’s School of Education & Information Sciences (Ed&IS) was established in 1881 under a different name. It took on its present name in 1994, with separate departments for Education and Information Studies. The Department of Education currently offers more than 10 degree programs, with a concentration in graduate studies. 

• The Ed.D. degree in Educational Leadership Program utilizes a cohort model of instruction that spans three years. Classes are held on Thursdays and Saturdays. 
• Admission to the program requires teaching experience in PreK-12 levels of at least five years. Applicants must be currently employed full-time upon admission. 
• The curriculum prepares students for leadership roles or a career in research in the field of education. It culminates with a dissertation requirement , the preparation for which starts in Year 2. 
• At present, there are close to 40 UCLA and external fellowships available to Ed&IS  doctoral students. Students can also undertake departmental or campus work as RAs, TAs, tutors, readers, and mentors to supplement their funding. Scholarships and grants are also available. 

There are close to 25 Ed&IS research centers , with more than half dedicated to education research. However, the research centers are complementary and integrative. Thus, it manifests the goal of transforming education through information infrastructures. This synergistic relationship is best exemplified by the Center for Knowledge Infrastructures and the Digital Cultures Lab , to name a few. 

UCLA-Ed&IS has several partnerships with local community schools where evidenced-based practices are employed. These include the UCLA Lab School and the UCLA Community School , to name a few. 

University of Texas Austin

Austin, Texas

Doctor of Education-  Educational Leadership (Ed.D.)

The University of Texas (UT) Austin’s College of Education was instituted in 1891. Today, it houses five departments that tap into the several facets of education, especially modern facets such as Health Education, Educational Psychology, and Special Education. 

• The Department of Educational Leadership and Policy (DELP) offers only two Ed.D. programs from the College of Education: the Ed.D. in Higher Education Leadership (executive program) and the Ed.D. in Educational Leadership.
• The Ed.D. degree in Educational Leadership is offered through the Cooperative Superintendency Program . Applicants must have formal training or education in middle management, plus experience as a principal or school administrator of at least two years. The program starts only every summer term.
• The program’s curriculum is broken down into 63 credits of coursework and 69 credits of dissertation work. The coursework features courses on Social Science, Treatise, electives, research, and the Superintendent Specialization, which comprises the bulk at 33 credit hours. 
• Students can apply for internal (under the Graduate school and the College of Education) and external fellowships . Students can also work as editorial assistants for increased funding. 

DELP is home to five research centers and institutes that focus on student engagement, organizational development, education innovations, and policy analysis. It also hosts Project MALES (Mentoring to Achieve Latino Educational Success), dedicated to uplifting the Latino student demographic through mentorship and support.

UT Graduate students can participate in the “ Present Your Ph.D. Thesis to a 12-Year-old ” initiative. The program seeks to engage K-12 students by using simplified versions of dissertations. This would hopefully get young students interested in research and educational studies. 

University of Southern California (USC) – Rossier School of Education

Doctor of Education – Educational Leadership (Ed.D.)

USC was established in 1880, while its Department of Pedagogy was established a decade later. It then changed its name to the Department of Education in 1909. Another decade later, the School of Education was launched, later named the Rossier School of Education to honor its biggest benefactor, Barbara, and Roger Rossier.

• The Ed.D. program in Educational Leadership is the only in-campus Ed.D. offering from the Rossier School. It requires the completion of 43 credits of coursework. 
• Applicants to the program must have at least three years of work experience.
• Classes are held every evening and at least once a week, so students’ professional life is not impacted.
• Educational Psychology
• K-12 Leadership in Urban School Settings
• Leading Instructional Change
• Higher Education Administration
• Funding can come from assistantship work, Rossier and USC scholarships, and outside fellowships.

The dissertation requirement to complete the program can be done in practice (at work). Doctoral candidates must identify current challenges in pedagogy and educational administration and use these as their dissertation topic. The output may then come in any of the following forms: a dissertation that is five chapters long, a curriculum design addressing the problem, or a visual presentation.

The Rossier School embraces diversity and inclusivity. Only 34% of its student population are Caucasians. The rest of the population comprises other minorities of Hispanic, African American, Asian, and Pacific Islander ethnicities. Also, 46% of enrolled students are first-generation students, indicating Rossier’s meritocratic attitude toward admission. 

Ohio State University

Columbus, OH

Doctorate of Education in Educational Studies (Ed.D.)

Ohio State University was established in 1870. In 1895, the College of Education and Human Ecology (CEHE) was formally launched. Today, it houses three departments, with the Department of  Educational Studies offering the college’s two of three Ed.D. degrees.

• CEHE offers the Ed.D. program in Educational Studies, which is a three-year, cohort-type program.
• The program offers two areas of concentration: Higher Education and Student Affairs  (HESA) and Educational Administration (EA) .
• The HESA track is geared towards aspiring leaders in institutions like colleges and universities. Aside from research skills, they are also educated on organizational leadership, international affairs, and management of the adult student demographic.
• The EA track is focused on grooming aspiring K-12 principals, district superintendents, policymakers, and advocates. 
• The minimum required credits for completion are 54 and 51 hours for the HESA and EA tracks, respectively. Both tracks require a dissertation for graduation. 
• Funding can come from assistantship work, scholarships, and fellowships. The National Academy of Education has several fellowships available through the CEHE office. 

Standout Feature of the Program:

The faculty of the HESA and EA tracks are active in research. 13 EA  and 10 HESA faculty members have published their studies on the different facets and issues in education. This is a testament to the research expertise of both faculties, of which students under both programs can take advantage.

The CEHE offers the First Education Experience Program (FEEP) , an elective course open to undergraduate and graduate students who are curious about what being a student of education is like. The course, which could last from eight to thirteen sessions, is conducted through any department’s partner schools. 

University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill

Chapel Hill, NC

UNC-Chapel Hill has been grooming aspiring teachers since its establishment in 1795. In  1913, the School of Education was formally launched. Today, it offers programs that tap into the various aspects of modern education – policy, technology, health and safety, pedagogy, and physiology. 

• The Ed.D. in Educational Leadership is the lone doctor of education program in the School of Education.
• Students can enroll on a part-time basis. Classes are held evenings.
• The program requires 54 credit units and a dissertation project. 
• Applicants must have a master’s degree in educational administration or leadership. Otherwise, an additional nine credit units must be taken to fulfill this requirement.
• Assistantship work is available at the departmental and graduate school levels. Fellowships, grants, and scholarships are also available for increased funding .

The School of Education has partnerships with other UNC-Chapel Hill schools, such as the School of Science and Mathematics, to promote STEM education research. The School of Educational Research is also a hub for students preparing for their research work.

UNC-SoE regularly publishes a peer-reviewed journal entitled “ Edge: Carolina Education Review .” This journal is the landing spot for research done by SoE faculty.

Pennsylvania State University

State College, PA

Pennsylvania State University, or Penn State, was established in 1855 as the sole land-grant university of the state. The College of Education was officially launched in 1923. Today, it houses four departments , three of which offer programs that lead to the Ed.D. degree.

• Lifelong Learning and Adult Education (60 credits)  – a multi-faceted strand that is designed for students who aspire to go  into various educational careers in  higher education, such as professorship, curriculum consultancy, and design, leadership,  program planning, and  evaluation, or  administration
• Higher Education   (60 credits) – a program with a heightened focus on leadership and administration for higher learning institutions 
• Educational Leadership (90 credits) – a program with a heightened focus on leadership and administration for K-12 institutions. This program is also for aspiring superintendents and other school district roles.
• All programs culminate with a dissertation for completion.
• Penn State provides students with resources for various funding opportunities. Grants for doctoral candidates, conference participation, assistantship, or fellowship work are also available.

The College of Education houses 14 research centers , which Ed.D. students can engage in for their dissertations. Many of these centers and institutes are funded through government grants. Research and initiatives from these government-funded centers are coordinated with the respective federal or local agencies for implementation on the ground, i.e., schools and districts.

Penn State has a long history of pumping out research instrumental to public service. The College of Education follows this tradition with its long line of active research projects from the faculty of each of the four departments. Many of the research studies tackle STEM education, school-community collaborations, the evolution of American policies for all levels of education, and many more. 

University of Michigan – Dearborn

Dearborn, MI

Doctor of Education  (Ed.D.)

The University of Michigan was formed in 1817 in the city of Ann Arbor. While it is the oldest university in the state, its Dearborn campus was established in 1952, making it the second youngest of the three UM campuses (UM-Flint was established in 1956). The Dearborn campus houses the College of Education, Health, and Human Services, which offers the lone Ed.D. program.

• UMD offers a flexible Doctor of Education program that allows 24 credits for specialization courses. The program requires 60 units.
• There are no specific specializations required, so students can work towards a focus area that they are drawn to, as long as it is under the guidance of a program counselor.
• Doctoral candidacy requirements include completing the required coursework with a minimum GPA of B, passing the qualifying examination, and successfully presenting and defending their dissertation proposal.
• UMD offers scholarships and grants as the primary ways of student funding. Michigan also provides various forms of financial assistance in exchange for civic work or exceptional academic performance. 

UMD has a dedicated resource that houses all possible research topics and funding that Ed.D. students may need to write up their dissertations. The Office of Research also assists students in their grant letters and proposals.

Talent Gateway , UMD’s version of the career services center typical of other colleges and universities, serves that exact purpose – job placement or career network connection for UMD graduates. In addition, it also helps graduates to be career-ready by training them to develop marketable soft skills, as prescribed by the National Association of Colleges and Employers .

NYU Steinhardt School of Culture, Education & Human Development

Doctor of Education – Educational Leadership & Policy Studies (Ed.D.)

The NYU Steinhardt School is the US’ first school dedicated to teaching and education. Established in 1890, it currently encompasses other disciplines beyond educational leadership, administration, and policy, such as the liberal arts and allied medical professions.

• The Ed.D. program in Educational Leadership & Policy Studies requires the completion of at least 42 credits (or points in Steinhardt nomenclature) for completion.  
• Some of the courses included in the core curriculum include Organizational Theory, Information Strategies, Educational Reform and Leadership, and Educational Policy Analysis. 
• The program may be taken on a full-time or part-time basis.
• Steinhardt incentivizes full-time enrollment through full scholarships and other generous forms of funding. Aside from these, students can also opt to work as research assistants (RA). External scholarships are also available.  

Steinhardt offers eight research centers available to Doctor of Education students undertaking dissertations or research work. These centers  collaborate across the Steinhardt ecosystem to provide tangible insights on relevant  topics like:

• new research methodologies for the education sector utilizing information science and data, 
• the feasibility and effectiveness of  using advanced technologies for e-learning,
• review and improve current education policies at the local, state, and national levels to provide transformative and unbiased education to students.

Execs from two Steinhardt research centers partook to give their  expert insights in the recently concluded NYC Racial Justice Commission symposium entitled “Eradicating Education Inequity for BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color).” This is reflective of the school’s active involvement in community policy analysis and transformation, especially in education.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Who can apply to the education degree program .

Applicants with a minimum of 2 to 5 years of experience in teaching or educational administration, back-office work (assistant to the dean/principal/president), or other related roles (assessor, evaluator, etc.) are encouraged to apply. Most of these programs employ a hybrid format to accommodate working professionals.

Other programs are purely residential, although the in-campus sessions are scheduled sparingly, usually, on weekends or once a week. So, students’ professional lives are not disrupted.

Are GRE scores required? What are the other admission requirements?

Because of the pandemic, GRE scores for doctoral programs are optional for now. Other admission requirements include the usuals like transcripts, a resume, an essay, and letters of recommendation, and teacher applicants must also submit proof of their state licensure to teach. 

What are the usual EDD degree requirements? 

Since this is a doctoral program, the most common degree requirement to close out the program is a dissertation, usually centered on an actual problem apparent in the candidate’s current workplace (school, district, community) or elsewhere. The dissertation should provide the solution(s) to this identified problem by combining the concepts learned via the required coursework.

Most Ed. DD. curriculums will also require specific coursework, usually divided into core courses, research courses, and concentration courses. As mentioned, Ed.D. programs are usually offered in strands or areas of focus, so this is where the difference in curriculum usually lies.

What are the advantages of earning a Doctor of Education degree? Will it help my career?

Yes, earning a Doctor of Education degree can significantly boost your career opportunities and help you stand out in the competitive education landscape… and here’s how:

• A Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) degree provides you with the knowledge and skills necessary to take on leadership roles in educational institutions such as school boards, universities, and non-profit organizations.
• With an Ed.D., you gain research-based knowledge that is critical to making effective decisions within the educational field.
• An Ed.D. allows you to gain expertise in one or more specific areas of education which can be beneficial for improving career paths.
• A Doctor of Education degree is an ideal choice for educators looking to pursue administrative roles or research-based positions within the educational sector.
• Completing a Doctor of Education shows employers that you are dedicated to excellence and expert knowledge of the field.
• An Ed.D. also offers the opportunity to develop a network of colleagues from different backgrounds.

Key Takeaways

• Education degree programs, particularly a doctoral degree in this field, provide many job opportunities for graduates, such as school leadership, school administrator, college professors, adult education, school principal, chief learning officer, school superintendents, and other research and teaching roles.
• Online programs, where available, can provide a convenient way to enter EDD programs.
• An education specialist is dedicated to providing quality education to students by conducting research, expanding on existing research, and presenting the best possible learning experience for all. This advanced degree provides many job promotion opportunities.

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Best Online Doctor of Education Programs for 2024

Online Doctor of Education programs have become as rigorous as their on-campus counterparts. For many Education Ed.D. candidates, an online degree might even be the smarter choice. Online programs offer flexibility, affordability, access to innovative technologies, students from a diversity of career backgrounds, and global opportunities.

This unranked list appears in alphabetical order.

Showing 1 - 25 of 63 results

Vanderbilt university - online doctor of education in leadership and learning in organizations, university of dayton - online doctor of education (ed.d.) in leadership for organizations, from the school, arcadia university - doctor of education in educational leadership (deel), university of south carolina - doctor of education, university of west georgia - ed.d. in school improvement, kennesaw state university - education doctorate in educational leadership (ed.d.), valdosta state university - ed.d. in leadership, florida state university - educational leadership & policy - ed.d. program, university of west florida - doctoral degree in curriculum and instruction, university of florida - online ed.d. (professional practice ed.d. in curriculum and instruction), st. thomas university - ed.d. in leadership and innovation, nova southeastern university - doctor of education (ed.d.), liberty university - online doctor of education (ed.d.) program, regent university - doctorate in education, virginia commonwealth university - ed.d. in leadership program, william & mary - executive ed.d. in educational policy, planning and leadership program, university of virginia - curriculum & instruction: ed.d. - doctor of education program, trevecca nazarene university - doctor of education in leadership and professional practice (ed.d.), johns hopkins school of education - online ed.d. program, union university - doctor of education (ed.d.), william carey university - educational leadership, drexel university - online doctorate in educational leadership and management (ed.d.), cabrini university - doctor of education (edd) in organizational learning and leadership online, spalding university - online doctorate of education in leadership (edd) program, morehead state university - doctor of education (ed.d.).

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Best Online Doctorate in Education (EdD) Programs for 2024

Today’s leaders are faced with new challenges—and one way to elevate leadership skills and find improved ways to run an organization is to enroll in a degree program. That’s why Fortune compiled a list of the top online doctorate of education (Ed.D.) in organizational leadership degree programs. In total, we ranked eight Ed.D. in organizational leadership programs. This ranking was last updated August 2022.

Earn an Ed.D. Online—Lead Change in Your Industry

Hawai‘i Pacific University M.Ed. in Educational Leadership

1. Vanderbilt University

• ACCEPTANCE RATE
• CREDITS REQUIRED TO GRADUATE
• RETENTION RATE
• $2169 per credit

2. Drexel University

3. Trevecca Nazarene University

• $699 per credit

Maryville University’s Doctor of Education | Online

4. Baylor University

• $1785 per credit

5. Abilene Christian University

• $767 per credit hour

6. Spalding University

• $825 per credit

7. Virginia Commonwealth University

8. University of Dayton

What you’ll learn in an Ed.D. organizational leadership program

What is educational leadership and why is it important.

Educational leadership is the science of helping individuals achieve success through the management and improvement of educational programs. While it often refers to administrative positions within primary and secondary schools, as well as higher education, degrees in educational leadership can also provide skills to develop new solutions in any field. Continuing education is booming in corporate America, and chief learning officer (CLO) positions are an increasingly important and fast-growing position for graduates of doctorate of education (Ed.D.) programs. These programs help students build transformative leadership skills to spur initiative and foster change both in traditional educational and corporate work environments.

Ed.D. program requirements

Admission requirements.

Admission requirements can vary on a school-to-school basis, but generally include all or a combination of:

• Successful completion of a bachelor’s degree and oftentimes a master’s degree, as demonstrated by an official transcript released by the issuing college or university
• A resume or curriculum vitae that emphasizes relevant work and experience
• A personal statement that allows applicants to differentiate themselves from other candidates and explain their goals for completing a doctorate in education degree program
• One or more letters of recommendation from supervisors, professors, alumni, or other professionals 

Is a master’s degree required to get an Ed.D. in organizational leadership? 

Degree prerequisites vary depending on each school and program, though typically, a master’s degree is needed prior to enrolling in an Ed.D. program. Some programs, like Vanderbilt University’s online Ed.D. program, don’t require a master’s degree—though it can often boost a candidate’s application. 

Do you need to take the GRE for an Ed.D. in organizational leadership? 

Like other program prerequisites, whether or not you need to take the GRE test (and submit your score) will depend on the institution. Among the eight Ed.D. programs on Fortune’s ranking, none of the schools require applicants to submit a GRE score. That said, a GRE score may be an application requirement for some universities and other Ed.D. program options that didn’t appear on Fortune’s ranking.  

Frequently Asked Questions

An Ed.D is a doctorate in education , and it’s a program meant for individuals who hope to become leaders in their field—and it prepares students for administration or leadership positions in academics and beyond. The focus of these programs is to give students the skills to develop new solutions within the industry. Through coursework and collaboration among peers, students will be able to use what they learn and apply it to both their work and dissertation. 

If you’re looking to make a difference in organizational leadership, and earn a higher salary—the answer is yes. A doctorate in education can teach students how to use resources available to them in efforts to combat institutional issues. What’s more, this degree program provides individuals with a professional network and a greater appreciation and deeper passion for the education industry. Additionally, applicants who are already working in the field will have the option to move up the ladder and achieve their career goals with an advanced degree.

The perspective gained by students enrolled in organizational Ed.D programs lends itself to multiple roles in the education industry, particularly leadership roles—that can mean becoming a university dean, a principal, or a superintendent. People beyond education may find value in this degree, as well, and it’s applicable in corporate roles such as a chief learning officer . A doctorate in education in organizational leadership is tailored to those who hope to lead effectively and ethically. A Nova Southeastern University Ed.D program professor told Fortune that the program’s goal is to make its lessons, assignments, and discussion relevant in the real world. Programs with a focus on organizational leadership give students the time and space needed to develop the resources to address challenges in their given industry, with the goal of finding long-lasting solutions.

How long it will take to earn a doctorate in education can depend on two things: Whether a student is full-time or part-time and whether the program is online. But of course, there are multiple factors that contribute to the length of time needed for different programs, like credits needed to graduate and specializations. Ed.D programs can generally take two to three years to complete; for example, Vanderbilt University’s Ed.D. program in leadership and learning is a three-year commitment.

While both a Ph.D and an Ed.D. are graduate degree paths that typically appeal to people who want to pursue careers in education, they have different purposes . An Ed.D is for people who want leadership positions in the education field, whereas a Ph.D really focuses on the study of education itself. Most students who earn a Ph.D in education go on to become professors. The options are wider with a doctorate in education, in that students can pursue leadership roles in both primary and secondary education. 

Online Ed.D. programs offer accessibility and flexibility for those people looking to leadership roles in education or more broadly. By attending classes online, students can choose the institution and degree program that’s the best fit for them—while still obtaining transformative skills which can be utilized in corporate and traditional educational environments. Online programs can make the task of balancing school, a full-time job, and personal commitments more manageable, and can potentially save on cost.  

Since an Ed.D. is similar to a traditional Ph.D., some programs do require a research-based project, typically fulfilled as a dissertation. However, some Ed.D. programs don’t require a dissertation at all, and other programs have shifted to alternative examination strategies, such as a capstone project or dissertation in practice (DiP). In addition to eliminating Ed.D. specializations, Johns Hopkins University is also moving to a choose-your-own-adventure style in which students present their work in a variety of formats beyond the traditional dissertation model.

College of Professional Studies

Northeastern University’s online Doctor of Education program provides experienced adult learners, working professionals, and scholar-practitioners from diverse backgrounds and perspectives with the practical knowledge and experience they need to transform the learning landscape. Students gain innovative approaches to create authentic change in their communities. The program was selected as the Carnegie Project on the Education Doctorate's Program of the Year for 2022-2023.

The Doctor of Education program is designed to be completed in three to four years of study—following a fast-paced quarter system in lieu of a traditional semester format. Students choose from five concentrations to create a curriculum that matches personal and professional interests. The program's dissertation in practice process will begin at the onset of your coursework as you identify your problem of practice and develop an action plan—incorporating cycles of data collection and analysis, collaboration, change work, and reflection—culminating in the dissemination of your action research findings. Our students come from diverse disciplines and professions, seeking more than just a degree. You'll gain a practical education that translates to your everyday working environment.

While all EdD courses can be completed online (except for hybrid courses in Seattle and Charlotte), annual in-person two-day residencies are held on campus. Residencies focus on networking and tools for career success and allow you to connect with faculty and fellow scholars to share knowledge and experience. You'll attend residencies* in your first and second years of the program at one of our campuses in Boston, Charlotte, or Seattle.

The Northeastern Doctor of Education degree is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE) and was selected as Program of the Year by the Carnegie Project on the Education Doctorate Program for 2022-2023.

*Please note: International students enrolling in the online EdD program will be provided with an option to complete the residency through online participation in interactive sessions with fellow scholars offered during the residency period.

More Details

Unique features.

• You will choose one of five concentrations—higher education administration, innovative teaching and learning, transformative school leadership, workplace learning, and integrative studies—to focus your studies and further customize your curriculum.
• You'll begin dissertation in practice work at the onset of your program. You'll select a compelling educational/organizational challenge and will be assigned a faculty advisor to support your research throughout the program.
• All coursework is online—providing flexibility for working professionals. Your residencies will be fulfilled in person*, at one of our campuses in Boston, Charlotte, or Seattle.
• You'll learn alongside faculty practitioners—engaging with respected leaders who contribute to the field as authors, journal editors, school board members, bloggers, and podcasters.

*In-person participation in the residency is also available for international students.

Concentrations

• Higher Education Administration: The higher education administration concentration provides an opportunity for experienced higher education professionals to expand their previous understanding of practices within all sectors of postsecondary education—and also advance their professional practice by developing and deepening their understanding of the roles of colleges and universities in our society. Sectors examined include community colleges, four-year colleges, for-profit institutions, and research universities.
• Innovative Teaching and Learning: The innovative teaching and learning concentration focuses on transforming education through innovation, justice, and policy, by providing engaging opportunities for current and aspiring teaching and learning specialists working in various education spaces. The concentration focuses on teaching and learning both inside and outside the bounds of P-20 schools and focuses on developing and leading innovative curricula as well as professional development.
• Transformative School Leadership: The transformative school leadership concentration provides innovative opportunities for experienced education professionals who are current and aspiring leaders of early childhood centers, public or private schools, or school districts. The concentration prepares students to lead and transform educational spaces and be equipped to shape the needs of education in K-12, higher education, organizational contexts, and beyond.
• Workplace Learning: The workplace learning concentration helps professionals gain a deeper understanding of, recognize, and influence real-life social inequalities faced by marginalized populations in the workplace. Courses allow students to advance their professional practice by developing and deepening their knowledge of workplace learning, organizational dynamics, learning strategy, and ethics.
• Integrative Studies: The integrative studies concentration provides an opportunity for students to design a program of study that fits their own professional goals and includes the required foundation and research courses, concentration courses from any EdD concentration, and electives from the Doctor of Education or Doctor of Law and Policy programs.

Program Objectives

Northeastern's Doctor of Education program is designed for experienced professionals interested in deepening their understanding of education, organizational development, and leadership. Throughout the program, students examine various approaches to critical, practice-based issues, learn research methods, and conduct a doctoral research study that investigates a compelling educational or organizational challenge.

2022-2023 Doctor of Education Program of the Year

The Carnegie Project on the Education Doctorate selected Northeastern's EdD program as the 2022-2023 Program of the Year, noting the “redesigned Dissertation in Practice Curriculum and the adoption of action research as its guiding methodology …” The committee praised “the program’s efforts to move beyond the typical five-chapter dissertation and engage scholarly practitioners in the acquisition of skills to realize meaningful change in their local contexts, emphasizing social justice.”

Testimonials

– sara ewell, phd, assistant dean, graduate school of education, – frawn morgan, current student, doctor of education, – aaron b., program graduate, looking for something different.

A graduate degree or certificate from Northeastern—a top-ranked university—can accelerate your career through rigorous academic coursework and hands-on professional experience in the area of your interest. Apply now—and take your career to the next level.

Program Costs

Finance Your Education We offer a variety of resources, including scholarships and assistantships.

How to Apply Learn more about the application process and requirements.

Requirements

• Online application
• Academic transcripts: Official undergraduate and graduate degree documentation
• Describe the problem of practice
• Explain why you want to investigate it
• Provide a strong rationale for the significance of the problem
• Minimum work experience: Three years in a related field
• Professional resumé: Must summarize work and education history, include an outline of your educational/academic skills with examples such as research and teaching experience, affiliations, publications, certifications, presentations, and other professional skills.
• Faculty recommendation: Must be from a faculty member in your previous graduate program who can attest to your readiness for doctoral work. If you are no longer acquainted with a faculty member, please choose a professional who can speak of your academic capabilities to engage in doctoral-level research and writing. Recommendations should be presented as a letter attached to the general recommendation form.
• Two professional recommendations: Must be from individuals who have either academic or professional knowledge of your capabilities, a supervisor, mentor, or colleague. It is preferred that one letter of recommendation come from your current employer and/or supervisor. Recommendations should be presented as a letter attached to the general recommendation form.
• Proof of English language proficiency: ONLY for students for whom English is not their primary language.

Are You an International Student? Find out what additional documents are required to apply.

Admissions Details Learn more about the College of Professional Studies admissions process, policies, and required materials.

Admissions Dates

Our admissions process operates on a rolling basis; however, we do recommend the application guidelines below to ensure you can begin during your desired start term:

Domestic Application Guidelines

International Application Guidelines *

*International deadlines are only applicable if the program is F1 compliant.

Industry-aligned courses for in-demand careers.

For 100+ years, we’ve designed our programs with one thing in mind—your success. Explore the current program requirements and course descriptions, all designed to meet today’s industry needs and must-have skills.

View curriculum

The core of the mission of the program is to allow educators to remain in the places they work, focus on a problem of practice, and through experiential learning and site-specific research opportunities in the program, make an immediate impact in their professional environments. The program explicitly integrates research and practice for professionals so they develop the requisite skills for conceiving, designing, conducting, and producing original site-based research in order to effect ethical change related to real-life problems of practice.

Our Faculty

Northeastern University faculty represents a broad cross-section of professional practices and fields, including finance, education, biomedical science, management, and the U.S. military. They serve as mentors and advisors and collaborate alongside you to solve the most pressing global challenges facing established and emerging markets.

Joseph McNabb, PhD

Cherese Childers-McKee, PhD

By enrolling in Northeastern, you’ll gain access to students at 13 campus locations, 300,000+ alumni, and 3,000 employer partners worldwide. Our global university system provides students unique opportunities to think locally and act globally while serving as a platform for scaling ideas, talent, and solutions.

Below is a look at where our Education & Learning alumni work, the positions they hold, and the skills they bring to their organization.

Where They Work

• Boston Public Schools
• Chicago Public Schools
• NYC Department of Education
• Lockheed Martin
• Veterans Affairs
• Johns Hopkins
• Columbia University

What They Do

• Media Consultant
• College President
• Chief Information Officer
• Instructional Designer
• Diversity Officer
• Founder-CEO
• VP of Student Services
• Community Services Director

What They're Skilled At

• Experiential Learning
• Team Building
• International Education
• Change Agency
• Entrepreneurship
• Urban Education
• Strategic Management
• Student Engagement

Learn more about Northeastern Alumni on  Linkedin .

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2024 Best Grad Schools in the United States for Doctorate Degrees

There are lots of options to choose from today when trying to decide which grad school to attend. College Factual was founded, in part, to help students make the decision as to what would be the best school for them. Our Best Doctor's Degree Colleges ranking is part of that endeavor.

What's on This Page: * Our Methodology

• Best Graduate Schools List

Choosing the Best Grad School for You

Our analysis looked at 691 grad schools in the United States to determine which ones have the best doctorate degree programs. Our ranking for the best grad schools is based on objective factors. We steer clear of subjective measures since they don't give a clear picture when determining how one school compares to another. The following gives more info on what goes into our ranking factors and why we consider those factors.

Higher Than Average Earnings

To determine the overall quality of a graduate school, one factor we look at is the average early-career salary of those receiving a doctorate degree from the school. Recent students who earned a doctorate degree in the United States entered the job market making an average of $75,260 while those in the top 20 schools on our list made an average of $88,513.

Taking Out Student Loans

Graduate students may also take on a lot of debt while working on their doctorate so we factor that into our rankings as well. The average amount taken out in student loans for graduates at a particular school may be crippling for those who earn less than average wages after graduation.

More Ranking Factors That Are Important

We also analyze a number of other factors in addition to average post-graduation earnings and average student debt when coming up with our yearly Best Doctorate Degree Schools ranking. On a broad level, other factors that go into our rankings include such things as the demand of the school, the student body caliber, if the school has online options, and the educational resources provided by the school.

We go into more detail on these factors on our graduate school ranking methodology page.

One Size Does Not Fit All

Not quite ready to work on your doctorate? Check out our Best Master's Degree Schools ranking.

Top Doctorate Degree Schools in the United States

Learn more about these excellent grad schools below:

Our analysis found Massachusetts Institute of Technology to be the best grad school for doctorate degrees in the United States in this year’s ranking. MIT is a private not-for-profit institution located in Cambridge, Massachusetts. The school has a fairly large population, and it awarded 568 doctorate degrees in 2020-2021.

Those who receive a doctorate degree from MIT go into careers with an average salary of $115,303 during the early years of their career.

Learn More About Massachusetts Institute of Technology

The excellent doctorate degree programs at University of Pennsylvania helped the school earn the #2 place on this year’s ranking of the best schools in the United States. Located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, the large private not-for-profit school handed out 1,254 doctorate degrees in 2020-2021.

During the early years of their career, doctorate degree graduates from UPenn make an average of $97,555 a year.

Learn More About University of Pennsylvania

A rank of #3 on our Best Doctorate Degrees in the United States list means Stanford University is a great place for students working on their degree. Stanford is a fairly large private not-for-profit school situated in Stanford, California. It awarded 1,105 doctorate degrees in 2020-2021.

Upon graduation, doctorate degree recipients go on to jobs making an average salary of $98,295 during the early years of their career.

Read full report on Stanford University

You’ll join some of the best and brightest minds around if you attend Harvard University. The school came in at #4 in the United States on this year’s best doctorate degree schools ranking. Harvard is a private not-for-profit institution located in Cambridge, Massachusetts. The school has a large population, and it awarded 1,444 doctorate degrees in 2020-2021.

Those who receive a doctorate degree from Harvard go into careers with an average salary of $95,158 during the early years of their career.

Read full report on Harvard University

You’ll join some of the best and brightest minds around if you attend Princeton University. The school came in at #5 in the United States on this year’s best doctorate degree schools ranking. Princeton, New Jersey is the setting for this medium-sized institution of higher learning. The private not-for-profit school handed out doctorate degrees to 293 students in 2020-2021.

Full Princeton University Report

Carnegie Mellon University landed the #6 spot on the 2024 Best Doctorate Degree Schools in the United States ranking. This fairly large private not-for-profit school is located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and it awarded 333 doctorate degrees in 2020-2021.

Full Carnegie Mellon University Report

Northwestern University landed the #7 spot on the 2024 Best Doctorate Degree Schools in the United States ranking. Evanston, Illinois is the setting for this large institution of higher learning. The private not-for-profit school handed out doctorate degrees to 1,028 students in 2020-2021.

Upon graduation, doctorate degree recipients go on to jobs making an average salary of $93,954 during the early years of their career.

Read full report on Northwestern University

University of Chicago landed the #8 spot on the 2024 Best Doctorate Degree Schools in the United States ranking. University of Chicago is a fairly large private not-for-profit school located in Chicago, Illinois that handed out 755 doctorate degrees in 2020-2021.

During the early years of their career, doctorate degree graduates from UChicago make an average of $96,200 a year.

Learn More About University of Chicago

Rice University ranked #9 on this year’s Best Doctorate Degree Schools in the United States list. Rice is located in Houston, Texas and has a medium-sized student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 207 doctorate degrees to qualified graduate students.

Learn More About Rice University

University of Southern California did quite well in the 2024 Best Doctorate Degree Schools in the United States ranking, coming in at #10. Located in Los Angeles, California, the large private not-for-profit school handed out 1,914 doctorate degrees in 2020-2021.

During the early years of their career, doctorate degree graduates from USC make an average of $87,196 a year.

Learn More About University of Southern California

University of California - Berkeley ranked #11 on this year’s Best Doctorate Degree Schools in the United States list. UC Berkeley is a large public school situated in Berkeley, California. It awarded 1,187 doctorate degrees in 2020-2021.

Graduates with a doctorate degree from UC Berkeley make an average of $88,876 per year during the early years of their career.

Read full report on University of California - Berkeley

Vanderbilt University ranked #12 on this year’s Best Doctorate Degree Schools in the United States list. Vanderbilt is a private not-for-profit institution located in Nashville, Tennessee. The school has a fairly large population, and it awarded 787 doctorate degrees in 2020-2021.

During the early years of their career, doctorate degree graduates from Vanderbilt make an average of $91,182 a year.

Learn More About Vanderbilt University

Georgetown University did quite well in the 2024 Best Doctorate Degree Schools in the United States ranking, coming in at #13. Georgetown is a large private not-for-profit school situated in Washington, District of Columbia. It awarded 1,014 doctorate degrees in 2020-2021.

Graduates with a doctorate degree from Georgetown make an average of $105,462 per year during the early years of their career.

Learn More About Georgetown University

Yale University did quite well in the 2024 Best Doctorate Degree Schools in the United States ranking, coming in at #14. Located in New Haven, Connecticut, the fairly large private not-for-profit school awarded 742 diplomas to qualifed doctorate degree students in 2020-2021.

Those who receive a doctorate degree from Yale go into careers with an average salary of $91,187 during the early years of their career.

Read full report on Yale University

Teachers College at Columbia University did quite well in the 2024 Best Doctorate Degree Schools in the United States ranking, coming in at #15. Teachers College is a small private not-for-profit school situated in New York, New York. It awarded 185 doctorate degrees in 2020-2021.

Graduates with a doctorate degree from Teachers College make an average of $78,856 per year during the early years of their career.

Full Teachers College at Columbia University Report

Duke University came in at #16 in this year’s edition of the Best Doctorate Degree Schools in the United States ranking. Located in Durham, North Carolina, the fairly large private not-for-profit school handed out 949 doctorate degrees in 2020-2021.

Graduates with a doctorate degree from Duke make an average of $92,967 per year during the early years of their career.

Full Duke University Report

Columbia University in the City of New York landed the #17 spot on the 2024 Best Doctorate Degree Schools in the United States ranking. Columbia is a large private not-for-profit school situated in New York, New York. It awarded 1,502 doctorate degrees in 2020-2021.

During the early years of their career, doctorate degree graduates from Columbia make an average of $102,938 a year.

Learn More About Columbia University in the City of New York

Bentley University did quite well in the 2024 Best Doctorate Degree Schools in the United States ranking, coming in at #18. Bentley is located in Waltham, Massachusetts and has a medium-sized student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 1 doctorate degrees to qualified graduate students.

Full Bentley University Report

Suffolk University landed the #19 spot on the 2024 Best Doctorate Degree Schools in the United States ranking. This medium-sized private not-for-profit school is located in Boston, Massachusetts, and it awarded 351 doctorate degrees in 2020-2021.

The average salary of a graduate with a doctorate degree from Suffolk is $56,355 during the early years of their career.

Read full report on Suffolk University

Cornell University landed the #20 spot on the 2024 Best Doctorate Degree Schools in the United States ranking. Cornell is a private not-for-profit institution located in Ithaca, New York. The school has a large population, and it awarded 777 doctorate degrees in 2020-2021.

The average salary of a graduate with a doctorate degree from Cornell is $107,405 during the early years of their career.

Read full report on Cornell University

With a ranking of #21, Georgia Institute of Technology - Main Campus did quite well on the 2024 Best Doctorate Degree Schools in the United States list. Atlanta, Georgia is the setting for this large institution of higher learning. The public school handed out doctorate degrees to 577 students in 2020-2021.

Full Georgia Institute of Technology - Main Campus Report

Brown University ranked #22 on this year’s Best Doctorate Degree Schools in the United States list. This fairly large private not-for-profit school is located in Providence, Rhode Island, and it awarded 293 doctorate degrees in 2020-2021.

The average salary of a graduate with a doctorate degree from Brown is $60,843 during the early years of their career.

Read full report on Brown University

Washington University in St Louis came in at #23 in this year’s edition of the Best Doctorate Degree Schools in the United States ranking. WUSTL is located in Saint Louis, Missouri and has a fairly large student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 742 doctorate degrees to qualified graduate students.

During the early years of their career, doctorate degree graduates from WUSTL make an average of $72,507 a year.

Learn More About Washington University in St Louis

University of Notre Dame did quite well in the 2024 Best Doctorate Degree Schools in the United States ranking, coming in at #24. Notre Dame, Indiana is the setting for this fairly large institution of higher learning. The private not-for-profit school handed out doctorate degrees to 422 students in 2020-2021.

During the early years of their career, doctorate degree graduates from Notre Dame make an average of $78,016 a year.

Read full report on University of Notre Dame

With a ranking of #25, California Institute of Technology did quite well on the 2024 Best Doctorate Degree Schools in the United States list. Caltech is located in Pasadena, California and has a small student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 184 doctorate degrees to qualified graduate students.

Those who receive a doctorate degree from Caltech go into careers with an average salary of $59,996 during the early years of their career.

Read full report on California Institute of Technology

Rest of the Top 50 Best Doctorate Degree Schools in the United States

Not only did these schools make the top 50 list, but they also landed in the top 15% of this year’s ranking:

Narrow Doctorate Degree Schools by Region

Rocky mountains, middle atlantic, great lakes, new england, plains states, far western us, other u.s. territories, rest of the top 15% doctorate degree schools in the united states.

To learn more about the schools below, just click on their names:

Honorable Mentions

These schools also performed well in our Best Doctorate Degree Schools ranking:

More Rankings

Bachelor's degrees, returning adults, master's degrees.

More Rankings >

Notes and References

• The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System ( IPEDS ) from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), a branch of the U.S. Department of Education (DOE) serves as the core of our data about colleges.
• Some other college data, including much of the graduate earnings data, comes from the U.S. Department of Education’s ( College Scorecard ).
• Information about the national average student loan default rate is from the U.S. Department of Education and refers to data about the 2016 borrower cohort tracking period for which the cohort default rate (CDR) was 10.1%.

More about our data sources and methodologies .

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College of Education, Health and Human Sciences

Physical Address: 921 Campus Drive Moscow ID, 83844

General Contact: Phone: 208-885-6772 Email: [email protected]

Student Services: Phone: 208-885-6610

Fax: 208-885-1071

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Web: CDA Center

Doctoral Degree Overview

The University of Idaho College of Education, Health and Human Sciences offers three doctoral degree programs. Students who are pursuing a doctoral degree in education have various areas of specialization to choose from.

Doctor of Education (Ed.D.)

The Doctor of Education prepares students as professional leaders, educators and practitioner-scholars who actualize the knowledge base in their respective field. Students will:

Create and model ethical evidence-based best practices

Lead organizational change 

Establish a caring and collaborative learning community

Support the principles of teaching and learning practices

Utilize the principles of effective leadership

Develop proficiency utilizing and applying technologies

Evaluate the individual, organizational, and societal contexts of learning

Design research that addresses professional policy issues

Integrate ethical sensitivity toward diversity and social justice in research, teaching and learning

Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)

The Doctor of Philosophy prepares students as researchers, faculty and/or discipline-based scholars who contribute to the knowledge base of their respective fields. Students will:

Engage in ethical, empirical, theoretical, and/or conceptual inquiry

Develop an active research agenda

Engage in grant-writing, proposal and manuscript preparation and presentations

Develop understanding of pedagogies and content 

Contribute to professional organizations, societies and/or academies

Engage in appropriate outreach/service 

Doctor of Athletic Training (D.A.T.)

The Doctor of Athletic Training provides advanced knowledge in the field and improves professional clinical skills as a practicing certified athletic trainer. Students will:

Understand the history and wider context (including barriers and future potential) of athletic training

Become well-versed in manual therapy paradigms

Utilize state-of-the-art rehabilitation strategies to improve clinical outcomes

Integrate evidence-based practice and practice-based evidence into their clinical practice

Study manual therapy approaches and outcomes in multi-site research 

Learn to treat patients from a holistic integrative approach

Participate in meaningful clinical research

Develop meaningful strategies and skills to help prepare the future generations of athletic trainers to effectively treat patients

The Doctoral Handbook will guide students through the steps necessary to be considered for admission to the doctoral program in the College of Education, Health and Human Sciences (EHHS) and College of Graduate Studies. For more information about our programs, contact us by email at  [email protected] or call 208-885-6772.

For additional information

• View our Education doctoral pages
• View our Athletic Training doctoral pages

Questions on our Graduate Programs?

» Visit our Graduate Program FAQ page

Admission Details

Ed.D. or Ph.D.

• Next available: Fall 2024
• Application Deadline: Feb. 1
• Summer only
• Next available: Summer 2024
• Application Deadline: April 15
• Doctoral Handbook pdf
• EHHS Doctoral Core Course Rotation xlsx
• Doctoral Dissertation Proposal Approval pdf

Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) in Educational Leadership Outstanding Institutions Need Audacious Leadership

Credit Hours

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100% online, 8-week courses

Transfer in up to 50% of the degree total

Be an Impactful Educator with an Online Educational Leadership Degree

As an educator, you find the best ways to help your students learn in an effective and engaging way. But if you want to use your teaching experience to help lead your school and fellow educators to build a better learning environment, it is important to foster skills in leadership and management.

Liberty University’s online doctorate in educational leadership is the perfect program to help provide you with the leadership and research skills that are integral to evaluating educational challenges, finding viable solutions, and creating a positive experience for students.

By combining affordability and flexibility with academic excellence, our online doctoral program can give you the credentials you need to reach your full potential and open up career advancement opportunities.

At Liberty, we do not just train professionals — we train professionals who are prepared to lead with integrity. Our mission is Training Champions for Christ , meaning we offer quality online doctoral programs from a biblical worldview to prepare you to change the world for Christ.

With a foundation of excellent teaching practice and innovative scholarship, you can be an effective, ethical leader in your school district or university. Earning your EdD in leadership can give you the tools you need to build a better future for students. Come be a part of our mission to make a positive impact on the world of education!

Please note: Students enrolling in Educational Leadership programs after April 1, 2020, will not be eligible to receive Georgia Tier I or Tier II Educational Leadership Certification.

Ranked in the Top 10% of Niche.com’s Best Online Schools in America

• What Sets Us Apart?
• 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 Online Doctorate in Educational Leadership Program?

At Liberty University, your success is our success, so we use cutting-edge technology to bring you the best online learning experience possible. Liberty University has been pioneering distance learning since 1985, adapting to meet the educational and career needs of our students with world-class online learning. You can be confident that Liberty’s online EdD in leadership degree leverages practical, effective online tools to support your studies and help you succeed.

As you pursue your EdD in Educational Leadership at Liberty, you can be confident that your online EdD degree has met rigorous educational standards. And with the innovative research you complete in your capstone project, you can stand out as a knowledgeable educator with practical skills.

Our 100% online EdD program format is designed to complement your schedule, allowing you to continue your education with the flexibility you need to maintain your relationships and responsibilities. This focus on building a doctoral degree in educational leadership that provides quality training while meeting your schedule needs lets you earn your degree in less time and use your new skills sooner.

What Will You Study in Our Educational Leadership Doctorate Degree?

Our online education classes seek to provide the tools you need to understand the context of current educational issues and trends so you can evaluate and solve real-world problems that exist in schools today. Our online professors have experience in educational leadership and can help equip you with practical skills you can use to both further your career and create a better learning environment for your students.

Through our online EdD in Educational Leadership degree program, you can be prepared to take on leadership roles within your school and community as well as advocate for the needs of your students. At Liberty University, we care about you as an individual and are committed to helping you achieve your full potential. Let us come alongside you to help you make an impact on education.

Potential Career Opportunities

• College administrator
• Curriculum director
• Instructional supervisor
• School board administrator
• University professor

Please note: this program does not lead to initial or advanced licensure.

Featured Courses

• EDUC 701 – Advanced Learning Theory and Research
• EDUC 741 – Theories of Educational Leadership
• EDUC 742 – Educational Leadership and Public Relations
• EDUC 746 – Conflict Resolution

Degree Information

• This program falls under the School of Education .
• View the Post-Graduate Advising Guide .
• View the Graduate Education Course Guides (login required) .
• Please note : Students enrolling in Educational Leadership programs after April 1, 2020, will not be eligible to receive Georgia Tier I or Tier II Educational Leadership Certification.

Degree Completion Plan (PDF)

Not sure what to choose?

Speak to one of our admissions specialists to help you choose the program that best fits your needs.

• Tuition & Aid

Your success is our success, which is why we are committed to providing quality academics at an affordable tuition rate. While other colleges are increasing their tuition, we have frozen tuition rates for the majority of our undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs for the past 9 years – and counting.

All Tuition & Fees

Financial Aid & Scholarships

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Scholarship Opportunities

Admission Information for Our Online EdD in Educational Leadership Degree Program

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 a 3.0 GPA is required for admission in good standing.
• 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 .

The Office of Graduate Admissions may request additional documentation when conducting admission reviews to evaluate a candidate’s record before a final admission decision can be made.

Please note: Guidelines are subject to change in federal or state regulations for the licensure of school personnel.

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.

Please note: Due to the competitive nature of the Ed.D. online program, preliminary acceptance is not guaranteed.

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] .

Admissions Office Contact Information

(800) 424-9596

(888) 301-3577

Email for Questions

[email protected]

Email for Documents

[email protected]

Liberty University Online Admissions Verification

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Lynchburg, VA 24515

Ready to Apply?

Submit your application online or over the phone.

Apply by phone: (800) 424-9595

Liberty University is dedicated to providing world-class educational experiences to military students across the globe.

Who May Qualify?

• Active Duty
• Reserve/National Guard
• Veterans/Retirees
• Spouses of Service Members and Veterans/Retirees
• Current Department of Defense Employees

Available Benefits:

• Tuition discounts – $275 per credit hour for EdS and EdD courses
• Additional discount for veterans who service in a civilian capacity as a First Responder (less than $625 per course)
• 8-week courses, 8 different start dates each year, and no set login times (may exclude certain courses such as practicums, internships, or field experiences)

Frequently Asked Questions

Are online doctoral programs in educational leadership respected.

Educational leadership doctoral programs were usually taken at a brick-and-mortar campus in previous years. But online programs such as Liberty’s EdD degree demonstrate that high-quality academics and cutting-edge research don’t have to come from a campus. Schools and employers need professionals who can apply advanced theory to practical solutions, and earning your Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership online with Liberty University can help you fill that need.

With our program meeting rigorous standards for quality and teaching, you can take advantage of the flexibility of online studies while gaining the skills and knowledge you need for your career. Paired with your teaching experience and previous education studies, you can expand your options to make a positive impact on students around the world.

What can I do with an EdD in Educational Leadership?

Pursuing an online EdD program in educational leadership may be the most flexible and affordable way to earn your doctorate in education, but it is still an investment that you want to make sure you fully weigh. But when considering the career options that can open up for you with an EdD, you can have many new opportunities to look forward to. With previous education experience and related teaching licensure, an EdD in Educational Leadership can open the door to many roles, such as:

• Chief learning officer
• College executive administrator
• K-12 curriculum director
• University provost or dean

Please note: any of these roles may require specific initial or add-on licensure. See your state’s Department of Education website for details about special requirements.

What makes educational leadership different from business administration?

If you already have an extensive education background, you may wonder if a business degree might be a better fit to give you the management and leadership skills you need. There is some crossover between the management, business, and strategic skills needed to be a good leader in business and education. However, educational leadership EdD programs are specially designed to fulfill all of the areas you need for the field of education.

Earning your EdD in Educational Leadership from Liberty University could be the best path forward to ensure that you can tackle any challenges in your future career in education administration.

What are the benefits of pursuing a program like this?

While completing our EdD in Educational Leadership degree online, you can hone your instructional methods and understanding of learning theory so that you can manage the crucial higher-order curriculum and instruction improvements needed in K-12 and higher education institutions.

Additionally, the online EdD in Educational Leadership degree seeks to provide training in essential research and testing skills so that you can ensure your institution is providing effective instruction.

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Kent State University Ranked a Top School for Online Degrees in Education & Teaching, specifically Best Online EdD Degree Program According to STEPS

Kent State has been recognized as one of the best colleges in the nation for online education & teaching degree programs. Just under 6 percent of postsecondary institutions received this honor in 2022.

Best Online EdD Degree Program - Doctor of Education in Interprofessional Leadership

Kent State University has been ranked one of the year’s best schools for online degrees in education & teaching by STEPS (Student Training & Education in Public Service). Just under 6 percent of colleges and universities in the U.S. earned a ranking position.

See where Kent State ranked on the full list .

“STEPS wanted to find the colleges with the best overall education & teaching programs available online. This included degree programs with top-notch academics, support services for students, and affordability of enrollment,” said Kyle Smith, community outreach specialist at STEPS. “Identifying and acknowledging these schools is critical as more students look toward online higher education options in a post-pandemic era.”

This ranking comes at a time when enrollment in online degree programs is on the rise. A recent study from market research company, Technavio, found that online higher education has the potential to grow by 20 percent over the next four years.

“Kent State is one of the few colleges today prioritizing online learning to meet student demand,” said Smith. “Adding online programs also promotes diversity in higher education, opening doors to those who may not have easy access to a campus-based classroom.”

What is the difference between a Ph.D. and an Ed.D.?

STEPS analyzed multiple datasets from the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS), as well as data collected from the schools themselves. Key data points used to identify top schools include the following:

• Number of online programs in a given subject area
• Tuition and fees per academic year
• Percentage of students receiving institutional financial aid
• Existence of academic counseling
• An offering of career placement services

STEPS vetted an estimated 7,700 postsecondary institutions to create its rankings. To qualify, a college or university must hold active regional accreditation from an agency approved by the U.S. Department of Education and have at least one partially online program in education & teaching.

Kent State University’s Online Doctor of Education in Interprofessional Leadership

The online Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) in Interprofessional Leadership program is cohort-based, starting in the summer term, with students taking three to five years to complete the degree. Students select a cognate area for specialized study.

Cognates offered include:

Special Education This cognate area prepares students for leadership roles in improving the practice of special education (birth to adulthood). Students will attain the knowledge and skills necessary to identify and conceptualize important problems related to the practice of special education and to develop, implement, and evaluate solutions that are informed by the best available research and theory in special education and related disciplines. The Special Education cognate provides doctoral-level training to anyone seeking to lead positive change in how special education and related services are provided to learners with disabilities.

Educational Technology This cognate area aims to prepare leaders who are conversant in critical research, theories, and methods in educational technology to facilitate positive change in their professional settings. It is designed to help you advance your knowledge in educational technology research to implement educational technology initiatives in educational and business environments using research-informed and data-driven decisions.

Curriculum and Instruction This cognate area prepares students to be curriculum leaders in their classrooms, schools, and communities. Students will attain the knowledge and skills necessary to identify, conceptualize and research important problems related to the practice of curriculum development, curriculum leadership, and curriculum evaluation. Additionally, students will learn to develop, implement, and evaluate solutions that are informed by currently available theory and research in curriculum and instruction. The Curriculum and Instruction cognate provides doctoral-level training to anyone seeking to lead positive curricular change in classrooms, schools, and communities.

Athletic Training This cognate area provides graduate students the opportunity to prepare for the rigors of academic positions in a college or university by blending discipline-specific theory and practice strategies related to athletic training education. This degree program will provide the student an opportunity to gain extensive knowledge in higher education as a whole while developing the critical skills necessary to establish a strong foundation in athletic training educational leadership. A comprehensive project directly related to athletic training education will allow the student to address a contemporary issue in the profession through purposeful research strategies to generate educational change within the discipline.

Cultural Foundations This cognate area prepares students for leadership roles in educational settings seeking to address problems of practice that reflect broad societal problems and thus defy simple solutions. Immersion in the literature of the field of social foundations of education will expose students to historical, sociological, anthropological, and philosophical understandings that will enable them to contextualize problems of practice within and beyond their particular institutional setting. Students will develop facilities with conceptual, critical, and normative modes of analysis needed to unpack contemporary problems of practice and propose approaches to addressing them in ways that do justice to their complexity. This terminal degree program will appeal to students who are already grappling with these problems in institutional settings and to those who wish to prepare themselves for such roles.

The Ed.D. degree in Interprofessional Leadership will prepare graduates to:

• Frame questions of organizational leadership, educational change, and social justice to bring about solutions to complex problems of practice
• Develop and demonstrate a professional knowledge base that integrates both practical and research knowledge, and that links theory with systemic and systematic inquiry
• Construct and apply knowledge interprofessionally to make a positive difference in the lives of individuals, families, organizations, and communities
• Develop and demonstrate interprofessional collaboration and communication skills to work with diverse communities and build partnerships
• Analyze problems of practice and use multiple interprofessional frames to develop meaningful solutions
• Generate, transform and use professional knowledge in practice
• Integrate technology as a tool for teaching, learning, assessment, management, planning, and communication

For more information on Kent State’s online Doctor of Education in Interprofessional Leadership degree, visit https://onlinedegrees.kent.edu/degrees/doctor-of-education-interprofessional-leadership .

About STEPS

STEPS started in 2019 with the goal of connecting students with valuable and informative resources to help them get their degrees and find satisfying careers in public service. These free guides range from connecting students with online schools to breaking down options for affording a degree

EdDPrograms.org

Ed.D. Programs – Find Accredited Schools

Welcome to the "Common Sense" guide to earning a Doctor of Education! Explore Ed.D. programs by subject or state. Learn about the differences between the Ed.D. vs Ph.D. in Education . Select a top-ranked online doctorate in education . Or use the Ed.D. Resources section to plan your career strategy. The future of education is yours to create!

Ed.D. Programs Near You

• Connecticut
• Massachusetts
• Mississippi
• New Hampshire
• North Carolina
• North Dakota
• Pennsylvania
• Rhode Island
• South Carolina
• South Dakota
• Washington, D.C.
• West Virginia

Ed.D. Programs by Subject

• Adult Education
• Counseling and Psychology
• Curriculum and Instruction
• Early Childhood Education
• Educational Leadership
• Educational Technology
• Health and Physical Education
• Higher Education
• Mathematics Education
• Music Education
• Nursing Education
• Organizational Leadership
• Reading and Literacy
• Science Education
• Special Education
• TESOL & Bilingual Education

Ed.D. Program Rankings

• Best EdD Programs
• Best Online EdD Programs
• Most Affordable EdD Programs
• Best Higher Education Leadership Programs
• Best Organizational Leadership Programs

You Might Also Be Interested In

• Fastest EdD Programs
• No Dissertation EdD Programs
• No GRE EdD Programs
• EdD Careers and Salaries
• Ed.D. vs Ph.D. Programs
• Education Specialist EdS Degrees
• How to Become a Professor

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World University Rankings 2024

The Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2024 include 1,906 universities across 108 countries and regions.

The table is based on our new WUR 3.0 methodology , which includes 18 carefully calibrated performance indicators that measure an institution’s performance across five areas: teaching, research environment, research quality, industry, and international outlook.

This year’s ranking analysed more than 134 million citations across 16.5 million research publications and included survey responses from 68,402 scholars globally. Overall, we collected 411,789 datapoints from more than 2,673 institutions that submitted data.

Trusted worldwide by students, teachers, governments and industry experts, the 2024 league table reveals how the global higher education landscape is shifting.

View the World University Rankings 2024 methodology

The University of Oxford tops the ranking for the eighth year in a row, but others in the top five have seen shifts in their ranks. Stanford University moves up to second place, pushing Harvard University down to fourth.

The Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) climbs up two places to third this year. The University of Cambridge slips to fifth place, after being in joint third place last year.

The highest new entry is Italy’s Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, ranked in the 301-350 bracket. However, the majority of the institutions joining the ranking for the first time this year are in Asia.

The US is the most-represented country overall, with 169 institutions, and also the most-represented in the top 200 (56). With 91 institutions, India is now the fourth most-represented nation, overtaking China (86).

Four countries enter the ranking for the first time – all of them in Europe. The addition of Kosovo, Bosnia and Herzegovina, North Macedonia and Armenia is in contrast to last year’s trend when all the new entrants were from Africa.

Stanford University leads the teaching pillar, while the universities of Oxford and Cambridge come top for research environment. The research quality pillar, which is the newly renamed citations pillar, sees MIT in first place.

The University of Sharjah in the United Arab Emirates scores highest in international outlook, while 28 institutions receive a top score of 100 for the industry pillar.

In addition to the 1,904 ranked institutions, a further 769 universities are listed with “reporter” status, meaning that they provided data but did not meet our eligibility criteria to receive a rank, and agreed to be displayed as a reporter in the final table.

Read our analysis of the World University Rankings 2024 results

Download a copy of the World University Rankings 2024 digital report

To raise your university’s global profile with Times Higher Education , contact [email protected]

To unlock the data behind THE’s rankings and access a range of analytical and benchmarking tools, click here

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Read more about the World University Rankings 2024

Student insights.

• Best universities in the world
• Best universities in the UK
• Best universities in the United States
• Best universities in Canada
• Best universities in Australia
• Best universities in Germany
• Best universities in Europe

Academic Insights

• World University Rankings 2024: results announced
• World University Rankings 2024: the 20th edition
• World University Rankings 2024: China creeps closer to top 10
• World University Rankings 2024: warning on UK’s China reliance
• World University Rankings 2024: Australian elite falters
• World University Rankings 2024: a broader look at research quality
• World University Rankings 2024: Australia over-achieves in research
• World University Rankings 2024: Indonesia top for student-staff ratio
• World University Rankings 2024: trends in industry
• World University Rankings 2024: UK doubles down on global links
• The shape of rankings to come
• World University Rankings 2024: 20 years tracking global higher education
• Talking leadership: David Garza on enticing top scholars to Mexico
• HKUST head: universities must ignite the sparks of innovation
• Talking leadership: Erik Renström on industry partnerships
• NYU president: global engagement is a form of alchemy
• World University Rankings 2024: changes to our methodology
• Lagos v-c: Nigerian universities must hustle for funding
• Enticing students back to campus is not a simple endeavour
• Talking leadership: Daniel Diermeier on institutional neutrality
• Talking leadership: Cheryl de la Rey on tragedy and resilience
• Talking leadership: Gary May on attracting minority students
• World University Rankings 2024 digital edition

Methodology:

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A top 100 national public research institution, Rowan University offers bachelor’s through doctoral and professional programs in person and online to 22,000 students through its main campus in Glassboro, N.J., its medical school campuses in Camden and Stratford, and five others. The University has earned national recognition for innovation, commitment to high-quality, affordable education, and developing public-private partnerships. A Carnegie-classified R2 (high research activity) institution, Rowan has been recognized as the fourth fastest-growing public research university, as reported by The Chronicle of Higher Education. For more information on Rowan University, click here

All positions are contingent upon budget appropriations. 

Please send any inquiries to [email protected]  

Tenured/Tenure-Track Positions in Biology

Apply now Job no: 499528 Work type: Regular Full-Time Location: Glassboro, New Jersey Categories: Faculty - College of Science and Mathematics

Open Rank Tenure-Track/Tenured Positions in Biological & Biomedical Sciences

College of Science & Mathematics

The Department of Biological & Biomedical Sciences at Rowan University invites applications for one or more open rank tenure track/tenured faculty positions in the general areas of biological and biomedical sciences. A Ph.D. in biology or related area is required and prior academic experience and scholarly productivity is expected, commensurate with rank.  Candidates should demonstrate the ability to teach effectively at the undergraduate and graduate levels and guide an active scholarly research program involving undergraduate, MS, and PhD students in biology and related disciplines. The focus of candidates’ research specialization is open to all areas of biological sciences, but candidates with experience in cell biology, particularly mitochondrial functioning in vertebrates or plant cell signaling are especially encouraged to apply.  Successful candidates will be expected to teach graduate and/or undergraduate courses in biology and may be asked to teach and/or develop other upper-level biology courses within their area of expertise.  The successful candidates are also expected to develop and maintain independent, externally funded, and sustainable research programs as well as collaborate with multidisciplinary groups of faculty both within and outside the department as appropriate.

The Department of Biological & Biomedical Sciences is one of six departments in the College of Science & Mathematics, which is also home to the School of Earth & Environment.  The welcoming faculty represent diverse backgrounds in the field and are deeply committed to student support and success.  The department serves nearly 1000 undergraduate and graduate students in the following programs:

• B.S. and B.A. in Biological Sciences
• B.S. and M.S. in Bioinformatics
• M.S. in Clinical Medical Science
• B.S. in Molecular & Cellular Biology
• B.S. in Neuroscience
• B.S. in Translational Biomedical Sciences
• M.S. and Ph.D. in Complex Biological Systems

Qualifications:

• A Ph.D. in biology or related field is required.
• Post-doctoral and/or related academic experience strongly preferred.
• A record of scholarly activity, including peer-reviewed publications and research funding commensurate with rank.
• Ability to work collaboratively with a team of multidisciplinary faculty. 

Starting Date : September 1, 2024

Application Procedure:

The applications must be submitted through Rowan University’s job portal and must contain the following:

• Cover letter
• Current detailed CV
• Statement of teaching philosophy
• Statement of scholarly/research interests, including applicants' future research goals and plans for obtaining external funding to achieve those goals
• Names and contact information of three references from whom the applicant has requested letters of support
• Graduate transcripts (unofficial copies acceptable for initial review)

Application review will begin immediately and continue until the position(s) are filled.

Questions should be directed to Dr. Jason Heindl, Search Committee Chair, Department of Biological & Biomedical Sciences ([email protected]).

A top 100 national public research institution, Rowan University’s eight colleges and nine schools offer programs at the bachelor’s, doctoral, and professional levels to 22,000 students across its campuses including the main campus in Glassboro, N.J. and its medical school campuses in Camden and Stratford. Rowan focuses on use-inspired research at the intersection of engineering, medicine, science, and business while ensuring excellence in undergraduate education. A Carnegie-classified (R2/high research activity) institution, Rowan has been recognized as the fourth fastest-growing public research university by The Chronicle of Higher Education.

Rowan University values diversity and is committed to equal opportunity in employment.  The Department of Biological & Biomedical Sciences  and the College of Science & Mathematics are dedicated to building a culturally diverse faculty and especially encourages applications from women and individuals from underrepresented groups in higher education.

Rowan University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer.  All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, creed, color, national origin, age, ancestry, nationality, marital or domestic partnership or civil union status, sex, pregnancy, gender identity or expression, disability status, liability for military service, protected veteran status, affectional or sexual orientation, atypical cellular or blood trait, genetic information (including the refusal to submit to genetic testing), or any other category protected by law.  For the complete Rowan University non-discrimination and affirmative action policy see:

https://sites.rowan.edu/equity/_docs/policies/eeo-statement.pdf

Advertised: May 9 2024 Eastern Daylight Time Applications close:

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About Rowan University

A top 100 national public research institution, Rowan University offers bachelor’s through doctoral and professional programs in person and online to 22,000 students through its main campus in Glassboro, N.J., its medical school campuses in Camden and Stratford, and five others. Rowan University is home to eight colleges and nine schools. For more information on these colleges, please click here .

Now celebrating its Centennial, Rowan focuses on practical research at the intersection of engineering, medicine, science, and business while ensuring excellence in undergraduate education. The University has earned national recognition for innovation, commitment to high-quality and affordable education, and developing public-private partnerships. A Carnegie-classified R2 (high research activity) institution, Rowan has been recognized as the fourth fastest-growing public research university, as reported by The Chronicle of Higher Education.

Non-Discrimation at Rowan University

Rowan University celebrates diversity and is committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, ethnicity, race, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, national origin, (dis)ability status, military status, and other NJ protected classes. Rowan University does not discriminate on the basis of sex in its educational programs and activities, including employment as required by Title IX. Rowan is committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable accommodation for individuals with (dis)abilities.

To request reasonable accommodation, contact Christy Mroz, Administrative Assistant, [email protected], 856-256-5494. Rowan strongly encourages applicants from underrepresented groups to apply. 

Pursuant to Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 and supporting regulations, Rowan does not discriminate on the basis of sex in the education programs or activities that it operates; this extends to admission and employment. Inquiries about the application of Title IX and its supporting regulations may be directed to the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, Office for Civil Rights, U.S. Department of Education, or to the University’s Title IX Coordinator, Office of Student Equity & Compliance, Rowan University, Hawthorne Hall, Suite 312, 201 Mullica Hill Rd, Glassboro, NJ 08028, [email protected] , 856-256-5440.

For information on the Title IX Sexual Harassment/Sexual Assault policy and grievance procedures, please click here . 

More Information

Rowan University is subject to the residency requirements of the NJ First Act (N.J.S.A. 52:14-7, P.L. 2011, Chapter 70). Any person hired to a non-exempt position shall either have their principal residence in New Jersey or have one (1) year from the date of employment to establish, and then maintain, principal residence in the State of New Jersey. Any person hired to an exempt position shall either have their principal residence in New Jersey, Delaware, Pennsylvania, or New York or have ninety (90) days from the date of employment to establish, then maintain, principal residence in the State of New Jersey, Delaware, Pennsylvania, or New York.

Rowan University is committed to assisting all members of the Rowan community in providing for their own safety and security. The Annual Security and Fire Safety Report is available on the Department of Public Safety website at: https://sites.rowan.edu/publicsafety/_docs/annual_security_report.pdf

If you would like to receive a hard copy of the Annual Security and Fire Safety Report which contains this information, you can stop by the Department of Public Safety Office, located at Bole Hall Annex, 201 Mullica Hill Road, Glassboro, NJ 08028 or you can request that a copy be mailed to you by calling (856) 256-4562 or 4506.

The report contains information regarding campus security and personal safety including topics such as: crime prevention, public safety authority, crime reporting policies, fire safety, disciplinary procedures and other matters of importance related to security on campus. The report also contains information about fire statistics in Rowan University Residential Facilities and crime statistics for the three previous calendar years concerning reported crimes that occurred on campus; in certain off-campus buildings or property owned or controlled by the University; and on public property within, or immediately adjacent to and accessible from the campus. This information is required by federal law, Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act or "Clery Act" and is provided by the Rowan University Department of Public Safety.

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• Best Online Doctorate in Nursing (D.N.P.) Programs

Best Online Doctorate In Nursing (D.N.P.) Programs Of 2024

Updated: May 10, 2024, 11:58am

Ready to take the next step in your nursing career ? It might be time to consider a Doctor of Nursing Practice.

Whether you hope to become a leader in clinical practice, education or administration—or if you simply want to improve your healthcare delivery and patient outcomes—earning a D.N.P. can arm you with the knowledge and skills necessary to become a change agent in your field.

And with access to high-quality, accredited online programs across the country, busy nurses can pursue their doctoral degrees while balancing work and other commitments. Keep reading to discover the best online doctorate in nursing programs of 2024.

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 99 accredited, nonprofit colleges offering online nursing 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 98% or higher.

Find our full list of methodologies here .

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Degree Finder

Best doctorate in nursing programs, should you earn a doctorate in nursing online, accreditation for online doctoral degrees in nursing, how to find the right online doctorate in nursing for you, frequently asked questions (faqs) about online doctorates in nursing, university of central florida, clemson university, mount carmel college of nursing, university of st francis, messiah university, university of massachusetts-amherst, west chester university of pennsylvania, university of cincinnati-main campus, maryville university of saint louis, concordia university-wisconsin, featured online schools.

Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial credit and much more by clicking 'Visit Site'

Program Tuition Rate

$327/credit (in-state)

Percentage of Grad Students Enrolled in Distance Education

Overall Graduation Rate

The University of Central Florida ’s online D.N.P. program prepares learners to enter clinical leadership roles after graduation. The curriculum covers topics including clinical management, practice model design and healthcare technologies. The program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).

Students are required to complete a six-credit doctoral project that demonstrates knowledge of advanced clinical practice applications. The project may encompass topics such as policy review, design and evaluation of new care models, quality improvement and program review. UCF also offers an executive D.N.P. for aspiring nurse administrators.

• Our Flexibility Rating: Learn around your 9-to-5
• School Type: Public
• Application Fee: $31
• Degree Credit Requirements: 42 credits
• Program Enrollment Options: Full-time
• Example Major-Specific Courses: Nursing environment management, epidemiology principles in advanced practice nursing
• Concentrations Available: Adult-gerontology primary care nurse practitioner, adult-gerontology acute care nurse practitioner, family nurse practitioner
• In-Person Requirements: No

$800/credit (in-state)

Clemson University —located in Clemson, South Carolina—offers a fully asynchronous online post-master’s D.N.P. and a hybrid post-baccalaureate D.N.P. program. The D.N.P. programs are accredited by CCNE.

Both programs prepare students to become change agents in the healthcare system and create new strategies for patient treatment, disease prevention and overall health promotion. Before graduation, students must complete a D.N.P. project that demonstrates their ability to apply evidence and attend a handful of immersion experiences on campus.

• Application Fee: Free
• Degree Credit Requirements: 35 credits
• Program Enrollment Options: Part-time, full-time
• Example Major-Specific Courses: Clinical epidemiology and biostatistics; genomics, ethics and health policy
• Concentrations Available: Family NP, adult-gerontology NP, pediatric NP, health systems leadership
• In-Person Requirements: Yes, for an in-person immersion

$955/credit (in-state)

Mount Carmel College of Nursing is a private college in Columbus, Ohio. Its nursing D.N.P. program is fully online, but students are required to attend two on-campus immersion experiences during their first and second semesters of study. Each immersion is between four and five days. Keep in mind that online students must pay a $200 technology fee per semester.

Mount Carmel College of Nursing is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, and the D.N.P. program is CCNE-accredited.

• Our Flexibility Rating: Learn on your schedule
• School Type: Private
• Application Fee: $30
• Degree Credit Requirements: 37 credits
• Example Major-Specific Courses: Ethical practices and policies in global population health; health care economics, finance and fund development
• Concentrations Available: Clinical practice leadership, executive healthcare leadership, executive academic leadership
• In-Person Requirements: Yes, for in-person immersions

$799/credit (in-state)

The University of St. Francis ’ online D.N.P. curriculum focuses on managing the collective health of vulnerable patients, including elderly and low-income patients. Courses are delivered online, but the program includes practicum and translational research opportunities.

Throughout the program, students learn to manage populations experiencing health disparities, influence healthcare policy, and provide direct care to individuals and families.

The University of St. Francis is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).

• Degree Credit Requirements: 40 credits
• Example Major-Specific Courses: Healthcare finance and practice management, translational research
• Concentrations Available: N/A
• In-Person Requirements: Yes, for residency

$940/credit (in-state)

Messiah University is a private school located in Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania. The online D.N.P. program is accredited by CCNE. There are no additional fees outside of tuition.

While most classes are delivered online, two three-day, on-campus summer sessions are required for graduation. Students have the option to learn full time, part time or on an accelerated schedule.

The program includes a final D.N.P. project that evaluates students’ abilities to apply their skills to real-world nursing scenarios, including emotional intelligence, data collection and strengths-based leadership.

• Degree Credit Requirements: 86 credits
• Program Enrollment Options: Full-time, part-time, accelerated
• Example Major-Specific Courses: Health informatics, advanced writing for healthcare professions
• In-Person Requirements: Yes, for on-campus summer sessions

$825/credit (in-state)

Other than clinical internship requirements, the University of Massachusetts-Amherst ’s D.N.P. courses are offered completely online. Depending on their prior education, students can pursue either a post-master’s D.N.P. or a post-baccalaureate D.N.P. with a concentration in family care, gerontology, mental health or public health. The D.N.P. program is accredited by CCNE.

A final D.N.P. project is required for graduation. Students apply their research findings to in-clinic practice settings.

• Our Flexibility Rating: N/A
• Application Fee: $85
• Program Enrollment Options: Full-time, part-time
• Example Major-Specific Courses: Leadership of public health systems, healthcare quality
• Concentrations Available: Family nurse practitioner, adult-gerontology primary care nurse practitioner, psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner, public health nurse leader
• In-Person Requirements: Yes, for clinical internships

$9,288/semester (in-state)

West Chester University ’s CCNE-accredited D.N.P. program is delivered almost entirely online; students are only required to attend their first class for one day on campus. In-state distance learners are charged a $522 technology fee per semester.

The curriculum covers three core components over eight semesters: the science of nursing, practice and leadership. This program is available only to nurses who hold an M.S.N. and RN certification.

• Application Fee: $50
• Example Major-Specific Courses: Transition to doctoral study, healthcare economics for the advanced practitioner
• In-Person Requirements: Yes, for one hybrid class

$836/credit part time (in-state)

The University of Cincinnati ’s online D.N.P. program includes a variety of concentration options, almost all of which are offered entirely online. The nurse anesthesia concentration is on-campus only, and the adult-gerontology acute care concentration has just one in-person class requirement. Remote students are charged an online learning fee of $56.30 per credit.

A final D.N.P. project is required for graduation; common topics explored include policy analysis, quality improvement initiatives and database design.The University of Cincinnati’s D.N.P. program is accredited by CCNE.

• Application Fee: $65
• Degree Credit Requirements: 37-38 credits
• Example Major-Specific Courses: Principles of population health, quality improvement and patient safety
• Concentrations Available: Adult-gerontology acute care NP, adult-gerontology primary care NP, family NP, nurse anesthesia, occupational health nursing, pediatric acute care NP, psychiatric-mental health NP, public health nursing, systems leadership, post-MSN D.N.P.
• In-Person Requirements: Yes, in-person thesis defense expected for local students

$947/credit (in-state)

The D.N.P. program at Maryville University of Saint Louis allows students to earn their degrees fully online—no campus visits required. Students attend in-person clinical experiences in their local communities. Distance learners are charged a $725 technology fee per semester.

This program can be completed in as little as 20 months and is CCNE-accredited. Students also have the option to enroll in NP specializations while working towards their D.N.P.

• Degree Credit Requirements: 33 credits
• Example Major-Specific Courses: Principles of epidemiology and biostatistics, ethics for advanced nursing practice
• Concentrations Available: Adult-gerontology acute care NP, adult-gerontology primary care NP, pediatric NP, psychiatric-mental health NP, pediatric/family NP

$840/credit (in-state)

Concordia University-Wisconsin ’s CCNE-accredited D.N.P. is an accelerated degree for working advanced practice registered nurses. It can be completed in two years. The only on-campus requirement is an introductory course. The rest of the program can be completed online and does not incur extra technology fees. Students can complete residencies in locations of their choice.

Concordia University-Wisconsin’s campus is located in Mequon, Wisconsin.

• Application Fee: N/A
• Degree Credit Requirements: 30 credits
• Program Enrollment Options: Accelerated
• Example Major-Specific Courses: Business management for the doctor of nursing practice, healthcare informatics
• In-Person Requirements: Yes, for on-campus meeting

Online college is known for its flexibility and relative affordability compared to traditional degree programs. Still, earning a degree online may not be for everybody . Here’s what to consider before enrolling in an online nursing doctoral program.

• Your budget. Online degree programs tend to cost less than in-person degrees, and many online programs charge students the same tuition rate regardless of whether they live in or out of state. Moreover, distance learning often eliminates expenses associated with housing and transportation.
• Your learning style. If you feel comfortable setting your own study schedule and learning independently, you could do well in an online program. However, an online program probably wouldn’t suit students who learn best with in-person teaching and real-time support.
• Your schedule. Distance learning often affords students the flexibility to work while earning their degrees. If you plan to continue working during your studies, an online program could provide you with the flexibility you need. Keep in mind that most nursing D.N.P. programs require a few days of on-campus immersions, internships or practicals, so ensure your schedule will allow for this.

To demonstrate their adherence to high quality standards, many colleges and universities pursue institutional accreditation. The college accreditation process involves an evaluation from an independent agency approved by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) or the U.S. Department of Education (ED).

Individual programs within a school or university may earn subject-specific accreditation as well. This is called programmatic accreditation and validates that a program meets industry standards for education.

Accreditation ensures the validity of the school or program you attend. It demonstrates that your degree comes from an institution that meets peer-reviewed, expert-developed criteria. You can only qualify for federal student aid if you’re enrolled in an accredited institution. Plus, many employers and other higher learning institutions only recognized degrees from accredited schools.

Most colleges advertise their accreditation status on their websites. You can check a school’s FAQ page if this information isn’t readily available on its website. You can also browse ED’s searchable database for accredited institutions.

In general, most nursing programs are usually accredited by one of two programmatic accreditors: CCNE or the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN). CCNE is recognized by the U.S. Secretary of State and ensures the quality and integrity of undergraduate, graduate and residency programs. ACEN is recognized by ED and CHEA as an accrediting body for programs of all levels.

There’s no shortage of reputable D.N.P programs on the market. How do you know which school is right for you? Think about the following factors when weighing your options.

Consider Your Future Goals

A D.N.P. is a terminal degree that prepares graduates for the highest level of nursing practice. It equips graduates with the skills to bring evidence-based practice, quality improvement and leadership into clinical settings. As a result, the D.N.P. enables you to enter a variety of medical specializations and career paths, including as a nurse practitioner , a midwife or a nurse anesthetist .

Unlike a Ph.D., the D.N.P. is not research-intensive and instead prepares graduates to work in clinical settings. If you’re interested in working in a lab—or potentially for a research or government organization—the D.N.P. might not be the best fit. Instead a Ph.D. could be the right option.

Understand Your Expenses and Financing Options

The cost of earning a D.N.P. depends on the individual program and your status as an in-state or out-of-state student. Tuition for the programs ranked on this page ranges between $327 and $955 per credit. Total tuition among the top 10 online D.N.P. programs averages $44,510.

Some schools also charge distance learners technology fees per semester.

Achieving your D.N.P. shouldn’t break the bank. Here are a few common financial aid options available.

• Scholarships: Students may be awarded scholarships from individuals or organizations to fund their education. These are usually based on need or merit and don’t need to be repaid.
• Loans: Student loans are provided through private or public lenders, including the U.S. government. They accrue interest over time and need to be paid back.
• Assistantships: Nursing students may have part or all of their tuition waived in exchange for work. This usually comes in the form of teaching or research.
• Grants: Students with demonstrated financial need may apply for grants from local and state governments. These don’t need to be repaid.

To ensure you qualify for federal student aid, make sure to submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid ® (FAFSA). Individual universities and other aid providers may also use FAFSA data to determine their awards.

Can a D.N.P. be called a doctor?

No, not in clinical settings. Though a D.N.P. is a nursing doctorate, nurses who hold this degree are not licensed physicians.

Which is better, a Ph.D. or a D.N.P.?

It ultimately depends on your education and career goals. Both Ph.D. and D.N.P.s are terminal degrees, but earning a Ph.D. can be a faster route given that the curriculum doesn’t require clinical hours. Nurses with D.N.P.s generally work in clinical settings, often in leadership positions; nurses with Ph.D.s hired as leaders in laboratories and research facilities.

How many years is a doctoral degree in nursing?

Most D.N.P. programs take around one to two years to complete, though some part-time programs can take longer. It also depends on how long it takes you to complete your required clinical hours.

Why would a nurse get a doctorate?

Earning a nursing doctorate can open the door to higher-paying jobs and leadership opportunities. Through leadership, nurses can become change agents within their organizations.

Cecilia is a freelance writer, content marketing strategist and author covering education, technology and energy. She is a current contributor to the Forbes Advisor education vertical and holds a summa cum laude journalism degree from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo.

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Anti-Aircraft Units Intercept Drone South of Moscow, No Damage or Injuries, Mayor Says

(Reuters) -Russian anti-aircraft units intercepted a drone south of Moscow and there were no injuries or damage from falling debris, Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin said early on Friday.

Sobyanin, writing on the Telegram messaging app, said the drone, headed for Moscow, was downed in the Podolsk district just south of the capital. Emergency crews and specialists were on the scene.

Russia's defence ministry said on Telegram that a total of five Ukraine-launched drones had also been destroyed overnight over the Moscow and the Bryansk and Belgorod regions bordering Ukraine.

The governor of Bryansk region, which borders Ukraine, said there was no damage or injuries as a result of the attack.

Ukraine has stepped up drone attacks on oil processing facilities in different regions of Russia this year, disrupting 15% of Russia's oil refining capacity, according to an estimate by a NATO official at the beginning of April.

One such strike on Thursday hit a major oil processing plant in Bashkortostan region some 1,500 km (930 miles) away, a Kyiv intelligence source said, the longest-range such attack since the start of the war in February 2022.

Drone attacks targeting Moscow are rarer occurrences.

Moscow and Kyiv deny targeting civilians in their attacks, but each says the other's military, transport and energy infrastructure are legitimate targets to weaken the opponent in their war efforts.

The Latest Photos From Ukraine

(Reporting by Ron Popeski and Lidia Kelly; Editing by Himani Sarkar, Chris Reese and William Mallard)

Copyright 2024 Thomson Reuters .

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