best online phd programs in education

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 .

Related Articles

Top Higher Education Conferences to Attend in 2023

How Much Do Instructional Designers Make?

5 Instructional Design Models You Should Know

Guide to an Online Doctorate in Education Program

Staff Writers

Contributing Writer

Learn about our editorial process .

Updated April 5, 2024

TheBestSchools.org is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.

Are you ready to discover your college program?

Earning a doctorate in education online can be an important step for educators seeking leadership skills, pedagogical knowledge, and opportunities for career advancement. The doctor of education demonstrates advanced knowledge of educational leadership and teaching methodologies. An Ed.D. qualifies graduates for positions in education administration, curriculum development, classroom instruction, and education research.

Those who pursue an online doctorate in education include experienced teachers eyeing administrative positions, established school leaders seeking further advancement, and others aspiring to careers as instructional coordinators or researchers.

It is a terrific time to consider an Ed.D. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, school principals earn a median annual salary of $95,310 , while postsecondary education administrators earn $94,340 each year. Furthermore, the BLS projects 6% employment growth for instructional coordinators between 2018 and 2028, as postsecondary teacher employment grows 11% .

Covered in this article:

What else can i expect from an online doctorate in education program, how long does it take to get an online doctorate in education, accreditation for online doctorate in education degrees, which edd concentration is right for me, employment outlook for doctorate in education graduates, paying for your online doctorate in education, featured online education doctoral programs.

Doctoral programs in education are about as diverse as the schools that offer them. Many online programs require students to select an area of concentration, while others are more general. Some programs expect students to complete supervised fieldwork, and most require students to produce a dissertation.

Although students should check with their prospective schools for specific requirements, Ed.D. online programs usually incorporate coursework related to educational leadership, instruction, and research. A sample of the coursework students in an online education doctoral program may take is listed below.

Curriculum for an Online Doctorate in Education

• Cultural competence in a diverse society: Students discuss diversity as an organizational asset, and analyze opportunities and strategies for its promotion. Coursework emphasizes the development of cultural competence, awareness, and sensitivity. These are important skills for teachers, instructional coordinators, and administrators who address diverse educational and professional needs.
• Educational research design: Students receive an overview of research theories and methods in this course. Students explore qualitative and quantitative research design, as well as data analysis procedures. They examine existing research and prepare their own. This course is particularly valuable for dissertation writers and aspiring education researchers.
• Enhancing curriculum and instructional capacity: This course provides foundational knowledge for curriculum development and evaluation. Students consider the philosophical frameworks that influence curricular approaches and professional learning practices. Students improve teaching strategies and learning outcomes by restructuring established curricula. This course is especially relevant to future instructional coordinators.
• Ethical organizational leadership: This course confronts the ethical challenges that organizational leaders face, and students examine how organizational strategy relates to the development and fulfillment of a value-based mission. Students devise organizational leadership plans for hypothetical stakeholders. This is particularly relevant to elementary, secondary, and postsecondary education administrators.
• Legal environment in higher education: This course acquaints students with higher education law. Students explore legal topics related to academic freedom, affirmative action, and campus security. Students examine case studies and discuss the impacts of courtroom verdicts on institutional decision making. This course can especially benefit aspiring postsecondary education administrators.

Although lengths of study vary between schools, students in online doctoral programs in education typically complete around 60 credits.

In addition to varying coursework requirements, factors affecting program length include concentration options, research opportunities, licensure possibilities, and field experience components. Most students must also write and defend a dissertation. Programs often reserve the third year of study for this task, but some students require more time to complete it.

Online education doctoral programs may use different formats to deliver their education. A cohort model assigns students to groups, and adheres to a rigid timeline when completing and submitting assignments. Individually paced programs are more flexible, allowing students to complete coursework according to their own calendars. Regardless of scheduling format, most programs require students to complete non-dissertation coursework within a prescribed time period.

Online Ed.D. programs typically expect full-time students to spend three years fulfilling coursework and dissertation requirements.

Before enrolling in an Ed.D. program online, students should consider a school's accreditation status. Accreditation indicates that a school or degree program meets established rigor and quality standards. Many students pursue doctoral education for career advancement purposes, and employers typically look for candidates with an accredited degree.

Two types of accreditation are most common: national accreditation is administered to for-profit and career-based colleges, while regional accreditation is usually a more rigorous evaluation process granted to non-profit schools.

Generally speaking, regional accreditation is more widely respected than national accreditation. There are six regional accreditation bodies in the United States, and each monitors the quality of higher education programs within a specific geographic area. Most academically oriented universities are regionally accredited and do not accept credits from nationally accredited programs.

Students who complete an Ed.D. program online should also choose a program with Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) accreditation. CAEP accredits educator preparation programs based on content and pedagogical knowledge; clinical partnerships and practice; and candidate quality, recruitment, and selectivity.

The U.S. Department of Education (ED) is a federal agency which distributes federal education funds, collects school data, and enforces education statutes. The Council for Higher Accreditation (CHEA) is an association of American colleges and universities. These institutions support educational self-regulation through voluntary accreditation.

While the ED oversees the legal compliance and federal funding of schools, CHEA holds them to high academic quality standards. Both organizations maintain online databases of recognized accrediting agencies and all accredited schools.

Most often in doctoral level work, people want something more specific than a "general" Doctorate of Education (EdD). Here are rankings of some of the more popular options.

Popular Education & Teaching Doctoral Degrees

Counselor Education: Best Online Doctoral Programs Find the best, fully accredited online doctorate in counselor education programs and see how you can help people and have a successful career with a EdE or Ph.D. in counselor education online.

Curriculum & Instruction: Best Online Doctoral Programs Find the best online curriculum & instruction doctorate programs to help you master the art and science of designing and implementing curricula that will better engage students. Find the best school for you!

Educational Administration: Best Online Doctoral Programs Find the best, fully accredited online educational administration doctorate programs and see how you can help change a school, and a community, with a EdD or Ph.D. in educational administration online.

Educational Leadership: Best Online Doctoral Programs Find the best, fully accredited online educational leadership doctorate programs and see how you can help enact change and become a better leader with a EdD or Ph.D. in educational leadership online.

Educational Technology: Best Online Doctoral Programs Find the best online doctorate in educational technology programs from fully accredited universities. Learn how you can improve the education system with enhanced expertise and knowledges gained from an online doctorate program.

Higher Education: Best Online Doctoral Programs Reach the highest levels of education with an online doctorate in higher education from a fully accredited online university. Prepare for a career as a principal, dean or other administrator.

Special Education: Best Online Doctoral Programs Find the best, fully accredited online Ph.D. in special education programs, and learn how you can impact the education system for all students, especially those with special needs.

Doctorate in Education Careers

Earning a doctorate in education online qualifies educators to advance in many careers. Some graduates focus on educational leadership and become school or college administrators, while others apply their investigative skills to positions in education research. Some Ed.D. holders design and implement curricula as instructional coordinators, while others reenter the classroom at the postsecondary level.

Students completing an online doctoral program in education may consider employment in one of the positions listed below.

Doctorate in Education Salary

Factors affecting the earning potential of postsecondary education administrators include education level, professional experience, geographic location, and employer type. The table below contains salary data for postsecondary education administrators in the industries with the highest employment levels for the occupation.

Administrators in colleges, universities, and professional schools receive the best compensation on average. Junior colleges pay slightly more than elementary and secondary schools, while technical and other schools offer the lowest mean annual salary.

Postsecondary Education Administrator Salaries by Employer Type

Source: BLS

Education Professional Organizations

Professional organizations can be a valuable resource for students and graduates of online Ed.D. programs. These organizations connect instructional coordinators, school administrators, and education researchers to opportunities for professional networking and political advocacy. Other member benefits include training resources, annual conferences, career assistance, and research publications. Some organizations also offer product discounts, insurance benefits, and legal services.

Doctorate in education online students may benefit from joining one of the organizations listed below.

• Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development: ASCD promotes research-based and student-centered teaching practices. Members receive access to webinars, an online library, research publications, professional development resources, and discounted teaching supplies.
• School Superintendents Association: AASA provides certification, leadership, and professional learning opportunities to superintendents and school system leaders. Members participate in conferences, webinars, and advocacy initiatives. Other benefits include research access, career services, and funding opportunities.
• American Educational Research Association: AERA promotes education research. Student members may participate in research divisions, special interest groups, advocacy initiatives, and the AERA graduate student council. They may also access research, career, and funding resources.

Students who enroll in an online Ed.D. program should begin researching financial aid options as soon as possible. Many schools provide aid to students who demonstrate academic merit or financial need, and some institutions even have program-specific scholarships. Students working on a doctor of education online may also find funding from professional associations, community programs, and private foundations.

Many degree seekers qualify to receive need-based grants or low-interest loans from the government. Before enrolling in an online education doctoral program, students should submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid to determine their eligibility for federal financial assistance.

Degree-seeking teachers occasionally receive employer-sponsored tuition assistance or reimbursement. Because employing highly qualified educators benefits schools, some set aside funds specifically for those pursuing graduate credentials.

Students who complete an online Ed.D. program may also participate in the Teacher Loan Forgiveness Program . This government initiative offers student loan forgiveness to qualifying educators who teach in low-income schools or educational service agencies. Depending on their financial and employment situations, graduates who work in the public sector may choose to participate in the similar Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program instead.

Popular with our students.

Highly informative resources to keep your education journey on track.

Take the next step toward your future with online learning.

Discover schools with the programs and courses you’re interested in, and start learning today.

Education (Online), EdD

School of education.

To address the dramatically changing landscape of education in the 21st century, which includes new research on the science of learning, advances in technology, and the emergence of a for-profit education sector, the Johns Hopkins School of Education offers an innovative online Doctor of Education degree program. This EdD program is designed to prepare an exceptional corps of educational practitioner-scholars, both nationally and internationally, who can set a high standard for transformational leadership in education, apply evidence-based practices to improve educational outcomes, and meet the vast challenges associated with improving learning outcomes in both public and private educational environments.

For more information about the EdD program, please visit  https://education.jhu.edu/academics/edd/ . If you have any questions about the EdD program, please contact  [email protected] .

Admission Requirements

At minimum, applicants to the EdD program should hold a master’s degree from an accredited college or university. Previous degrees must document high academic achievement (a minimum GPA of 3.0) in an area of study closely associated with the objectives of the program. If the earned degree or credit is from an educational institution abroad, the candidate’s academic record must be evaluated by a credential evaluation agency before consideration for admission. Applicants must submit the online admission application form, application fee, official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attended, a curriculum vitae (résumé), online interview, and two letters of recommendation signed by each recommender. These letters should include the following:

• A professor with whom the applicant worked in their master's program who can speak to the applicant's competency to conduct rigorous scholarly work, and
• A colleague/supervisor from the applicant’s professional context/industry who can attest to the applicant's qualifications to pursue a doctorate, the applicant's impact on the recommender’s  professional practice, and knowledge of and support for the applicant's proposed area of research/Problem of Practice.

Additionally, applicants will submit a personal statement including responses to the following:

• Describe a significant Problem of Practice relevant to your current context/industry of professional practice.
• Indicate the importance of this problem within the applicant’s industry and/or their specific context of professional practice.
• Discuss the potential underlying causes for or contributing factors related to this Problem of Practice.
• Discuss the ways in which this problem aligns with at least one or two areas of interest.

All applicants who meet the entrance requirements will be asked to submit video and written responses to question prompts.

International students must fulfill the general requirements for admission and complete additional requirements—see  https://education.jhu.edu/admission-financial-aid/admissions/international-applicants/ .

Note: This program is not eligible for student visa sponsorship .

Students who enter the program will be required to successfully complete a series of pre-orientation modules prior to enrollment in the program. All students are expected to show competence in the content areas of these modules.

Please note that for the online EdD program, an offer of admission is for the specific cohort to which an application is submitted. Students may accept or decline the admission offer only; deferring to a future cohort is not an option.

Program Requirements

Program structure and requirements.

Program requirements include a minimum of 90 graduate credits. Students must enter the program with a master’s degree with a minimum of 36 graduate-level credits, which will be transferred into the EdD program. If a student does not have the required 36 master’s credits, the student will be admitted on a conditional basis and must complete the additional graduate-level credits at an accredited college or university. Students with post-master’s graduate credit in related education content completed prior to admission to the EdD program may petition to transfer in an additional six credits of equivalent coursework with appropriate documentation and with the approval of the EdD program director. Thus, students must complete between 48 and 54 credits at the doctoral level at JHU. The program includes the following required coursework components (subject to change):

• Foundations of Education (15 credit hours)
• Applied Research & Evaluation (12 credit hours)
• Areas of Interest / Electives (15 elective credit hours)
• Doctoral Dossier Research (12 credit hours)*

In addition to successfully completing all the coursework requirements, candidates must also satisfy written assessments and an oral comprehensive examination that document attainment of competencies. They must also complete either an Applied Dissertation or a Dossier Style Dissertation research project, depending upon the year the candidate was admitted to the program as per the following table:

Students who extend their program of study may be required to enroll in additional independent study credits.

With permission, students admitted between Fall 2013 and Fall 2020 may opt into the Dossier Style Dissertation if they choose not to do an intervention.

Problems of Practice and Doctoral Dossier

Students examine a Problem of Practice (POP)—an area of concern they have observed within their professional context—that becomes the focus of the student's Doctoral Dossier, which consists of three main projects described below.

As part of our commitment to social justice, the EdD program does not privilege one form of communication over another. Thus, all components of the Doctoral Dossier can be communicated in a modality of the student’s choosing: video, oral, scholarly writing, or public-facing writing. The Doctoral Dossier is embedded within the EdD program coursework, providing students the unique opportunity to examine an issue important to their field.

To begin their Doctoral Dossier process, students will spend their first year working on a Scholarship of Integration project (Project 1) that focuses on exploration and identification of underlying causes of and factors associated with their chosen POP. Using systems thinking, which includes perspective-taking, and the research literature, students will document their exploration in an introductory narrative that provides the rationale and supporting evidence for their decision to further pursue their research topic throughout their doctoral journey.

During the second year, following completion of the Scholarship of Integration project, students will choose one of the following two options for Project 2:

1. Scholarship of Application: Demonstrate the application of the research to practice. The purpose of this project is to a) consider how the research perpetuates and/or disrupts oppression, b) critique relevant systems, structures, and institutions, and c) determine avenues to effectively disseminate evidence to a wider audience and stakeholder group.

Example projects include: historical analysis of a topic, curriculum creation, community organization, autoethnography, instructional pedagogy, and others.   

2. Scholarship of Teaching: Development and improvement of pedagogical practices. Students examine teaching processes and assessments improve practice.

Example projects include : autoethnography of one’s teaching, innovative teaching materials, curricula, development of new courses, or development of a new pedagogical framework.   

During the third year, following completion of Project 2, students will choose one of the following:

• The scholarship option NOT chosen for Project 2, or
• Scholarship of Discovery: Search for new knowledge. Students conduct evidence-based research that leads to knowledge creation.    

Example projects include: written, oral, or other modalities of research, scholarly publications, empirical study, working paper, or book chapters.                

During the fourth year, students will complete Project 3, write an Executive Summary that ties their three projects together, and write a final reflection of their doctoral journey. The Doctoral Dossier will be presented and assessed during the fourth year.

Students are expected to complete four years of coursework and independent research concurrently. This program is cohort-based, thus if students require a leave of absence for any reason, they will return in the appropriate course sequence with the next cohort the following year.

Problems of Practice and Dossier Style Dissertation (for students admitted Fall 2021 and Fall 2022*)

Students examine a Problem of Practice (POP), which is an area of concern that they have observed within their professional context. This POP becomes the focus of the student's Dossier Style Dissertation. The Dossier Style Dissertation is embedded within the EdD program coursework, which provides students with a unique opportunity to examine an issue important to the organization in which they are employed.

During the first year in the program, students synthesize research literature to understand factors relevant to the POP from a broader systems perspective. During the second year of the program, students conduct an empirical project to investigate their POP within their professional context. Students are expected to collect and analyze data to further understand and refine their identified problem. Based on the evidence in the literature review and empirical project, students will engage in a final project that may further explore an aspect of their POP or articulate a potential solution.

Students will demonstrate mastery of first- and second-year competencies through written and oral comprehensive assessments, which will serve as indicators of readiness for conducting their applied research. Students will then evaluate the effectiveness of this solution as their Applied Project (Year 3). Characteristics of the Dossier Style Dissertation that make it unique to this program include:

• Written assignments within courses that focus on the student's POP.
• Coursework that leads students to consider applications that hold the potential for significant change or impact within their organization and/or have implications for policy.
• Dossier Style Dissertation components that are embedded within coursework and distributed across the three years of the program.

Although somewhat different from a traditional dissertation in its completion and focus, students are nevertheless expected to demonstrate mastery of the relevant literature, to obtain extant and/or collect additional data, and to interpret the results in light of previous studies. The Dossier Style Dissertation will be presented at a final oral defense before a Dossier Style Dissertation Panel.

Typically, we expect that students would complete three years of coursework and independent research concurrently. It is possible that some students may need more than three years to complete their research, in which case they will be required to enroll in at least one credit hour per semester after completion of the required 90 credit hours.

*Students admitted Fall 2021 can choose to complete either the Dossier Style Dissertation or the Applied Dissertation described below. Fall 2022 students may only complete the Dossier Style Dissertation.

Problems of Practice and Applied Dissertation (for students admitted Fall 2013-2021*)

Students examine a Problem of Practice (POP), which is an area of concern that they have observed within their professional context. This POP becomes the focus of the student's Applied Dissertation research. The Applied Dissertation is embedded within the EdD program coursework, which provides students with a unique opportunity to examine an issue important to the organization in which they are employed.

During the first year in the program, students examine their articulated POP to identify underlying causes and associated factors. During the second year of the program, students develop a potential solution, such as an intervention or policy change, and a plan to study the implementation of this intervention as well as proximal outcomes. Students will demonstrate mastery of first- and second-year competencies through written and oral comprehensive assessments, which will serve as indicators of readiness for conducting their applied research. Students will then evaluate the effectiveness of this solution as their Applied Dissertation (Year 3). Characteristics of the Applied Dissertation that make it unique to this program include:

• Coursework that leads students to consider solutions that hold the potential for significant change or impact within their organization and/or have implications for policy.
• Dissertation components that are embedded within coursework and distributed across the three years of the program.

Although somewhat different from a traditional dissertation in its completion and focus, students are nevertheless expected to demonstrate mastery of the relevant literature, to obtain extant and/or collect additional data, and to interpret the results in light of previous studies. The dissertation will be presented at a final oral defense before the student’s Dissertation Advisory Committee.

Typically, students will complete three years of coursework and independent research concurrently. It is possible that some students may need more than three years to complete their research, in which case they will be required to enroll in at least one credit hour per semester after completion of the required 90 credit hours.

*Students admitted Fall 2013-2020 must complete the Applied Dissertation. Students admitted Fall 2021 can choose to complete either the Dossier Style Dissertation or the Applied Dissertation. Fall 2022 students may only complete the Dossier Style Dissertation.

Learning Outcomes

Program goals.

Upon successful completion of the EdD, we expect that graduates will:

• Participate as a self-reflexive, social justice-oriented learner within diverse educational or learning communities.
• Analyze and critique educational practice and research from a social justice and systems perspective.
• Apply relevant methodologies to address critical challenges in education.
• Demonstrate a curiosity for, and a systematic approach to, at least one major topic of study within education resulting in an emerging expertise.
• Integrate research and practice-based knowledge to develop research-informed decisions and opinions about educational experiences, processes, policies, and institutions.
• Communicate effectively to diverse audiences about educational research, experiences, processes, policies, and institutions.

Top 25 Best Online PhD in Education Programs

At colleges and universities throughout the United States, professors who earned an online Ph.D. in education train the next generation of teachers while contributing valuable research to the field. In addition to a Ph.D. in education online degree, these professionals possess extensive experience in education, often from working as K-12 educators.

Students beginning a Ph.D. in education can expect a strong job market when they graduate. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects jobs for postsecondary teachers to grow 9% between 2019 and 2029 — much faster than the national average growth rate for all occupations.

Top 10 Ph.D. in Education Programs

What is a ph.d. in education, featured online programs.

A Ph.D. in education prepares degree-seekers to teach at colleges or universities. In class, learners hone skills relating to quantitative and qualitative research, policy analysis, and structural practice. Like bachelor’s and master’s degrees in education, Ph.D. programs may offer one or more concentrations. Typical concentrations include education policy and program evaluation, human development and learning, and culture and society.

“Typical concentrations include education policy and program evaluation, human development and learning, and culture and society.”

Graduates can explore different career paths, depending on their concentration. Some may pursue tenure-track teaching positions at colleges or universities, while others might work as advisors to elected officials or start education nonprofits.

Why Get a Degree in Education?

• New Career Opportunities: An online Ph.D. in education opens doors to new careers, such as postsecondary teacher or college dean. Many colleges restrict these and other positions to professionals with a doctorate.
• Influence Education’s Future: As a professor or researcher, Ph.D. in education alumni can discover new teaching best practices. These practices can positively impact K-12 education around the world.
• Mentor Aspiring Teachers: College and university professors who earned an online Ph.D. in education mentor aspiring teachers by passing on invaluable knowledge and skills.
• Salary Increase: The BLS reports postsecondary teachers in the United States earned a median annual salary of nearly $80,000 per year as of 2019. This salary would allow professionals to live comfortably in most U.S. cities.
• Personal Fulfillment: Earning a Ph.D. requires learners to invest a significant amount of time and energy. No matter their career goals, alumni take pride in their accomplishment.

Accreditation for a Ph.D. in Education

As an online Ph.D. in education asks learners to invest a considerable amount of time and money, prospective students should ensure that their desired program possesses regional accreditation. The U.S. Department of Education charters six regional accreditation agencies to review colleges and universities throughout the country. Schools with regional education meet or exceed specific academic standards.

Online Ph.D. programs in education also need national accreditation from the Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC). The DEAC compares a school’s on-campus programs with its online programs. If the two offer the same curriculum, rigor, and learning outcomes, the school receives national accreditation.

Lastly, some programs also attain programmatic accreditation. A programmatic accreditation agency focuses on one academic subject. Employees possess extensive field experience and evaluate a program’s curriculum and graduation requirements. The Council for Higher Education Accreditation website lists all reputable programmatic accreditation agencies.

Courses for a Ph.D. in Education

Throughout an online Ph.D. in education program, students hone essential skills they can use to earn good grades and succeed in a career in academia. Vital skills include research, writing, and communication, all of which play a role when degree-seekers start the dissertation process. Additionally, students can sometimes choose electives. A program may offer free electives or tie them to learners’ concentration.

The five courses below include both introductory and advanced topics, as well as electives. Some programs may use a different curriculum, and even if a course at two universities uses the same name, textbooks and assignments may differ. Please contact individual schools to learn more about their specific programs.

Leading the Future of Education

This course introduces degree-seekers to academic success tools, scholarly writing skills, and different concentrations. Some programs enroll Ph.D. and Ed.D. students or allow learners to choose a specific degree after the course. Assignments include case studies and discussion, and students collaborate either synchronously or through a discussion board. Degree-seekers gain a clear idea of their academic and career goals.

Research Theory, Design, and Methods

Research and writing comprise most of the work students complete in an online Ph.D. in education program. In this course, learners examine different research methods, the qualitative and quantitative research’s differences and uses, and data collection best practices. Degree-seekers also explore research’s ethical implications, as education research can involve children. Additionally, academic requirements can include creating an annotated bibliography, a key step in writing a dissertation.

Tools for Doctoral Research Success

Performing research for a dissertation and writing the final product represents a multiyear undertaking. Students take this course to gain a deeper understanding of the dissertation-writing process’ many steps. Learners examine different dissertations and research methodologies. This course may also require degree-seekers to use university resources, such as librarians’ assistance or the writing center. After passing this course, learners work with an advisor to start the dissertation process.

Strategic Planning and Program Evaluation in Higher Education

Postsecondary administrators use numerous skills to ensure that employees feel valued and college degree-seekers receive the best education possible. In this course, students learn how to react to different situations, make policy adjustments at the micro and macro levels, and foster collaboration among faculty, staff, and administrators. Much of the course involves examining different challenges that postsecondary administrators face and trends that might impact schools’ futures.

Creating Digital Media

This course appeals to degree-seekers concentrating in educational technology and design. Students explore different forms of visual media and gain proficiency in each. Learning outcomes also include the ability to identify digital media that complements instructional design and improves student learning outcomes. Additionally, coursework can involve a series of projects that learners complete independently or in a small group.

How Much Do Education Majors Make?

According to BLS median annual salary data, postsecondary teachers make approximately $40,000 more per year than the average worker in the United States. Those with significant experience can earn upwards of $175,000 per year. Salaries vary among junior colleges, private colleges, and public colleges.

“Tenured postsecondary teachers can achieve additional career and salary advancement by pursuing administrative roles as department heads, academic deans, or college presidents.”

Postsecondary teachers can increase their salary potential in multiple ways. First, they can gain promotion by earning tenure, which requires professional experience and publishing research. Colleges and universities may have additional requirements, such as a probationary period, a time when a tenure committee evaluates a candidate’s teaching and research output.

Tenured postsecondary teachers can achieve additional career and salary advancement by pursuing administrative roles as department heads, academic deans, or college presidents. Although these positions have multiple application requirements, obtaining one does not involve earning a state-issued license or professional certification. However, candidates can strengthen their resume by publishing well-received research or leading a professional organization.

Career and Salary Outlook for Education Majors

A graduate’s career path depends on multiple factors, such as concentration, geographic location, and years of professional experience. Many graduates find fulfilling careers as postsecondary teachers, instructional coordinators, postsecondary education administrators, or principals. These careers feature a healthy projected growth rate.

Please use the embedded links to learn more about how to attain each career, typical job duties, and related professions online Ph.D. in education alumni can explore.

• Postsecondary Teacher : These professionals instruct undergraduate and graduate students. Typical job duties include mentoring learners, grading assignments, and developing curricula with other teachers. Educators in tenure-track positions perform original research, publish articles, give presentations at conferences, and write research grant proposals. Additionally, postsecondary teachers with significant experience can work as department heads or lead a school improvement committee.
• Instructional Coordinator : In primary, secondary, and postsecondary schools, instructional coordinators create new curricula, analyze testing data, and instruct teachers on the latest instructional best practices. They also mentor new teachers and choose the best instructional materials that lead to improved student learning outcomes. Some employers call these professionals curriculum specialists.
• Postsecondary Education Administrator : These professionals work at colleges and universities. Their specific job title depends on their school’s size, as larger institutions need numerous administrators to lead different departments, such as admissions and student affairs. Some of these professionals work directly with students to ensure that they meet graduation requirements. Many administrators possess either significant teaching experience or management expertise.
• Elementary, Middle, and High School Principal : Principals manage their school’s activities, develop schedules, and ensure that teachers’ instruction aligns with academic standards. Typical day-to-day activities include evaluating teachers in the classroom, making budget decisions, and meeting with parents and community stakeholders. The career requires both teaching experience and a state-issued license.

Source: BLS

Scholarships for a Ph.D. in Education

Although typical online programs allow learners to save money compared to on-campus degrees, online Ph.D. programs in education still require a significant financial investment. Fortunately, degree-seekers can explore scholarships and fellowships to reduce costs and avoid debt. Each of the following scholarships includes an embedded link that leads to additional information.

AERA Minority Dissertation Fellowship Who Can Apply : The American Educational Research Association (AERA) awards funding to graduate degree-seekers writing their dissertation. The fellowship limits applicants to members of a racial minority. The award has four parts — a stipend, travel support, a research presentation, and an invitation to the AERA career development workshop. Fellowship recipients also benefit from a mentor working in academia. Amount :$20,000

Esther Katz Rosen Fund Grant Who Can Apply : The American Psychological Association accepts applications from education, school psychology, and child psychology doctoral degree-seekers specializing in gifted or talented education. Both Ph.D. and Ed.D. students can apply. Application materials include a seven-page detailed dissertation proposal, a current resume, and two recommendation letters by the March 1 deadline. Amount : $1,000-$50,000 per year

Hollis L. Caswell Laureate Scholarship Who Can Apply : Kappa Delta Pi, the International Honor Society in Education, awards this scholarship to Ph.D. in education degree-seekers specializing in curriculum and instruction. The one-time scholarship requires a current resume, one recommendation letter, transcripts, and a 750-word essay. Additionally, candidates should join Kappa Delta Pi before applying. Amount : $2,000

Richard M. Weaver Fellowship Program Who Can Apply : Full-time doctoral degree-seekers training for a career as a postsecondary teacher can apply to the Richard M. Weaver Fellowship Program. Candidates must join the Intercollegiate Studies Institute before applying, and application requirements include a biography, academic writing sample, resume, transcripts, and three recommendation letters. The fellowship does not renew. Amount : $5,000-$15,000

Women in Geographic Education Scholarship Who Can Apply : The National Council for Geographic Education (NCGE) awards funding to women earning a master’s or doctorate in geography education. NCGE requires that applicants possess a minimum 3.5 graduate GPA and have already completed nine geography credits at the graduate level. Other application materials include two recommendation letters. Amount : $800

Top 25 Online Ph.D. in Education Programs

1. liberty university.

Liberty University’s Online Doctor of Education degree program is offered entirely online, but students also have the option of choosing to participate on-campus at the university’s Central Virginia campus. These optional intensives allow students to interact with their classmates and professors on a face-to-face basis, and during the intensives, students participate in hands-on training that enhances the education they’ve received online. This 60-credit-hour program can be completed in approximately three years, thanks in part to the fact that the doctoral dissertation is integrated into the course material. Program graduates will be prepared for a variety of careers, including holding positions as educational administrators, faculty members at universities, educational policymakers, and more.

Although Liberty University’s campus is located in Lynchburg, VA, the university’s online degree programs make a Liberty education accessible to students all over the world. Liberty first explored the world of distance education in the mid-1980s, and today distance students use state-of-the-art technology to connect with their peers and faculty. This Christian university offers a quality education while keeping tuition rates low – today, Liberty’s tuition is in the bottom-third of the top online schools and is one of the lowest rates in the nation. The university offers a variety of undergraduate and graduate degree programs entirely online with no set log in times, giving students the flexibility they need to pursue their education.

Format: Online

2. indiana state university.

Indiana State University offers a Ph.D. in Educational Administration with a specialization in Higher Education Leadership degree program. This online degree program is intended for professionals already working in higher education and offers the flexibility professionals need to accommodate their family and work commitments. During this program, students explore a variety of class-based, practicum-based, and internship-based experiences, and during the internship, students gain experience and familiarity within a higher education setting. This program follows a cohort model, with students enrolling in and progressing through the degree at a full-time pace with their cohorts. This program can be completed with five consecutive terms over a period of two years, and the program schedule includes a summer semester.

Founded in 1865, Indiana State University is located in Terre Haute, IN. Today, ISU offers over 100 undergraduate, 75 graduate, and more than 70 online programs. The ISU student body represents all 50 states and more than 65 countries, and over 13,000 students attend the university each year. All of ISU’s degree programs require experiential learning, and the university boasts an impressive 94% job placement rate. Forbes has recognized ISU as being one of the top colleges in the country for quality and value, and the Princeton Review has recognized ISU in its Best in the Midwest ranking for the past 14 consecutive years.

3. CONCORDIA UNIVERSITY CHICAGO

At Concordia University Chicago, students can pursue a Ph.D./Ed.D. in Leadership with a specialization in Curriculum and Instruction. This program prepares students to become leaders who can both manage and implement changes in K-12 school curriculums and programs. The Ed.D. program consists of 61 credit hours, and the Ph.D. program consists of 67 credit hours. Both programs are offered online and on-campus and include a comprehensive examination and a dissertation.

Founded in 1864, Concordia University Chicago was originally a college for teachers. Today, CUC offers a liberal-arts-based education to 4,300 graduate students. CUC is a private university based in the Lutheran tradition and offers an 11:1 student-to-faculty ratio for a personalized, supportive education. Ninety-percent of CUC students are employed or are in graduate programs within six months of graduating from CUC. CUC also offers a tuition guarantee in which students who pursue their education without interruption will enjoy the same tuition rate for the entire time that they are enrolled at CUC.

4. UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS

The University of Arkansas offers an Online Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership degree program intended for students who wish to pursue careers as supervisors in public and private schools, superintendents, federal and state government officials, and more. Students begin this program during a summer semester, and while most of the program is offered online, students also participate in three intensive weekend seminars. These seminars focus on a theme that connects theory with practice and serves to build relationships. During the seminars, students will meet leaders in the field and participate in hands-on learning. Year three of the program focuses on structured exercises to prepare students to present their dissertations.

Located in Fayetteville, AR, the University of Arkansas was established in 1871 as the first public university in the state. Since then, the university has grown to encompass 10 colleges and schools offering over 200 programs, including 39 doctoral programs. Over 27,000 students attend the university where they learn from the university’s over 1,400 faculty. The university’s Senior Walk features over four miles of sidewalks imprinted with the names of its graduates. The University of Arkansas is among the 2.7% of universities in the country to be recognized as having the highest level of research activity by the Carnegie Foundation.

5. UNIVERSITY OF THE CUMBERLANDS

The University of the Cumberlands offers a Doctorate in Educational Leadership degree program online. This program is designed to accommodate the scheduling needs of working professionals and can be completed entirely online. Students can complete the 60-credit-hour program in three years and also have the option to attend on-campus on Saturdays. Program faculty are highly experienced in research, public service, professional activity, and more, allowing them to share their experience and knowledge with students. During the program, students will develop their specialty knowledge and acquire valuable skills that will allow them to lead educational institutions upon graduating.

The University of the Cumberlands’ history dates all the way back to the 1888 founding of the Williamsburg Institute. The school became known as Cumberland College in 1913, then became the University of the Cumberlands in 2005. Today, the university offers associate’s, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degree programs to over 2,000 undergraduate and more than 9,000 graduate students each year. Students from 36 states and 38 nations attend the university. UC offers accelerated eight-week bi-terms that allow students to quickly complete their degrees. The university’s programs have been recognized by the U.S. News & World Report , which ranked UC as No. 115 in its “Best Online Graduate Education Programs” ranking, and as No. 31 in its “Best Online Graduate Education Programs for Veterans” ranking.

6. LAMAR UNIVERSITY

At Lamar University, students can complete a Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership degree program entirely online. This degree program begins during the summer and is structured so that students can still meet all of their professional responsibilities even while earning their degree. This 60-credit-hour program can be completed in eight semesters, including summer sessions. The program is research-based and practitioner-driven and helps to prepare students to become leaders in the field of education. Students will complete courses such as Global Communication, Dynamics of Leadership, and Leadership in Higher Education Administration as they progress toward completing this program.

Located in Beaumont, Texas, Lamar University offers over 100 bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degree programs. Over 15,000 students attend LU, and over 2,500 students live on campus. The university offers small class sizes and a low student-to-faculty ratio that allows for a personalized education, giving students the chance to build relationships with faculty. LU emphasizes hands-on learning, and undergraduate students have opportunities to perform research. The campus is home to more than 100 student clubs and organizations, and because of LU’s close location to Houston, students have the opportunity to easily travel to the city.

7. UNIVERSITY OF NEBRASKA-LINCOLN

The Doctorate in Educational Administration – P-12 School Leadership program is delivered almost entirely online. Offered by the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, the program is designed for professional practitioners who wish to earn their credentials in P-12 education. Students must attend one-week, on-campus residencies during the first, second, and third summers during which they are enrolled in the program, but they can take all of their other coursework online. Five faculty members currently act as advisors for the program, and each faculty member has individual scholarly interests. Students considering this program are encouraged to contact the faculty to learn about their areas of interest and ability to take on new students given their current advising loads.

Chartered in 1869, the University of Nebraska-Lincoln is a land-grant university and is one of the first institutions to award doctoral degrees west of the Mississippi River. Nebraska is recognized as one of the leading teaching institutions in the country and is home to the Prairie Schooner literary magazine as well as the University of Nebraska Press. Nebraska regularly earns national recognition for the quality and value of its programs. In 2018, the Fiske Guide to Colleges deemed Nebraska a Best Buy School, and Kiplinger’s included the university in its 2016 ranking of the Best Values in Public Colleges. The >U.S. News & World Report also included Nebraska in its A-Plus Schools for B Students ranking.

8. REGENT UNIVERSITY

Regent University’s Online Ph.D. in Education program is ideal for students who wish to pursue a career in academia or research. This degree is research-intensive, and students must pass a candidacy examination and present and defend a dissertation during this program. Students may choose from a variety of concentrations in areas such as Adult Education, Character Education, Christian Education Leadership, Educational Technology & Online Learning, K-12 School Leadership, Special Education, and much more. This 75-credit-hour program is delivered in eight-week sessions, and more than 850 program graduates have gone on to earn Teacher of the Year titles.

Regent University was founded in 1977 in Virginia Beach, VA, and its first class consisted of 77 students. Today, the university has grown to offer associate’s, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees across its seven schools and two colleges. Regent is a Christian university and has undergone a 14% growth rate during the last two years, making it one of the fastest-growing schools in America. In addition to offering on-campus degrees, Regent offers online degree programs and international study opportunities in a number of locations, including Russia. In 2019, the U.S. News & World Report ranked Regent’s Online Ph.D. in Education program as the fourth-best online education degree program in Virginia.

9. TEXAS TECH UNIVERSITY

Texas Tech University offers a Doctorate of Education in Educational Leadership degree program for students who aspire to hold careers as leaders in the P-12 education field. This 60-credit-hour program includes 12 credits of dissertation research. While most of the coursework is delivered via distance instruction, students must attend one-week intensives in the summer semesters, as well as fall and spring weekend cohort events scheduled each year. Program applicants must currently hold positions in the P-12 school environment that allows them to perform action research and make small-scale changes in the institution. Applicants must submit a variety of supplementary materials, including a personal statement of interest, GRE scores, and three professional recommendations.

Founded in 1923, Texas Tech University is located in Lubbock, Texas. Today, TTU offers 150 undergraduate, 100 graduate, and 50 doctoral degree programs through its 12 colleges and schools. The TTU campus houses over 450 student clubs and organizations, and students can participate in over 1,300 study abroad opportunities. The campus is also home to seven different libraries. At TTU, students receive a quality education from talented faculty, and 40 faculty members have been recognized as Fulbright Scholars during the last decade. In 2018, the U.S. News & World Report ranked TTU as one of the top public universities in the country.

10. FLORIDA STATE UNIVERSITY

Florida State University’s online Ed.D. in Educational Leadership and Policy program was the first online doctoral program that FSU offered. This program is intended for working professionals who already hold a master’s degree and equips students with the professional and analytical skills they’ll need to address problems in the education field. Students begin this program in the summer, and while most courses are offered online, students also complete a face-to-face summer seminar during three consecutive summers. Students also progress through their online courses in cohorts and can complete the degree program in three years.

Located in Tallahassee, FL, FSU offers more than 275 undergraduate, doctoral, professional, and specialist degree programs through its 16 colleges. FSU also offers quality online learning opportunities that incorporate engaging lectures and interactive learning. The university’s online learning features smaller classes, and students receive mentoring from world-renowned faculty. During the recent years, FSU students have earned highly competitive national awards including Rhodes and Truman scholarships, as well as almost 50 Fulbright fellowships. The U.S. News & World Report ranked FSU’s College of Business No. 13 in its 2019 ranking of the Best Online MBA Programs for Veterans.

11. SAM HOUSTON STATE UNIVERSITY

Sam Houston University offers a Doctor of Education in Developmental Education Administration program online. This program prepares students to step into careers where they will need to both develop and administer programs for underprepared college and university students. The program is designed to emphasize original research, preparing leaders within the field of developmental education. The 60-credit-hour program has a summer enrollment, and students will enjoy small class sizes that allow for a personalized education with support from faculty. Students who complete this online degree program will receive transcripts and diplomas that make no “online” designation; these will be the same diplomas and transcripts that traditional SHSU students receive.

Founded in 1879 as a teacher training school, SHSU is the third-oldest educational institution in Texas. With the main campus in Huntsville, SHSU has grown to encompass multiple campuses, supporting a student enrollment of 20,000. The university offers over 40 undergraduate and graduate degree programs that can be earned online throughout its seven academic colleges, as well as over 80 bachelor’s, 50 master’s, and six doctoral degree programs. SHSU’s online degree programs give students the scheduling flexibility that they need to pursue a degree while meeting family and professional commitments. The Carnegie Commission on Higher Education has classified SHSU as a Doctoral Research University.

12. BALL STATE UNIVERSITY

Ball State University’s Ph.D. in Educational Studies program is available with concentrations in curriculum, educational technology, and cultural and educational policy studies. Courses are delivered in online, blended, and on-campus formats, both on the Muncie, IN, campus and throughout the greater Indianapolis area. The 91-credit-hour program includes 10 hours of dissertation coursework, and most students complete the degree within four years but must complete it within seven years of starting the program. After speaking with the doctoral committee, students may be able to transfer credits from a previously earned master’s degree. Many students choose to incorporate additional graduate certificates into the program in areas such as diversity studies, institutional research, and computer education.

Ball State offers about 120 majors across its seven colleges, and nearly 22,000 students attend the university each year. Classes average just 24 students in size, and 92% of classes are taught by faculty. Ball State’s 790-acre campus is home to over 400 student clubs and organizations and 19 NCAA Division I sports teams. Students at Ball State can choose from the university’s 205 study abroad programs, and the university’s focus on immersive learning helps students to build skills and experience that will serve them well in their careers. Approximately 80% of Ball State students qualify for financial aid, and the university offers one of the most competitive tuition rates that you’ll find in the Midwest.

13. EAST CAROLINA UNIVERSITY

At East Carolina University, students can pursue a Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership program that is delivered in a hybrid model. This degree program prepares students for careers in senior-level leadership within PreK-12 and higher settings. Courses are delivered both face-to-face and online, and face-to-face meetings take place at off-campus partner locations such as schools and community colleges. Students enter this program in cohorts that are typically between 15 and 18 students, and they can complete this 60-credit-hour program in three years. Students enroll in two courses each semester, which are held in the evenings. Approximately 40% of the course time is spent in face-to-face meetings, with 60 percent of the coursework being offered online.

Located in Greenville, NC, ECU offers 84 bachelor’s, 71 master’s, 13 research doctoral, 5 professional doctoral, and 120 online degrees and certificate programs. As of Fall 2018, the university’s enrollment was over 28,000 students, with students representing 48 states and 44 countries. ECU offers a quality education that’s also affordable, and ECU medical graduates have 33%-less debt than their national peers. The ECU campus is home to more than 475 student clubs and organizations and over 2,000 events and programs. The U.S. News & World Report ranked ECU’s online graduate programs in education among the top-10% of similar programs, nationally.

14. UNIVERSITY AT BUFFALO

The University at Buffalo’s Curriculum, Instruction, and the Science of Learning Ph.D. program is available both online and on-campus. This 62-credit-hour program can be completed within four to five years, and students have the opportunity to participate in cutting-edge research. Students may choose from concentrations in elementary education, English education, math education, reading education, and science education. Program graduates will be prepared to hold a variety of career positions, including corporate trainers, curriculum specialists, instructional coordinators, research specialists, and educational consultants. Among other requirements, program applicants must submit their GRE or MAT test scores, contact information for two individuals who will provide a letter of recommendation, and an academic writing sample.

The University at Buffalo has three campuses and is part of the 64-campus State University of New York system. Founded in 1846, UB is a research-intensive public university that offers more than 125 undergraduate degrees and over 320 graduate, professional, and certificate programs. UB has established partnerships with 90 universities all over the world, and students can choose to participate in one of UB’s more than 1,000 study abroad opportunities. At UB, students have the chance to learn from faculty who have won prestigious awards, including Nobel Prizes, Pulitzer Prizes, National Book Awards, and more. Over 31,000 students attended UB in the fall of 2018, including nearly 10,000 graduate students. The U.S. News & World Report has ranked UB as one of the 40 top public universities in the country.

15. CREIGHTON UNIVERSITY

Creighton University offers a Doctor of Education in Interdisciplinary Leadership program that is offered almost entirely online, offering students excellent scheduling flexibility. Students do travel to campus for an orientation and for their dissertation defense but complete all coursework online. With eight-week courses, students focus on just one course at a time and can complete this 60-credit-hour degree in three to four years. Program applicants must submit a variety of materials including a resume, personal statement, three letters of recommendation, and a response to the Ed.D. writing exercise. Students may also be asked to complete a personal interview in-person or virtually. Program graduates have held careers as school administrators, educators, marketing and sales leaders, and more.

Located in Omaha, NE, Creighton University was founded as Creighton College in 1878. Today, Creighton offers an education grounded in Jesuit, Catholic values. Over 8,900 students attend Creighton and 98% of Creighton students are employed or are in graduate school within six months of graduating. Creighton offers an 11:1 student-to-faculty ratio, and students have access to many opportunities to perform hands-on learning, access service learning, and even to study abroad. The U.S. News & World Report has ranked Creighton as the top regional university in the Midwest for 16 years in a row. Creighton has also gained recognition from The Princeton Review and Kiplinger’s Personal Finance .

16. OREGON STATE UNIVERSITY

Oregon State University’s Doctorate of Education program is delivered through the OSU Ecampus. In addition to completing online coursework, students meet with their learning cohorts in-person two weekends each term at the Portland classroom building. These meetings take place during the first two years of study. Students can choose to pursue a Community College Leadership or a Leadership in Higher Education option. The Community College Leadership option focuses on the challenges facing community colleges and equips students with skills to help them apply research, best practices, and leadership within the community college setting. The Leadership in Higher Education option focuses on how students can apply research, best practices, and leadership when helping four-year colleges and universities navigate the unique challenges that they face.

Located in Corvallis, OR, OSU has two campuses and 11 colleges, as well as 14 experiment stations and 36 extension offices. This public research university educates over 32,000 students each year, and the student body represents all 50 states and 100 countries. Fifty-six-percent of students are from Oregon state, and students have an average entering GPA of 3.56. Students can choose from over 200 academic programs, and OSU is home to forestry, oceanography, mycology, and marine biology programs that are among the top in the world. This university has a 150-year history of providing quality education programs, and through its OSU Ecampus, OSU makes education accessible to students who couldn’t otherwise complete on-campus degree programs.

17. NORTH GREENVILLE UNIVERSITY

North Greenville University offers a Doctor of Education program that prepares students to hold leadership positions in K-12 or higher education environments. This 60-credit-hour program features two start dates every year, allowing students to begin their education without delay. Classes are eight-weeks long and all classes follow a hybrid format combining both on-campus and online learning. Students also attend two week-long seminar courses that are held on campus. Students can choose from a K-12 Leadership or a Higher Education Leadership concentration, depending on their intended career paths. Unlike many other education doctoral programs, this degree program does not require students to have any previous teaching experience.

NGU is a Christian university that is home to 2,500 undergraduate, graduate, and online students. The graduate school campus is located in Greer, SC, while the main campus is in Tigerville, SC. NGU offers 51 degree programs in 62 fields of study, as well as 32 minors. The university employs over 450 faculty and staff, and classes average just 14 students in size, allowing for a supportive learning environment. NGU’s full-time tuition and room & board fees are lower than similar universities in the area, and 64 percent of NGU students live on-campus. In 2017, Christian Universities Online ranked NGU as No. 5 in both its 25 Best Christian Colleges and Universities in the South and its 50 Best Value Christian Colleges and Universities rankings.

18. UNIVERSITY OF WEST FLORIDA

The University of West Florida offers an Educational Specialist in Curriculum and Instruction online degree program that prepares students to face the situations that educators encounter daily. Students can choose to focus in Administration and Leadership Studies or in Curriculum and Assessment. With two start dates each year, students don’t have to wait to take the next step in their education or their careers. This online degree program is available to students who already hold a master’s degree and who have a minimum 3.25 cumulative GPA. During this 36-credit-hour program, students complete one capstone course in their area of focus. Most courses are eight-weeks long, though the summer session courses are reduced to seven weeks.

The University of West Florida has a 1,600-acre campus in Pensacola, FL, as well as a second historic campus in Pensacola and an office in Fort Walton Beach. As of Fall 2018, 12,850 students were enrolled at UWF, including over 3,000 graduate students. To date, UWF has awarded over 100,000 degrees across its more than 70 undergraduate and graduate programs. The Princeton Review has included UWF in its Best Regional College – Southeastern rankings from 2003 through 2019, and Military Times has recognized UWF as a Best for Vets College in 2014, 2015, 2017, and 2019.

19. UNION UNIVERSITY

Union University’s Doctor of Education program is offered entirely online, making it accessible to students who don’t necessarily live near campus. This program prepares students to hold both leadership and teaching roles in a variety of environments, from schools and universities to government and business settings. Students can choose to concentrate in Instructional Leadership, Teacher Leadership, or Leadership in School Reform. The Instructional Leadership concentration is a licensure track, while the other two options are non-licensure tracks. This degree program combines both theory and practice, and students learn about current research, classic knowledge, and analysis and synthesis.

Union was founded in 1823 and is the oldest Southern Baptist Convention-affiliated educational institution in existence today. This private Christian university is based in the liberal arts and offers more than 100 different programs of study. The main campus is located in Jackson, TN, with additional campuses in Hendersonville, Germantown, and Memphis. At Union, students enjoy a 10:1 student-to-faculty ratio, and 85% of faculty hold the highest degree in their field, making for a quality education. All incoming freshmen receive financial aid. The Princeton Review has included Union in its Top Schools in the Southeast ranking.

20. UNIVERSITY OF WEST GEORGIA

The Doctor of Education in Higher Education Administration program at the University of West Georgia is offered entirely online. Students must attend a two-and-a-half-day orientation in the summer, but all coursework and the program’s dissertation requirement are offered entirely online. This degree program equips students with the skills and knowledge needed to navigate and solve problems in higher education and focuses on topics including leadership, organizational frameworks, data decision making, and financial management. Program applicants must have a master’s degree and a minimum graduate cumulative GPA of at least 3.5. Applicants should also have at least 3 to 5 years of supervisory or budgetary experience in a full-time professional position in higher education.

UWG was founded in 1906 as an agricultural and mechanical school. Since then, the university has grown into a four-year institution and the sixth-largest public university in Georgia. Nearly 14,000 students attended UWG in Fall of 2018 where they could choose from 87 different fields of study. UWG offers bachelor’s, master’s, doctoral, and specialist programs across its six colleges and single school. The university has campuses in both Carrollton and Newnan,GA,  and students from over 38 states and 73 countries attend UWG. The U.S. News & World Report recognized UWG as one of the top colleges and universities in the country in 2018, and The Princeton Review also recognized UWG as a Best Regional College for 2018.

21. NORTHEASTERN UNIVERSITY

Northeastern University’s Doctor of Education program equips students with the skills and knowledge they need to incorporate practice-based research into their professions. All of the program’s courses, except for the hybrid courses, can be completed online, but students must attend in-person residencies each year. During their first and second years, students can attend residencies in Boston, Charlotte, NC, or Seattle. This program follows a quarter system as opposed to the traditional semester schedule, making for a faster pace. Because students start working on their dissertation at the beginning of the program, the program’s design leaves students well-prepared to complete all of the requirements within three to four years.

Northeastern University has campuses in many thriving cities throughout the country and Canada, including Boston, Charlotte, NC, San Francisco, Seattle, and Toronto. The university offers more than 100 majors and concentrations across its nine colleges and schools. Northeastern highly values experiential learning, and in 2016-2017, the university placed students into experiential learning opportunities in 136 countries. In fact, Northeastern has over 3,300 corporate partners in 90 countries, which helps to create research and educational partnerships. Over 13,960 graduate students from 99 countries are enrolled at Northeastern.

22. UNIVERSITY OF MEMPHIS

The University of Memphis offers a Doctorate of Education in Higher and Adult Education with a Higher Education concentration . This degree program is intended for students who plan to hold mid- and senior-level administrative positions in higher education or related settings. The program is offered entirely online, giving working professionals the flexibility they need to earn a degree while still meeting work and family commitments. Students who complete this program receive a diploma and transcript that are identical to those that traditional on-campus students receive.

At the University of Memphis, students can choose from more than 250 areas of study and over 40 nationally-ranked programs. Today, the University of Memphis campus in Memphis, TN, is a spacious 1,607 acres, housing 239 buildings. This university has a student body of 21,000 students that represent 72 different countries. Over 4,000 graduate students attend the university. The University of Memphis offers seven bachelor’s degrees in 250 areas, master’s degrees in 54 subjects, and doctoral degrees in 26 disciplines. The university consists of 14 schools and colleges, including the College of Education.

23. UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA

At the University of Southern California, students can pursue a Doctor of Education in Organizational Change and Leadership degree. This three-year program culminates in a dissertation. Because the program has start dates in January, May, and August every year, students can quickly begin their education without delay. Program applicants must have a bachelor’s degree and a minimum 3.0 GPA. They must also have leadership experience, particularly in leading a team or organization, and must submit three required personal essays. Additionally, program applicants must submit at least three letters of recommendation supporting their admission to the program.

USC accepted its first class of 53 students in 1880 and has since grown to educate over 47,500 students in 2018, including 27,500 graduate and professional students. This private research university is located in Los Angeles and consists of 21 academic schools. USC offers more than 400 graduate programs through its Dornsife College of Letters, Arts, and Sciences, as well as through its professional schools. During the 2017-2018 year, USC students received $570 million in financial aid, and the university is responsible for generating $8 billion in economic activity in the region every year. Each year, USC is home to $764 million in sponsored research.

24. DREXEL UNIVERSITY

Drexel University’s Doctorate in Educational Leadership and Management degree program is offered entirely online. Students can choose from nine different concentrations, including Athletic Administration, Creativity and Innovation, Education Policy, Human Resource Development, and Learning Technologies. Students enter the program in a cohort that provides valuable networking and community support, with no residency requirement, and can complete all of the coursework online. Students who study full-time can complete the program in three years, but students also have the option to study on a part-time basis and complete the program in five years. This flexibility allows students to work full-time while studying on a part-time basis if they choose.

Founded in 1891, Drexel University is located in Philadelphia. This global research university offers more than 200 degree programs throughout its 15 colleges and schools. More than 24,000 students, including over 8,000 graduate and professional students, attend the university. Drexel began pioneering online education in 1996, and through Drexel Online, the university offers internet-based degrees. Students who pursue a degree through Drexel Online have access to 24/7 tech support. They can also access Drexel’s W.W. Hagerty Library, Writing Center, and Steinbright Career Center. Drexel offers virtual students access to study abroad opportunities, a valuable experience that most other universities don’t offer to their online students.

25. UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN-STOUT

The University of Wisconsin-Stout’s Doctorate of Education in Career and Technical Education degree program builds on what students have already learned in their professional careers. This program has an applied research focus, and it prepares students to hold leadership roles in the secondary and postsecondary education fields. Students enter the program in cohorts ranging from between 12 and 18 students in size, and students are an average of 39 years old. While much of the coursework is delivered online, students also participate in limited face-to-face coursework that takes place on the weekends. This degree is designed so that students can work full-time and yet still earn their degrees in just three years.

Located in Menomonie, WI, UW-Stout is a polytechnic university that offers undergraduate and graduate degree programs designed to prepare students for industry, commerce, education, and human services careers. At Stout, students can choose from 50 undergraduate, 22 graduate, and three advanced degrees. Stout hosts some of the largest career fairs in the Midwest, and with 1,500 employers recruiting Stout students, 98% of the university’s graduates have found employment within six months of graduating. All of Stout’s programs have advisory boards, ensuring students get the most out of their education and are well-prepared for their professional careers.

Embrace the convenience of online learning and shape your own path to success.

Explore schools offering programs and courses tailored to your interests, and start your learning journey today.

Doctor of Education Leadership

Additional Information

• Download the Doctoral Viewbook
• Admissions & Aid

America needs transformative leaders in preK–12 education whose passion for education quality and equity is matched by a knowledge of learning and development, the organizational management skills to translate visionary ideas into practical success, and a firm grasp of the role of context and politics in shaping leadership. Graduates of the three-year, multidisciplinary Doctor of Education Leadership (Ed.L.D.) Program at the Harvard Graduate School of Education will be prepared to become those leaders.

The Ed.L.D Program — taught by faculty from the Harvard Graduate School of Education, the Harvard Business School, and the Harvard Kennedy School — will train you for system-level leadership positions in school systems, state and federal departments of education, and national nonprofit organizations. Ed.L.D. is a full-time, three-year program built on a cohort learning model. Cohorts consist of up to 25 students from diverse professional backgrounds (including district/charter management leaders, nonprofit directors, principals, teachers, and policy researchers) who progress through the program together.  

All Ed.L.D. students receive a full tuition funding package plus stipends, work opportunities, and a paid third-year residency at a partner organization. 

The Ed.L.D. Program prepares graduates to do work for the public good in the American public education sector, whether that be at the system or state level. Specifically, the program is designed to accelerate the progress graduates make toward achieving meaningful impact in influential roles and/or crossing boundaries in the following spaces in the public education sector: 

• PreK–12 district or CMO leadership roles : superintendent of schools, chief academic officer, and/or deputy superintendent
• Foundation/philanthropy roles:  director, president and CEO, senior fellow
• Education nonprofit roles : president or executive director of backbone or collective impact organizations which support preK–12 schools. Ed.L.D. graduates will lead education nonprofits that explicitly focus on improving outcomes and opportunities for children, families, and communities.
• State or federal education leadership roles : commissioner or deputy commissioner roles. Could also include public education advocacy or education policy advisers to senior government officials.
• Social Entrepreneurship and Innovation roles:  Founder, CEO, president

Curriculum Information

The Ed.L.D. curriculum is a balance of multidisciplinary coursework and practice-based learning. Core courses and electives are taught by recognized leaders from across Harvard’s graduate programs in fields like data-based education reform, organizational change and innovation, and effective leadership strategies for urban schools. You will develop and test your leadership skills through team projects and an immersive third-year residency.

All students in the cohort take the same classes in four foundational content areas: learning and teaching, leadership and organizational change, politics and policy, adult development, and leadership inside and out (including one-on-one executive coaching). Courses taken during the first-year focus on practice-based learning and serve as the framework of your first-year experience.

Sample HGSE Courses

• Leading Change
• How People Learn
• Ed.L.D. Proseminar
• Leadership, Entrepreneurship, and Learning
• Race, Equity, and Leadership
• Practicing Leadership Inside and Out
• Sector Change
• The Workplace Lab for System-Level Leaders

View  all courses  in the Academic Catalog.

Each cohort member works with program advisers to choose an individualized sequence of electives from any of the Harvard graduate schools. You will work closely with the program faculty and staff during your second year to determine the best match with a partner organization for your third-year residency. Matches are driven by mutual interest between the resident and the partner organization, and each student's career and learning goals and geographic preferences.

• Second Year Practicing Leadership Inside and Out
• Driving Change 
• Education Sector Nonprofits
• Negotiation Workshop
• Coaching with Equity in Mind
• Ethnic Studies and Education
• Deeper Learning for All:  Designing a 21st Century School System
• Institutional Change in School Organizations, Systems, and Sectors

You will take part in a 10-month paid residency at one of our partner organizations. There, you will work on a strategic project which synthesizes your experience and learning into a written Capstone project. You will stay connected to your Ed.L.D. cohort and HGSE through technology and by returning to Harvard periodically for intensive workshops.

Paid Residency 

Our partner organizations include school systems and departments of education, as well as some of the nation's most influential and dynamic nonprofit, mission-based for-profit, and philanthropic organizations.

You will be intentionally pushed out of your comfort zones and asked to work systemically and make a significant contribution to the partner organization. In addition, the residency will provide you with the professional mentoring, practical experiences, and network of connections they need to position themselves as future leaders in the education sector. 

Strategic Project 

You will define (with supervisors from your partner organization) a strategic project on which to focus. You will have the opportunity to lead one or two major efforts on behalf of the organization, such as the creation or implementation of current initiatives. The project allows you to practice and improve leadership skills, add important value to the mission and strategy of the partner organization, work systemically, and hold high-level accountability.

During the residency period, you will produce a written Capstone. The Capstone is a descriptive, analytic, and reflective account of your third-year leadership contributions to a strategic project within an Ed.L.D. partner organization. It is a demonstration of your ability to engage others, develop strategy to successfully address and diagnose challenges, work toward a vision and goals, and learn from the results.

Sample Topics

• Accountability, Coherence, and Improvement: Leadership Reflection and Growth in the Los Angeles Unified School District
• Leadership Development for Entrepreneurial Education Leaders Working to Build Public & Private Sector Support
• Disrupting Teacher Preparation: Lessons in Collaboration and Innovation Across the Learning to Teach Community of Practice
• Pursuing Educational Equality for English Language Learners

Sample Summaries 

• Breaking Down Silos in a School District: Findings from an Ed.L.D. Project in Montgomery County
• Expanding Students' Access to Meaningful STEM Learning Opportunities Through Strategic Community Partnerships
• Developing a New Teacher Leadership and Compensation System in Iowa: A Consensus-Based Process
• Finding Great Teachers for Blended-Learning Schools

GSE Theses and Dissertations from Digital Access to Scholarship at Harvard (DASH)

Program Faculty

Ed.L.D. students learn with renowned faculty from the Harvard Graduate School of Education, Harvard Business School, and Harvard Kennedy School. Faculty from the three schools share their individual expertise in the Ed.L.D. Program and work collaboratively to provide a challenging and coherent experience for students. Faculty who teach in the Ed.L.D. core curriculum and advise Ed.L.D. students include:

Faculty Director

Frank D. Barnes

Frank Barnes is faculty director of the Doctor of Education Leadership Program. He has over 30 years experience as an educator, researcher, and organizer. As a chief accountability officer, he led turnaround efforts for large public school districts, including Boston Public Schools and Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools.

Kathryn Parker Boudett

Ebony N. Bridwell-Mitchell

Jennifer Perry Cheatham

Elizabeth City

Candice Crawford-Zakian

Marshall Ganz

Adria D. Goodson

Deborah helsing.

Monica C. Higgins

Deborah Jewell-Sherman

Lisa Laskow Lahey

Mary Grassa O'Neill

Irvin Leon Scott

Catherine Snow

Michael L. Tushman

Martin west.

How is the third third-year residency determined? Will I get to choose where I go and for whom I work?

You will work closely with Ed.L.D. Program faculty during your second year to determine the best partner organization match for your third-year residency. In ascertaining a match, faculty take a number of factors into account, including a students' career goals and geographic preferences. The program expects that the current list of partners will continue to grow based on organizational and student interest.

The Ed.L.D. Program has partnered with organizations that are pushing the boundaries of what is possible in American preK–12 education. The partners are school systems, nonprofit organizations, mission-based for-profit organizations, and government agencies, all pursuing a common goal of ensuring that every child has the opportunity to achieve their full potential. You will work directly with partner organizations in the third-year residency and have some exposure to partner representatives in the first two years of the program. Your work with our partner organizations will be encapsulated in a Capstone, which is descriptive, analytic, and reflective account of the your leadership and contributions to a strategic project. Summaries of Capstones by several members of the first cohort of Ed.L.D. graduates are available in the curriculum section.

Partner Organizations

Below is a sample list of current and/or previous Ed.L.D. partner organizations:

• Bellingham Public Schools
• Big Picture Learning
• Boston Public Schools
• Denver Public Schools
• Education First
• Harlem Children's Zone
• Jobs for the Future
• John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation
• Madison Metropolitan School District
• New Haven Mayor’s Office 
• New Schools for Baton Rouge
• New Schools Venture Fund
• New York City Department of Education
• The Leadership Academy
• Phi Delta Kappa/Educators Rising
• Providence Public Schools
• Rhode Island Department of Education
• South Carolina Public Charter School District
• Virginia Department of Education

Student Directory

An opt-in listing of current Ed.L.D. students with information about their interests, research, personal web pages, and contact information:

Doctor of Education Leadership Student Directory

Introduce Yourself

Tell us about yourself so that we can tailor our communication to best fit your interests and provide you with relevant information about our programs, events, and other opportunities to connect with us.

Program Highlights

Explore examples of the Doctor of Education Leadership experience and the impact its community is making on the field:

Combatting Chronic Absenteeism with Family Engagement 

As post-COVID absenteeism rates continue unabated, a look at how strong family-school engagement can help

She Sets the Pace

Alum works to dismantle what it means to be a runner and a scientist

Online Early Childhood Education Certificate

Ground your learning in vital early childhood curricular foundations.

UND's online Early Childhood Education graduate certificate highlights play-based experiences and assessment, and social-emotional foundations in early childhood.

Why earn a graduate certificate in Early Childhood Education online?

*Priority deadline

If you're an international student, refer to the international application process for deadlines.

Early childhood educators are in demand in the workplace, especially with leadership skills, highlighted by the many unfilled vacancies in childcare, Head Start and early childhood education (ECE) programs throughout the state and nation.

An Early Childhood Education graduate certificate will enhance the skills you need, including:

• Play-based experiences
• Social emotional learning
• Curricular foundations

Stack Your Certificate or Take it Alone

UND's online graduate certificate in Early Childhood Education can be earned:

• As a stand alone certificate by completing the three designated Early Childhood Education courses.
• Stacked with our Early Childhood Education master’s degree and highlight your knowledge in ECE at no extra cost. Meaning, you could earn both a master’s degree and this Early Childhood Education graduate certificate all at once.

Accreditation by NCA and CAEP

Programs within the College are fully accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (NCA) and the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP).

Early Childhood Education Graduate Certificate at UND

Receive individual attention. Most classes are small, with about 12-25 students per class. All classes are capped at 25 students.

Join the Future Educators of UND (FEUND).

Complete social emotional screenings as part of your coursework.

Take classes through UND's the College of Education & Human Development - the largest and most comprehensive education college in North Dakota.

Careers with a Graduate Certificate Early Childhood Education

The Early Childhood Education graduate certificate will prepare you to become/work at:

• Early Childhood Teacher : Design and implement age-appropriate curriculum for children aged 0-5 while creating a nurturing environment.
• Work in Public Schools (PreK-3) : Provide instruction aligned with standards for young learners while creating an inclusive classroom environment and collaborate with others to support student growth.
• Early Head Start : Implement evidence-base curriculum and collaborate with community resources to meet student and family needs.
• Child Care and Education Centers : Create a safe and stimulating environment for children while implementing age-appropriate curriculum for development.

Early Childhood Education Online Courses

T&L 517. Social Emotional Learning & Guidance. 3 Credits.

This course is designed to offer strategies for caregivers to support young children's positive social and emotional development, behavior, and learning through the exploration of how early experiences shape development. The emotional and social development of children, including the causes, expressions, prevention and management of challenging behaviors in all children birth to age eight are examined. Emphasis is placed on caregiver/family/child relationships, positive emotional/social environments, developmental implications, adverse childhood risk factors, and intervention strategies. Students will identify factors influencing emotional/social development, utilize screening measures, and design positive behavioral supports. SS.

T&L 526. Play in Development and Early Childhood Education. 3 Credits.

This course explores the role of play in cognitive, physical and social-emotional development, and the way in which play is incorporated into educational and other programmatic settings. Students will explore how assessment of play indicates a child's development, and they will use assessment to promote Developmentally Appropriate Practices (DAP) for PreK-Grade 3 (ages 3-8) learners.

T&L 527. Curricular Foundations in Early Childhood Education. 3 Credits.

This course examines the historical, philosophical, cultural, race, class, and gender influences on curriculum in early childhood, including the philosophy and mission of the Department of Teaching and Learning.

Online Early Childhood Education Graduate Certificate

best online university in the nation

best online graduate programs

The entire graduate certificate program is fully online. You are never required to come to campus.

Flexible Online Early Childhood Education Certificate Classes

With asynchronous classes, you do not attend class at a set time. If you need to balance work, family, and other commitments, this flexible format allows you to learn anywhere at any time.

Depending on your instructor, you’ll learn online through:

• Lesson modules
• Streaming video content
• Virtual libraries
• Posted lectures
• Online simulations

There will be times when you interact with your instructor and classmates through online discussion boards, polls, and chat rooms.

Your learning revolves around materials that can be accessed on your own time within a set time frame. However, this is not a self-paced course. You’ll have structure and deadlines.

Leaders in Online Education

Over a third of UND's student population is exclusively online; plus, more take a combination of online and on campus classes. You can feel reassured knowing you won't be alone in your online learning journey and you'll have resources and services tailored to your needs. No matter how you customize your online experience, you’ll get the same top-quality education as any other on campus student.

• Same degree:  All online programs are fully accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) . Your transcript and diploma are exactly the same as our on-campus students.
• Same classes: You’ll take courses from UND professors, start and end the semesters at the same time and take the same classes as a student on campus.
• Real interaction:  You can ask questions, get feedback and regularly connect with your professors, peers and professionals in the field.
• Your own academic advisor:  As an invaluable go-to, they’re focused on you, your personal success and your future career.
• Free online tutoring:  We're here to help you one-on-one at no cost. Plus, get access to a variety of self-help online study resources.
• Unlimited academic coaching:  Need support to achieve your academic goals or feeling stumped by a tough course? We'll help with everything from stress and time management to improving your memory to achieve higher test scores.
• Full online access:  Dig into virtual research from the Chester Fritz Library. Improve your writing skills with online help from the UND Writing Center. Get online access to career services, veteran and military services, financial services and more.
• 24/7 technical support:  UND provides free computer, email and other technical support for all online students.
• Networking opportunities: Our significant online student population means you’ll have a large pool of peers to connect with. UND has numerous online events and activities to keep you connected.

Best Online College

Our high alumni salaries and job placement rates, with affordable online tuition rates make UND a best-value university for online education. UND's breadth of online programs rivals all other nonprofit universities in the Upper Midwest making UND one of the best online schools in the region.

UND ranks among the best online colleges in the nation for:

• Affordability
• Student satisfaction (retention rate)
• Academic quality (4-year graduate rate)
• Student outcomes (20-year return on investment per Payscale.com)

Connect with faculty you'll work with at UND or discover additional education opportunities.

• College of Education & Human Development
• Search for Certificate programs 

By clicking any link on this page you are giving your consent for us to set cookies, Privacy Information .

30 Best universities for Psychology in Moscow, Russia

Updated: February 29, 2024

• Art & Design
• Computer Science
• Engineering
• Environmental Science
• Liberal Arts & Social Sciences
• Mathematics

Below is a list of best universities in Moscow ranked based on their research performance in Psychology. A graph of 406K citations received by 66.7K academic papers made by 30 universities in Moscow was used to calculate publications' ratings, which then were adjusted for release dates and added to final scores.

We don't distinguish between undergraduate and graduate programs nor do we adjust for current majors offered. You can find information about granted degrees on a university page but always double-check with the university website.

1. Moscow State University

For Psychology

2. National Research University Higher School of Economics

3. Moscow Medical Academy

4. Russian National Research Medical University

5. RUDN University

6. Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology

7. National Research Nuclear University MEPI

8. Russian Presidential Academy of National Economy and Public Administration

9. Moscow State Pedagogical University

10. Finance Academy under the Government of the Russian Federation

11. Bauman Moscow State Technical University

12. Moscow State Institute of International Relations

13. N.R.U. Moscow Power Engineering Institute

14. Moscow Aviation Institute

15. Plekhanov Russian University of Economics

16. Russian State University for the Humanities

17. State University of Management

18. Russian State Social University

19. National University of Science and Technology "MISIS"

20. Moscow State Linguistic University

21. New Economic School

22. Russian State University of Oil and Gas

23. mendeleev university of chemical technology of russia.

24. Moscow Polytech

25. Moscow State University of Railway Engineering

26. National Research University of Electronic Technology

27. Moscow State Technological University "Stankin"

28. Pushkin State Russian Language Institute

29. Russian State Agricultural University

30. Moscow International University

Universities for Psychology near Moscow

Psychology subfields in moscow.

How to Decide if an MBA Is Worth it

Understand your financial and career goals before enrolling in an MBA program.

Getty Images

A master's degree in business administration can be a great asset when looking for jobs but applicants should weigh the commitment of this opportunity.

Key Takeaways

• Earning an MBA is always a significant time investment.
• Consider career goals and costs before enrolling in an MBA program.
• An MBA may lead to salary, promotion or job market benefits.

An MBA is a game changer for many professionals – a way to build specialized skills, make salary gains and valuable professional connections, or even change careers.

But it's not the right fit for everyone. Before committing to graduate business school to pursue a master of business administration degree, it's important to consider the time commitment, costs, potential return on investment and your personal career goals, experts say.

"You don't do it because you don't have anything else to do," says Sue Oldham, associate dean of MBA operations at Vanderbilt University's Owen Graduate School of Management in Tennessee. "You are doing it because you really want this career pivot and you want to be doing something different."

What to Consider Before Applying to an MBA Program

Time commitment.

A full-time MBA program typically takes two years, although accelerated full-time programs can take a single year. Executive and part-time MBA programs, designed for professionals who are attending school while working a full-time job, vary in length depending on how many credits a student takes each semester. Online and hybrid programs are also options, but every pathway to an MBA is a significant time investment.

Students should consider whether it's the right "season of life" to commit to an MBA program, Oldham says.

"Are you at a place in your life where you can step out of the workforce for two years (for a full-time MBA) and invest in yourself like that?" she says. "I think that's why part-time MBA programs are a much better option for people that are like, 'Listen, I can't take two years off. I've got to work. I've got a family. I've got a mortgage.'"

Academic Needs

Before applying, build a list of schools that meet your educational requirements, such as location, class size and academic tracks that align with your career goals.

"Unless you are definitely bound and determined and headed toward one of the very few slots available at the Ivys , the world is at your disposal for what you need and want," says Jeanne Allen, founder and CEO of the Washington, D.C.-based Center for Education Reform, which focuses on expanding educational opportunities.

Allen says some non-Ivy League colleges and newer MBA programs may offer "a better service – they are better priced; they are accelerated in terms of graduating; they are personalized to your needs; they are often competency-based. And that's going to get you your best education."

Experts advise visiting prospective programs virtually or in person , especially while classes are in session.

"Spend some time getting to know the students, the alumni and the staff at the various schools, because I always think culture really matters and each school has its own unique culture," Oldham says. "You have to figure out what that school's culture is and say, 'Does this mesh with who I am, the way I learn and the way I want to work?'"

Return on Investment

According to the 2023 Corporate Recruiters Survey by the Graduate Management Admission Council, the organization that designs and administers the GMAT, MBA graduates had the highest median earning potential in the U.S. among business school graduates, with an estimated median starting salary of $125,000 in 2023. Hiring is expected to remain stable over the next five years.

To decide whether an MBA program offers good return on investment , consider tuition costs and potential starting salaries – which most schools track – and calculate the salary-to-debt ratio. The return on investment is calculated by dividing the average salary and signing bonus of recent grads by the average student debt of those who borrowed.

Per GMAC's 2023 Enrolled Students report – which surveyed more than 660 enrolled business graduate students or recent graduates in 36 countries – 90% of respondents rated the overall value of their graduate business degree as "good," "excellent" or "outstanding." In addition, median total compensation increased by one-third after graduate business training, with greater increases for full-time MBA students, according to the study.

The question is, "do you see the degree helping to advance your salary, your work experiences and your opportunities to make a difference, in the sense of being able to pay that (debt) down so that's not some overwhelming burden?" says Sean Schrader, an MBA student in his final year at the University of South Florida's Muma College of Business and president of the National Association of Graduate-Professional Students.

Postgraduation, he plans to study abroad before pursuing more graduate education in law school . Schrader's ultimate goal is to work in public and government service.

"A lot of people would say, 'Why would you want to get an MBA if you're more interested in government?'" he says. "That can be a fair point. But I think that the MBA gives you a lot of skills that are very relevant in almost any environment."

Benefits of an MBA

Skill and career development.

The best MBA programs help you develop entrepreneurial habits, Allen says. "They build your ability to move, develop and manage programs in more innovative ways. It's not so much about what skills (you gain), it's about what kind of learning is going to best set you up for an increasingly complex, technologically sophisticated society, where just about anybody can start a business, manage or create a product."

Andrew Walker, director of research analysis and communications at GMAC, says MBA candidates want to graduate with problem-solving, communication, data interpretation and leadership skills, among others.

"Employers say things like patience, data analytics and strategy are the most important skills that graduate management education alumni can have and bring to their organizations," he says. "And these skills are only going to grow in importance in the next five years or so. There is a lot of alignment with the type of skills that candidates are looking for out of business school and what employers are looking for, which to us (means) a lot of business schools really are on the right track with what they are teaching alumni to be successful."

With full-time programs in particular, students graduate "better prepared to work in a culturally diverse organization," Oldham says.

Even more valuable is that MBA programs also teach certain hard skills, says Daniel Snow, director of MBA programs at Brigham Young University's Marriott School of Business in Utah.

"I think that a lot of people out there think that an MBA program is about ticking boxes on a series of skills," he says. "And while our program and other top programs do give you those skills, the really important differentiator is when you come out of an MBA program with managerial judgment. You can look at a messy situation that hasn't been contemplated in your textbooks, find the core of the problem and then you can go after that problem leading an organization."

An MBA may bring salary, promotion or job market benefits. But "if you think you're going to get an MBA and it's automatically catapult you into a CEO job, that's a bad reason to get an MBA," Allen says. "It can't necessarily do that and doesn't. It all depends on who you are."

Success with an MBA "really is (about) what you put into it and whether or not it helps you advance things that you already can do, but you want to take it to another level completely," she says. "It doesn't teach you business. It builds a mindset and an understanding of business culture and exposure to what's happening in the world of business that you don't necessarily get just by reading on your own."

A New Professional Network

Experts say an MBA also helps students expand their professional networks and build new connections that may broaden their opportunities and advance their career goals .

Networks vary by school, and experts recommend considering that in your research. Some MBA programs have alumni living around the world, for instance, while others are more localized.

"It's not just quality, but where do you want to go live your career geographically?" Snow says. "The quality of the people that you are going to be around is related to the network. ... You don't want to just be some place where you are not going to be pushed. You want to be around people who are going to really push you, that are excellent, that are striving to do the same things that you are doing."

Searching for a business school? Get our  complete rankings  of Best Business Schools.

Grad Degree Jobs With $100K+ Salaries

Tags: colleges , MBAs , business school , education , graduate schools , students

Applying By Program

Top Business Schools

Top Law Schools

Top Medical Schools

You May Also Like

Mba scholarships.

Sammy Allen April 4, 2024

Special Master's Programs and Med School

Renee Marinelli, M.D. April 2, 2024

15 Famous Fulbright Scholars

Cole Claybourn April 1, 2024

When to Expect Law School Decisions

Gabriel Kuris April 1, 2024

Choosing A Major for Med School

Andrew Bauld March 26, 2024

Handling a Law School Rejection Letter

Gabriel Kuris March 25, 2024

College Majors and MBA Admissions

Anthony Todd Carlisle March 20, 2024

Tips While Awaiting Med School Decision

Zach Grimmett March 19, 2024

2024 Best Grad Schools Rankings Coming

Robert Morse and Eric Brooks March 19, 2024

Tips for Aspiring Lawyers in High School

Gabriel Kuris March 18, 2024