Online Doctorate (EdD) in Education & Teaching: Reviewing Programs

EdD vs. PhD in Education: What’s the Difference?

The EdD, or Doctor of Education, is similar to the PhD, or Doctor of Philosophy, in that they are both terminal degrees in the education realm. However, they are not necessarily interchangeable. Depending on your career goals and desired job, one degree is far more useful and appropriate than the other.

For example, the EdD is best suited for those wishing to work in an administrative role concerning education policy and strategy. In contrast, a PhD is better suited for those who wish to work in academia, whether it be teaching future education leaders, developing post-secondary education curriculums to train future teachers, or engaging in research.

FAQs About Online Education Doctorates

How much does an online EdD degree cost?

The costs of programs in this guide range from under $1,000 per credit to over $2,000, but you may find less expensive programs in public universities with in-state tuition. However, the cost of obtaining an online EdD degree can vary significantly depending on several factors, including state of residency, type of school (public versus private), prior academic coursework, pace of learning, time to completion, and the availability of scholarships, grants, or other forms of gift-based financial aid.

How long do online EdD programs take?

While some programs can be finished in three years, others could take up to six years. It’s hard to predict how long an EdD program will take due to the self-pacing of online curriculums.

In addition, there’s the final capstone project or dissertation, where students have some flexibility on how long they can take to complete it. Many programs allow for an extra few years for students to complete the required coursework as well as their dissertation or capstone project.

What are the admissions requirements for an online EdD program?

Admission requirements for online EdD programs vary by school and program. Some of the general requirements for a doctorate program in education include:

• Online application
• Transcripts for all post-secondary education
• Letters of recommendation
• Personal statement
• Curriculum vitae or resume
• Proof of an undergraduate and master’s degree
• Application fee

However, students applying to some of the more competitive programs, or those interested in a specific concentration, may also be required to provide:

• GRE or other standardized test scores
• A minimum undergraduate GPA (usually at least a 3.0 on a 4.0 scale)
• Writing sample
• Proof of a minimum amount of relevant professional experience

Are there online EdD programs with no GRE requirements?

Many schools require applicants to submit their GRE or other standardized test scores as part of the admissions process, particularly at more competitive programs and well-known schools. Some schools have made the GRE optional or replaced it with another application item.

Not all individuals interested in pursuing an EdD can afford the time and expense required to prepare for and take this exam. Some schools have even eliminated the GRE requirement altogether.

Do you need to complete a dissertation to earn your EdD?

Yes, the majority of EdD online programs culminate in a dissertation or capstone project. Dissertations typically involve theoretical research resulting in a research project that must be defended before a committee. In contrast, a capstone project usually involves a different type of deliverable, such as a report or portfolio, and focuses on a practical problem or issue.

However, in most EdD programs, the differences between a dissertation and capstone project are relatively minor. Both provide opportunities for students to engage in research and apply what they have learned to a practical issue or concern within the education field.

Specializing Your Online EdD

In recognition of the diversity of the education field, most EdD programs online make available several concentrations or specializations. Specializations allow you to refine your skills and prop you up as a strong candidate when going for roles that seek those with a heightened focus. Some are fairly common while others are more unique.

If you’re interested in a common concentration, you have a wider range of programs to choose from. We discuss some of the more popular concentrations below.

Curriculum & Instructions

This concentration, such as the Ed.D. in Curriculum and Instruction offered by American College of Education, focuses on the development of research-based theories and principles to create the most effective learning environment possible for teachers and students. This means creating strategic academic goals and a curriculum that’s able to meet those goals. The curriculum will focus mostly on the classroom setting, but EdD students may learn about improving education within a corporate setting as well.

Global Executive Education

USC Rossier offers a Global Executive Doctor of Education, where this type of specialization gives you the tools to successfully create solutions throughout educational systems via policy analysis, innovative practice, assessment, and social entrepreneurship. This specialization gives a global look at various perspectives in education, offering creative approaches in teaching.

Higher Education

Like the Ed.D. in Higher Education offered at Boston College, this concentration emphasizes education at the post-secondary level, primarily in colleges and universities. The curriculum will focus on learning styles and considerations of adult learners. Coursework will examine past, current, and potential future issues in higher learning, including policy, governance, finance, and diversity in not just the academic setting, but government, nonprofit, and corporate settings as well.

Leadership

When most people think of a successful school, they think of great teachers and disciplined students, but creating this environment conducive for learning is not so simple. It takes the ability to manage multiple individuals at different levels and various areas of expertise. EdD students who focus on this area of specialization, such as the EdD in Education Leadership at Alverno College, will learn how to create this successful learning environment. This includes learning communication, management, and analytical skills to coordinate the many moving parts within an academic setting.

Quantitative Methods in Education

This concentration is tailored for individuals who prefer using numbers, statistics, and quantitative methods for policy analysis. The classes will therefore not only cover quantitative methods for research and data analysis, but also teach students to apply these findings to modify existing teaching methods, engage in independent research, and shift academic policy within an organizational setting.

Making a Career with Your Education Doctorate

Various roles open up for you upon obtaining your EdD. You become more available to jobs of various levels in educational leadership and administration, teaching and instruction, training and development, and more. Not only will you be a changemaker in educational policy, but the future of education as a whole. Take a look at some of your options for careers as an EdD holder.

School Principal/Vice Principal

In this position, you would be responsible for school operations, staff, and students at your school. With the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reporting a projected -2% employment change for principals, this role holds a lower level of job growth than the total average for all other occupations. The BLS also reports a median annual wage of $105,870 for principals of kindergarten through secondary schooling as of May 2023. According to O*NET OnLine, this role would require graduate school.

Provost

Provosts are second-in-command to a university’s president. Their duties involve achieving academic goals and allocating resources accordingly. The BLS reports a median annual wage of $103,960 as of May 2024 for postsecondary education administrators, the closest role to provosts with available data. Provost job growth is lower than the average for all occupations at 2%. O*NET OnLine indicates that this type of role will also require higher education and graduate school.

Chief Learning Officer (CLO)

Chief Learning Officers (CLOs) take the lead on creating and executing professional development programs within an organization. The closest data available on the BLS is for top executive roles, which have a reported median annual average wage of $206,420 and a 4% projected change in employment from 2024–2034. Using your knowledge in educational leadership would translate well as a CLO, influencing the future through your informed decision-making skills.

Top EdD Programs Offered Online

Online EdD programs have become increasingly popular among mid-career educators who wish to attain the highest levels of leadership. However, selecting the right program can be challenging. It is essential to comprehend accreditation requirements, evaluate costs, and ensure the program format is flexible enough to accommodate a busy schedule.

Our college rankings provide an excellent starting point, listing the top online EdD programs based on key criteria such as affordability, accreditation, and the level of student support services provided. Discover which schools rose to the top and identify the online EdD program that best suits your needs.