15 Best Online EdD Programs for 2024

Are you interested in being in a position where you can teach others? Does the process of research appeal to you? Are you interested in earning a degree at the highest level? If you’ve answered yes to any or all these questions, why not consider pursuing a Doctor of Education?

What is an EdD Program?

The Doctor of Education (EdD) is a professional doctoral degree earned by individuals interested in careers in education, particularly in leadership or administrative positions. It teaches students to perform research on a certain issue and use that research to solve a problem.

It’s also one of the highest degrees an individual can earn. In addition to the courses required to earn the EdD, students must also complete a dissertation that demonstrates all they’ve learned in the program through research.

Who Needs an EdD?

An individual who wants a career in administration and academics would benefit the most by earning this degree. Graduates of this degree program may seek work as school district officials, deans, superintendents, and provosts. An individual who needs an EDD is generally someone who knows what they want in a career and wants to join the workforce immediately.

Admission Requirements

As is the case with most degree programs, there are several admission requirements that must be satisfied for an applicant to be accepted in the program.

• Applicants must have a master’s degree and must have a GPS of at least 3.0.
• Applicants should have at least three years of relevant professional experience.
• Applicants should submit two to three letters of recommendation from professors or similar professionals.
• Applicants must submit a personal statement indicating their career goals.
• Applicants must submit their curriculum, which should demonstrate their education, accomplishments, and professional experience in the education field.
• Applicants must complete an interview with the school or a school administrator.

Is a Master’s Degree Required to Earn an EdD?

In almost all EdD programs, the student must already have a master’s degree. The master’s degree should be in education but can also be in a related field. Their GPA in the master’s degree program should be 3.0 or higher. The degree should come from a regionally or nationally accredited university or college.

Is a GRE Required?

The GRE (graduate record examination) is a standardized test designed to test the student’s readiness for college. Whether or not an EdD requires a GRE depends largely on the college. Although some colleges and universities do require the GRE, most online EdD programs do not require the GRE.

How Long Does an EdD Take?

The time it takes to complete a Doctor of Education program depends on several things. The track the student takes will affect the time required to earn the degree. For instance, a student taking a 42-track program may finish the program in three years. However, a student in a 66- or 62-track program may take up to four years to complete. Although the typical time to complete this degree is 3-4 years, online students may earn it in less time or may take longer.

EdD vs PhD

If you’re considering earning a doctoral degree in education, you may be uncertain as to which degree to pursue. Some people believe that that the Doctor of Education (EdD) and the Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in education are the same, yet these two degrees are very different. The one thing they both have in common is that they’re both doctoral degrees, and they’re both professional degrees.

The Doctor of Education degree is aimed at practitioners who want educational leadership roles. The Doctor of Philosophy degree is designed for individuals interested in careers in teaching or in research. A graduate of an EdD program may seek a job as a principal or superintendent, while a Ph.D. graduate may seek work teaching in colleges and universities.

The EdD focuses on both research and application, while the Ph.D. focuses on just research. The Ph.D. applies mostly to academia, but the EdD can be used in various industries. A residency is typically required for a Ph.D. but not for the EdD.

Examples of jobs Ph.D. graduates may find include:

• Secondary and Elementary School Education Administrators
• Postsecondary Education Administrators
• Instructional Coordinators
• Top Executive, such as chief academic officer on chief learning officer

Examples of jobs EdD graduates may find include:

• Postsecondary Teacher
• Academic Researcher
• Administrator

In recent years, online EdD programs have become as popular as on-campus programs. Online programs offer students affordability and easy access to technological advances. Below are our selections for the best EdD programs with a short description of each and relevant information. You can check out our methodology for ranking programs here.

15 Best EdD Programs (With Value and Online Options Explained)

1. Baylor University

Doctor of Education in Learning and Organizational Change

This online program can be completed in just 36 months. Applicants must have a master’s degree but are not required to take the GRE. Graduates of this program are prepared to work not only in education buy various other industries such as government agencies or nonprofit companies. They’re also prepared for research-based careers.

• Value: This program is highly ranked and offers affordable tuition.
• Online: Yes
• Unique Features: The Carnegie Project on the Education Doctorate ranked this program as one of the best in 2022.

2. University of Dayton

Doctor of Education in Leadership for Organizations

This EdD program is offered online, and it can be completed in three years. A master’s degree is required as well as a 3.0 or higher GPA. This program doesn’t require a GRE. The flexible format allows students to work while earning the degree.

• Value: This 60-credit program prepares students for a multitude of different careers.
• Online: Yes
• Unique Features: Students can choose from three different start dates. Students also get personalized career coaching.

3. A.T. Still University of Health Sciences

Doctor of Education in Health Professions

The Doctor of Education program at A.T. Still is a 55-credit program that can be completed in two to three years. It does not require a GRE. This program focuses on preparing graduates for leadership positions in the healthcare industry.

• Value: Tuition for this program is within the average rate.
• Online: Yes
• Unique Features: The school provides graduates with a manuscript that can be given to peer-reviewing journals for publication. All courses in this program are certified by Quality Matters.

4. Andrews University

Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership

This program requires completion of 90+ credits and can be completed within five years. Applicants are required to take the GRE and must have a GPA of 3.30 in their master’s degree program. The program is offered both online and on-campus with applications accepted on a rolling basis. Students must complete a dissertation.

• Value: The school offers affordable tuition, financial aid assistance, and various scholarship opportunities.
• Online: Yes
• Unique Features: If the student’s master’s degree is from AU, they only need to complete 60 credits.

5. Abilene Christian University

Doctor of Education in Organizational Leadership

The 60-credit Doctor of Education in Organizational Leadership Program can be completed in three to five years. It does not require a GRE. Through a faith-based education, students are prepared for leadership opportunities in government, education, and many other industries.

• Value: In addition to affordable tuition, the college also offers financial assistance and scholarship opportunities.
• Online: Yes
• Unique Features: Helps you discover your leadership style through a Christian lens.

6. Concordia University Chicago

Doctor of Education in Leadership

The Doctor of Education in Leadership program at CU can be completed in two to three years or upon completion of 61 credits. Applicants are required to take either the GRE or the MAT. The curriculum teaches students about different approaches to leadership, conflict and change management, decision-making, and knowledge management.

• Value: Offers special tuition rates for graduate students as well as scholarship opportunities
• Online: offered online and on campus
• Unique Features: This program offers various areas of concentration so students can focus on what interests them most.

7. New Mexico State University

Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership

This 63-credit graduate program can be completed in two to three years depending on the student’s commitment. Applicants are not required to take the GRE.

• Value: Tuition is affordable for both in-state and out-of-state residents.
• Online: Yes
• Unique Features: S. News & World Report ranks NMSU highly among top-tier universities. It’s also ranked as one of the top educational leadership programs in the country.

8. Maryville University

Doctor of Education in High Education Leadership

This online program can be completed in just 36 months. Applicants must have a master’s degree but are not required to take the GRE.

• Value: This program is highly ranked and offers affordable tuition.
• Online: Yes
• Unique Features: Graduates of this program are prepared to work not only in education buy various other industries such as government agencies or nonprofit companies. They’re also prepared for research-based careers.

9. Lamar University

Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership

This 60-credit online program can be completed in two to three years. Applicants must take the GRE. The doctoral degree program prepares students to be instructional leaders in government agencies, education, and various businesses.

• Value: This program is highly ranked and offers affordable tuition.
• Online: Yes
• Unique Features: This fully online program offers working individuals the flexibility to work and earn the degree.

10. Indiana University

Doctor of Education in Literacy, Culture, and Language Education

This 60-credit program, which is fully online, requires the completion of 90 credits. Students can typically complete this doctorate program can be completed in two to three years. Applicants must take the GRE. This program prepares students for careers dealing with reading, language, and leadership.

• Value: Tuition for out-of-state students is not much higher than for in-state students.
• Online: Yes
• Unique Features: Students can transfer to 180 credits from the master’s degree program. It has some of the same admission requirements as the on-campus programs.

11. Florida State University

Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership and Policy

The doctoral degree in Educational Leadership and Policy can be completed in three years with completion of 33 credit hours. It does require a GRE. Graduates will have the training and knowledge for leadership positions in educational settings where they can make a real difference.

• Value: Although they do pay tuition, online students get waivers and reductions in fees and tuition.
• Online: Yes
• Unique Features: This program is designed for teachers and leaders who want to further their education and knowledge.

12. Grand Canyon University

Doctor of Education in Learning and Organizational Change

This online program can be completed in just 36 months. Applicants must have a master’s degree but are not required to take the GRE.

• Value: Tuition is based on credit hours with online students receiving a discount. This program prepares students for a wide variety of leadership positions.
• Online: Yes
• Unique Features: Graduates of this program are prepared for leadership positions in education as well as researchers. Students receive a Christian-based education.

13. Morehead State University

Doctor of Education

The doctoral degree program at Morehead State University is a 60-credit program that can be completed in 24-36 months. Applicants must take either the GRE, MAT, or the GMAT.

• Value: This program offers affordable tuition and can be completed at the student’s own pace.
• Online: Yes
• Unique Features: Students can choose from four areas of specialization. Morehead University also offers several other online education-based programs.

14. Fordham University

Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership, Administration and Policy

Depending on the student’s time and commitment, this 50-credit online program can be completed in less than three years. Applicants are required to take the GRE, MAT, or an equivalency. This program is suited more for current teachers and administrators interested in working in suburban and urban K-12 schools.

• Value: Students enjoy affordable tuition and flexible schedules.
• Online: Yes
• Unique Features: S. News & World Report ranks Fordham University highly in several categories.

15. Edgewood College

Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership

This 54-credit program can be completed in three to four years. Students are not required to take a GRE. The program includes doctoral courses and research-based courses.

• Value: Classes are offered twice a month on Saturdays for the student’s convenience.
• Online: Yes
• Unique Features: This program has an 85 percent completion rate for students.

Choosing an EdD Program

Selecting the right Ed.D. program can be challenging – after all, it is a large commitment and portion of your life to dedicate to this program. Thankfully, this list provides you with a large selection of great options, and there are many other choices that are great.