Effective leadership plays a crucial role in institutions of all sizes, from kindergartens and universities to entire school districts. Students who earn a doctorate in educational administration degree online gain the interpersonal and instructional skills needed to serve schools and school districts as superintendents, principals, directors, specialists, and coordinators.
Doctoral candidates master a variety of leadership, technological, organizational, and administrative strategies, building and strengthening the qualities required to effectively lead academic organizations. Graduates with a Ph.D. in educational administration go on to land successful careers in public and private schools, government organizations, and school districts.
An educational administration doctoral program explores advanced topics in leadership, finance, entrepreneurship, technology, and ethics. The following ranking includes the 10 best online doctorate in educational administration degree programs, all which combine academic rigor with the flexibility of online education.
Online Doctorate in Educational Administration Program Ranking Guidelines

We selected the programs based on the quality of the program, the types of courses offered, the faculty, rankings, awards, and reputation, including the school’s reputation for effectively providing online degree programs.
The Best Online Doctorate in Educational Administration Degree Programs
Rank | School | Location | Apply | More Information |
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Andrews University |
Berrien Springs, MI Apply Now | |||
Appalachian State University |
Boone, NC Apply Now | |||
Central Michigan University |
Mount Pleasant, MI Apply Now | |||
Drexel University |
Philadelphia, PA Apply Now | |||
East Carolina University |
Greenville, NC Apply Now | |||
Endicott College |
Beverly, MA Apply Now | |||
Florida State University |
Tallahassee, FL Apply Now | |||
George Fox University |
Newberg, OR Apply Now | |||
Monmouth University |
West Long Branch, NJ Apply Now | |||
Rowan University |
Glassboro, NJ Apply Now | |||
Samford University |
Birmingham, AL Apply Now | |||
Tennessee State University |
Nashville, TN Apply Now | |||
Texas Tech University |
Lubbock, TX Apply Now | |||
University of Arkansas |
Fayetteville, AR Apply Now | |||
University of Florida |
Gainesville, FL Apply Now | |||
University of Kentucky |
Lexington, KY Apply Now | |||
University of Missouri-Columbia |
Columbia, MO Apply Now | |||
University of Nebraska-Lincoln |
Lincoln, NE Apply Now | |||
University of North Carolina at Greensboro |
Greensboro, NC Apply Now | |||
University of North Carolina Wilmington |
Wilmington, NC Apply Now | |||
University of North Dakota |
Grand Forks, ND Apply Now | |||
University of Southern California |
Los Angeles, CA Apply Now | |||
University of St Thomas |
Saint Paul, MN Apply Now | |||
Wilkes University |
Wilkes-Barre, PA Apply Now |
End of list, bravo!
What Is an Online Doctorate in Educational Administration?
While every educational administration doctoral degree emphasizes leadership and administrative skills, each degree type takes a slightly different approaches to the discipline. This list includes both doctor of education (Ed.D.) and doctor of philosophy (Ph.D.) in educational administration degrees. Online Ed.D. programs best serve individuals who wish to build and strengthen applied educational administration skills, while a research-based online Ph.D. in educational administration is ideal for those pursuing postsecondary teaching positions or careers in academic research.
What Can You Do With a Doctorate Degree in Educational Administration?
Individuals who complete doctoral programs in higher education administration online take on many different roles and apply their leadership expertise in a variety of settings. Working in fast-paced, constantly evolving environments, they develop strategies to achieve educational and institutional goals. Professionals with a doctorate in education administration work well with others and possess the drive to spearhead projects on their own. The following section lists some popular careers and their respective salaries.
- Postsecondary Education Administrators:
- These professionals oversee administrative operations at colleges and universities, including student services, admissions processes, course registration, and student affairs. Most administrators focus on one or two areas, such as enrollment or student life.
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Salary based on experience:
- Entry Level: $48,000
- Mid-Career: $57,000
- Experienced: $62,000
- Late Career: $65,000
- Director of Curriculum:
- Working to implement curricula within schools or school systems, these administrators develop instructional guidelines according to state and federal standards. They also work with principals to create effective teacher training programs and rework educational strategies as needed.
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Salary based on experience:
- Entry Level: $59,000
- Mid-Career: $65,000
- Experienced: $75,000
- Late Career: $76,000
- Executive Director:
- Some professionals who earn a doctorate in education administration online become executive directors, serving as senior managers in organizations and businesses. Executive directors develop budgetary strategies and timelines to achieve their organization’s day-to-day goals.
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Salary based on experience:
- Entry Level: $55,000
- Mid-Career: $68,000
- Experienced: $85,000
- Late Career: $99,000
- Chief Learning Officer:
- These professionals develop educator training programs, design curricula and education practices, and ensure that their institution adheres to government regulations. Learning officers also analyze teacher performance data to identify weaknesses and make improvements in educational programs.
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Salary based on experience:
- Entry Level: $108,000
- Mid-Career: $127,000
- Experienced: $141,000
- Late Career: $182,000
- Superintendent:
- As head school system administrators, superintendents handle disciplinary issues with teachers and other school employees, manage district budgets, and hire principals for schools in their districts. Superintendents also approve and monitor major school property projects.
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Salary based on experience:
- Entry Level: $104,000
- Mid-Career: $109,000
- Experienced: $120,000
- Late Career: $129,000
Source: PayScale
Choosing an Online Educational Administration Doctorate Degree Program
Students interested in online Ph.D. programs in higher education administration enjoy many options. However, there are several important factors to explore before selecting a school, including program duration, faculty specialty areas, and any available concentrations. With so many variables to consider, candidates should ensure that a prospective program aligns with their academic and career goals and fits their budget. You may find it more affordable to attend a local school instead of paying out-of-state tuition elsewhere. Provide yourself with enough time to carefully investigate all your options.
- Program Cost:
- Cost varies greatly between doctoral programs in higher education administration online. Some schools charge out-of-state students nearly double their in-state tuition rates, while others charge one flat rate for all distance learners. Many institutions require online students to pay a per-credit or semesterly technology fee.
- Transfer Policies:
- Students who have previously completed college-level coursework, especially general education classes or higher education-related coursework, should consider schools’ transfer policies. Many institutions allow transfer students to apply credits earned at accredited universities toward a doctoral degree in higher education administration online. A favorable transfer policy can grant credit for prior work and ultimately save you time and money.
- School Size and Type:
- Some online programs limit class size to keep courses manageable for professors and facilitate student and faculty interaction. Schools with smaller class sizes may be more competitive, especially those with cohort learning or synchronous formats. In many cases, private schools offer lower student-to-faculty ratios than public schools.
- Program Length:
- A program’s duration depends on student enrollment status, graduation requirements, and the number of credits distance learners are permitted to complete each semester. Full-time candidates spend approximately 3–5 years completing their degree. Depending on their schedule, part-time learners may take up to seven years, or the maximum amount of time allotted by their department.
- On-Campus Requirements:
- Be sure to determine if a program includes on-campus obligations. Most doctoral degrees in higher education administration online allow learners to complete all degree requirements remotely. You may encounter hybrid programs, wherein distance learners take one or more classes in person. Some distance students prefer a mixture of online and traditional coursework.
Accreditation for Online Educational Administration Doctorate Degrees
Accreditation is one of the most important factors to consider while researching prospective schools. Accredited colleges and universities adhere to the highest quality standards, which are set by external agencies known as accrediting bodies. There are three types of accreditation: regional, national, and programmatic.
There are six major regionally accrediting bodies, as well as the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges. Regional accreditation is widely understood to designate the highest-quality institutions. Typically offering degrees from the associate level up to doctoral programs, regionally accredited schools feature diverse curricula that include general education, major-specific, and elective classes. In contrast, nationally accredited schools usually provide career-focused training and offer a smaller variety of degrees and professional certifications.
Individual programs or departments within colleges and universities may also receive programmatic accreditation from discipline-specific accrediting bodies or professional organizations. The Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) is the most important accrediting body that assesses educational administration programs. In some states, candidates seeking teaching or administrative licensure are required to hold a degree from a CAEP-accredited program.
The accreditation process involves both private and governmental agencies. The U.S. Department of Education (ED) approves and ensures that accrediting bodies are reliable authorities on education and quality. The Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) is a membership organization comprised of 3,000 degree-granting college and universities and 60 accrediting bodies who review quality assurance processes. Both ED and CHEA maintain comprehensive lists of accredited programs and schools on their websites.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Doctorate Degree in Educational Administration?
A doctoral program’s duration depends largely on the student’s availability and how quickly they are able to meet graduation requirements. Most doctoral programs require 91–120 credit hours. In many cases, doctoral programs require students to conduct an extensive final project after completing four semesters of coursework. In most distance education programs, these projects are part of a capstone course. Alternatively, some degrees require students to compose a traditional doctoral dissertation based on original research. A time-consuming process, dissertation work alone may take 1-2 years to complete. Coupled with the departmental requirements, full-time students typically spend 3–4 years earning a Ph.D. in education administration online.
Courses in an Online Educational Administration Doctorate Program
- Introduction to Leadership
- This essential class encourages distance learners to recognize their potential for community involvement and future career opportunities. Offering an interdisciplinary perspective on leadership theories and styles, coursework also presents contemporary workplace issues and challenges.
- Serving Students and Schools
- Learners examine the practices, issues, and theories involved in leading student services offices or organizations. Lecture topics include the history and philosophy behind these supportive roles, contemporary issues, and common career paths in the field. Candidates also survey the relationship between student service professionals and other campus organizations.
- Financial Management for Higher Education Professionals
- Presenting essential financial management concepts, this class introduces integral topics through the lens of higher education administration. While students examine methods used to finance education in both the public and private sectors, they also gain transferable budgeting and management skills that are useful in virtually any administrative position.
- Community Colleges and Technical Schools
- This overview course surveys community and vocational institutions throughout history. Coursework examines these schools’ unique purposes and educational strategies, in addition to their distinct administrative needs. Candidates study leadership, educational, and counseling theories within the community college context, building a comprehensive understanding of employee relationships and the complex contemporary issues these institutions often face.
- Academic Professions
- Using cutting-edge research, this course explores college administrators’ myriad roles and tasks. Class topics include faculty positions and institutional life, faculty misconduct, tenure track positions, and administration-faculty relationships. Students learn to face modern issues from many different administrative perspectives.
Educational Administration Certifications
Each state maintains its own certification requirements for teachers. In most cases, educational or administrative professionals working in schools must hold at least a bachelor’s degree and the proper certification or licensure. After earning a Ph.D. in educational administration online, prospective administrators must adhere to state guidelines, policies, and regulations before obtaining licensure. Once certified, professionals are expected to periodically renew their credentials by completing continuing education or professional development programs. While individual certifications vary from state to state, the following credentials are among the most common.
- Principal Certification:
- Many students who complete doctoral programs in educational administration online intend to pursue principal positions. This certification offers leadership training and coaching for prospective principals.
- School Administrative Certification/Licensure:
- Many individuals earn this certification while working as classroom teachers. Applicants must pass state-mandated exams that test candidates’ knowledge of state laws and curriculum standards. This credential benefits students who are interested in any administrative position, in both public and private schools.
- Education Professional Development:
- Various organizations, including the School Superintendents Association, offer continuing education and professional development exchange programs. Program graduates can document their efforts on their resumes and curricula vitae, helping them stand out in the job market and secure leadership positions.
Educational Administration Professional Organizations
Professional organizations exist in virtually every discipline and industry. These associations offer valuable resources for students, recent graduates, and seasoned professionals alike. Many provide exclusive access to online publications, full-text libraries, and other valuable resources to assist candidates pursuing a Ph.D. in higher education administration online. Some sponsor networking opportunities like conferences and seminars. Conferences present unique opportunities to meet with industry experts, present new research, and build and strengthen a global professional network.
- School Superintendents Association:
- AASA is a membership organization dedicated to helping colleagues share their best practices and ideas. Members automatically receive $1 million in professional liability insurance, in addition to legal assistance, access to online publications, opportunities to meet with executive career consultants, and leadership development workshops.
- National Association of State Directors of Teacher Education and Certification:
- This organization represents professional standards boards, commissions, and state education departments in all 50 states. NASDTEC acts as an information hub for education professionals, providing job preparation services, credentials, continuing education opportunities, and an annual conference. NASDTEC members also gain access to online webinars, job announcements, and industry news.
- National Education Association:
- With over three million members, NEA is the country’s largest professional employee organization, maintaining affiliate organizations in every state. The association’s membership base includes classroom teachers, educational support professionals, administrative members, and students. Members enjoy access to discounted legal services, exclusive news and information, discussion forums, and active job boards. NEA also sponsors regional leadership training seminars and an annual conference.
Archives
2018 Archive
The 10 Best Online Doctorate in Educational Administration Degree Programs for 2018
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University of Nebraska - Lincoln
Lincoln, Nebraska -
Texas Tech University
Lubbock, Texas -
Ball State University
Muncie, Indiana -
Sam Houston State University
Huntsville, Texas -
Indiana State University
Terre Haute, Indiana -
Governors State University
University Park, Illinois -
Carson-Newman University
Jefferson City, Tennessee -
Andrews University
Berrien Springs, Michigan -
George Fox University
Newberg, Oregon