Best Online Doctorate in Educational Leadership 2023
Educational Leadership Doctoral Programs
Online doctorate in education programs help professionals learn how to enact necessary change in their schools and school systems.
All organizations require competent leaders to function at their best. Colleges and universities are no exception to this rule. Education professionals looking to advance to top management positions often pursue terminal degrees, such as an Ed.D. or Ph.D. in educational leadership.
The growing demand for strong leaders in education is largely driven by increasing enrollment numbers in colleges and universities. Between 2023 and 2033, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects a 3% increase in postsecondary education administrators, including provosts, deans, and registrars. These professionals earn annual median salaries of $102,610.
The following guide and the accompanying ranking of the top 5 online doctorate in education programs both contain vital information for prospective education students. Topics include admission requirements, common courses, professional organizations, and career opportunities for graduates.
Best Online Doctorate in Educational Leadership 2023
American University
Washington, DC- 4 year
- Campus + Online
The online Ed.D. in education policy and leadership program at American University ranks as one of the best degrees in the educational leadership field. At the private institution, degree-seekers complete a doctorate in a flexible environment. Doctoral students receive library access, research support, and career services.
In the online educational leadership program, learners complete doctoral coursework and strengthen advanced skills. Doctoral candidates pass comprehensive examinations and conduct research for their dissertation. As the terminal degree in educational leadership, the doctoral program trains graduates for roles in academia, research, and industry.
The accredited institution meets federal requirements for financial aid support. Contact the educational leadership program to learn more about financial aid, enrollment options, and start dates.
American University at a Glance:
Online Student Enrollment: 2,815
Online Master's Programs: 16
Online Doctoral Programs: 1
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 11-to-1
Graduate Tuition Rate: $30,351
- In-State$49,070
- Out-of-state$49,070
- In-State$30,351
- Out-of-state$30,351
- Retention Rate87%
- Acceptance Rate36%
- Students Enrolled14,318
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment20%
- AccreditationYes
Andrews University
- Berrien Springs, MI
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
The doctoral programs in educational leadership at Andrews University offer an online learning format. Degree-seekers benefit from flexible course options through the private institution. Doctoral students receive support services like career advising and research assistance.
In the online educational leadership programs, graduate learners take advanced classes. After passing comprehensive examinations, doctoral candidates complete an original dissertation that contributes to the field. Graduates with a doctorate in educational leadership work in academic, research, and industry positions.
At the accredited institution, doctoral students qualify for several forms of financial aid. Prospective applicants can contact the school to learn more about research support, financial aid opportunities, and admission requirements.
Andrews University at a Glance:
Online Student Enrollment: 918
Online Master's Programs: 7
Online Doctoral Programs: 6
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 10-to-1
Graduate Tuition Rate: $27,216
- In-State$28,992
- Out-of-state$28,992
- In-State$27,216
- Out-of-state$27,216
- Retention Rate87%
- Acceptance Rate67%
- Students Enrolled3,390
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment27%
- AccreditationYes
Arkansas State University
- Jonesboro, AR
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Arkansas State University offers a top-ranked online doctorate in educational leadership program. At the public university, degree-seekers engage in online classes to earn a doctorate. Doctoral students work closely with faculty mentors and career advisors.
Learners complete doctoral coursework in the online educational leadership program. After meeting coursework requirements, doctoral candidates pass a comprehensive examination and conduct research for an original dissertation or project. With a doctorate in educational leadership, professionals work in academia, research, and leadership roles.
The accredited institution meets federal requirements for financial aid support. Prospective applicants can contact the program to learn more about the enrollment process and start dates.
Arkansas State University at a Glance:
Online Student Enrollment: 7,939
Online Master's Programs: 19
Online Doctoral Programs: 2
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 18-to-1
Graduate Tuition Rate: $4,986
- In-State$6,540
- Out-of-state$13,500
- In-State$4,986
- Out-of-state$9,972
- Retention Rate75%
- Acceptance Rate80%
- Students Enrolled13,356
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment59%
- AccreditationYes
Belhaven University
- Jackson, MS
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
The online doctor of education in educational leadership program, offered by Belhaven University, ranks as a top program in the field. The private university provides flexible enrollment options to meet the needs of diverse degree-seekers. Doctoral students receive support services like career advising and research support.
In the online educational leadership program, learners complete doctoral coursework and strengthen advanced skills. Doctoral candidates pass comprehensive examinations and conduct research for their dissertation. With a doctorate in educational leadership, graduates pursue academic, research, and industry roles.
Online doctoral students can pay for their degree with scholarships, fellowships, and other forms of financial aid. Contact the educational leadership program to learn more about the enrollment process and start dates.
Belhaven University at a Glance:
Online Student Enrollment: 2,200
Online Master's Programs: 14
Online Doctoral Programs: 1
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 8-to-1
Graduate Tuition Rate: $10,170
- In-State$25,826
- Out-of-state$25,826
- In-State$10,170
- Out-of-state$10,170
- Retention Rate64%
- Acceptance Rate49%
- Students Enrolled4,574
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment48%
- AccreditationYes
Central Michigan University
- Mount Pleasant, MI
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
The online Ed.D. in educational leadership program at Central Michigan University ranks as one of the best degrees in the educational leadership field. With flexible enrollment options, the public school helps degree-seekers earn a doctorate. Doctoral students work closely with faculty mentors and career advisors.
Learners complete credits of doctoral coursework in the online educational leadership program. Doctoral candidates advance in the program by passing comprehensive exams and writing an original dissertation. With a doctorate in educational leadership, professionals work in academia, research, and leadership roles.
At the accredited institution, online doctoral students qualify for scholarships, federal loans, and other forms of financial aid. Prospective applicants can contact the program to learn more about research support, financial aid opportunities, and admission requirements.
Central Michigan University at a Glance:
Online Student Enrollment: 7,657
Online Master's Programs: 24
Online Doctoral Programs: 3
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 19-to-1
Graduate Tuition Rate: $16,700
- In-State$12,383
- Out-of-state$22,881
- In-State$16,700
- Out-of-state$16,700
- Retention Rate74%
- Acceptance Rate70%
- Students Enrolled19,362
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment40%
- AccreditationYes
Best Online Programs
Doctorate in Educational Leadership
2023
Online Doctorate in Educational Leadership Programs Ranking Guidelines
We ranked these degree programs based on quality, curricula, school awards, rankings, and reputation.
Rankings MethodologyDoctorate Educational Leadership Degree Overview
The best Ed.D. programs in educational leadership offer curricula that link research and practice. These programs prepare educators for formal leadership roles in the education system, including principal, dean, and superintendent positions. Required coursework covers leadership theory, organizational analysis, and policies in education.
Doctoral students typically already have significant experience in education. They may be teachers looking to step into a leadership role or current administrators looking to advance their knowledge, skills, and credentials. Flexible online degrees appeal to working professionals who do not want to put their careers on hold while returning to school.
Online doctorate in education graduates gain skills in research, effective leadership, strategic planning, and educational finance.