Best Online Doctorate in Educational Leadership 2023
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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 2022 and 2032, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects a 4% increase in postsecondary education administrators, including provosts, deans, and registrars. These professionals earn annual median salaries of $99,940.
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.
Featured Doctorate Educational Leadership Programs
Best Online Doctorate in Educational Leadership 2023
American University
Washington, DC- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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.