The Best Online Doctorate Programs in Educational Leadership
Sep 25, 2020
TBS Staff
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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 2018 and 2028, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects a 7% increase in postsecondary education administrators, including provosts, deans, and registrars. These professionals earn annual median salaries of $95,410.
The following guide and the accompanying ranking of the top 25 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.
The School of Graduate Studies at Andrews University offers online Ed.D. and Ph.D in educational leadership programs that take about five years to complete. The Ph.D. in educational leadership program focuses more heavily on research than the Ed.D. program.
The programs are accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education and recognized by the Educational Leadership Constituent Council. Students in both programs take core courses like foundations of educational leadership, foundations of curriculum studies, technology for leaders, and improving instruction. Doctoral students also complete an advanced internship.
Andrews accepts applications on a rolling basis and admits students for the fall, spring, and summer semesters. Admission requirements include a master's degree from an accredited university with a minimum 3.0 GPA. Applicants must also submit three letters of recommendation, a statement of purpose, a resume, and GRE scores. Students can transfer up to 42 graduate credits into the program.
The 60-credit online Ed.D. in educational leadership program from Appalachian State University develops leadership skills in teaching, administration, and research. Designed for professional educators who want to make a difference in the education system, the degree provides training in how to create more equitable, effective, and sustainable schools. Graduates hold job titles like department chair, dean, provost, and chancellor. The part-time degree includes two synchronous online sessions each week.
The online Ed.D. in educational leadership offers professionally relevant concentrations in areas like educational administration, instructional technology leadership, literacy in exceptionalities, and higher education. All students take required courses on topics such as applied quantitative methods in education, writing for the professional educator, and organizational and systems theory.
Applicants must hold a master's degree from an accredited institution and submit GRE scores, transcripts, a resume, a letter of intent, and four references. Applicants must also complete an in-person or phone interview with the program director. Candidates pursuing the educational administration concentration must hold a master of school administration from an accredited institution and hold or be eligible for a North Carolina superintendent's license.
Central Michigan University offers one of the best online Ed.D. programs in the country through its Global Campus. The online Ed.D. in educational leadership offers concentrations in higher education and K-12 leadership. Students in the cohort-style program take a set schedule of courses with the same classmates from start to finish. New cohorts start every August.
Most coursework takes place online, but students must attend two in-person summer meetings. The 63-credit program requires classes like educational research design, educational policy analysis, instructional supervision and leadership, and higher education policy. Doctoral candidates must also complete a field-based experience, comprehensive exams, and a dissertation.
Admission requirements include a master's degree from a regionally accredited institution, a minimum 3.5 GPA, and at least three years of professional education experience. The program prefers applicants with leadership experience. Applicants must also submit official transcripts, three letters of recommendation, GRE scores, and a current resume. All students pay the same tuition rate regardless of residency.
Drexel University's accredited Ed.D. in educational leadership and management ranks among the best online Ed.D. programs in the country. The program received the Carnegie Project on the Education Doctorate Program of the Year Award in 2019. The fully online program explores instructional technology integration, strategic decision-making, and program evaluation.
Students can choose from nine concentrations in areas like athletic administration, creativity and innovation, global and international education, and human resource development. Students complete 60.5-61.5 quarter credits, taking classes like educational leadership and change, program evaluation in organizations, transformative leadership, and qualitative research methods and analysis. The program also requires a six-credit dissertation.
Applicants need a master's degree with a minimum 3.5 GPA and three years of relevant professional experience. Typical careers for graduates include postsecondary education administrator, high school teacher, and principal.
East Carolina University's College of Education boasts 25 fully online programs, including one of the top online doctorate of education degrees in the country. The online Ed.D. in educational leadership includes concentrations in higher education administration and preK-12 administration. Students explore topics like leadership theory, planning studies, policy analysis, and curriculum and instructional leadership.
The 60-credit program requires classes like organizational theory and culture, ethics in educational leadership, and advanced research in educational leadership. Students also complete a research-based dissertation and a supervised internship. Graduates qualify for careers in educational leadership and administration.
Online students gain access to academic advising, professional development opportunities, and an education community. They may also qualify for financial aid opportunities. Applicants need a master's degree and professional leadership experience in an educational environment. Students seeking the preK-12 administration concentration need level I licensure in supervision or administration. All applicants must submit official transcripts, three letters of recommendation, a resume, and a statement of purpose.
Endicott College offers one of the best online Ed.D. programs in the country through its Van Loan School. The school's Ed.D. in educational leadership with a concentration in higher education prepares students for leadership roles in postsecondary institutions and nonprofit agencies. The curriculum explores topics like major developments in higher education, leadership practices and strategies in higher education, and research methods in educational settings.
The 51-credit program includes classes like history and administration of small colleges, ethical leadership in education, leading in a technological world, and transformational leadership in contemporary education. Students also complete a dissertation that contributes to scholarship in higher education and an administrative apprenticeship in higher education. Graduates qualify for jobs like university professor, superintendent, and school administrator.
Admission requirements for the online educational leadership Ed.D. program include a master's degree from an accredited college. Applicants must also submit official transcripts, a current resume or CV, three letters of recommendation, and a writing sample.
Florida State University offers an online Ed.D. in educational leadership that qualifies graduates for roles like principal and postsecondary education administrator. The program features mostly online coursework, but students must participate in a three-day professional learning seminar in Tallahassee during each year of the program.
The 33-credit program requires core courses like teacher leadership development, data-driven school improvement, resource management for education leaders, and legal aspects of public school administration. Some classes include a field experience component. Students culminate the degree with a comprehensive exam. The program requires a minimum 3.0 GPA to graduate.
Admission requirements include a graduate degree with a minimum 3.5 GPA. Applicants must submit GRE scores, unofficial transcripts from all prior colleges, a resume, and letters of recommendation. The program also requires a statement of purpose and research statement. Applicants with 10 or more years of professional educational experience can request a GRE waiver. Those with a doctorate in another field or a master's degree with a 3.75 GPA or better can also request a GRE waiver.
George Fox University offers a mostly online Ed.D. in educational leadership that features an annual one-week residency at George Fox Portland Center in Portland, Oregon. The program is accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education and prepares graduates for leadership roles in higher education and preK-12 environments.
The 56-credit program offers concentrations in administration and instructional design and development. Distance learners pay a flat tuition rate per credit regardless of where they live. The curriculum includes core courses like research in effective teaching; ethics, equity, and justice; critical research skills; and educational statistics.
Admission requirements include a regionally accredited bachelor's or master's degree in education or a related field with a minimum 3.25 GPA. Applicants must also possess at least three years of relevant professional experience and submit a resume, three letters of reference, an academic writing sample, and five short-answer essay questions.
Students seeking online doctorate of education programs can pursue an Ed.D. in educational leadership from Monmouth University. The 54-credit, two-year program encourages new ways of thinking about educational leadership problems. Students gain the skills needed to foster school change and lead innovative initiatives in education. The cohort-style program offers flexible learning formats, including the ability to participate in live sessions remotely. New cohorts start each spring and fall.
The curriculum focuses on leadership and learning, research and assessment, and policy and procedures. Students take classes like adult development and transformative learning, international leadership models, education law and policy, and advanced program analysis. The program also requires a culminating transformative leadership project that incorporates action research to answer a real-world educational question.
The program is accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation. Application requirements include a master's degree in education, business, or a related field with a minimum 3.25 GPA, transcripts, GRE or GMAT scores, a resume or CV, and two letters of recommendation. Applicants must also submit a personal statement and a writing sample. The advisory board may request an interview.
Founded in 1923 as a teacher preparation college, Rowan University offers an online Ed.D. in educational leadership program that applies leadership theories to real-world educational problems. Learners complete all coursework online, but they must attend three on-campus residencies.
The online Ed.D. in educational leadership offers three tracks: preK-12, higher education, and nurse educator. Those working in the community college field can join the Community College Leadership Initiative, a special cohort program that develops advanced knowledge of issues related to educational leadership in community colleges.
Each part of the three-phase online educational leadership program includes coursework and ends with a benchmark review. Students must pass each review before continuing to the next phase. Students take classes like nature and function in higher education, diversity in educational leadership, and action research in educational research. Ed.D. candidates also complete a dissertation.
Students seeking an online doctorate of education program can pursue an Ed.D. in educational leadership from Samford University. Designed for students interested in leading educational institutions, the primarily online program includes the option to attend on-campus weekend or evening classes six times each semester. Students who cannot travel to campus can participate in the live sessions synchronously using web conferencing software. All students must travel to campus to present and defend their dissertation.
The 36-credit program explores educational policy infrastructure, conflict resolution in educational settings, and best practices for designing education research methodologies. Required classes include ethical issues in education, organizational dynamics, and leadership planning. Students must maintain a minimum 3.5 GPA to graduate. The program features small class sizes, experienced practitioner-faculty, and a cohort-based learning environment.
Samford requires doctoral students to complete an education specialist (Ed.S.) degree prior to earning the Ed.D. The university offers an Ed.S. program in instructional leadership for those who do not hold one. In-state and out-of-state students pay the same tuition rate.
Professional educators seeking high-quality online doctorate of education programs should consider Tennessee State University's Ed.D. in educational leadership. The program prepares learners for leadership careers in K-12 schools, higher education, and other organizations that offer educational services. The cohort-style program includes a planned sequence of courses that learners take with the same group of classmates from start to finish.
The 66-credit program includes core, concentration, elective, and cognate requirements. Students can choose from seven concentrations, including higher education leadership, school system leadership, student personnel leadership, and school administration and leadership. Those who enter the program with an educational specialist degree only need to complete 42 credits.
All students take core classes like research in educational leadership, advanced qualitative research, educational statistics, and theories of administration. The program also requires a research-based dissertation.
Applicants must hold a master's degree and submit official transcripts, four letters of recommendation, a personal essay, and a resume. Students applying to the administrative endorsement concentration must also submit a copy of their teaching license.
Texas Tech University offers an online Ed.D. in educational leadership that prepares school leaders to enact evidence-based solutions to challenges in preK-12 schools. The three-year program includes a practice-based dissertation. Students learn to implement interventions, lead instructional change, and identify problems of practice.
The 96-credit program includes 48 credits of coursework, 12 dissertation credits, and 30 post-master's transfer credits. Required classes include research and educational leadership, organizational behavior and change in education, issues in educational leadership, and educational policy and the law. Students must also complete an internship or demonstrate proficiency in program evaluation.
The primarily online degree requires some campus visits, including two one-week summer intensives. The integrated curriculum includes superintendent professional certification preparation. Distance learners can join the Education Graduate Student Organization.
Applicants must hold a master's degree and submit transcripts, a resume, three professional recommendations, and GRE scores. They must also submit a personal statement and a response to the program's problem of practice prompt. Students can transfer up to 30 credits toward the degree.
The University of Arkansas offers an online Ed.D. in educational leadership that prepares students for careers as superintendents, building-level school administrators, principals, and state government agency officials. Available primarily online, the program requires three on-campus weekend seminars. The cohort weekends build relationships and include hands-on learning experiences.
The 42-credit online educational leadership program includes classes on topics like school organization and administration, effective leadership for school improvement, school facilities planning and management, and advanced legal issues in education. In addition to coursework, candidates must complete a dissertation.
All distance learners pay in-state tuition, regardless of where they live. Students gain access to library resources, tutoring, and academic advising. New online educational leadership Ed.D. cohorts start each summer. Applicants must hold a master's degree and submit three letters of recommendation, a writing sample, a copy of their teaching or administrator's license, and an autobiographical sketch. The program also requires an admission interview and GRE scores.
The University of Florida's College of Education boasts one of the best online Ed.D. programs for future education leaders. Designed for working professionals, the leadership in educational administration Ed.D. program links research with practice. Students complete most coursework online, but they may need to visit the Gainesville campus up to three Saturdays each semester. Most Ed.D. candidates graduate in four years.
The cohort-style program requires 90 credits, including 36 departmental, 15 research, 24 dissertation, and 15 elective credits. UF offers financial aid opportunities like loans, grants, and fellowships to Ed.D. students. Distance learners gain access to technology assistance, the career connections center, and student organizations.
The program makes admission decisions on a rolling basis. Admission requirements include a master's or terminal degree from an accredited university, a minimum 3.0 GPA in the last 60 credits of undergraduate work, and an acceptable GPA in previous graduate coursework. The program also asks for GRE scores and may require an applicant interview. Students can transfer up to 15 credits toward the degree.
Distance learners seeking online doctorate of education programs should consider the University of Kentucky's Ed.D. in educational leadership. During the cohort-based program, doctoral candidates advance through a set sequence of classes together, developing professional and personal connections.
Designed for experienced educators, the practitioner doctorate focuses on real-world problems in education. Students gain the research skills they need to lead a variety of education initiatives and work with parents, teachers, and administrators. The 42-credit program includes courses like research in educational leadership, design thinking on education, leadership for creative problem-solving, and leadership in educational organizations. Students also research, write, and defend a doctoral dissertation.
Graduates qualify for careers as school principals, administrators, academic deans, and district leaders. Admission requirements include a graduate degree from an accredited institution with a minimum 3.5 GPA and satisfactory GRE scores. Applicants must submit transcripts from all previously attended schools, a professional resume, a personal statement, and an academic writing sample. The program also requires two letters of recommendation.
The Ed.D. in educational leadership from the University of Missouri - Columbia ranks among the country's best online Ed.D. programs. Available through the Department of Educational Leadership and Policy Analysis, the program is accredited by the Teacher Education Accreditation Council.
The 46-credit program features primarily online coursework, but students must attend on-campus sessions during the first two summers of the program. The cohort-style program requires students to attend synchronous online classes on Wednesday evenings during the spring and fall semesters. All distance learners also attend an in-person orientation in late spring.
Coursework explores leadership theory and practice, educational policy, organizational analysis, and the content and context of learning. Potential job titles for graduates include university administrator, principal, school director, and superintendent.
Applicants must hold a master's degree from a regionally accredited institution with a minimum 3.5 GPA. The program only requires GRE scores of applicants who do not meet the GPA requirement. Applicants must submit unofficial transcripts from all prior colleges, a resume or CV, and three references.
The University of Nebraska - Lincoln offers an online Ed.D. in educational studies that prepares students for leadership roles across the education spectrum, including postsecondary education administration. Students pursuing the online doctorate of education program gain access to the same services and resources as on-campus learners, including library services, academic advising, and career services.
The 96-credit program features world-class faculty, interactive classes, and a global community of learners. Students take classes on topics like finance in postsecondary education, law and higher education, administrative theory, and leadership in educational organizations.
Applicants need a master's degree and a minimum 3.0 GPA. They must also submit GRE scores, a personal statement, three letters of recommendation, and official transcripts from all prior colleges. Additional requirements include three research or writing samples, a resume or CV, and a copy of a current administrative certificate.
The online Ed.D. in educational leadership program from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro emphasizes research, equity, and schools as democratic communities. The 54-credit program prepares students for leadership and administrative roles in education. Potential job titles for graduates include school principal, assistant superintendent, executive director, and university professor.
Students take classes like approaches to qualitative inquiry, introduction to doctoral inquiry, and qualitative data collection and analysis. The program also requires a research-based doctoral dissertation. Students with an initial principal license and advanced principal/advanced superintendent license in North Carolina can receive the North Carolina doctoral superintendent license after graduation. The university also offers an individualized version of the Ed.D. to students without a license.
Applicants must hold a master's degree from an accredited institution with a minimum 3.0 GPA and submit GRE or MAT scores, three letters of recommendation, a resume, a personal statement, and transcripts.
The University of North Carolina Wilmington's cohort-style Ed.D. in educational leadership program ranks among the top online doctorate of education degrees in the country. The program develops managerial, research, and communication skills.
Designed for working professionals, the 60-credit online Ed.D. in educational leadership offers three concentrations: leadership in curriculum and instruction, leadership in educational administration, and leadership in higher education. Students develop an individualized plan of study with an advisor.
Core classes include leadership theory, organizational development and analysis, social foundations of education, and applied research. In addition to coursework, students must complete a comprehensive exam and a dissertation.
Admission requirements include a master's degree in school administration or a related field from a regionally accredited university and at least three years of leadership experience. Applicants must also submit a current resume and a statement of interest.
The University of North Dakota offers an online Ed.D. in educational practice and leadership, One of the top online doctorate of education programs in the country, the program prepares graduates to work as school principals, college faculty, college administrators, and superintendents.
The 90-credit, fully online program includes specializations in areas like school leadership, higher education, and instructional design and technology. All students take courses like administration and organizational behavior, introduction to educational research, higher education diversity systems and policy, and issues and trends in education. Degree requirements also include a dissertation in practice and a passing grade on the program's comprehensive exams. Students must earn a minimum 3.0 GPA to graduate.
Admission requirements include a master's degree from an accredited university and a minimum 3.5 GPA. Candidates applying for the school leadership specialization must hold three years of teaching experience, a teaching credential, and leadership experience in preK-12 settings. They must also pass a background check. All applicants must submit a statement of goals, an essay, a resume, a writing sample, and three letters of recommendation.
Education professionals seeking an online doctorate of education should consider the University of Southern California's Ed.D. in educational leadership. The three-year degree from the Rossier School of Education includes a K-12 concentration and prepares students for leadership roles addressing inequities in K-12 education settings. The curriculum explores topics like ethical practice, institutional oppression, and strategies for creating equity.
Ed.D. in educational leadership candidates must complete 43 credits, including core, research methods, and concentration courses. The program also requires a dissertation in practice, which allows students to address a problem related to equitable access to K-12 education opportunities. The program features synchronous classes that include interactive and collaborative discussions with faculty members and peers.
The online program requires a mandatory two-day immersion experience on campus in Los Angeles. Applicants need a master's degree and at least three full-time years of relevant work and leadership experience. Application requirements include transcripts from all previously attended colleges, a resume, letters of recommendation, and a timed writing assessment. Students can also submit GMAT or GRE scores, but USC does not require them.
The largest private university in Minnesota, the University of St. Thomas offers a variety of online graduate programs in fields like education, business, and Catholic studies. The university's Ed.D. in educational leadership and learning ranks among the top online doctorate of education programs in the country. Students learn to advocate for social justice, continuous improvement, and systemic reform in K-12, postsecondary, and adult education settings. The program features fully online coursework and an in-person summer residency.
The 66-credit program requires classes like scholars and researchers in education, leadership for social justice in education, and research paradigms in education. Students also complete a research-intensive dissertation. The School of Education boasts partnerships with a variety of community and education-based organizations, offering opportunities for students to gain professional experience.
Admission requirements include a master's degree and at least three years of professional experience, including one year in a leadership role. The program prefers applicants with a cumulative 3.5 GPA or higher. Applicants must submit official transcripts from all previously attended colleges, two letters of recommendation, a personal statement, and a professional portfolio. The program also requires an interview with doctoral faculty members.
Wilkes University offers an online Ed.D. in educational leadership that combines theory and research and emphasizes innovation and organizational transformation. The program features mostly online coursework, but students must complete three required in-person residencies. Ed.D. candidates go through the program with a cohort of peers, fostering collaboration and networking opportunities.
The 60-credit program includes leadership core, content area, research, and dissertation requirements. The program also offers three concentrations: educational technology, educational leadership studies, and curriculum and instruction. Required classes include ethics for educational leaders, quantitative methods in educational research, and strategic thinking and planning. Students culminate the program with a dissertation.
Requirements for admission to the online Ed.D. in educational leadership program include a master's degree in education or a related field from an accredited university. Applicants must also submit a current resume or CV, two references, official college transcripts, and copies of licenses or certifications (if applicable). The admissions committee also requires submission of a professional or scholarly project or paper that demonstrates the applicant's ability to succeed in the program.
School Type
Private Nonprofit
Graduation Rate
60%
Percent Receiving Loans
54%
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End of list, bravo!
Ranking Methodology
Online Doctorate in Educational Leadership Programs Ranking Guidelines
We selected these degree programs based on quality, curricula, school awards, rankings, and reputation.
Methodology for College Rankings
The motto of TheBestSchools.org is Finding the best school for you. Here is how we do it:
The value of any ranking list of schools and/or degree programs depends on having a methodologically sound assessment of each school’s/program’s characteristics, especially insofar as these can be objectively measured. A college or university is a complex entity, with numerous factors to consider, and distilling these down to the place where meaningful comparisons can be made to form a defensible ranking list becomes part science and part art.
To meet this challenge—and thereby provide you with the most useful and insightful educational rankings on the Internet — TheBestSchools.org formulates our rankings based on five informational categories (six, when considering online schools). The major metrics and qualities for which we rank are these (with expanded, detailed considerations and weights listed):
1. Academic excellence based on a school’s curriculum generally or within the selected discipline [weight = 25%]
Weighs school against known leading schools in that discipline
Weighs number of core curricula listed as advanced courses within that discipline and compares against introductory courses
Weighs school’s curriculum against known knowledge needs of major employers in that discipline
Considers number and types of specializations offered within that discipline
Considers faculty expertise in that discipline
Considers range of electives within that discipline
Considers quality of online environment offered to students (if applicable), particularly within that discipline
2. Strength of faculty scholarship [weight = 25%]
Considers education background of the faculty
Considers years of faculty experience both inside and outside of academia.
Considers faculty membership and leadership within relevant, prominent associations
Considers academic papers published by faculty in relevant, prominent periodicals
Considers awards and recognitions given to faculty members from prominent organizations and from other sources
3. Reputation [weight = 20%]
Considers a school’s reputation among academic peers and employers regarding the following:
Faculty
Curriculum
“Freshness” of academic knowledge
Adaptability to changes in employment sectors
Suitability of graduates for the workplace
4. Financial aid [weight = 10%]
Mandatory: Requires full accreditation from an agency endorsed by the U.S. Department of Education and listed on the federal register to accept student federal financial aid
Considers range of school-sponsored financial aid such as scholarships and grants
5. Range of degree programs [weight = 20%]
Considers range of degree levels: associate’s, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral and professional
Considers range of degree subjects offered, such as art & design, computers & technology, education & teaching, criminal justice, and business
6. Strength of online instruction methodology (if applicable) [weight = 25%; subtract 5% from each of the above for online schools/programs]
Considers the following of the online classes:
Types of online technology used to deliver content
Pedagogy style: asynchronous, synchronous, or both (depending on the degree)
Extent and quality of the online, community learning environment, including options for communication, interactivity, and collaboration between students and also between students and instructors
Variety, breadth, and depth of coursework, and its support, including project options and online tutoring
Considers the following of instructors:
Extent of training for teaching within an online learning environment
Amount of timely, consistent feedback to students
Extent of collaboration with prospective employers to ensure suitability of instructional materials for achieving desired skills
Ratio to number of students in a class
Number and quality of internships in a student’s geographical area for applicable degrees
Because students tend to review a variety of information when choosing a school, the weight a student gives any one criterion will vary. For instance, it’s not enough to offer a carefully constructed ranking of great schools if many are too expensive or too difficult to get into.
To better serve the needs of prospective students, we are therefore increasingly offering filters that help you better use our rankings to find the schools that match your specific needs. These supplement our ranking criteria and include:
Accreditation
Public or private status
Acceptance rate
Retention rate
Graduation rate
ACT/SAT requirements
Cost in-state / out of state
Undergrad, grad, or both offered
Region
State
City
Get the best rankings here AND get them to suit your personal needs. That’s TheBestSchools.org advantage!
If you have any questions about our ranking methodology, please contact us.
Citations: For a broader account of our ranking methodology, especially as it relates to TheBestSchools.org's underlying educational philosophy and, in other ranking articles, looks beyond academic excellence (as here) to such factors as return on investment or incidental benefit, see our article "Ranking Methodology: How We Rank Schools at TBS." Reputation of schools and degree programs can at least in part be gauged through the school or department's publishing activity, citations, and desirability. At TheBestSchools.org, we keep track of such social and peer validation: "Making Sense of College Rankings." For nuts-and-bolts information about colleges and universities, we look to the National Center for Education Statistics and especially its College Navigator. Insofar as salary and inflation data are relevant to a ranking, we look to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Finally, nothing beats contacting schools and degree programs directly, which our researchers often do, with the result that all the entries in this article should be considered as belonging to this citation!
What Is an Online Doctorate in Educational Leadership Degree?
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.
Choosing an Online Program
Most online Ed.D. in educational leadership programs offer similar learning outcomes and curricula, but students may encounter significant differences in areas like cost, delivery method, and requirements for in-person attendance. Visit the guide linked below for tips on how to choose the right program for your unique needs and goals.
What Else Can I Expect From a Doctorate in Educational Leadership Program?
Educational leadership doctoral programs usually require 30-90 credits and cover leadership theory and practice, research methods, and contemporary issues in education. Common concentrations include higher education, school leadership, and teacher education. Most doctoral programs require a dissertation, but some programs require capstone projects or comprehensive examinations instead.
Educational Leadership Curriculum
Educational Law
This course examines the development, principles, and practice of education law on the local, state, and federal levels. Online Ed.D. programs may also require courses that cover legal principles of higher education, including governance, institutional liability, and rights and responsibilities of faculty and students.
Principalship
This course invites students to explore organization and administration procedures within school systems. Coursework emphasizes knowledge and skills necessary for graduates to become effective leaders and managers. This course covers principalship at both the elementary and secondary levels.
Philosophy of Education
This course explores historical and philosophical ideas relating to teaching, learning, and education. Coursework examines primary texts and central questions faced by educators throughout history, with the goal of helping students develop their own personal and professional philosophies.
Educational Professional Organizations
Professional organizations provide support and advocacy both for individual members and for entire industries. The associations listed below confront major issues in public and higher education, such as funding, professional ethics, and curriculum standards. School administrators and doctoral students can join these associations to receive networking, professional development, and career support resources.
AASA is a national advocate for public education and the country's leading association for school district leaders. Membership benefits include a legal support program, networking opportunities, career support, and access to professional publications and exclusive online resources. Graduate students can join at a reduced cost.
NEA is the nation's largest professional employee organization. It works to advance public education at all levels, including preschool and university graduate programs. NEA focuses on major issues like education funding and college affordability. Membership benefits include continued leadership training, financial and insurance services, third-party discounts, and representation in job-related disputes.
AAUA is a nonprofit organization representing leaders and personnel at all levels of higher education management. The association works to promote professional development, set ethical and professional standards, and support those involved in higher education. Membership benefits include networking opportunities and leadership seminars.
Education Careers
Earning an online Ed.D. in educational leadership prepares graduates for many work opportunities in K-12 schools, colleges, and universities. Graduates can pursue careers as K-12 principals, postsecondary administrators, and curriculum developers.
Graduates with educational leadership degrees may also apply their skills to careers in survey research, social and community service management, and postsecondary teaching.
Elementary, Middle, and High School Principals
Elementary, middle, and high school principals are the primary leaders and public representatives of their schools. Daily duties vary by school and district size, but principals commonly manage school activities and staff, coordinate curricula, manage school budgets, and assess student achievement data. At large schools, assistant principals aid in school administration tasks.
Principals need several years of teaching experience and at least a master's degree in educational leadership or administration. Principals who work at public schools must meet varying state requirements to become licensed school administrators. This career requires excellent communication, decision-making, and leadership skills.
Postsecondary education administrators provide oversight for college and university academics, student services, and faculty research. Specific job titles vary by department and specialization, with different administrators working as registrars, admissions officers, and academic deans. Common tasks include coordinating department activities, maintaining records, managing budgets, and advising students.
Education requirements for postsecondary education administrators vary by position and school size. While some employers accept candidates with bachelor's or master's degrees, provosts and academic deans typically need a doctoral degree. Related work experience is highly preferred, as are skills in computer technology, problem-solving, and interpersonal communication.
IndustInstructional coordinators, also known as curriculum specialists, oversee teaching standards and school curricula. By reviewing student test data, observing teachers in the classroom, and participating in discussions with school staff, instructional coordinators are able to evaluate curriculum effectiveness. They may recommend changes, develop new curricula, and implement new educational materials.
Instructional coordinators typically need at least a master's degree and several years of related work experience. State licensure may be required for professionals working in public schools. This position requires keen analytical, communication, decision-making, and leadership skills.
How Long Does It Take to Complete a Doctorate in Educational Leadership Program?
Education doctoral programs are designed to take 3-5 years to complete. Actual completion times vary depending on how long students need to work on their dissertations.
What Can I Do With a Doctorate in Educational Leadership?
Online doctorate in education programs prepare graduates for top management positions in K-12 and higher education settings, including roles like dean and superintendent.
Educational leadership roles can encompass several management functions, including hiring and supervising teachers and staff, preparing budgets, developing curriculum standards, and setting policies.
What Is a Doctorate in Educational Leadership?
A doctorate in educational leadership is a terminal degree that prepares graduates to be competent, effective leaders in K-12 schools, colleges, and universities.
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