Best Online Doctorate in Educational Technology

by TBS Staff

Updated September 27, 2022

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An Ed.D. in educational technology will give you the expertise to assess, develop, and implement technological learning tools to enhance students' learning and improve educational outcomes.

As the highest available degree for education professionals, a doctorate in education demonstrates expertise. An Ed.D. in educational technology prepares graduates for administrative roles within school districts and institutions of higher learning.

Doctoral programs in educational technology hone knowledge and skills related to both software and hardware used in learning. Students explore technology-based learning curricula, including how it can be used to help students learn more effectively.

The use of technology in education continues to increase, especially with online learning's growth amid the COVID-19 pandemic. With a doctorate in educational technology, graduates can meet the growing demand for technology professionals with education, training, and library backgrounds. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects a 5% growth in employment in these roles from 2019-2029.

The Best Online Educational Technology Doctorate

#1 Best Online Doctorate in Educational Technology

Duquesne University

  • Pittsburgh, PA
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

The online educational technology program at Duquesne University ranks among the best in the field. With flexible enrollment options, the private school helps degree-seekers earn a doctorate in educational technology. Doctoral students receive research support and participate in scholarly events.

In the online educational technology program, learners take doctoral-level courses. After meeting coursework requirements, doctoral candidates pass a comprehensive examination and conduct research for an original dissertation or project. A doctorate in educational technology prepares graduates for careers in academia, research, and leadership.

Doctoral students who enroll online at the accredited institution can qualify for fellowships, scholarships, and other forms of financial aid. Reach out to the program to learn more about admission requirements.

Duquesne University at a Glance:

Online Student Enrollment: 1,942

Online Master's Programs: 9

Online Doctoral Programs: 3

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 13-to-1

Graduate Tuition Rate: $23,580

Average Tuition
In-state
$39,992
Out-of-state
$39,992
Retention Rate
85%
Admission Rate
74%
Students Enrolled
9,197
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
21% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Middle States Commission on Higher Education

#2 Best Online Doctorate in Educational Technology

Liberty University

  • Lynchburg, VA
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Liberty University offers a Ph.D. in instructional design and technology program with an online learning format. With its flexible format, the private university makes earning a doctorate more accessible. Doctoral students also benefit from research support, career advising, and library access.

In the online educational technology program, learners take advanced doctoral courses. After passing comprehensive examinations, doctoral candidates complete a dissertation that contributes original research to the field. As the highest degree in educational technology, the doctorate trains graduates for academic, research, and leadership careers.

Doctoral students attending the accredited institution online can qualify for several forms of financial aid. Contact the educational technology program to learn more about doctoral admission requirements.

Liberty University at a Glance:

Online Student Enrollment: 78,511

Online Master's Programs: 67

Online Doctoral Programs: 9

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 17-to-1

Graduate Tuition Rate: $7,980

Accepts Transfer Credits: Accepted

Average Tuition
In-state
$15,417
Out-of-state
$15,417
Retention Rate
81%
Admission Rate
51%
Students Enrolled
85,586
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
92% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

#3 Best Online Doctorate in Educational Technology

Old Dominion University

  • Norfolk, VA
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

The Ph.D. in instructional design and technology program at Old Dominion University offers an online option for doctoral students. Degree-seekers benefit from the public university's flexible online learning format. Doctoral students work closely with faculty mentors and career advisors.

During the online educational technology program, learners take doctoral courses to earn their degree. After completing coursework, doctoral candidates conduct research for their dissertation or doctoral project. A doctorate in educational technology trains graduates for roles in research, academia, and leadership.

Doctoral students who enroll online at the accredited institution can qualify for fellowships, scholarships, and other forms of financial aid. Reach out to the program to learn more about admission requirements.

Old Dominion University at a Glance:

Online Student Enrollment: 12,854

Online Master's Programs: 16

Online Doctoral Programs: 5

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 17-to-1

Graduate Tuition Rate: $10,207

Average Tuition
In-state
$7,029
Out-of-state
$26,664
Retention Rate
80%
Admission Rate
89%
Students Enrolled
23,675
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
54% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

#4 Best Online Doctorate in Educational Technology

Regent University

  • Virginia Beach, VA
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

The online Ed.D. in educational technology program, offered by Regent University, ranks as a top program in the field. The private university helps degree-seekers complete an educational technology doctorate in a flexible format. Doctoral students strengthen their research skills and present in academic conferences.

The doctoral program incorporates advanced coursework. After passing comprehensive examinations, doctoral candidates begin working on an original dissertation project. With a doctorate in educational technology, professionals can work in academia, research, and leadership roles.

Doctoral students attending the accredited institution online often qualify for several forms of financial aid. Contact the program to learn more about the enrollment process and start dates.

Regent University at a Glance:

Online Student Enrollment: 9,507

Online Master's Programs: 37

Online Doctoral Programs: 12

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 29-to-1

Graduate Tuition Rate: $15,552

Average Tuition
In-state
$17,220
Out-of-state
$17,220
Retention Rate
78%
Admission Rate
86%
Students Enrolled
10,365
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
92% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

#5 Best Online Doctorate in Educational Technology

Brenau University

  • Gainesville, GA
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Brenau University offers a top-ranked online Ed.D. in special education program. With its flexible format options, the private university helps degree-seekers complete a doctorate. Doctoral students receive library access, research support, and career services.

In the online educational technology program, learners complete doctoral coursework and strengthen advanced skills. After passing comprehensive examinations, doctoral candidates choose a dissertation topic and conduct research in their specialty area. With an educational technology doctorate, graduates often work in academia, research positions, and leadership roles.

At the accredited institution, doctoral students can use fellowships, scholarships, and other forms of financial aid to pay for their degree. Reach out to the program to learn more about the application process and start dates.

Brenau University at a Glance:

Online Student Enrollment: 1,685

Online Master's Programs: 21

Online Doctoral Programs: 3

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 10-to-1

Graduate Tuition Rate: $12,834

Average Tuition
In-state
$29,370
Out-of-state
$29,370
Retention Rate
52%
Admission Rate
58%
Students Enrolled
2,817
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
60% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Best Online Doctorate

Online Educational Technology Doctorate Ranking Guidelines

We ranked these degree programs based on quality, curricula, school awards, rankings, and reputation.

Our Methodology

Here at TheBestSchools.org, we take the trust and welfare of our readers very seriously. When making our school and program rankings, our top priority is ensuring that our readers get accurate, unbiased information that can help them make informed decisions about online education. That's why we've developed a rigorous ranking methodology that keeps the needs of our readers front and center.

Our proprietary, multi-criteria ranking algorithm analyzes key data indicators — as collected by the federal government — for each school or program. What data we use depends on the focus of each specific ranking, but in all cases, our ranking methodology is impartial: Schools cannot buy better rankings at TBS.

While specific criteria under consideration can vary by ranking, there are a few data points that we value most highly. They are affordability, academic quality, and online enrollment. Below, we break down our algorithm to help you understand what you're getting when you use one of our rankings.

  • Academics
  • Affordability
  • Online Enrollment

Data Sources

The data used in TBS rankings comes primarily from the federal government, and much of it is provided by the schools themselves. We aggregate and analyze this data to build our rankings.

The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) is our primary source. Its data comes from annual surveys conducted by the U.S. Department of Education's National Center for Education Statistics (NCES). Every college, university, or technical school with access to federal financial aid must participate in these surveys, which include questions about enrollment, graduation rates, finances, and faculty qualifications. This is publicly available data, which you can access yourself through the College Navigator.

Additionally, because we value a personal touch and the professional experience of our staff and Academic Advisory Board, we vet all results and adjust rankings as necessary based on our collected knowledge of schools and degree programs. Depending on the ranking, we may obtain additional input from AcademicInfluence.com, subject matter experts, prior TBS ranking lists, or other sources we deem relevant to a particular ranking.

Breakdown of Our Rankings Methodology

About Our Ranking Factors

Here at TBS, we value what you value: quality education, affordability, and the accessibility of online education. These factors guide all of our program rankings.

Each of these factors are further broken down into weighted subfactors. For example, retention rates are weighted more heavily than availability of program options because they are a better indicator of student success.

We chose the following factors for our rankings because of their influence on learning experiences and graduate outcomes. However, students should always balance our rankings against their personal priorities. For instance, a learner who needs a fully online program may prioritize online flexibility more than our rankings do. Our rankings are designed to help you make a decision — not to make a decision for you.

Academics - 75%

Affordability - 15%

Online Enrollment - 10%

In all our school rankings and recommendations, we work for objectivity and balance. We carefully research and compile each ranking list, and as stated in our advertising disclosure, we do NOT permit financial incentives to influence rankings. Our articles never promote or disregard a school for financial gain.

If you have questions about our ranking methodology, please feel free to connect with our staff through contact page.

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Featured Online Educational Technology Doctorates

Frequently Asked Questions

What Can I Do With a Doctorate in Educational Technology?

With a doctorate in educational technology, graduates can advance to leadership roles in educational settings. The degree prepares learners to develop, implement, and assess technological tools and techniques in learning environments.

What Is the Difference Between an Ed.D. and a Ph.D. in Education?

An Ed.D. and Ph.D. in education both explore theory, practice, and policy in education. An Ed.D. focuses more on practical skills and leadership in educational settings, while a Ph.D. emphasizes research and analysis.

Is It Worth It to Get a Ph.D. in Education?

A Ph.D. in education facilitates career advancement and earning potential. With a doctorate in education, professionals can demonstrate expertise to colleagues, peers, and students alike.

How Much Can You Make With a Ph.D. in Education?

Education doctorate holders can take on roles as postsecondary educators, school administrators, and training and development managers. According to the BLS, postsecondary teachers earned a median salary of over $79,500 in 2019, while school administrators earned a median income of just under $96,000. Training and development managers took home a median salary exceeding $113,000 during the same period.

What Is Meant by "Instructional Technology?"

Instructional technology refers to the design, development, implementation, and assessment of computer hardware and software in educational settings. The field blends educational theory with technology applications to optimize learning outcomes.

What Can You Do With a Degree in Instructional Technology?

What Can You Do With a Degree in Instructional Technology? A degree in instructional technology opens career opportunities in instructional design, training analysis, and learning consultancy. Additional roles for individuals with degrees in instructional technology include instructional writer, instructional curriculum specialist, and academic director.

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