Best Online Doctorate in Education

Doctoral degrees appeal to learners seeking terminal credentials in their field. Education students have two options: a doctor of philosophy (Ph.D.) or a doctor of education (Ed.D.). Available face-to-face and online, Ph.D. programs in education build advanced research and leadership skills.

Typically, Ph.D. programs focus on education theory and academic research. If you aspire to high-level leadership roles, or to a career in research or academia, a Ph.D. may best suit your needs. Ed.D. programs usually emphasize practical skills with classroom or administrative applications.

Our guide profiles the Ph.D. in education, exploring its defining features and differentiating it from similar advanced degrees. It includes a ranked list of top online Ph.D. programs in education, which you can use to launch your program search.

To ensure your educational doctorate holds value in the field, you must attend a properly accredited school. Institutional accreditation indicates that a college or university meets standards of academic excellence.

Some online Ph.D. programs in education hold specialized programmatic accreditation. These optional endorsements reflect how well the coursework in a specific program or department prepares enrollees for careers in their field. In education, programmatic accreditors include

the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation and the Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation.

Online Ph.D. in education programs are terminal research degrees. In general, they emphasize academic theory and education research more than Ed.D. programs, which focus more on practical, applied skills.

The education specialist (Ed.S.) designation is another terminal postgraduate degree. Ed.S. programs typically suit classroom educators who want to develop advanced teaching skills. Generally, Ed.S. graduates pursue different careers than doctorate-holders.

Typical features of Ph.D. programs in education include:

The following tables explore other common program features, including admission requirements, specialization areas, and curricula.

Online Ph.D. in education programs typically require applicants to hold a master’s degree in education or an advanced degree in a related field like developmental psychology or school counseling. Some Ph.D. programs may accept students with only a bachelor’s degree, though this is less common.

GPA requirements vary, but schools usually favor candidates with strong academic records. You may need a minimum 2.75-3.0 GPA in your master’s coursework to remain competitive in the admissions process. Some schools prefer or require Ph.D. candidates to have professional experience as a classroom teacher, curriculum specialist, or similar role.

Common application materials include letters of recommendation, a resume, a personal statement, and standardized test scores.

When considering advanced education degrees, you should first determine whether a research-oriented Ph.D., a practitioner-focused Ed.D., or a classroom-focused Ed.S. best matches your goals.

If you pursue a Ph.D., research prospective programs’ specialization options, which can help you pursue advanced study in niche subfields of education. Common education concentrations at the doctoral level include:

Though each online Ph.D. in education program offers its own courses, common classes you may encounter include:

Tuition for online Ph.D. programs in education varies based on factors like:

NCES data from the 2021-22 academic year reveals the following average graduate school tuition costs by school type:

As you consider costs, remember that many schools offer financial aid and funding to doctoral students. These options can significantly reduce your cost of attendance, and they may be available even if you study entirely online. Distance education can also help you save on relocation, commuting, and parking expenses.

Data from the BLS indicates stable to average growth rates for many of the roles available to professionals with Ph.D.s in education. Graduates can qualify for jobs that offer average pay in the six-figure range, including administrative and leadership positions.

Earning potential varies by location. Generally, states with higher costs of living pay higher average wages, as do metropolitan areas with more people and higher demand for education professionals. BLS state and area data for higher education administrators, K-12 principals, instructional coordinators, and similar roles offer insights into top-paying locales in the United States.

A Ph.D. in education can lead to jobs outside of academia and educational institutions. For instance, some businesses hire education professionals to lead their internal professional development and training programs. Some companies even maintain C-suite roles for these specialists, such as the chief learning officer position.

A doctorate in education is a terminal degree that best suits educational professionals seeking leadership, research, or advanced teaching positions. There are two types: the research-focused Ph.D. and the practitioner-focused Ed.D.

A Ph.D. is an academically oriented doctoral degree that mainly engages with pedagogical theory and education research, while Ed.D. programs tend to offer more coverage of practical administrative and leadership skills. The Ed.S. designation is primarily for classroom teachers seeking to develop advanced educator skills.

Ph.D. programs in education typically require 3-5 years of full-time study. Depending on your background and qualifications, you may be able to pursue an accelerated graduation timeline. If you continue working while studying part time, your doctorate can take 5-7 years.

Yes, as long as you attend a properly accredited institution, employers should recognize your online Ph.D. in education. Distance learning programs are functionally equal to traditional campus-based degrees. Many schools no longer explicitly identify degrees as being earned online in transcripts, diplomas, and other official documents.

Some schools offer accelerated doctoral programs in education that students can complete in as few as 2.5 years. Some schools refer to these as “executive programs.” More demanding admission standards may apply — for instance, you may need three or more years of professional experience in a relevant role.

NCES data for the 2021-22 school year reveals the average annual price of tuition for all graduate programs nationwide is $20,513. Ed.D. programs can range in tuition from $300 per credit to more than $1,000 per credit, meaning programs’ total tuition can range from $30,000 to more than $50,000. When calculating costs, make sure you also account for required fees. You can reduce your net price of attendance by securing institutional funding, grants, or scholarships.