Compare online Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) programs

What is an Ed.D.?

An Ed.D., or Doctor of Education, is a doctoral degree that equips learners with advanced knowledge and skills in the field of education. It’s a terminal degree or the highest level of education attainable in this area. An Ed.D. program typically emphasizes the application of educational theory and research to real-world contexts, including leadership, administration, policy analysis, and other practical aspects of education.

Admission requirements for an online Doctor of Education

Admission requirements for online Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) programs can vary from one institution to another. Be sure to review the admission guidelines provided by your preferred program. 

Here are a few common admission requirements:

• Master’s degree from an accredited institution

• Official transcripts

• Résumé

• Professional work experience 

• Letters of recommendation

• Statement of purpose

Many online doctorate programs no longer require GRE or GMAT test scores to apply. If you don't have your master's degree yet, explore online master's in education programs online.

How to apply

Apply for an Ed.D. program 100% online at any time. Ed.D. programs available through edX have application deadlines and start dates throughout the year.

Online Ed.D. curriculum and instruction

The curriculum of an online Ed.D. program prepares learners for advanced leadership, research, and decision-making roles in the field of education and related industries. While specific curriculum details can vary between institutions and programs, here are the topics that may be covered in an Ed.D. program:

• Educational leadership and management

• Research methods and inquiry

• Curriculum development and instructional strategies

• Educational policy and advocacy

• Educational psychology and human development

• Diversity, inclusion, and social justice

• Educational assessment and data analysis

• Ethics and professionalism

Most Ed.D. programs culminate in a doctoral dissertation or capstone project. This research-based project addresses a significant issue in the field of education and demonstrates the learner's ability to conduct original research, contribute to educational practice, and apply theory to real-world situations.

Want to learn more about the field of education? Explore online master’s in educational leadership and master of arts in teaching programs online. 

Jobs for professionals with an online Ed.D. degree

Professionals with an online doctorate in education (Ed.D.) degree have a wide range of career opportunities available to them, particularly in leadership, administration, research, and policymaking roles.

Here are some potential job roles that individuals with an online Ed.D. might pursue:

• University president

• Chief learning officer

• School superintendent

• Policymaker

• School principal

• College provost

• Curriculum director

Doctor of Education salary

An online Ed.D. can help you reach your top-level career aspirations. While specific salary figures may vary depending on job setting, location, and experience, online Ed.D. professionals can expect competitive compensation.

• College or university professor: USD79,640 median annual per year^{Footnote 1}

• Corporate executive: USD98,980 median annual per year^{Footnote 2}

• Instructional coordinator: USD63,740 median annual per year^{Footnote 3}

• Postsecondary education administrator: USD96,910 median annual per year^{Footnote 4}

• School principal: USD98,420 median annual per year^{Footnote 5}