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Online Doctor of Education Degree

Online Degrees in Education

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Online Doctoral Degree in Education: An Overview

Students and working professionals who are passionate about improving and leading systemic changes in education might consider pursuing a doctoral degree in education.

Those interested in an education-based degree beyond a master’s have two main options: a Ph.D. or an Ed.D. A Ph.D. program in education generally focuses on research and theory, and graduates tend to go into careers in academia.

What is an Ed.D? A Doctor of Education is generally designed for students who want to assume educational administrative roles.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects an 8 percent increase in K-12 principal jobs from 2016 to 2026. Employment of postsecondary administrators, such as deans and registrars, is projected to rise 10 percent during the same period due to growing student enrollment in colleges and universities, the BLS says. The BLS also projects employment of postsecondary teachers to increase 15 percent from 2016 to 2026.

An online education doctorate program offers flexibility for students who are also working professionals. Web-based programs typically follow the same rigorous curricula as brick-and-mortar options, leading to similar advancement opportunities for graduates. The online format is also ideal for students who must tackle additional commitments – such as child or family care – on top of their work and class schedules.
How long does it take to earn a doctorate in education online?Online doctorate in education programs generally require students to complete between 54 and 64 credits. Typically, full-time students can earn a degree in three years.

How much does an online doctorate in education cost?

The cost of an online education doctoral degree depends on several factors. State residency is an important consideration, since many colleges and universities charge higher tuition for out-of-state students. However, some schools charge flat tuition for online students regardless of state residency. Technology fees are another key factor; these fees often apply to online students but not their brick-and-mortar counterparts.

Per-credit costs for an online education doctorate typically range from $375 to $1,230. Students should expect to pay between $20,000 and $79,000 in total tuition.

Online doctorate in education admissions requirements

Aspiring education doctorate online students usually need to hold an accredited master’s degree, which does not commonly need to be in a related field. Additionally, many programs do not require applicants to submit standardized test scores. Applicants do not generally need to have any work experience.

Choosing an accredited online education doctoral degree program

Accreditation status is one of the most important considerations for prospective students. Colleges and universities in the U.S. receive accreditation from agencies recognized by the U.S. Department of Education; the accreditation process involves an extensive review of a school's educational programs and student services.

A school's accreditation impacts course credit transferability, as well as student eligibility for federal financial aid, so students should ensure the school offering the program has earned national or regional accreditation.

Online Coursework

Example courses
  • Leading organizational change
  • Evaluation of education policies and programs
  • Current issues and trends in education
  • Online teaching and learning
  • Introduction to research methods
Online Ed.D. programs often focus on administrative leadership, which is reflected in core coursework. Leadership courses may discuss topics such as the policies and laws that affect educational institutions.

Students may also learn about developing and teaching online courses and how to integrate technology into their teaching or their classes.

Programs generally require students to complete a dissertation. Students typically take research courses as part of the core curriculum. These courses often explore research methods and methods for evaluating programs.

Education degree specializations

Online doctorate in education students often have to choose a concentration, and options may differ among programs.

Some doctoral programs offer higher education specializations, which could be a good route for a student who wants to pursue a career as an administrator or instructor at a postsecondary institution, government agency or educational organization. Course topics may include higher education trends, finance and law.

A special education concentration prepares professionals to work with students who have mental, physical, behavioral and learning disabilities, as well as with gifted students. Coursework may review characteristics of students with disabilities or special talents and legal issues pertaining to special education.

Students interested in social justice might consider an online Ed.D. program that offers a concentration in diversity and equity. Courses may discuss race, gender and sexuality, and they may explore leadership and educational policies in diverse contexts.

Example concentrations
Leadership in higher education
Special education leadership
Diversity and equity in education
Counselor education and supervision
Global studies in education
Human resource development

Dissertation

Online doctorate programs in education typically require students to complete a dissertation before graduating. Courses dedicated to planning, researching and writing the dissertation are usually incorporated into the curriculum near the end of the program. Students must orally defend their dissertation in front of a committee.

Professional Associations in Education

Graduate students have the opportunity to join a number of professional associations that offer various resources, including webinars, online courses, academic journals, professional development programs and conferences.

  • AASA: AASA, the School Superintendents Association, offers professional development programs, including virtual seminars, a certification program and a leadership coaching workshop. It also hosts an annual national conference on education and publishes electronic journals and newsletters.
  • ASCD: ASCD is composed of many different educators, including principals and teachers. Students can become members and gain access to ASCD’s Educational Leadership magazine, webinars and more. ASCD also offers online professional development courses and hosts various conferences and events.
  • American Association of University Administrators: AAUA is a professional association for university presidents, deans, directors, department chairs and other various administrators. The association publishes the Journal of Higher Education Management and hosts an annual leadership seminar.

    • Example courses

    • Leading organizational change
    • Evaluation of education policies and programs
    • Current issues and trends in education
    • Online teaching and learning
    • Introduction to research methods

    Job Outlook and Salaries for Graduates

    The BLS projects that 19,800 new elementary and secondary school administrator positions will open from 2016 to 2026. School principals who want to move up to superintendent roles may benefit from advancing their education beyond a master’s degree, which is typically the base requirement for principals.

    The BLS projects postsecondary education positions to increase by 18,200 from 2016 to 2026. These professionals can be promoted to a higher-level position, including president of a department or college, if they have an advanced degree.

    Employment of postsecondary teachers is projected to experience a surge of 197,800 more positions from 2016 to 2026, according to the BLS. More job opportunities will likely be available for part-time teachers as institutions begin to hire more adjunct professors. A limited number of full-time, tenure-track positions may lead to stiff competition.

    What can you do with a doctorate in education?

    Professionals who earn an online doctorate in education are prepared for leadership positions in various settings, including private or public schools, governmental agencies and for-profit or nonprofit educational organizations.

  • Elementary, middle or high school principal: Principals manage a school's operations. They set and implement academic goals for their institutions, oversee teachers and staff, manage school budgets and act as the public representatives for their schools. Public school principals implement standards and programs set by the school district and state and federal regulations.
  • Postsecondary education administrator: These administrators oversee student services, academics and faculty research at higher education institutions. They may work in admissions, the registrar’s office or student affairs. Possible positions include provost and dean. A Ph.D. can help an administrator acquire a more prestigious position within a department or institution.
  • Postsecondary teacher: Postsecondary teachers, who are often called professors, teach their area of expertise to college and university students. Some also conduct research and publish papers and books. Full-time, tenured professors are often expected to conduct more research, while adjunct professors and those who work in small colleges and universities or community colleges usually spend more time teaching.

    • Licensure and certification

    In most states, public school principals need to be licensed as school administrators, according to the BLS. Requirements for licensure vary by state, but most require a master’s degree. Private school principals do not need to hold a state-issued license.

    Teachers in postsecondary institutions who prepare students for jobs that require licenses, certification or registration may need the same credential, the BLS says.

    How much are salaries for education doctorate graduates?


    Median salaries

    BLS

    Job title Salary
    Salary
    Postsecondary teacher
    $75,430
     
     
    $75,430
    Postsecondary education administrator
    $90,760
     
     
    $90,760
    Elementary, middle or high school principal
    $92,510
     
     
    $92,510
    $0 $23,128 $46,255 $69,383 $92,510