Instead of waiting to start your capstone, Walden’s online EdD embeds elements of the capstone throughout your program. With this structured approach built into every course, you’ll make progress every term—with plenty of support along the way.
SOLVE REAL-WORLD ISSUES
Don’t just study problems—solve them. Use data and evidence-based strategies to address real challenges in your organization.
BE FUTURE-READY WITH AI SKILLS
Stay ahead by learning to use AI tools responsibly and efficiently—then put them to work building and refining your capstone project.
FOR EDUCATORS, BY EDUCATORS
Have confidence in a program backed by a 50+ year legacy of serving educators, including nearly 200 state teachers of the year.
Curriculum and Completion Requirements
In this program, you’ll explore five core areas—teaching and lifelong learning, research and reflective analysis, leadership and communication, and collaborative approaches to driving positive change—developing the expertise to lead and innovate in your field.
Featured EdD Courses
The evolving landscape of education demands that leaders at all levels possess the capacity for rapid problem analysis from multiple perspectives, the ability to develop iterative solutions, and the skills to design adaptive learning environments. This foundational doctoral course cultivates essential skills for doctoral-level work, including literature organization, scholarly reading, and the development of a practitioner-scholar writing style. Critically, it introduces students to explicit problem framing and the application of diverse theoretical frameworks to explore potential solutions.
Competent and confident use of data and evidence-based processes is essential for effective problem-solving in education. This second core EdD course introduces students to action-oriented, data-driven, and evidence-based approaches. Through an ongoing case study, students will explore the principles, skills, and tools necessary for successful evidence-based projects. This course also supports students in further defining and refining the problem of practice for their individual projects and prepares them to lead evidence-based initiatives within educational settings.
Practitioner Inquiry I lays the groundwork for the Doctor of Education (EdD) program, introducing aspiring educational practitioners to inquiry-based practice and data-driven decision-making. This course provides an overview of practitioner-focused inquiry methods for examining available qualitative and quantitative data, preparing students to conduct effective evidence-based projects. Students will develop a foundational understanding of basic qualitative and quantitative approaches, exploring their applications and limitations in practical improvement efforts. The course emphasizes needs assessments and root cause analysis techniques to identify and address specific problems of practice. A key deliverable is a draft of Section 1 of the evidence-based project capstone document, articulating a clear and well-defined problem of practice for capstone topic approval.
This course introduces doctoral students to evidence-based inquiry and equips them with foundational skills in finding, analyzing and evaluating potential solutions for their evidence-based project. Students will learn how to systematically locate and critically analyze existing research, explore various potential solutions to a localized educational challenge, and begin formulating a preliminary theory of improvement. The course emphasizes cultivating an inquiry mindset, applying methodological rigor in reviewing the literature, and laying a solid groundwork for future, more in-depth improvement work. These skills will be used throughout the next four specialization courses.
This course focuses on the completion and refinement of the Evidence-Based Practice Capstone Project, encompassing Sections 1-4 with the necessary appendices. The Evidence-Based Practice Capstone Project represents the culminating activity in the degree program demonstrating students’ development as cutting-edge, evidence-based practice scholar-practitioners. Students will ensure the quality of their capstone project document by confirming originality through a Turnitin report, meticulously documenting sources in a reference section, assessing scholarly writing quality using Grammarly, and acknowledging any appropriate use of Generative Artificial Intelligence (GAI). Students will present their capstone project to a peer group for feedback. Finally, students will select and prepare to complete one of the following Project Application Deliverables: A Practice Improvement Plan, a Grant Application Proposal, an Article Manuscript, or a Practitioner Presentation to Stakeholders.
Admissions
You’ll work one-on-one with an Enrollment Specialist who’ll guide you through every step—from finding the right program to funding your education.
Requirements
Once you decide to pursue your Doctorate in education at Walden, take the next step with our straightforward admissions process. We’ve made it easy with:
No application fee
Easy credit transfer
No test scores or essay required
To be considered for this doctoral program, you must have a master’s degree from an accredited college or university and meet the general admissions requirements. All applicants must submit a completed completed online application and transcripts. Depending on program specialization, additional requirements may apply. More information for international applicants.
Doctoral Experience
How will I learn?
YOUR DOCTORAL JOURNEY
Earning an EdD is no easy feat—it takes drive, dedication, and perseverance. Knowing what to expect can help you make an informed decision.
ConnectEdD
From day one, you’ll collaborate, share resources, problem-solve, and celebrate milestones with peers and faculty in this virtual community.
Capstone Project
Create a real-world capstone project that demonstrates your ability to turn data into actionable plans that drive sustainable change.
Tuition and Scholarships
We believe you can achieve your goals—and we are here to support you along your journey. Request information to learn more about scholarships and financial aid for those who apply and qualify.
Tuition Breakdown
We know costs are a big consideration when you’re exploring online Doctor of Education programs. Walden offers several ways to reduce your total tuition through:
Transfer of credit opportunities
Scholarship and Federal/State Grants
Alumni Tuition Savings
Stay Inspired. Stay on Track. Save Money.
Discover progress-based savings that inspire you to stay on track to graduation.
| Curriculum | Requirements | Cost | Total * |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tuition - Coursework | 50 quarter credits | $695 per credit coursework and dissertation/doctoral study credits | $34,750 |
| Tuition - Capstone | 10 quarter credits | $695 per quarter hour for dissertation/doctoral study credits | $6,950 |
| Program Fee | $185 per quarter | $1,480 | |
$43,180 | |||
| BELIEVE & ACHIEVE SCHOLARSHIP YOUR TUITION | -$3,475 | ||
* Tuition and fees are subject to change. Books and materials are not included.
*This assumes students successfully complete their coursework on the first attempt and reflects the minimum time to completion. Time to completion varies by student, depending on individual progress and credits transferred, if applicable. Your actual total program time and costs may vary. Believe and Achieve Scholarship based on current tuition. For additional Believe & Achieve scholarship information, see Grants and Scholarships.
Career Opportunities
An online EdD program can help prepare you to lead lasting improvement in diverse educational settings.
Postsecondary Education Administrators
Oversee student services, academics, and faculty research in colleges and universities.
Expected growth: 2%1
Estimated annual wage: $63,820–$103,9601
Elementary, Middle, and High School Principals
Oversee student services and academics in K–12 institutions.
Expected growth: -2%2
Estimated annual wage: $72,400–$132,5502
1Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics | Job outlook | Estimated wage (as of May 2023)
2Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics | Job outlook | Estimated wage (as of May 2023)
source: Bureau of Labor Statistics (as of May 2024). Percentile wage estimates are based on the 10th–75th percentiles. The 10th percentile figure reasonably represents entry-level wages. BLS wages are national estimates and are not specific to graduates of Walden University. Wages may vary by state or region. No guarantee is made that a person who enrolls at Walden will obtain a job or earn the estimated salaries.
Learning Outcomes
- Apply theoretical knowledge to solve educational problems.
- Critically analyze education-related issues
- Align research methodologies to questions and hypotheses addressing issues in educational practice.
- Communicate with diverse stakeholders to advocate for students in educational settings.
- Practice ethically as a professional in the field of education.
- Collaborate with diverse stakeholders to promote continuous improvement in educational settings.
- Promote equity in education programs and policies.
- Advocate for social change to make a positive impact in educational settings.
Meet Your Academic Team
Learn about some of the online EdD faculty members who bring vast expertise and a passion for education to the Walden classroom.
You Might Also Be Interested In
Browse other online education degree programs at Walden.
Doctor of Education FAQ
The benefits of earning your Doctor of Education (EdD) are numerous. An EdD is a terminal degree in education practice, which means earning your doctorate will put you among the most educated in your field. This degree can be an important part of your résumé and help demonstrate to potential employers that you have the education and skills necessary to succeed at a high level. Whether your chosen field is K–12, early childhood, or higher education; or whether you focus on program development, policymaking, or corporate education; earning a doctorate in education online can help prepare you for bold new challenges and rewards.
When you pursue your Doctor of Education (EdD) online, there are numerous specialization options from which to choose. When you choose one that’s aligned with your passions and goals, your coursework becomes even more engaging. Walden University offers a number of EdD specialization options:
- Community College Leadership
- Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment
- Early Childhood Education
- Educational Administration and Leadership (non-licensure)
- Educational Technology
- Higher Education and Adult Learning
- Higher Education Leadership and Management
- Organizational Leadership and Adult Learning
- Prekindergarten-Postsecondary Education (Pk–20+) – Self-Designed
- Reading, Literacy, and Assessment
- Special Education
As an online EdD student at Walden, you will learn to identify educational challenges, analyze relevant data, and develop solutions. Each course in your program guides you through defining problems, finding solutions, and using data to drive decisions. Each course in the program builds toward the final capstone project
The capstone project is completed in the final two courses. It is a professionally relevant project demonstrating a practical solution to a problem. Showcase your ability to create evidence-based proposals in a practical final deliverable such as a practice improvement plan or a grant application proposal.
Choosing between a PhD program and a professional doctorate (like an online EdD) program depends on whether you want to focus on creating new research or applying advanced knowledge to real-world problems. Below is a breakdown of the key differences.
Professional doctorate (EdD)
A professional doctorate, like Walden’s online Doctor of Education (EdD), is designed for working professionals with practical experience in their field:
- Audience: Geared toward practitioners who want to pursue education leadership roles (such as superintendents or administrators).
- Focus: Emphasizes the immediate application of learning to solve specific, complex problems in a professional setting. Coursework in Walden’s online EdD program, for instance, focuses on learning how to use data to make smart decisions and apply evidence-based practices to develop solutions that can lead to real impact.
- Capstone: Includes a doctoral study or capstone, where students identify a real-world issue and develop a practical solution for it. The final capstone project is completed as a professional deliverable that showcases a student’s ability to lead continuous improvement.
PhD (Doctor of Philosophy)
A PhD degree, also known as an academic doctoral degree, can be pursued by college graduates who don’t yet have relevant work experience—or by working professionals interested in using their advanced research skills and dissertation to add to the existing body of knowledge in their field.
- Audience: Geared toward aspiring academics, researchers, and those seeking to teach at the collegiate level.
- Focus: Prioritizes mastery of theory and the development of original research to make a new contribution to the field's knowledge base.
- Dissertation: Requires a traditional dissertation involving scholarly, original research that must undergo exhaustive academic review and formal defense.
A Doctor of Education (EdD) program can lead to opportunities either inside or outside of traditional education settings. It can prepare you to pursue roles such as postsecondary education administrator, which oversees student services, academics, and faculty research in colleges and universities.
Depending on which university you choose, your EdD program may also allow you to specialize in specific education fields.
Beyond school settings, many nonprofits and government agencies could look to EdD holders to develop and advocate for vital education initiatives. Corporations may also seek out Doctor of Education graduates to lead in-house training and specialized educational programming, showing that an EdD education has the potential for application across multiple sectors .
Career options may require additional experience, training, or other factors beyond the successful completion of this degree program.
A Doctor of Education (EdD) is a terminal professional doctorate designed for experienced education practitioners and leaders. Unlike the research-centric PhD, the EdD is a practitioner doctorate that focuses on solving complex, real-world problems in educational settings. It prepares you to apply advanced theories and data-driven strategies to improve student outcomes and organizational efficiency.
Online education doctoral programs are ideal for those who plan to pursue leadership roles in K–12, higher education, nonprofits, and corporate training environments—such as superintendents, administrators, or directors of curriculum and instruction.
No, Walden’s Doctor of Education (EdD) does not require a traditional, five-chapter research dissertation. Instead, the program focuses on a doctoral capstone project. This is an applied research project where you identify and address a specific, real-world “problem of practice” within an educational setting and develop a practical solution or intervention.
This approach is designed to ensure your final work has a direct, tangible impact on your professional environment rather than focusing solely on theoretical academic research. At Walden, your capstone work is built into the curriculum, allowing you to work on your project throughout your program.
Walden’s streamlined Doctor of Education (EdD) program requires a minimum of 60 quarter credits and can be completed in as few as 24 months
While the minimum time frame is 24 months, the total time to completion often depends on your progress and the time required to finish your doctoral capstone project. .
The Doctor of Education (EdD) program is designed to be as accessible as it is impactful, backed by Walden’s more than 50 years of experience in distance learning for working professionals.
Key features that make the program stand out include:
- Customizable learning: Choose from nine Doctor of Education specializations to align your degree with your specific career goals.
- Practical capstone: Instead of a theoretical dissertation, you complete a capstone project that addresses a real-world problem of practice. Walden’s online EdD embeds elements of the capstone throughout your program, so you’ll make progress every term.
- Focus on AI skills: Stay ahead of the curve by learning to use AI tools responsibly and efficiently in your daily practice.
- ConnectEdD: This virtual community allows you to collaborate, share resources, problem-solve, and celebrate milestones with peers and faculty during your online EdD program.
- Streamlined admissions: Start your doctoral journey with no application fee and no required essay.
This online education doctoral program offers a transparent tuition structure, so you know your costs up front. See complete list of tuition and fees.
Various funding and savings opportunities can help make the costs of your online EdD program more manageable:
- Scholarships and grants: The Believe & Achieve Scholarship® provides progress-based tuition reductions as you hit milestones in your doctoral program. This scholarship is available to eligible students in select programs, including the DrPH program.
- Federal financial aid: Students may be eligible for federal aid programs (available to those who apply and qualify) to help cover educational costs.
- Alumni savings: If you graduated from a Walden master’s program, you may be eligible for special alumni tuition savings on your Doctor of Education degree.
No. Walden does not require GRE scores. Our streamlined admissions process includes no essay and no application fee, making it easier for you to focus on your future.
Walden University offers a number of financial assistance and tuition savings opportunities to help make your education doctorate more attainable:
- Scholarships and grants: If you are eligible, savings options like the Believe & Achieve Scholarship® are designed to reward your progress and reduce your financial burden.
- Federal financial aid: Many online EdD students utilize federal grants and loans to fund their doctoral studies, available to those who apply and qualify.
- Military benefits: Service members, veterans, and their spouses receive a 10% tuition reduction, which can often be combined with other institutional scholarships for those who are eligible.1
- Partner discounts: Walden partners with hundreds of organizations to provide special tuition reductions. Find out if your employer or professional association partners with Walden.
An Enrollment Specialist can walk you through current savings opportunities and help you determine what types of financial assistance you may qualify for. Learn more about financial aid at Walden.
1A 10% tuition reduction combined with Walden’s Believe & Achieve Scholarship is available for new students who are service members, veterans of the U.S. armed forces, or employees of the Veterans Administration who enroll in programs eligible for the Believe & Achieve Scholarship. For programs not eligible for the Walden’s Believe & Achieve Scholarship, the tuition reduction is 10% for the life of the program. This tuition reduction is also available if you are a spouse of a service member, veteran, or employee of the Veterans Administration. This tuition reduction cannot be retroactively applied. Tuition reductions are applicable to tuition only and do not apply toward books, materials, and other supplies or fees needed for a course. It may not be combined with other tuition reductions, unless specified in another offer.