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 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 | $660 per credit coursework and dissertation/doctoral study credits | $33,000‡ |
| Tuition - Capstone | 10 quarter credits | $660 per quarter hour for dissertation/doctoral study credits | $6,600 |
| Program Fee | $180 per quarter | $1,440 | |
$41,140+ | |||
| BELIEVE & ACHIEVE SCHOLARSHIP YOUR TUITION | -$3,300 | ||
‡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.
+Tuition and time to complete vary by student and may be reduced if transfer credits are accepted, or if you receive grants, scholarships, or other tuition reductions. Walden may accept up to 5 transfer credits into the Doctor of Education. For a personalized estimate of the number of your transfer credits that Walden would accept, call an Enrollment Specialist at 844-768-0109.
†*Represents Doctor of Education minimum time to completion and Believe and Achieve Scholarship. Your actual total program time and costs may vary. Believe and Achieve Scholarship based on current tuition. See Scholarship Details for more information.
Tuition and fees are subject to change.
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.
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 who are interested in using their advanced research skills and dissertation to add to the existing body of knowledge in their field.
A professional doctorate, like Walden’s online Doctor of Education (EdD), is designed for working professionals with practical experience in their field. Professionals often choose a doctorate in education program to increase their knowledge, enhance their résumé, and translate their work experience into a higher position of credibility, leadership, and influence. The coursework in the online EdD program focus on developing skills in using data to make smart decisions and applying evidence-based practices to develop solutions that can lead to real impact. The final capstone project is completed as a professional deliverable that showcases your ability to lead continuous improvement.
A Doctor of Education (EdD) program can lead to opportunities either inside or outside of traditional education settings. While teaching or becoming an administrator at the university level is common path, thanks to the problem-solving skills and other competencies taught in EdD degree programs like Walden’s, a variety of public and private organizations could provide opportunities for EdD graduates.
Career options may require additional experience, training, or other factors beyond the successful completion of this degree program.