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Online Doctor of Education (EdD)
Request InformationLead the way in educational transformation with Walden’s applied online Doctor of Education program.
Next start dates
- Course-Based Courses with a set schedule August 29, 2022
Transfer Credits
- Up to 39 Credits
Walden is No. 1 in education professional doctoral graduates in the U.S.¹
Are you ready to reach your full potential as an educational leader and innovator? Walden’s Doctor of Education (EdD) program is the way forward. We’ve spent the last 50 years breaking down doctoral completion barriers for busy education professionals who want to rise to the top of their field.
Whether you’re a teacher, administrator, or consultant, our actionable online learning experience focuses on the practical knowledge you need to deepen your impact. Build your expertise and confidence and become a catalyst for positive change in your institution and your community.
An online Doctor of Education degree prepares educators to solve pressing educational problems and improve learning outcomes in their organization and beyond.
Why Choose Walden?
Learn From a Leader
Known as the Educator of Educators®, Walden has been helping education professionals fulfill their career goals for more than 50 years.
Master Skills That Matter
Our Doctor of Education program focuses on the most critical, contemporary challenges in the field.
Pursue Your Interests
Create the change you want to see by aligning your research capstone topic with your professional passion.
Reach the Finish Line
From research coaches to peer mentors, our Doctoral Support Services help keep you moving forward at every step of your program.
Program Savings
Receive up to a $5,000 Walden Live & Learn Grant if you reside in the U.S. and start this program on August 29, 2022. Contact one of our Enrollment Specialists to learn more.
Get Started NowCommunity College Leadership
Prepare to be a scholar-practitioner who can effectively lead successful 21st-century community colleges.
Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment
Gain expertise in the latest research and best practices in learner-centered curriculum.
Early Childhood Education (Non-Licensure)
Gain the skills to foster positive outcomes in positions working with young children, families, and communities.
Educational Administration and Leadership (for Administrators)
Increase your ability to influence and transform your educational organization.
Educational Administration and Leadership (Non-Licensure)
Increase your ability to influence and transform your educational organization.
Educational Technology
Learn to develop and lead technology-supported solutions to learning challenges in the K–12 classroom.
Higher Education and Adult Learning
Prepare to design, develop, and lead successful adult learning programs within higher education institutions, corporations, and workforce development settings.
Higher Education Leadership and Management
Gain the leadership skills and management knowledge you need to lead meaningful and sustainable change across your institution.
Higher Education (Self-Designed)
Design a specialization that most closely matches your personal passions and professional goals.
Organizational Leadership and Development
Get the expertise to lead your organization forward.
P–20 Education (Self-Designed)
Create a highly customized doctoral experience unique to your personal and professional goals by choosing from a wide range of electives.
Reading, Literacy, and Assessment
Gain expertise in the latest research and best practices in reading and literacy and influence achievement in these key areas.
Special Education
Advance your professional growth while deepening your understanding of the critical trends and issues impacting special education today.
Program Details
Admission Requirements
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 online application and transcripts. Depending on program specialization, additional requirements may apply. More information for international applicants.
At Walden, we’ll guide you every step of the way with a comprehensive suite of support resources designed to help you confidently pursue the finish line, including our Doctoral Degree CoachTM. Are you ready to reach a higher level in your field?
A Personalized Guide to Completing Your Doctorate
Earning your Doctor of Education (EdD) requires commitment, perseverance, and hard work. You can do it, and Walden is here to help—with our Doctoral Degree Coach™.
- Map and Track Milestones: Break your research down into manageable, sequential steps. See where you are, what’s ahead, and what you’ve already accomplished—all in one place.
- Meet Weekly Targets: No more guesswork. Set prompts based on your to-do list and receive reminders and updates directly to your inbox.
- Connect With Faculty: Stay on the same page and keep your progress on track. With shared access to your dashboard, your chair can easily guide you through your checklists, goals, and timelines.
- Access Helpful Resources: Quickly find support from the right person at the right time. Our comprehensive resource guide points you in the right direction—no more frustrating searches.
A Doctoral Program for Education Visionaries
Whether you want to address challenges facing public schools or advance your expertise in curriculum and instruction, our Doctor of Education program lets you focus your studies on your passion with various specialization offerings. Gain the insights to think bigger, create novel solutions, and impact your school district or organization for years to come. Become a sought-after education expert and change-maker with the power to shape better student outcomes—and brighter futures.
Being an effective educator starts with understanding the change that must happen in the field—and then leading the charge to create it. An online Doctor of Education degree can empower you with greater credibility, respect, and influence and open doors you never imagined.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), jobs for education and school administrators and postsecondary teachers are expected to grow at faster-than-average rates through 2029:3
Walden University is home to more than
180
State Teachers of the Year.2- Education administrators, postsecondary: 4%
- Training and development managers: 7%
- Postsecondary teachers: 9%
- Elementary, middle, and high school principals: 4%
A Doctor of Education degree can prepare you to pursue career options such as:4
- Faculty/professor/instructor/lecturer
- Program director
- Educational leadership
- Instructional designer
A Doctor of Education degree can prepare you to work in settings such as:
- Corporations
- Nonprofit organizations
- Healthcare organizations
- Universities and school districts
Program 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.
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Martha Cheney
Program DirectorDr. Cheney began her career as a writer in educational publishing and has taught preschool and primary school students. She serves as a Specialty Professional Associations (SPA) program reviewer for the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC).
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Mark Clauburg
Program DirectorDr. Clauburg is the program director for Walden’s EdS in Educational Technology, MS in Instructional Design and Technology, and PhD in Education programs. He holds an EdD in Instructional Technology from Nova Southern University and a master’s from Stockton University.
Testimonials
I was impressed by and attracted to Walden’s vision about nontraditional education and using education as a means to effect global social change.
Chinazo Echezona-Johnson Doctor of Education (EdD) Graduate
My Walden experience solidified my commitment to education and renewed my sense of excitement as a leader in the ever-changing world of education.
Kim Sethna Doctor of Education (EdD) Graduate
Studying at Walden changed my world by providing me the skills and knowledge to design teaching curricula and teach at the secondary level.
Mary Mills Doctor of Education (EdD) Graduate
Resource Articles
The Benefits of an EdD
Resource Articles
Choosing the EdD Specialization That’s Right for You
FAQ About Walden’s Online Doctor of Education
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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. The degree can be an important part of your résumé and can 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 focused on program development, policymaking, or corporate education, earning a Doctor of Education degree can take your career to new heights.
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When you pursue your Doctor of Education (EdD) degree, there are a lot of great specialization options from which to choose. Select the one that is most aligned with your passion and goals and your work will become even more important to you. Walden University offers a number of options, including:
- Community College Leadership
- Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment
- Early Childhood Education
- Educational Administration and Leadership
- Educational Technology
- Higher Education and Adult Learning
- Higher Education Leadership and Management
- Higher Education (Self-Designed)
- P–20 Education (Self-Designed)
- Reading, Literacy, and Assessment
- Special Education
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As a doctoral student, you will learn research methods, plan and design your research, and present your findings in a scholarly paper called a doctoral study. The study’s purpose is to make an original contribution to your field by creating a practical solution to a real problem.
In a doctoral study, you will identify a problem, present your methodology, describe your project, make observations about your findings, and present your practical solution. The doctoral study’s components demonstrate your competence in research and research design, your subject matter expertise, and your command of critical thinking and academic writing.
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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 is designed for working professionals with practical experience in their field. Professionals often choose a doctoral program to increase their knowledge, advance their careers, and translate their work experience into a higher position of credibility, leadership, and influence. The coursework and research allow students to connect existing theories with practice. Professional doctoral research focuses more on applying existing theories and knowledge to address real-world problems.
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An EdD can lead to a career either inside or outside traditional education settings. Thanks to the problem-solving skills taught in EdD degree programs, a variety of public and private organizations seek out EdD graduates to fill important positions. Some of the jobs held by graduates of EdD degree programs include:
- K–12 administrator
- University dean or associate dean
- University faculty
- Education policymaker or policy writer
- Education researcher
- Superintendent
- School principal
- Education program director or coordinator
- Adult educator and trainer
- Civil service leader
Career options may require additional experience, training, or other factors beyond the successful completion of this degree program.
Questions about our Doctor of Education?
Fill out the form and we will contact you to provide information about furthering your education.
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