Online Education Doctoral Programs

Online Education Doctoral Programs

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Lead the Change You Want to See With Walden’s Education Doctoral Programs

You have the passion and the experience to transform education in your school and district. Now it’s time to pursue the credentials to match—with Walden’s education doctoral programs. Our Doctor of Education program and our PhD program in education focus on the practical knowledge you need to drive meaningful change for your learning community.

Whether you want to make an impact as a practitioner or researcher, you can trust in Walden’s education leadership. We’re No. 1 in education professional doctoral and PhD graduates in the U.S.¹, with more than five decades of distance learning expertise.

 

Doctoral Education Programs

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Doctor of Education (EdD)
Walden is the #1 conferrer of doctoral degrees in education 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…

Next Start Dates

  • Course Based
    05/27/2024
PhD in Education
Choose a university ranked No. 1 in doctoral research degree graduates.¹ You were meant to accomplish great things in the field of education. Walden’s online PhD in Education program can empower you to lead the change you want to see. As the…

Next Start Dates

  • Course Based
    05/27/2024
Doctor of Education (EdD)
Doctor of Education (EdD) - Educational Technology
Specialization
Explore our EdD Educational Technology specialization Changes in educational technology are dramatically affecting the way students learn at school, work, and home. The EdD with a specialization in Educational Technology (Non-Licensure) is…

Next Start Dates

  • Course Based
    05/27/2024
Doctor of Education (EdD)
Doctor of Education (EdD) - Special Education
Specialization
Explore our Special Education specialization According to the National Center for Education Statistics, approximately 7 million U.S. students received special education services from 2017 to 2018. This figure represents a demand for qualified…

Next Start Dates

  • Course Based
    05/27/2024
Doctor of Education (EdD)
Doctor of Education (EdD) - Community College Leadership
Specialization
Explore our Community College Leadership specialization The Community College Leadership (Non-Licensure) specialization prepares you to become a scholar-practitioner who can effectively lead successful 21st-century community colleges. This…

Next Start Dates

  • Course Based
    05/27/2024
Doctor of Education (EdD)
Doctor of Education (EdD) - Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment
Specialization
Explore our EdD Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment specialization The Doctor of Education (EdD) specialization in Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment (Non-Licensure) is designed for education practitioners aspiring to be curriculum…

Next Start Dates

  • Course Based
    05/27/2024
Doctor of Education (EdD)
Doctor of Education (EdD) - Early Childhood Education (Non-Licensure)
Specialization
Explore our EdD Early Childhood Education specialization The early childhood field brings together families, professionals, programs, and agencies that influence every aspect of children’s lives, from prenatal development through age 8. Our…

Next Start Dates

  • Course Based
    05/27/2024
Doctor of Education (EdD)
Doctor of Education (EdD) - Educational Administration and Leadership (for Administrators)
Specialization
Pursue your EdD with a specialization in Educational Administration and Leadership (for Administrators).What does it mean to be a leader? Whether you’re using your influence to develop a thriving learning center or transform an educational…

Next Start Dates

  • Course Based
    05/27/2024
Doctor of Education (EdD)
Doctor of Education (EdD) - Educational Administration and Leadership (Non-Licensure)
Specialization
Explore our EdD Educational Administration and Leadership (Non-Licensure) specializationThe Doctor of Education (EdD) Educational Administration and Leadership (Non-Licensure) specialization is designed for K–12 administrators who want to increase…

Next Start Dates

  • Course Based
    05/27/2024
Doctor of Education (EdD)
Doctor of Education (EdD) - Higher Education and Adult Learning
Specialization
Explore our EdD Higher Education and Adult Learning specialization The Higher Education and Adult Learning (Non-Licensure) specialization is designed for professionals who plan to design, develop, and lead successful adult learning programs…

Next Start Dates

  • Course Based
    05/27/2024
Doctor of Education (EdD)
Doctor of Education (EdD) - Higher Education Leadership and Management
Specialization
Explore our EdD Higher Education Leadership and Management specialization The Higher Education Leadership and Management (Non-Licensure) specialization can help you gain the leadership skills and management knowledge you need to lead meaningful…

Next Start Dates

  • Course Based
    05/27/2024
Doctor of Education (EdD)
Doctor of Education (EdD) - Higher Education (Self-Designed)
Specialization
Explore our EdD Higher Education (Self-Designed) specialization Offering the flexibility to personalize your plan of study, this unique specialization option allows you to examine 21st-century higher education institutions, evaluate the relevance…

Next Start Dates

  • Course Based
    05/27/2024
Doctor of Education (EdD)
Doctor of Education (EdD) - Organizational Leadership and Development
Specialization
Ignite Innovation With an EdD in Organizational Leadership From Walden With our EdD specialization in Organizational Leadership and Development (Non-Licensure), you’ll grow as a well-rounded leader. Gain a multidisciplinary perspective as you…

Next Start Dates

  • Course Based
    05/27/2024
Doctor of Education (EdD)
Doctor of Education (EdD) - P–20 Education (Self-Designed)
Specialization
Personalize your Doctor of Education experience by focusing on the topics you care about most. Our innovative self-designed option allows you to select courses that interest and inspire you. Gain deeper insights into the education issues and…

Next Start Dates

  • Course Based
    05/27/2024
Doctor of Education (EdD)
Doctor of Education (EdD) - Reading, Literacy, and Assessment
Specialization
Explore our Reading, Literacy, and Assessment specialization Literacy is a driving force in effecting positive student learning and broader social change. The Reading, Literacy, and Assessment (Non-Licensure) specialization is for educators who…

Next Start Dates

  • Course Based
    05/27/2024
PhD in Education
PhD in Education - P–20 Education (Self-Designed)
Specialization
Explore our PhD in Education P–20 Education (Self-Designed) specialization Personalize your online PhD in Education experience. Our innovative PhD in Education with a specialization in P–20 Education (Self Designed; Non-Licensure) gives you…

Next Start Dates

  • Course Based
    05/27/2024
PhD in Education
PhD in Education - Curriculum, Instruction, Assessment, and Evaluation
Specialization
Explore our PhD in Education Curriculum, Instruction, Assessment, and Evaluation specialization The Curriculum, Instruction, Assessment, and Evaluation (Non-Licensure) specialization is designed for educators who wish to influence positive…

Next Start Dates

  • Course Based
    05/27/2024
PhD in Education
PhD in Education - Early Childhood Leadership and Advocacy
Specialization
Explore our PhD in Education Early Childhood Leadership and Advocacy specialization In the Early Childhood Leadership and Advocacy (Non-Licensure) specialization, you will critically review the latest research to understand the complex family…

Next Start Dates

  • Course Based
    05/27/2024
PhD in Education
PhD in Education - Early Childhood Special Education
Specialization
Explore our PhD in Education Early Childhood Special Education specialization As more children require early intervention and special education services, there is an increasing demand for college faculty who can prepare the next wave of…

Next Start Dates

  • Course Based
    05/27/2024
PhD in Education
PhD in Education - Educational Policy, Leadership, and Management
Specialization
Explore our PhD in Education Educational Policy, Leadership, and Management specialization The creation and implementation of policy is critical to advancing and managing change in education. The Educational Policy, Leadership, and Management…

Next Start Dates

  • Course Based
    05/27/2024
PhD in Education
PhD in Education - Educational Technology and Design
Specialization
Explore our PhD in Education Educational Technology and Design specialization The education field has an increasing need for individuals who can lead the adoption of new and effective technologies. In our PhD in Education with a…

Next Start Dates

  • Course Based
    05/27/2024
PhD in Education
PhD in Education - Higher Education Leadership and Policy (Self-Designed)
Specialization
Explore our PhD in Education Higher Education Leadership and Policy (Self-Designed) specialization Deepen your understanding of current practices in higher education institutions and examine law, policy, and governance as a leader within…

Next Start Dates

  • Course Based
    05/27/2024
PhD in Education
PhD in Education - Higher Education Leadership, Management, and Policy
Specialization
Explore our PhD in Education Higher Education Leadership, Management, and Policy specialization Institutions of higher education are continuously evolving to meet the needs of diverse clientele and stakeholders. In this specialization, you…

Next Start Dates

  • Course Based
    05/27/2024
PhD in Education
PhD in Education - Learning, Instruction, and Innovation
Specialization
Explore our PhD in Education Learning, Instruction, and Innovation specialization The Learning, Instruction, and Innovation (Non-Licensure) specialization prepares you to help learners translate creativity into innovative learning experiences…

Next Start Dates

  • Course Based
    05/27/2024

FAQ About Online Education Doctoral Programs

What can you do with a PhD in Education?

An online PhD in Education program can help prepare students for influential roles in academia, research, government education agencies, business, industry, and the nonprofit sector. Top careers for PhD in Education graduates include:

  • Professor in secondary and higher education

  • University dean or associate dean

  • Education policymaker or policy writer

  • K-12 administrator

  • School district superintendent

  • Curriculum director

  • Education consultant

  • Education researcher

  • Education program director or coordinator

  • Adult educator and trainer

What is the difference between a PhD in Education and a Doctor of Education (EdD)?

PhD in Education programs prepare students to conduct research, while EdD programs prepare students to apply research to an educational setting.

Students in PhD in Education programs focus on developing theories and research, with the goal of expanding knowledge in the field of education. These students work on mastering the skills necessary to develop theories, test those theories, and confirm the validity of those theories.

Students in EdD programs, by contrast, focus on solving problems within the practice of education. To do this, they work on acquiring the tools and skills necessary to use research—both their own and that of others—to improve educational practices and outcomes in a specific setting.

How long does it take to earn a doctoral degree in education?

The amount of time it takes to complete your doctoral degree will depend on your previous educational experience and how long you work on your dissertation or doctoral study.

Doctor of Education (EdD) candidates complete a minimum of 79 quarter credits. The minimum time to degree completion is 2.75 years.

PhD in Education candidates complete a minimum of 86 quarter credits, including a doctoral capstone with a minimum of 20 credits. The minimum time to degree completion is 3 years.

An Enrollment Specialist can go over the options with you and discuss your individual time commitment.

What are the benefits of earning a PhD in Education or a Doctor of Education (EdD) degree?

The benefits of earning your doctorate in education are numerous. The PhD in Education and Doctor of Education (EdD) are terminal degrees in education, which means earning your doctorate will put you among the most educated in your field.

The EdD program is designed for education professionals who wish to contribute to and advance the practice of education, while the PhD in Education program positions graduates to strengthen the field from scientific, theoretical, and technological standpoints.

Your doctorate 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.

How do I earn a doctorate in education?

One of the best ways to earn a doctorate in education is through an online degree program. Unlike campus-based programs that require you to commute to class at specific times, online graduate degree programs give you an exceptional level of convenience and flexibility.

In an online doctoral program, you can complete the majority of your degree program from home. In addition, when you earn a doctorate in education online, you can take advantage of flexible scheduling that lets you attend classes and handle coursework at the time of day that works best for you, meaning you can earn your doctorate while continuing to work full time.

 
Do I need to go to school full time to earn a PhD in Education or a Doctor of Education (EdD) degree?

No. Students may enroll either full time or part time. Students receiving federal financial aid must know and meet the enrollment requirements for continued aid and/or education loan deferment eligibility.

In addition, an online doctoral program can offer you the flexibility you need to earn your degree while balancing work and family responsibilities. In an online program, you can complete the majority of your coursework right from home or from anywhere else you have internet access. An online doctoral program can also give you the freedom to attend class at whatever time of day works best for you, allowing you to fit your education into your existing schedule.