[hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”aboveTheFold” /] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Doctoral degrees appeal to learners seeking terminal credentials in their field. Education students have two options: a doctor of philosophy (Ph.D.) or a doctor of education (Ed.D.). Available face-to-face and online, Ph.D. programs in education build advanced research and leadership skills.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Typically, Ph.D. programs focus on education theory and academic research. If you aspire to high-level leadership roles, or to a career in research or academia, a Ph.D. may best suit your needs. Ed.D. programs usually emphasize practical skills with classroom or administrative applications.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Our guide profiles the Ph.D. in education, exploring its defining features and differentiating it from similar advanced degrees. It includes a ranked list of top online Ph.D. programs in education, which you can use to launch your program search.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”editorialListings” /] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Top Online Ph.D. Programs in Education[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-accordion variant=”no-background”] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”How We Rank Schools”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]At TheBestSchools, we use trusted data from the U.S. Department of Education to evaluate schools without bias. Our ranking methodology helps prospective students from various backgrounds find the best fit. We consider key factors like academic quality, online offerings, and affordability so every type of student can find the best fit for them.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]This list has not been updated for 2024. Learn more about how our formula works on [hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/ranking-methodology/”]our ranking methodology page[/hen-ui-link].[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [/hen-ui-accordion] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Why Get a Doctoral Degree in Education?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Doctoral degree-holders can qualify for high-impact careers. Through your research and teaching, you can bring about positive change that can lead to better learning outcomes and teaching methods.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Ph.D. programs focus on research, giving you the opportunity to identify systemic shortcomings and gaps in the education system.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Doctoral programs typically include dissertation requirements, which let you study specific interests in detail and build expertise in niche areas.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]A doctorate can keep you competitive in a fast-changing employment landscape facing impacts from evolving technologies and emerging pedagogical theories.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [/hen-ui-list] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Does Accreditation Matter for Online Doctoral Degrees?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]To ensure your educational doctorate holds value in the field, you must attend a [hen-ui-link href=”/resources/accreditation/”]properly accredited school[/hen-ui-link]. Institutional accreditation indicates that a college or university meets standards of academic excellence.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Some online Ph.D. programs in education hold specialized programmatic accreditation. These optional endorsements reflect how well the coursework in a specific program or department prepares enrollees for careers in their field. In education, programmatic accreditors include[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]the [hen-ui-link href=”https://caepnet.org/” target=”_blank”]Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation[/hen-ui-link] and the [hen-ui-link href=”https://aaqep.org/” target=”_blank”]Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation[/hen-ui-link].[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]What to Expect From an Online Doctorate in Education[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Online Ph.D. in education programs are terminal research degrees. In general, they emphasize academic theory and education research more than Ed.D. programs, which focus more on practical, applied skills.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The education specialist (Ed.S.) designation is another terminal postgraduate degree. Ed.S. programs typically suit classroom educators who want to develop advanced teaching skills. Generally, Ed.S. graduates pursue different careers than doctorate-holders.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Typical features of Ph.D. programs in education include:[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Credit Requirements: Education doctorates typically require 50-90 credits.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Graduation Timelines: Full-time programs usually require 3-5 years of study.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Course Types: Ph.D. program coursework requirements typically include core classes, specialization coursework, dissertation hours, and electives.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Culminating Experiences: Some programs include apprenticeships or internships, though most culminate in a dissertation that reflects your original research.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [/hen-ui-list] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The following tables explore other common program features, including admission requirements, specialization areas, and curricula.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Understand Admission Requirements[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Online Ph.D. in education programs typically require applicants to hold a [hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/masters/best-online-masters-education/”]master’s degree in education[/hen-ui-link] or an advanced degree in a related field like developmental psychology or school counseling. Some Ph.D. programs may accept students with only a bachelor’s degree, though this is less common.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]GPA requirements vary, but schools usually favor candidates with strong academic records. You may need a minimum 2.75-3.0 GPA in your master’s coursework to remain competitive in the admissions process. Some schools prefer or require Ph.D. candidates to have professional experience as a classroom teacher, curriculum specialist, or similar role.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Common application materials include letters of recommendation, a resume, a personal statement, and standardized test scores.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Explore Degree and Specialization Options[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]When considering advanced education degrees, you should first determine whether a research-oriented Ph.D., a practitioner-focused Ed.D., or a classroom-focused Ed.S. best matches your goals.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]If you pursue a Ph.D., research prospective programs’ specialization options, which can help you pursue advanced study in niche subfields of education. Common education concentrations at the doctoral level include:[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Curriculum and instruction[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Early childhood education[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Instructional design/instructional technology[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Organizational leadership[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [/hen-ui-list] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Discover Popular Courses[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Though each online Ph.D. in education program offers its own courses, common classes you may encounter include:[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Advanced theories of learning[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Current issues and trends in education[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Organizational analysis and leadership[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Quantitative and qualitative research methods[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Theories of educational performance measurement[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Culturally relevant pedagogical modeling[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Curriculum development and instruction[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [/hen-ui-list] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]How Much Will an Online Ph.D. in Education Cost?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Tuition for online Ph.D. programs in education varies based on factors like:[/hen-ui-text] icon=”check-circle” iconcolor=”#C8431D” [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Institution Type: [hen-ui-link href=”https://nces.ed.gov/programs/digest/d22/tables/dt22_330.50.asp” target=”_blank”]NCES data from the 2021-22[/hen-ui-link] school year shows that graduate tuition fees are more than twice as high at private schools than at public institutions.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Prestige and Reputation: Prestigious schools may charge higher tuition, which typically reflects the higher operating costs of their intensive research activity.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Program Format: Online programs may charge lower tuition rates for distance learners, including in-state tuition for all online enrollees at public schools.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [/hen-ui-list] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]NCES data from the 2021-22 academic year reveals the following [hen-ui-link href=”https://nces.ed.gov/programs/digest/d22/tables/dt22_330.50.asp” target=”_blank”]average graduate school tuition costs[/hen-ui-link] by school type:[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Public institutions: $12,596[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Private for-profit institutions: $14,161[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Private nonprofit institutions: $29,931[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [/hen-ui-list] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]As you consider costs, remember that many schools offer [hen-ui-link href=”/resources/college-finances/online-college-financial-aid/”]financial aid and funding[/hen-ui-link] to doctoral students. These options can significantly reduce your cost of attendance, and they may be available even if you study entirely online. Distance education can also help you save on relocation, commuting, and parking expenses.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-article-card title=”Learn more about how much college really costs” href=”/resources/college-finances/paying-for-college/” size=”compact” border=”stroke”][/hen-ui-article-card] [hen-ui-article-card title=”Discover how to find scholarships for college” href=”/resources/college-finances/scholarships/” size=”compact” border=”stroke”][/hen-ui-article-card] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]What Can You Do With a Doctorate in Education?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Data from the BLS indicates stable to average growth rates for many of the roles available to professionals with Ph.D.s in education. Graduates can qualify for jobs that offer average pay in the six-figure range, including administrative and leadership positions.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Earning potential varies by location. Generally, states with higher costs of living pay higher average wages, as do metropolitan areas with more people and higher demand for education professionals. BLS state and area data for [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes119033.htm” target=”_blank”]higher education administrators[/hen-ui-link], [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/elementary-middle-and-high-school-principals.htm” target=”_blank”]K-12 principals[/hen-ui-link], [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes259031.htm” target=”_blank”]instructional coordinators[/hen-ui-link], and similar roles offer insights into top-paying locales in the United States.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]A Ph.D. in education can lead to jobs outside of academia and educational institutions. For instance, some businesses hire education professionals to lead their internal professional development and training programs. Some companies even maintain [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/top-executives.htm” target=”_blank”]C-suite roles[/hen-ui-link] for these specialists, such as the chief learning officer position.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-table] [hen-ui-table-caption]Jobs for Graduates with a Doctorate in Education[/hen-ui-table-caption] [hen-ui-table-header] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Job[/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Median Annual Salary[/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Job Growth Rate (2022-32)[/hen-ui-table-head] [/hen-ui-table-row] [/hen-ui-table-header] [hen-ui-table-body] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Elementary, Middle, or High School Principals and Education Administrators[/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Job”][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/elementary-middle-and-high-school-principals.htm” target=”_blank”]$103,460[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Median Annual Salary”][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/elementary-middle-and-high-school-principals.htm” target=”_blank”]+1%[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Postsecondary Education Administrators[/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Job”][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/postsecondary-education-administrators.htm” target=”_blank”]$102,610[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Median Annual Salary”][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/postsecondary-education-administrators.htm” target=”_blank”]+4%[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Instructional Coordinators[/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Job”][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/education-training-and-library/instructional-coordinators.htm” target=”_blank”]$74,620[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Median Annual Salary”][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/education-training-and-library/instructional-coordinators.htm” target=”_blank”]+2%[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Education Consultants[/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Job”][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.payscale.com/research/US/Job=Educational_Consultant/Salary” target=”_blank”]$72,860[/hen-ui-link]*[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Median Annual Salary”]N/A[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Education Researchers[/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Job”][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.payscale.com/research/US/Job=Assessment_and_Education_Researcher/Salary” target=”_blank”]$67,380[/hen-ui-link]*[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Median Annual Salary”]N/A[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Training and Development Specialists[/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Job”][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/business-and-financial/training-and-development-specialists.htm” target=”_blank”]$64,340[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Median Annual Salary”][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/business-and-financial/training-and-development-specialists.htm” target=”_blank”]+6%[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [/hen-ui-table-body] [/hen-ui-table] [hen-ui-article-card title=”Find out how you can become a teacher” href=”/degrees/teaching-degree/” size=”compact” border=”stroke”][/hen-ui-article-card] [hen-ui-article-card title=”Explore teaching requirements by state” href=”/resources/teaching-requirements-by-state/” size=”compact” border=”stroke”][/hen-ui-article-card] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Explore Other Doctoral Degrees in Education[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Online Doctorate in Early Childhood Education[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://thebestschools.org/rankings/doctorate/”]Online Doctorate in Curriculum and Instruction[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Online Doctorate in Educational Administration[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Online Doctorate in Educational Leadership[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://thebestschools.org/rankings/doctorate/”]Online Doctorate in Educational Technology[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://thebestschools.org/rankings/doctorate/”]Online Doctorate in Higher Education[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Online Doctorate in Reading and Literacy[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [/hen-ui-list] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Common Questions About Doctoral Degrees in Education[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]What is a doctorate in education?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]A doctorate in education is a terminal degree that best suits educational professionals seeking leadership, research, or advanced teaching positions. There are two types: the research-focused Ph.D. and the practitioner-focused Ed.D.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]What is the difference between a Ph.D., Ed.D., and Ed.S.?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]A Ph.D. is an academically oriented doctoral degree that mainly engages with pedagogical theory and education research, while Ed.D. programs tend to offer more coverage of practical administrative and leadership skills. The Ed.S. designation is primarily for classroom teachers seeking to develop advanced educator skills.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]How long does it take to get a doctorate in education?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Ph.D. programs in education typically require 3-5 years of full-time study. Depending on your background and qualifications, you may be able to pursue an accelerated graduation timeline. If you continue working while studying part time, your doctorate can take 5-7 years.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Is an online Ph.D. recognized by employers?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Yes, as long as you attend a properly accredited institution, employers should recognize your online Ph.D. in education. Distance learning programs are functionally equal to traditional campus-based degrees. Many schools no longer explicitly identify degrees as being earned online in transcripts, diplomas, and other official documents.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]What is the shortest Ed.D. online program?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Some schools offer accelerated doctoral programs in education that students can complete in as few as 2.5 years. Some schools refer to these as “executive programs.” More demanding admission standards may apply — for instance, you may need three or more years of professional experience in a relevant role.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]How expensive is an Ed.D.?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://nces.ed.gov/programs/digest/d22/tables/dt22_330.50.asp” target=”_blank”]NCES data for the 2021-22 school year[/hen-ui-link] reveals the average annual price of tuition for all graduate programs nationwide is $20,513. Ed.D. programs can range in tuition from $300 per credit to more than $1,000 per credit, meaning programs’ total tuition can range from $30,000 to more than $50,000. When calculating costs, make sure you also account for required fees. You can reduce your net price of attendance by securing institutional funding, grants, or scholarships.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-section-header title=”Discover More Education Resources” /] [hen-ui-article-row variant=”2-col” ids=”183,333,639″][/hen-ui-article-row]