online phd programs higher education

Best Online Doctorate in Higher Education

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Updated September 14, 2023

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The demand for skilled educational administrators and researchers continues to rise in the U.S.

If you have a passion for keeping up with shifting demographics and meeting student and faculty needs, an online doctorate in higher education might be the right choice for you. This advanced degree builds leadership skills in a variety of roles such as student services, enrollment management, education administration, and academic support. Many higher education programs also prepare you for advanced academic research, which explores new strategies to meet changing educational needs.

An online Ph.D. in higher education is the highest degree attainable in the field. This level of specialization can also lead to increased job opportunities. For example, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects that careers for postsecondary education administrators will grow 10% through 2026, a rate faster than the national average.

Featured Online Doctorate in Higher Education Programs

The best online doctorate in higher education programs.

We use trusted sources like Peterson's Data and the National Center for Education Statistics to inform the data for these schools. TheBestSchools.org is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site. from our partners appear among these rankings and are indicated as such.

#1 Best Online Doctorate in Higher Education

Andrews University

• Berrien Springs, MI
• Online + Campus

The Ed.D. in higher education administration program at Andrews University enrolls online learners. With flexible enrollment options, the private school helps degree-seekers earn a doctorate. Doctoral students work closely with faculty mentors and career advisors.

In the online higher education administration program, learners take doctoral-level coursework. After meeting coursework requirements, doctoral candidates pass a comprehensive examination and conduct research for an original dissertation or project. Professionals with a higher education administration doctorate work in academia, research, and leadership roles.

At the accredited institution, doctoral students can use fellowships, scholarships, and other forms of financial aid to pay for their degree. Contact the program for more information about research support and financial aid.

Andrews University at a Glance:

Online Student Enrollment: 918

Online Master's Programs: 7

Online Doctoral Programs: 6

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 10-to-1

Graduate Tuition Rate: $27,216

#2 Best Online Doctorate in Higher Education

Colorado State University

• Fort Collins, CO

The online higher education leadership program, offered by Colorado State University, ranks as a top program in the field. With its flexible format, the public university makes a doctorate more accessible. Doctoral students engage in advanced research and benefit from support services.

The online higher education leadership program requires doctoral coursework. After passing comprehensive examinations, doctoral candidates spend 1-2 years researching and writing their dissertation. With a higher education leadership doctorate, graduates work in academia, research positions, and leadership roles.

At the accredited institution, doctoral students qualify for several forms of financial aid. Reach out to the program to learn more about financial aid opportunities, admission requirements, and start dates.

Colorado State University at a Glance:

Online Student Enrollment: 8,786

Online Master's Programs: 19

Online Doctoral Programs: 2

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 14-to-1

Graduate Tuition Rate: $10,520

#3 Best Online Doctorate in Higher Education

Gwynedd Mercy University

• Gwynedd Valley, PA

Gwynedd Mercy University offers a top-ranked online executive Ed.D. in education program. At the private institution, degree-seekers take doctoral classes in a flexible format. Doctoral students benefit from support services like career advising.

During the online Ed.D. in education program, learners complete advanced coursework. Doctoral candidates pass comprehensive examinations and conduct research for their dissertation. Graduates with a doctorate in higher education work in academic, research, and industry positions.

Online doctoral students at the accredited institution qualify for several forms of financial aid. Contact the education program to learn more about the enrollment process and start dates.

Gwynedd Mercy University at a Glance:

Online Student Enrollment: 1,349

Online Master's Programs: 16

Online Doctoral Programs: 4

Graduate Tuition Rate: $13,749

#4 Best Online Doctorate in Higher Education

Maryville University

• Saint Louis, MO

The doctorate in higher education leadership program at Maryville University appeals to doctoral students seeking an online route to their degree. At the private institution, degree-seekers take doctoral classes in a flexible format. Doctoral students receive library access, research support, and career services.

During the online higher education leadership program, learners complete advanced coursework. After meeting coursework requirements, doctoral candidates conduct research and defend an original dissertation that contributes to the field. With a doctorate in higher education leadership, graduates pursue academic, research, and industry roles.

At the accredited institution, online doctoral students qualify for scholarships, federal loans, and other forms of financial aid. Contact the education program to learn more about financial aid, enrollment options, and start dates.

Maryville University at a Glance:

Online Student Enrollment: 7,651

Online Master's Programs: 15

Online Doctoral Programs: 5

Graduate Tuition Rate: $14,346

#5 Best Online Doctorate in Higher Education

Missouri Baptist University

The Ed.D. in higher education leadership program at Missouri Baptist University appeals to learners seeking an online doctorate. With flexible enrollment options, the private school helps degree-seekers earn a doctorate. Doctoral students strengthen their research skills and present in academic conferences.

In the online higher education leadership program, learners complete doctoral coursework and strengthen advanced skills. Doctoral candidates move through the program by passing exams and researching a dissertation project. Graduates with a doctorate in higher education leadership work in academic, research, and industry positions.

Online doctoral students at the accredited institution qualify for several forms of financial aid. Reach out to the program to learn more about transfer credit policies, research support, and admission requirements.

Missouri Baptist University at a Glance:

Online Student Enrollment: 1,826

Online Master's Programs: 10

Online Doctoral Programs: 1

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 19-to-1

Graduate Tuition Rate: $10,197

#6 Best Online Doctorate in Higher Education

Regent University

• Virginia Beach, VA

Regent University offers an online Ed.D. in higher education leadership and management program for doctoral students. At the private university, degree-seekers participate in virtual classroom activities to earn a doctorate. Doctoral students can access career advising and gain research skills.

The online higher education leadership program incorporates doctoral coursework. The program also requires passing scores on a comprehensive examination and the successful defense of an original dissertation project. With a doctorate in higher education leadership, graduates pursue academic, research, and industry roles.

At the accredited institution, online doctoral students qualify for scholarships, federal loans, and other forms of financial aid. Reach out to the higher education leadership program to learn more about admission requirements.

Regent University at a Glance:

Online Student Enrollment: 9,507

Online Master's Programs: 37

Online Doctoral Programs: 12

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 29-to-1

Graduate Tuition Rate: $15,552

#7 Best Online Doctorate in Higher Education

Saint Peter's University

• Jersey City, NJ

The Ed.D. in higher education program at Saint Peter's University offers an online option for doctoral students. The private university helps degree-seekers complete a doctorate in a flexible format. Doctoral students receive research support, library access, and career advising.

In the online higher education program, learners take advanced doctoral coursework. After meeting coursework requirements, doctoral candidates pass a comprehensive examination and conduct research for an original dissertation or project. A higher education doctorate leads to job opportunities in research, academia, and leadership.

Doctoral students who attend the accredited institution in an online format qualify for several types of financial aid. Contact the education program for more information about research support and financial aid.

Saint Peter's University at a Glance:

Online Student Enrollment: 1,145

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 12-to-1

Graduate Tuition Rate: $21,186

#8 Best Online Doctorate in Higher Education

University of Florida

• Gainesville, FL

The higher education Ed.D. program at the University of Florida offers a doctorate in a hybrid learning format. The public university provides flexible enrollment options to meet the needs of diverse degree-seekers. Doctoral students receive research support and participate in scholarly events.

In the online higher education program, learners complete doctoral coursework and strengthen advanced skills. After meeting coursework requirements, doctoral candidates pass a comprehensive examination and conduct research for an original dissertation or project. With a doctorate in higher education, professionals work in academia, research, and leadership roles.

Online doctoral students can pay for their degree with scholarships, fellowships, and other forms of financial aid. Reach out to the program to learn more about transfer credit policies, research support, and admission requirements.

University of Florida at a Glance:

Online Student Enrollment: 24,310

Online Master's Programs: 42

Online Doctoral Programs: 7

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 17-to-1

Graduate Tuition Rate: $10,770

#9 Best Online Doctorate in Higher Education

University of Memphis

• Memphis, TN

The Ed.D in higher and adult education program at the University of Memphis appeals to doctoral students seeking an online route to their degree. With its flexible format, the public university makes a doctorate more accessible. Doctoral students strengthen their research skills and present in academic conferences.

The online higher education program requires doctoral coursework. After passing comprehensive examinations, doctoral candidates complete a dissertation that contributes original research to the field. As the terminal degree in higher education, the Ed.D. often leads to career opportunities in academia, research, and industry.

The accredited institution meets federal requirements for financial aid support. Prospective applicants can contact the higher education program to learn more about research support, financial aid opportunities, and admission requirements.

University of Memphis at a Glance:

Online Student Enrollment: 9,456

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 15-to-1

Graduate Tuition Rate: $9,216

#10 Best Online Doctorate in Higher Education

University of Mississippi

• University, MS

The University of Mississippi offers an online Ed.D. in higher education program for doctoral students. With its flexible format, the public university helps degree-seekers complete a doctorate. Doctoral students receive research support and participate in scholarly events.

During the online higher education program, learners complete advanced coursework. The program also requires passing scores on a comprehensive examination and the successful defense of an original dissertation project. Graduates with a higher education doctorate pursue roles in research, academia, and leadership.

The accredited institution meets federal requirements for financial aid support. Prospective applicants can contact the higher education program to learn more about the enrollment process and start dates.

University of Mississippi at a Glance:

Online Student Enrollment: 8,245

Online Master's Programs: 9

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 16-to-1

Graduate Tuition Rate: $8,718

Online Doctorate in Higher Education Programs Ranking Guidelines

We ranked these degree programs based on quality, curricula, school awards, rankings, and reputation.

Our Methodology

Here at TheBestSchools.org, we take the trust and welfare of our readers very seriously. When making our school and program rankings, our top priority is ensuring that our readers get accurate, unbiased information that can help them make informed decisions about online education. That's why we've developed a rigorous ranking methodology that keeps the needs of our readers front and center.

Our proprietary, multi-criteria ranking algorithm analyzes key data indicators — as collected by the federal government — for each school or program. What data we use depends on the focus of each specific ranking, but in all cases, our ranking methodology is impartial: Schools  cannot buy better rankings  at TBS.

While specific criteria under consideration can vary by ranking, there are a few data points that we value most highly. They are affordability, academic quality, and online enrollment. Below, we break down our algorithm to help you understand what you're getting when you use one of our rankings.

• Affordability
• Online Enrollment

Data Sources

The data used in TBS rankings comes primarily from the federal government, and much of it is provided by the schools themselves. We aggregate and analyze this data to build our rankings.

The  Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System  (IPEDS) is our primary source. Its data comes from annual surveys conducted by the U.S. Department of Education's  National Center for Education Statistics  (NCES). Every college, university, or technical school with access to federal financial aid must participate in these surveys, which include questions about enrollment, graduation rates, finances, and faculty qualifications. This is publicly available data, which you can access yourself through the  College Navigator .

Additionally, because we value a personal touch and the professional experience of our staff and Academic Advisory Board, we vet all results and adjust rankings as necessary based on our collected knowledge of schools and degree programs. Depending on the ranking, we may obtain additional input from  AcademicInfluence.com , subject matter experts, prior TBS ranking lists, or other sources we deem relevant to a particular ranking.

Breakdown of Our Rankings Methodology

About our ranking factors.

Here at TBS, we value what you value: quality education, affordability, and the accessibility of online education. These factors guide all of our program rankings.

Each of these factors are further broken down into weighted subfactors. For example, retention rates are weighted more heavily than availability of program options because they are a better indicator of student success.

We chose the following factors for our rankings because of their influence on learning experiences and graduate outcomes. However, students should always balance our rankings against their personal priorities. For instance, a learner who needs a fully online program may prioritize online flexibility more than our rankings do. Our rankings are designed to help you make a decision — not to make a decision for you.

• Collapse All

Academics - 75%

Affordability - 15%, online enrollment - 10%.

In all our school rankings and recommendations, we work for objectivity and balance. We carefully research and compile each ranking list, and as stated in our advertising disclosure, we do NOT permit financial incentives to influence rankings. Our articles never promote or disregard a school for financial gain.

If you have questions about our ranking methodology, please feel free to connect with our staff through  contact page .

We thank you for your readership and trust.

What Else Can I Expect from an Online Doctorate in Higher Education Program?

Coursework can vary significantly between online doctoral programs in higher education, with some focused on practical skills for educational administration and others on academic skills for research. In general, however, this degree offers a comprehensive perspective on the major practices in higher education and the strategies used for gauging their effectiveness.

Curriculum for an Online Doctorate in Higher Education

• Foundations of Education Research: Part of most programs, this course introduces the major principles of education research, exploring the theoretical, practical, philosophical, and ethical dimensions of performing research. Given its broad nature, this course pertains to all types of higher education careers.
• Higher Education Law: Exploring the application of legal theories and practices to higher education, this course is mandatory for candidates in administrative positions. Higher education law typically covers topics that include nondiscrimination in employment, privacy and openness, contractual obligations, tenure, academic freedom, and program discontinuance.
• Adult Learners: Designed to address changing age demographics in higher education populations, this course focuses on the major theories and perspectives associated with adult learning. A common requirement for higher education administrators, the course also presents strategies for meeting the unique needs of these students.
• Enrollment Management and Marketing: Addressing issues of strategic enrollment, this course aids candidates in college enrollment departments. Students explore fundamental topics such as branding, forecasting, differentiation, and alumni relations. Increasingly, enrollment and marketing management also involve social media and other digital public relations tools.
• Higher Education Practicum: Regardless of focus or career goals, most candidates earning their Ph.D. in higher education online must complete a professional practicum, typically at their place of employment or another professional higher education setting. The practicum offers the chance for hands-on learning, allowing students to draw connections between coursework and their own professional practice.

How Long Does It Take to Get an Online Doctorate in Higher Education?

Earning a doctorate in higher education online requires commitment, and one factor in your choice of program may be its total completion time. In general, most programs require 50-60 credit hours, taking anywhere from 3-5 years to complete, but this can vary based on factors such as residency components. Most Ph.D. higher education online programs also require you to possess a master's degree in a related field.

Some doctoral degrees use an accelerated format that features a more intensive course schedule but allows you to complete your education faster. These programs often include residency sessions that require you to spend a certain amount of time on campus for concentrated classroom learning. Some degrees may also use an independent, self-paced format that allows you to complete work on your own schedule, while others use a cohort format where you complete a set sequence of courses with the same group of students.

Accreditation for Online Doctorate in Higher Education Degrees

When researching online programs, determine the school's accreditation status, which indicates academic reputability and quality. Accreditation indicates that a school received a positive assessment of their academic programs from a licensed accreditation agency, designating the institution's ability to adequately serve students.

Colleges and universities in the U.S. receive either regional or national accreditation. Typically, professional and vocational programs hold national recognition, while academic programs receive regional accreditation. Any reputable online doctorate in higher education will hold regional accreditation. When examining doctoral programs, look for an accreditation status from agencies like the National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE), the University Council for Educational Administration (UCEA), or the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).

While the U.S. Department of Education (ED) oversees both primary and secondary education in the U.S., it does not provide accreditation to postsecondary institutions, such as colleges and universities. Instead, the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) oversees these institutions, counting over 3,000 schools and around 60 accreditation organizations among its members. The ED also conducts reviews of all accrediting agencies, ensuring that they meet certain government standards. Together, these two organizations maintain standards for higher education in the U.S. CHEA aims to eliminate degree mills -- fraudulent education providers that offer counterfeit academic programs for profit. Both CHEA and the ED maintain listings of accredited schools and accrediting organizations, which can be useful when determining the reputability of a school or online program.

Employment Outlook for Doctorate in Higher Education Graduates

Doctorate in higher education careers, postsecondary education administrator.

While many career paths exist for those with a doctorate level education, most graduates choose to pursue a career in administration or academics. In administration , common positions include enrollment management, student services, and -- at the highest level -- academic dean or provost. The academic path emphasizes teaching and research almost exclusively. However, academics occasionally move into higher-level administrative positions later on in their careers. Regardless of specialization, most careers in higher education require strong communication, organization, and problem-solving skills.

Postsecondary Teacher

College and university professors instruct students beyond the high school level while simultaneously performing advanced research and publishing their findings. Higher education specialists focus their research on improving education practices. Academics may also participate in administrative functions, particularly in their area of expertise.

Instructional Coordinator

Instructional coordinators supervise, assess, and develop curricula and practices. They typically work alongside colleges and universities to examine the effectiveness of instruction and offer ideas for improvement. Coordinators may also work with state or national education agencies to determine large-scale strategies.

School and Career Counselor

These specialists work with students to develop the skills needed for social and academic success in both school and life. Counselors may connect students to additional campus resources, such as mental health services. Career counselors, however, may connect students to job opportunities and internships.

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics

Doctorate in Higher Education Salary

Several factors can influence salary prospects for postsecondary education administrators, including education level, professional experience, place of employment, and location. Most of the top-paying states for education administrators are found in the eastern U.S., including New Jersey, Delaware, and Maryland. California and Hawaii also boast higher salaries for education administrators. The following chart from the BLS compiles salary information for administrators. Higher education administrators in these states can expect to earn annual mean salaries well over $100,000, demonstrating the advantages of earning an advanced degree.

Higher Education Professional Organizations

Given the constantly changing nature of higher education, professionals in the field depend on trade organizations to share knowledge and improve their practices. Professional higher education groups offer their members an assortment of benefits, including conferences, academic journals, professional development opportunities, job connections, and a host of other networking opportunities. Many of these groups also offer opportunities for students that includes mentorships, research opportunities, and internships.

Paying for Your Online Doctorate in Higher Education

Depending on your income, professional background, and your program, you may have several options for funding your online Ph.D. in higher education. Education students can often take advantage of special opportunities unavailable to those in other fields, including tuition reimbursement specifically for educators. Depending on where you work (particularly if you're already employed in higher education administration), your employer may pay for some or all of your degree for the purposes of professional development.

Plenty of options exist to help supplement the full cost of your tuition. Prospective students should begin by filling out a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), as it offers you access to grants, scholarships, low-interest loans, and other funding measures. Completing the FAFSA may unlock grant opportunities that require you to do nothing other than claim your funding. Even without grants, educators have access to a wide variety of scholarships that can help with tuition.

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College of Professional Studies

Northeastern University’s online Doctor of Education program provides experienced adult learners, working professionals, and scholar-practitioners from diverse backgrounds and perspectives with the practical knowledge and experience they need to transform the learning landscape. Students gain innovative approaches to create authentic change in their communities. The program was selected as the Carnegie Project on the Education Doctorate's Program of the Year for 2022-2023.

The Doctor of Education program is designed to be completed in three to four years of study—following a fast-paced quarter system in lieu of a traditional semester format. Students choose from five concentrations to create a curriculum that matches personal and professional interests. The program's dissertation in practice process will begin at the onset of your coursework as you identify your problem of practice and develop an action plan—incorporating cycles of data collection and analysis, collaboration, change work, and reflection—culminating in the dissemination of your action research findings. Our students come from diverse disciplines and professions, seeking more than just a degree. You'll gain a practical education that translates to your everyday working environment.

While all EdD courses can be completed online (except for hybrid courses in Seattle and Charlotte), annual in-person two-day residencies are held on campus. Residencies focus on networking and tools for career success and allow you to connect with faculty and fellow scholars to share knowledge and experience. You'll attend residencies* in your first and second years of the program at one of our campuses in Boston, Charlotte, or Seattle.

The Northeastern Doctor of Education degree is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE) and was selected as Program of the Year by the Carnegie Project on the Education Doctorate Program for 2022-2023.

*Please note: International students enrolling in the online EdD program will be provided with an option to complete the residency through online participation in interactive sessions with fellow scholars offered during the residency period.

More Details

Unique features.

• You will choose one of five concentrations—higher education administration, innovative teaching and learning, transformative school leadership, workplace learning, and integrative studies—to focus your studies and further customize your curriculum.
• You'll begin dissertation in practice work at the onset of your program. You'll select a compelling educational/organizational challenge and will be assigned a faculty advisor to support your research throughout the program.
• All coursework is online—providing flexibility for working professionals. Your residencies will be fulfilled in person*, at one of our campuses in Boston, Charlotte, or Seattle.
• You'll learn alongside faculty practitioners—engaging with respected leaders who contribute to the field as authors, journal editors, school board members, bloggers, and podcasters.

*In-person participation in the residency is also available for international students.

Concentrations

• Higher Education Administration: The higher education administration concentration provides an opportunity for experienced higher education professionals to expand their previous understanding of practices within all sectors of postsecondary education—and also advance their professional practice by developing and deepening their understanding of the roles of colleges and universities in our society. Sectors examined include community colleges, four-year colleges, for-profit institutions, and research universities.
• Innovative Teaching and Learning: The innovative teaching and learning concentration focuses on transforming education through innovation, justice, and policy, by providing engaging opportunities for current and aspiring teaching and learning specialists working in various education spaces. The concentration focuses on teaching and learning both inside and outside the bounds of P-20 schools and focuses on developing and leading innovative curricula as well as professional development.
• Transformative School Leadership: The transformative school leadership concentration provides innovative opportunities for experienced education professionals who are current and aspiring leaders of early childhood centers, public or private schools, or school districts. The concentration prepares students to lead and transform educational spaces and be equipped to shape the needs of education in K-12, higher education, organizational contexts, and beyond.
• Workplace Learning: The workplace learning concentration helps professionals gain a deeper understanding of, recognize, and influence real-life social inequalities faced by marginalized populations in the workplace. Courses allow students to advance their professional practice by developing and deepening their knowledge of workplace learning, organizational dynamics, learning strategy, and ethics.
• Integrative Studies: The integrative studies concentration provides an opportunity for students to design a program of study that fits their own professional goals and includes the required foundation and research courses, concentration courses from any EdD concentration, and electives from the Doctor of Education or Doctor of Law and Policy programs.

Program Objectives

Northeastern's Doctor of Education program is designed for experienced professionals interested in deepening their understanding of education, organizational development, and leadership. Throughout the program, students examine various approaches to critical, practice-based issues, learn research methods, and conduct a doctoral research study that investigates a compelling educational or organizational challenge.

2022-2023 Doctor of Education Program of the Year

The Carnegie Project on the Education Doctorate selected Northeastern's EdD program as the 2022-2023 Program of the Year, noting the “redesigned Dissertation in Practice Curriculum and the adoption of action research as its guiding methodology …” The committee praised “the program’s efforts to move beyond the typical five-chapter dissertation and engage scholarly practitioners in the acquisition of skills to realize meaningful change in their local contexts, emphasizing social justice.”

Testimonials

– sara ewell, phd, assistant dean, graduate school of education, – frawn morgan, current student, doctor of education, – aaron b., program graduate, looking for something different.

A graduate degree or certificate from Northeastern—a top-ranked university—can accelerate your career through rigorous academic coursework and hands-on professional experience in the area of your interest. Apply now—and take your career to the next level.

Program Costs

Finance Your Education We offer a variety of resources, including scholarships and assistantships.

How to Apply Learn more about the application process and requirements.

Requirements

• Online application
• Academic transcripts: Official undergraduate and graduate degree documentation
• Describe the problem of practice
• Explain why you want to investigate it
• Provide a strong rationale for the significance of the problem
• Minimum work experience: Three years in a related field
• Professional resumé: Must summarize work and education history, include an outline of your educational/academic skills with examples such as research and teaching experience, affiliations, publications, certifications, presentations, and other professional skills.
• Faculty recommendation: Must be from a faculty member in your previous graduate program who can attest to your readiness for doctoral work. If you are no longer acquainted with a faculty member, please choose a professional who can speak of your academic capabilities to engage in doctoral-level research and writing. Recommendations should be presented as a letter attached to the general recommendation form.
• Two professional recommendations: Must be from individuals who have either academic or professional knowledge of your capabilities, a supervisor, mentor, or colleague. It is preferred that one letter of recommendation come from your current employer and/or supervisor. Recommendations should be presented as a letter attached to the general recommendation form.
• Proof of English language proficiency: ONLY for students for whom English is not their primary language.

Are You an International Student? Find out what additional documents are required to apply.

Admissions Details Learn more about the College of Professional Studies admissions process, policies, and required materials.

Admissions Dates

Our admissions process operates on a rolling basis; however, we do recommend the application guidelines below to ensure you can begin during your desired start term:

Domestic Application Guidelines

International Application Guidelines *

*International deadlines are only applicable if the program is F1 compliant.

Industry-aligned courses for in-demand careers.

For 100+ years, we’ve designed our programs with one thing in mind—your success. Explore the current program requirements and course descriptions, all designed to meet today’s industry needs and must-have skills.

View curriculum

The core of the mission of the program is to allow educators to remain in the places they work, focus on a problem of practice, and through experiential learning and site-specific research opportunities in the program, make an immediate impact in their professional environments. The program explicitly integrates research and practice for professionals so they develop the requisite skills for conceiving, designing, conducting, and producing original site-based research in order to effect ethical change related to real-life problems of practice.

Our Faculty

Northeastern University faculty represents a broad cross-section of professional practices and fields, including finance, education, biomedical science, management, and the U.S. military. They serve as mentors and advisors and collaborate alongside you to solve the most pressing global challenges facing established and emerging markets.

Joseph McNabb, PhD

Cherese Childers-McKee, PhD

By enrolling in Northeastern, you’ll gain access to students at 13 campus locations, 300,000+ alumni, and 3,000 employer partners worldwide. Our global university system provides students unique opportunities to think locally and act globally while serving as a platform for scaling ideas, talent, and solutions.

Below is a look at where our Education & Learning alumni work, the positions they hold, and the skills they bring to their organization.

Where They Work

• Boston Public Schools
• Chicago Public Schools
• NYC Department of Education
• Lockheed Martin
• Veterans Affairs
• Johns Hopkins
• Columbia University

What They Do

• Media Consultant
• College President
• Chief Information Officer
• Instructional Designer
• Diversity Officer
• Founder-CEO
• VP of Student Services
• Community Services Director

What They're Skilled At

• Experiential Learning
• Team Building
• International Education
• Change Agency
• Entrepreneurship
• Urban Education
• Strategic Management
• Student Engagement

Learn more about Northeastern Alumni on  Linkedin .

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Education (Online), EdD

School of education.

To address the dramatically changing landscape of education in the 21st century, which includes new research on the science of learning, advances in technology, and the emergence of a for-profit education sector, the Johns Hopkins School of Education offers an innovative online Doctor of Education degree program. This EdD program is designed to prepare an exceptional corps of educational practitioner-scholars, both nationally and internationally, who can set a high standard for transformational leadership in education, apply evidence-based practices to improve educational outcomes, and meet the vast challenges associated with improving learning outcomes in both public and private educational environments.

For more information about the EdD program, please visit  https://education.jhu.edu/academics/edd/ . If you have any questions about the EdD program, please contact  [email protected] .

Admission Requirements

At minimum, applicants to the EdD program should hold a master’s degree from an accredited college or university. Previous degrees must document high academic achievement (a minimum GPA of 3.0) in an area of study closely associated with the objectives of the program. If the earned degree or credit is from an educational institution abroad, the candidate’s academic record must be evaluated by a credential evaluation agency before consideration for admission. Applicants must submit the online admission application form, application fee, official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attended, a curriculum vitae (résumé), online interview, and two letters of recommendation signed by each recommender. These letters should include the following:

• A professor with whom the applicant worked in their master's program who can speak to the applicant's competency to conduct rigorous scholarly work, and
• A colleague/supervisor from the applicant’s professional context/industry who can attest to the applicant's qualifications to pursue a doctorate, the applicant's impact on the recommender’s  professional practice, and knowledge of and support for the applicant's proposed area of research/Problem of Practice.

Additionally, applicants will submit a personal statement including responses to the following:

• Describe a significant Problem of Practice relevant to your current context/industry of professional practice.
• Indicate the importance of this problem within the applicant’s industry and/or their specific context of professional practice.
• Discuss the potential underlying causes for or contributing factors related to this Problem of Practice.
• Discuss the ways in which this problem aligns with at least one or two areas of interest.

All applicants who meet the entrance requirements will be asked to submit video and written responses to question prompts.

International students must fulfill the general requirements for admission and complete additional requirements—see  https://education.jhu.edu/admission-financial-aid/admissions/international-applicants/ .

Note: This program is not eligible for student visa sponsorship .

Students who enter the program will be required to successfully complete a series of pre-orientation modules prior to enrollment in the program. All students are expected to show competence in the content areas of these modules.

Please note that for the online EdD program, an offer of admission is for the specific cohort to which an application is submitted. Students may accept or decline the admission offer only; deferring to a future cohort is not an option.

Program Requirements

Program structure and requirements.

Program requirements include a minimum of 90 graduate credits. Students must enter the program with a master’s degree with a minimum of 36 graduate-level credits, which will be transferred into the EdD program. If a student does not have the required 36 master’s credits, the student will be admitted on a conditional basis and must complete the additional graduate-level credits at an accredited college or university. Students with post-master’s graduate credit in related education content completed prior to admission to the EdD program may petition to transfer in an additional six credits of equivalent coursework with appropriate documentation and with the approval of the EdD program director. Thus, students must complete between 48 and 54 credits at the doctoral level at JHU. The program includes the following required coursework components (subject to change):

• Foundations of Education (15 credit hours)
• Applied Research & Evaluation (12 credit hours)
• Areas of Interest / Electives (15 elective credit hours)
• Doctoral Dossier Research (12 credit hours)*

In addition to successfully completing all the coursework requirements, candidates must also satisfy written assessments and an oral comprehensive examination that document attainment of competencies. They must also complete either an Applied Dissertation or a Dossier Style Dissertation research project, depending upon the year the candidate was admitted to the program as per the following table:

Students who extend their program of study may be required to enroll in additional independent study credits.

With permission, students admitted between Fall 2013 and Fall 2020 may opt into the Dossier Style Dissertation if they choose not to do an intervention.

Problems of Practice and Doctoral Dossier

Students examine a Problem of Practice (POP)—an area of concern they have observed within their professional context—that becomes the focus of the student's Doctoral Dossier, which consists of three main projects described below.

As part of our commitment to social justice, the EdD program does not privilege one form of communication over another. Thus, all components of the Doctoral Dossier can be communicated in a modality of the student’s choosing: video, oral, scholarly writing, or public-facing writing. The Doctoral Dossier is embedded within the EdD program coursework, providing students the unique opportunity to examine an issue important to their field.

To begin their Doctoral Dossier process, students will spend their first year working on a Scholarship of Integration project (Project 1) that focuses on exploration and identification of underlying causes of and factors associated with their chosen POP. Using systems thinking, which includes perspective-taking, and the research literature, students will document their exploration in an introductory narrative that provides the rationale and supporting evidence for their decision to further pursue their research topic throughout their doctoral journey.

During the second year, following completion of the Scholarship of Integration project, students will choose one of the following two options for Project 2:

1. Scholarship of Application: Demonstrate the application of the research to practice. The purpose of this project is to a) consider how the research perpetuates and/or disrupts oppression, b) critique relevant systems, structures, and institutions, and c) determine avenues to effectively disseminate evidence to a wider audience and stakeholder group.

Example projects include: historical analysis of a topic, curriculum creation, community organization, autoethnography, instructional pedagogy, and others.   

2. Scholarship of Teaching: Development and improvement of pedagogical practices. Students examine teaching processes and assessments improve practice.

Example projects include : autoethnography of one’s teaching, innovative teaching materials, curricula, development of new courses, or development of a new pedagogical framework.   

During the third year, following completion of Project 2, students will choose one of the following:

• The scholarship option NOT chosen for Project 2, or
• Scholarship of Discovery: Search for new knowledge. Students conduct evidence-based research that leads to knowledge creation.    

Example projects include: written, oral, or other modalities of research, scholarly publications, empirical study, working paper, or book chapters.                

During the fourth year, students will complete Project 3, write an Executive Summary that ties their three projects together, and write a final reflection of their doctoral journey. The Doctoral Dossier will be presented and assessed during the fourth year.

Students are expected to complete four years of coursework and independent research concurrently. This program is cohort-based, thus if students require a leave of absence for any reason, they will return in the appropriate course sequence with the next cohort the following year.

Problems of Practice and Dossier Style Dissertation (for students admitted Fall 2021 and Fall 2022*)

Students examine a Problem of Practice (POP), which is an area of concern that they have observed within their professional context. This POP becomes the focus of the student's Dossier Style Dissertation. The Dossier Style Dissertation is embedded within the EdD program coursework, which provides students with a unique opportunity to examine an issue important to the organization in which they are employed.

During the first year in the program, students synthesize research literature to understand factors relevant to the POP from a broader systems perspective. During the second year of the program, students conduct an empirical project to investigate their POP within their professional context. Students are expected to collect and analyze data to further understand and refine their identified problem. Based on the evidence in the literature review and empirical project, students will engage in a final project that may further explore an aspect of their POP or articulate a potential solution.

Students will demonstrate mastery of first- and second-year competencies through written and oral comprehensive assessments, which will serve as indicators of readiness for conducting their applied research. Students will then evaluate the effectiveness of this solution as their Applied Project (Year 3). Characteristics of the Dossier Style Dissertation that make it unique to this program include:

• Written assignments within courses that focus on the student's POP.
• Coursework that leads students to consider applications that hold the potential for significant change or impact within their organization and/or have implications for policy.
• Dossier Style Dissertation components that are embedded within coursework and distributed across the three years of the program.

Although somewhat different from a traditional dissertation in its completion and focus, students are nevertheless expected to demonstrate mastery of the relevant literature, to obtain extant and/or collect additional data, and to interpret the results in light of previous studies. The Dossier Style Dissertation will be presented at a final oral defense before a Dossier Style Dissertation Panel.

Typically, we expect that students would complete three years of coursework and independent research concurrently. It is possible that some students may need more than three years to complete their research, in which case they will be required to enroll in at least one credit hour per semester after completion of the required 90 credit hours.

*Students admitted Fall 2021 can choose to complete either the Dossier Style Dissertation or the Applied Dissertation described below. Fall 2022 students may only complete the Dossier Style Dissertation.

Problems of Practice and Applied Dissertation (for students admitted Fall 2013-2021*)

Students examine a Problem of Practice (POP), which is an area of concern that they have observed within their professional context. This POP becomes the focus of the student's Applied Dissertation research. The Applied Dissertation is embedded within the EdD program coursework, which provides students with a unique opportunity to examine an issue important to the organization in which they are employed.

During the first year in the program, students examine their articulated POP to identify underlying causes and associated factors. During the second year of the program, students develop a potential solution, such as an intervention or policy change, and a plan to study the implementation of this intervention as well as proximal outcomes. Students will demonstrate mastery of first- and second-year competencies through written and oral comprehensive assessments, which will serve as indicators of readiness for conducting their applied research. Students will then evaluate the effectiveness of this solution as their Applied Dissertation (Year 3). Characteristics of the Applied Dissertation that make it unique to this program include:

• Coursework that leads students to consider solutions that hold the potential for significant change or impact within their organization and/or have implications for policy.
• Dissertation components that are embedded within coursework and distributed across the three years of the program.

Although somewhat different from a traditional dissertation in its completion and focus, students are nevertheless expected to demonstrate mastery of the relevant literature, to obtain extant and/or collect additional data, and to interpret the results in light of previous studies. The dissertation will be presented at a final oral defense before the student’s Dissertation Advisory Committee.

Typically, students will complete three years of coursework and independent research concurrently. It is possible that some students may need more than three years to complete their research, in which case they will be required to enroll in at least one credit hour per semester after completion of the required 90 credit hours.

*Students admitted Fall 2013-2020 must complete the Applied Dissertation. Students admitted Fall 2021 can choose to complete either the Dossier Style Dissertation or the Applied Dissertation. Fall 2022 students may only complete the Dossier Style Dissertation.

Learning Outcomes

Program goals.

Upon successful completion of the EdD, we expect that graduates will:

• Participate as a self-reflexive, social justice-oriented learner within diverse educational or learning communities.
• Analyze and critique educational practice and research from a social justice and systems perspective.
• Apply relevant methodologies to address critical challenges in education.
• Demonstrate a curiosity for, and a systematic approach to, at least one major topic of study within education resulting in an emerging expertise.
• Integrate research and practice-based knowledge to develop research-informed decisions and opinions about educational experiences, processes, policies, and institutions.
• Communicate effectively to diverse audiences about educational research, experiences, processes, policies, and institutions.