Best Online Doctorate in Education Administration Programs 2024
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An online doctorate in education administration can prepare you for the highest leadership positions in education.
If you want to make a difference in education, maybe a doctorate in education (Ed.D.) or a doctorate in philosophy (Ph.D.) in education administration are good fits for you. Read on to learn what jobs you can get with these degrees, the classes you’ll take, and what to expect.
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
2024 Online Doctorate in Education Administration Programs
Andrews University
Berrien Springs, MI- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$29,808
- Out-of-state$29,808
- In-State$27,936
- Out-of-state$27,936
- Retention Rate85%
- Acceptance Rate49%
- Students Enrolled3,162
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment28%
- AccreditationYes
Arkansas State University
- Jonesboro, AR
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$5,232
- Out-of-state$10,800
- In-State$4,986
- Out-of-state$9,972
- Retention Rate79%
- Acceptance Rate67%
- Students Enrolled13,106
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment75%
- AccreditationYes
Belhaven University
- Jackson, MS
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$26,650
- Out-of-state$26,650
- In-State$10,350
- Out-of-state$10,350
- Retention Rate68%
- Acceptance Rate50%
- Students Enrolled4,999
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment83%
- AccreditationYes
Central Michigan University
- Mount Pleasant, MI
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$12,296
- Out-of-state$22,881
- In-State$14,223
- Out-of-state$18,909
- Retention Rate80%
- Acceptance Rate69%
- Students Enrolled17,311
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment42%
- AccreditationYes
City University of Seattle
- Seattle, WA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$13,658
- Out-of-state$13,658
- In-State$11,812
- Out-of-state$11,812
- Retention RateN/A
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled2,052
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment83%
- AccreditationYes
Clark Atlanta University
- Atlanta, GA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$18,990
- Out-of-state$18,990
- In-State$14,814
- Out-of-state$14,814
- Retention Rate63%
- Acceptance Rate59%
- Students Enrolled3,776
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment100%
- AccreditationYes
Concordia University-Irvine
- Irvine, CA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$37,250
- Out-of-state$37,250
- In-State$8,121
- Out-of-state$8,121
- Retention Rate68%
- Acceptance Rate78%
- Students Enrolled4,071
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment100%
- AccreditationYes
Drexel University
- Philadelphia, PA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$53,868
- Out-of-state$53,868
- In-State$36,234
- Out-of-state$36,234
- Retention Rate88%
- Acceptance Rate77%
- Students Enrolled23,589
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment89%
- AccreditationYes
East Tennessee State University
- Johnson City, TN
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$7,340
- Out-of-state$25,487
- In-State$8,640
- Out-of-state$23,760
- Retention Rate78%
- Acceptance Rate78%
- Students Enrolled13,713
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment60%
- AccreditationYes
Edgewood College
- Madison, WI
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$31,700
- Out-of-state$31,700
- In-State$18,576
- Out-of-state$18,576
- Retention Rate78%
- Acceptance Rate91%
- Students Enrolled2,007
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment34%
- AccreditationYes
How We Rank Schools
To create this ranking, BestColleges sourced the most recent data available from the National Center for Education Statistics and the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. We then ranked each school according to the top variables college students selected in our College Choice and Admissions Survey. To learn more, check out our full rankings methodology or read the summary below.
Ed.D. and Ph.D. in Education Administration: What Is the Difference?
Before you begin applying to doctoral programs, it’s important to understand the different kinds of degree programs available for education administration. Ed.D. and Ph.D. programs can prepare you for different careers and can take different amounts of time to earn.
An Ed.D. in education administration focuses on practical skills for administrators who want to go into non-teaching roles (although Ed.D.-holders may also become teachers). These programs typically require students to earn 60 credits and take about 2-3 years to complete.
A Ph.D. program is usually more intense and takes longer to complete. In this kind of program, you are expected to research and complete a dissertation at the end of your program. Graduates with Ph.D.s often become professors and/or researchers full time. These degree programs typically require students to complete 90 credit hours and take 3-5 years to finish.
What Can I Do With a Doctorate in Education Administration?
A doctorate in education administration can open doors for high-paying leadership positions such as principal or superintendent, which typically require a master’s degree. However, just because your degree is in education doesn’t mean you’re limited to teaching or school leadership roles.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), roles for social and community service managers are supposed to grow more quickly than others in the education field during the next decade. These professionals supervise educational nonprofits, social services organizations, and other public well-being organizations, including those that work with schools and communities to improve education access.
If salary is the most important consideration for you when searching for a job, consider the field of human resources. Human resources managers earned a median annual salary of $136,350 in May 2023, per the BLS. Pursuing a doctorate in education administration can teach you useful skills relevant to human resources — you’ll graduate with the insight needed to recruit and hire educators and administrators.
Graduates with doctorates in education administration can lead to high-paying, fast-growing jobs, whether in education or in related fields. Check out some roles you can pursue with this degree in the chart below.
| Job | Median Annual Salary (2023) | Job Outlook (2022-2032) |
|---|---|---|
| Survey Researcher | $60,960 | -4% |
| Education Writer | $73,690 | 4% |
| Educational Consultant | $74,620 | 2% |
| Social and Community Service Manager | $77,030 | 9% |
| Professor | $84,830 | 8% |
| Elementary, Middle, and High School Principal | $103,460 | 1% |
| Education Policy Analyst | $132,350 | 7% |
| Dean or Provost, Chief Academic Officer, University Registrar | $102,610 | 4% |
| School Superintendent, College/University Presidents | $103,850 | 3% |
| Training and Development Manager | $125,040 | 6% |
| Human Resources Manager | $136,350 | 5% |
Is a Doctorate in Education Administration Worth It?
Whether a doctorate in education administration is worth your time and money depends on your career goals. Education administration roles can pay anywhere from $60,000-$136,000 per year, so your return on investment varies based on the positions you’re interested in. Plus, to qualify for positions like academic dean or college president, you need years of experience in addition to the years it takes to earn your doctorate.
According to the National Center for Education Statistics, a doctorate can be costly and timely — the average cost of a Ph.D. is over $40,000 per year. However, you may be able to find financial support through grants, stipends, and fellowships to bring costs down.
Professional Associations in Education Administration
Support doesn’t end when you graduate from your program. Education administration professionals can join professional organizations for a yearly fee to gain a network of peers, resources, and access to conferences.
- American Association of School Administrators: If you’re a new or veteran superintendent, the AASA could be a good association for career development, community, and representation. The AASA provides members with legal support, federal representation, discounts on professional learning and conferences, exclusive resources, networking, and leadership opportunities.
- Association of Deans and Directors of University Colleges and Undergraduate Studies: This association enhances deans’ and directors’ skills and creates a nationwide community. Members can attend an annual conference and enjoy discounts, a peer network, and exclusive publications and resources.
- American Educational Research Association: This research association is for professionals dedicated to education research to improve higher education and the public good. Members have the opportunity for discounted insurance, including liability insurance, networking opportunities, journals, and professional development courses, workshops, and conferences.
- National Association of Secondary School Principals: NAASP membership is for principals, assistant principals, and secondary school administrators. For $270 a year, you can access professional liability insurance, career development, recognition, and exclusive research-based, peer-tested resources.
- Student Affairs Administrators in Higher Education: Members can get discounted or free registration for events, courses, and certification applications. You can also nominate and be recognized for NASPA awards.
Professional Certifications in Education Administration
If you want to set yourself apart from other education administrators, you can pursue certifications to showcase your skills and qualifications.
Below, find three certifications in some of the most common industries for professionals with doctorates in education administration.
AASA National Superintendent Certification Program
This in-person cohort-based certification program is for any superintendent with seven or fewer years of experience who wants to refresh their skills and “re-energize.”
The certification program offers superintendents one-on-one mentoring and connections with other superintendents. It costs $6,000 for AASA members and $6,500 for non-members.
The Society for Human Resources Management SHRM-CP & SHRM-SCP
The SHRM-CP is for entry-level professionals in operational roles, while the SHRM-SCP is for professionals with at least three years of experience in strategic-level HR or HR-related fields. SHRM says that professionals with this certification reported earning 14-15% higher salaries than non-certified peers.
SHRM offers the certification test entirely online or in person. The society recommends that participants study for at least 3-4 months for the exam. The standard fee for SHRM members is $410, while the standard fee for non-members is $510.
American Institute of Certified Educational Planners Certification
The CEP certification requires a master’s degree in an educational field, substantial relevant experience in academic planning, and a list of at least 30 campuses you visited in the last five years. The test costs $300, and you must pay an additional $150 each year to keep your certification valid. CEPs must also apply for recertification every five years.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Education Administration Profession
It depends on your goals. Ph.D. graduates typically stay in academia and teach higher education courses while conducting research. An Ed.D. prepares you for more administrative roles within educational administration, such as superintendent, principal, or curriculum designer.
Note: The insights on this page — excluding school descriptions — were reviewed by an independent third party compensated for their time by BestColleges. Page last reviewed May 14, 2024.
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