Best Online Doctorate in Education Administration Programs 2024

Andrews's 60-credit doctorate in educational administration features a focus on globalization, with required study abroad trips and an internship that promotes cross-cultural experiences.

Learners study online and at the main campus in Berrien Springs, Michigan. Doctoral candidates take 5-7 years to complete the program. Graduation requirements include 28 credits in research methods, academic writing, and applied statistical methods. All students must submit a dissertation and an article for publication in a peer-reviewed journal.

The curriculum prepares graduates for national and international careers in university administration, research, teaching, and policy leadership. A 480-hour internship also asks students to apply educational theory in the field.

Applicants need a master's degree from an accredited college, a minimum 3.30 GPA, three professional recommendations, a resume, and a statement of purpose. Andrews accepts applications for the Ed.D. program in the fall, summer, and spring.

A-State's online doctorate in educational administration, led by former superintendents and principals, prepares master's degree-holders for leadership roles in academia in about 40 months.

The 60-credit program suits professionals working in education who need a flexible online format. Students complete nine pre-doctoral credits, 24 leadership credits, and 27 leadership and dissertation credits.

Courses include advanced organizational theory and inquiry, education policy and the law, politics of education, and schooling in a pluralistic society. Students complete a dissertation that begins in the fifth semester. The dissertation defense takes place online.

A-State offers three start dates. The admissions department selects students based on their published work, academic background, research papers, and career goals. Applicants must hold a master's degree from an accredited college and a current teaching license.

Belhaven's doctorate in educational administration helps leaders in education to take their careers to the next level. The curriculum prepares graduates for positions at elementary and secondary schools.

Students complete 60 credits, including a 12-credit dissertation. Courses take place entirely online, except for three residencies at Belhaven's main campus in Jackson, Mississippi.

In the program's first phase, students complete 33 credits online. The second phase includes dissertation preparation and an orientation with a residency requirement. The third phase focuses on statistics and research design. Ed.D. candidates in the last phase complete two residencies that focus on researching, writing, and defending their dissertations.

Belhaven seeks applicants with a specialized degree in education, a minimum 3.0 GPA, a current teaching license, and three years of teaching experience. Prospective students must also submit an essay on a current educational issue, three letters of recommendation, and GMAT or GRE scores.

Founded in 1892 as a school for teachers, CMU now offers a 63-credit online doctorate in educational administration that prepares working professionals to solve current issues in education. The program offers concentrations in K-12 leadership, K-12 curriculum, and higher education leadership.

Ed.D. candidates study in a cohort that meets live every Saturday online and twice in person during the summer semester. Program requirements include 15 core credits in ethical leadership, organizational culture and change, organizational theory, and a doctoral seminar.

Degree-seekers also complete a 45-hour internship. Graduates can take the Michigan school superintendent assessment and pursue state licensure.

CMU accepts up to 24 transfer credits from students who hold an Ed.S. degree. Applicants must have a master's degree and three years of professional experience. The program begins every fall.

CityU offers a doctorate in educational administration with concentrations in higher education and organizational leadership. Students can also create a specialized study option.

Degree-seekers develop their skills in culturally and ethically responsive leadership, strategic thinking, and qualitative and quantitative research skills. The 90-credit program takes place completely online, with optional residencies in Seattle or San Diego. The program's three residencies, which students complete either on campus or online, focus on research and writing the dissertation.

Ed.D. candidates pursuing a specialized concentration often focus on strategic innovation and decision-making, adult education and online learning, global leadership, or entrepreneurship.

Applicants need a master's degree with a minimum 3.0 GPA.

CAU offers an online doctorate in educational administration that students can complete in two years. The 60-credit Ed.D. features asynchronous and synchronous coursework. Online learners complete on-campus summer residencies and an internship.

The curriculum focuses on strategic planning for systemic reform, instructional leadership, economics of educational equity, community educational leadership, and qualitative and quantitative research. Graduates can become principals and superintendents.

The program's seven-week semesters allow students to complete the Ed.D. degree more quickly and save money on tuition.

Prospective students can apply on a rolling basis. Applicants must have a master's degree, a teaching certificate, and experience working in education, with a preference for higher education. They must also submit a writing sample and complete an interview.

New cohorts begin every fall. Incoming students must take the Georgia Ethics for Educational Leadership Assessment.

Founded in 1976 on Lutheran principles, CUI now offers an online doctorate in educational administration that allows working professionals to graduate in 33-36 months.

The 45-credit Ed.D. program offers tracks in educational administration, organizational change, and special education. Eight-week terms allow degree-seekers to complete their Ed.D. in three years. Students can take courses completely online through asynchronous and synchronous formats or through a blended program with on-campus courses.

The program also includes travel experiences to Washington, D.C., and China. These trips promote a better understanding of diverse educational settings and how policy, law, and practice intersect.

Applicants need a master's degree in education or a related field with a minimum 3.5 GPA. Prospective students must submit a resume, three letters of recommendation, a statement of intent, and a seven-page writing sample.

Drexel, which has offered higher education since 1914, allows part-time students to earn an Ed.D. in 3-5 years. The program features no residency requirements and a fully online dissertation process.

Drexel's online doctorate in educational administration offers 10 concentrations: athletic administration, creativity and innovation, educational administration, educational policy, global and international education, higher education, human resource development, learning technologies, nursing education, and special education leadership.

Students can take one course every term and complete their Ed.D. in five years. The program requires 60.5-61.5 credits, which degree-seekers complete over four 10-week quarters. The core curriculum covers educational leadership, creative strategies, educational research, and program evaluation.

Graduates can launch careers as superintendents, principals, higher education administrators, and community program organizers. Drexel also offers hybrid programs with in-person courses at the Philadelphia and Washington, D.C., campuses.

ETSU, established in 1911 as the East Tennessee State Normal School, now offers a doctorate in educational administration that focuses on professional development. Graduates gain skills in leadership, theories of administration, educational statistics, and research.

The cohort-based program requires students to take at least six credits in the fall, spring, and summer semesters for a total of 66-78 credits. The program requires 18 core credits, 15 concentration credits, 15 electives, 12-24 dissertation credits, and six cognate credits. Degree-seekers also complete an internship as a part of the dissertation process.

To complete their dissertation, students work with a committee during the entire process, including the topic proposal, research, and writing portions.

Applicants can apply with a bachelor's degree or a master's degree. Incoming students who hold an Ed.S. only need to complete 42-52 credits to earn an Ed.D.

EC offers an online doctorate in educational administration that students can complete in 3-4 years. Learners may attend optional on-campus residencies in downtown Madison, Wisconsin.

Degree-seekers begin their studies in the fall and complete 54 credits by taking two courses every semester. Courses take place completely online in asynchronous and synchronous formats.

Students take a course in doctoral writing and research in their first semester. Subsequent courses teach learners about inclusive leadership, law, and organizational development. The dissertation process culminates in a defense, during which students meet with committee members to create a slideshow that presents their research and argument.

The program offers students the chance to work with leaders from the Wisconsin Technical College system and other institutions, nonprofits, and agencies.

EC requires incoming students to hold a master's degree from an accredited school with a minimum 3.0 GPA. Additional requirements include a letter of intent, a resume, and two letters of recommendation.