844-937-8679
844-937-8679
Online EdD Degree
Doctor of Education
Are you looking to elevate or support your organization or educational institution using practical, research-based tools? Our Doctor of Education (EdD) prepares you to use analytical, critical and innovative thinking to improve performance and solve complex problems in education. This program does not lead to any educational licensure or certification.
Specialize your EdD degree with one of four elective tracks
- Educational Leadership:ÌýGain in-depth understanding of academic structure, school financing, policymaking and faculty — all while emerging as a leader who values diversity and academic integrity.
- Curriculum and Instruction:ÌýInfluence curriculum development and policy, and evaluate instructional and assessment methods to improve learning outcomes.
- Educational Technology:ÌýImplement technologies that revolutionize the way students learn and integrate technology into curriculum.
- Higher Education Administration:ÌýGain a top-level view of the complex challenges facing educational communities — and gain skills to address them through research, planning, fiscal oversight and outcomes assessment.
Ignite Your Passion
Start when you're ready
Courses
Browse courses for your online education doctorate
Education should hold practical value. That’s why our courses meet rigorous academic standards and provide you with skills and knowledge immediately applicable to your career.
Look for this icon to see which skills you’ll learn in a course.
Doctoral degree program requirements
- The minimum credits to obtain your doctoral degree is 54 credits
- The doctoral degree program length can vary by specific program requirements
- Students may be required to complete extension courses to allow ample time to satisfy the dissertation and project requirements for their program of study.Ìý Additional courses may require additional cost and time.Ìý
Our doctoral support team is here to guide you every step of the way. Speak to our dedicated doctoral enrollment representative for questions on your program timeline.Ìý
Two dissertation pathways. One rigorous doctoral experience.Ìý
°®ÎÛ´«Ã½ doctoral students may complete their EdD dissertation through one of two pathways: traditional or applied. Both follow the same curriculum, credit hours, academic rigor, faculty guidance, Institutional Review Board (IRB) requirements and oral defense process. The primary difference is the type of research conducted and how the findings are communicated.ÌýÌý
How do the dissertation pathways differ?
| Traditional dissertation | Applied dissertation |
|---|---|
|
The study exploresÌýproblems of knowledge grounded in scholarly literatureÌý
|
The study investigates a defined problem of practiceÌýwithin an organizationalÌýor professionalÌýsetting
|
|
Research investigates problems of knowledge to advance scholarly understanding
|
Research exploresÌýproblems of practice to generate evidenceÌýthat informs professional practice and decision-makingÌý
|
|
Research may involve organizations or professional settings, but the problem is not bounded to a single organizational context
|
Research is centered on a defined problem of practice within a specific organizational or professional settingÌý
|
|
Five-chapter dissertation manuscript
|
Applied research report, executive summary and supporting deliverables
|
|
Scholarly and academic audiences
|
Academic or professional audiences
|
Traditional dissertation
Typically appropriate when
The study explores problems of knowledge grounded in scholarly literature
Research focus
Research investigates problems of knowledge to advance scholarly understanding
Study context
Research may involve organizations or professional settings, but the problem is not bounded to a single organizational context
Final deliverable
Five-chapter dissertation manuscript
Primary audience
Scholarly and academic audiences
Applied dissertation
Typically appropriate when
The study investigates a defined problem of practice within an organizational or professional setting
Research focus
Research explores problems of practice to generate evidence that informs professional practice and decision-making
Study context
Research is centered on a defined problem of practice within a specific organizational or professional setting
Final deliverables
Applied research report, executive summary and supporting deliverables
Primary audience
Academic or professional audiencesÌý
This comparison is intended as a general guide. The appropriate pathway depends on your research topic, methodology and the feasibility of your study. Doctoral faculty can help determine which pathway best aligns with your research.Ìý
The dissertation journey: step by step
Both dissertation pathways follow the same five-phase process for developing and completing doctoral research. The activities and deliverables within each phase vary based on the pathway.
1. Identify the problem
Establish a strong foundation for your research by identifying a meaningful problem of knowledge or practice and start drafting your research plan.ÌýÌý
Traditional Dissertation
Identify a research problem grounded in scholarly literature and draft your research plan.ÌýÌý
Applied Dissertation
Identify a defined problem of practice within an organizational or professional setting and draft a research plan aligned with that context.
Faculty guide you as you establish alignment among your research problem, purpose, research questions, study design, conceptual framework and the feasibility of your proposed study.
2. Refine the study
Continue developing your study by refining key research elements, validating alignment and confirming your research is ready to move forward.
Traditional Dissertation
Refine your research problem, purpose statement and research design while strengthening the scholarly foundation for your study within existing literature.Ìý
Applied Dissertation
Refine your applied research plan while validating organizational alignment, research feasibility and ethical readiness.Ìý
Faculty guide you as you refine your study and confirm it’s aligned, feasible and ready for the next phase.ÌýÌý
3. Develop the framework
Strengthen the conceptual foundation for your study by synthesizing research and demonstrating why your research problem matters.
Traditional Dissertation
Develop your literature review and theoretical framework by synthesizing scholarly research related to your research problem.
Applied Dissertation
Develop a concept manuscript that positions your problem of practice within broader professional, disciplinary and systemic contexts.
Both pathways strengthen the conceptual foundation for rigorous doctoral research while preparing you to conduct ethical research through Human Subjects Protection training.
4. Finalize the design
Finalize your research design by preparing your study for ethical review, required approvals and data collection.
Traditional Dissertation
Complete your dissertation proposal, obtain the necessary approvals and prepare your study for IRB review before beginning data collection.
Applied Dissertation
Complete your applied research methods package and prepare your study for IRB review and implementation within the approved research setting.
Working with your dissertation committee, you'll finalize your research design and prepare your study for ethical review and data collection.
5. Analyze & communicate findings
Analyze your findings, communicate your research and complete the final requirements of your doctoral study.Ìý
Traditional Dissertation
Complete your dissertation manuscript, interpret your findings and defend your research before the dissertation committee.
Applied Dissertation
Complete your applied research report, executive summary and dissemination plan before defending your research and communicating findings to scholarly, professional and organizational audiences.Ìý
Complete your doctoral journey by demonstrating the quality and impact of your research through a successful oral defense.Ìý
Dedicated doctoral support
Questions about our dissertation pathways? The College of Doctoral Studies has a dedicated team of enrollment representatives and academic counselors who are ready to answer all your questions.
Tuition
Paying for school
Tuition is based on number of credit hours per course. Courses are typically 3 credits, but can range from 1-6 credits. Costs do not include savings opportunities like transfer credits and scholarships.
Doctoral cost per course
$2,635Ìý/ course
What affects the overall cost of my program?
Your full program cost can vary by:Ìý
- Savings opportunities. With our Tuition Guarantee commitment, you can count on fixed, affordable pricing for your entire postgraduate degree program. You can apply for the Doctoral Scholarship, which offers up to $3,000 for new students and alumni pursuing their doctoral degree at °®ÎÛ´«Ã½.
- California Student Tuition Recovery Fund (STRF).ÌýIf you’re a California resident or enrolled in a residency program, you must pay the state-imposed assessment for STRF which is currently $0 per $1,000 of institutional charges. The STRF assessment is nonrefundable.
- Required textbook for EDT/733. If purchased through the University Bookstore, a new book costs $168.25. You may also purchase the book from other sources or potentially borrow it at no charge through a library.
Earn your doctoral degree faster and for less with eligible savings opportunities:
Other ways to save on time and tuition
Because we believe everyone deserves an affordable education, we work hard to help our students achieve one. Here’s a few ways you can save time, save money and avoid starting from scratch.Ìý
Transfer credits
Your prior eligible college credits can lower your cost and help you graduate sooner. As a transfer-friendly university, we accept eligible credits from 5,000+ accredited institutions.Ìý
Employer tuition benefits
Are you employed? Check to see if your employer has an alliance agreement with us for education benefits. This can help you save money while gaining skills that could apply to your job.ÌýÌý
Military savings
If you’re an active-duty service member in the U.S. Armed Forces or an eligible spouse or dependent, you may be eligible for a lower, military tuition rate and can save on tuition.ÌýÌý
We can help you get started
Chat with an experienced advisor who can guide you through tuition, financial aid, scholarships, transfer credits and more.
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Budget & borrow
How to pay for college
Paying for school can be intimidating, but we’re here to help you make sense of it. Our finance advisors can walk you through your options like federal financial aid and savings opportunities to minimize your debt. Plus, we can help you figure out your financial plan.
Careers & Outcomes
What can you do withÌýa Doctor of Education?
Discover where your degree might take you and make informed choices about your future.
An EdD can prepare you to be a:
- School Administrator
- Academic Affairs Vice President
- College President
- Academic Dean
- Provost
- Student Dean
Our practitioner doctorate prepares you for leadership in your profession.ÌýHow is this degree different from a PhD?
The Doctor of Education (EDD) will prepare learners to become transformational leaders who will strategically manage and lead complex educational organizations.ÌýThe EDD does not lead to teacher licensure or any other professional licensure or certification.
Ready to get started?
Start your application for free or request additional information.
What you’ll learn
When you earn your online degree, you’ll be equipped with a concrete set of skills you can apply on the job. You’ll learn how to:
Integrate the Scholar Practitioner Leader (SPL) Model throughout the doctoral journey and beyond.
Cultivate a leadership identity that reflects a mature and strategic understanding of the tenets of leadership at all levels of educational organizations.
Develop doctoral research that identifies and addresses opportunities for improvement in complex educational contexts.
2% Growth
According to theÌý, job growth for education administrators is projected to be slower than average between 2024 and 2034.
The BLS Projected Growth for 2024-2034 is published by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics. This data reflects the BLS’ projections of national (not local) conditions. These data points are not specific to °®ÎÛ´«Ã½ students or graduates.
Admissions
Apply for free – no application fee, no obligation.
Starting your degree is a big decision — and we want you to feel great about it. That’s why we remove obstacles from your application.
- No GMAT/GRE
- No admissions essay or letter of intent
- No academic or professional references
- We’ll request transcripts at no cost to you, when possible, and we accept eligible credits from over 5,000 accredited institutions.
How to enroll at °®ÎÛ´«Ã½
Receive 1-on-1 support
You have a support team of real people you can lean on. And our academic counselors, who are with you every step of the way, have earned a 5-star rating from 90% of our surveyed students.[1]ÌýStart a conversation with an enrollment representative today.
[1] Transactional Survey, August 2021-22 (18,645 respondents)
Call or chat with us 7 days a week.
Gabriel G., Enrollment Rep
Receive 1-on-1 support
You have a support team of real people you can lean on. And our academic counselors, who are with you every step of the way, have earned a 5-star rating from 85% of our surveyed students.[1]
[1] Transactional Survey, September 2022-August 2023 (23,739 respondents)
Start a conversation with an enrollment representative today.
Call us at 844-937-8679 or chat with us 7 days a week.
Doctoral Student Experience
Integrated dissertation from day one
Once your program starts, you’ll begin your dissertation with support from practitioner faculty, a dissertation committee and a peer team. You’ll also have a resource repository to help you complete it with confidence.Ìý
Explore and inquire with the Research Hub
Our Research Hub is a community of researchers who exemplify the highest standards of academic excellence and research innovation. Browse publications or view our centers and Career Institute®.
Drive change with actionable learning
Our programs incorporate lifelong learning, social and workplace contribution, and the ability to exert positive influence. You’ll learn how to become an aspiring leader who can impact decision-making and drive change.Ìý
Connect with your scholarly community
Your success is important to us. We host events to support your research, doctoral studies and networking. Join us for our Doctoral Journey Colloquium, Research Summit or an upcoming workshop or webinar.
Faculty Spotlight
Professionals dedicated to you
Your success is a top priority for our deans and faculty members. They bring an average ofÌý29 years of experience and hands-on perspective to the classroom, and help bridge the gap between academics and industry knowledge.
Accreditation
Accredited for 45+ years
Since 1978, °®ÎÛ´«Ã½ has maintained institutional accreditation by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), . Learn more about the value of °®ÎÛ´«Ã½ accreditation and how it benefits our students.
Frequently asked questions about this doctoral program
To be eligible for a doctoral degree program, you must meet the following criteria:
- You are a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, or have a valid visa if you’re living in the U.S.
- You have earned a graduate degree from a regionally or an approved nationally accredited — or candidate for accreditation — college or university or equivalent graduate degree earned at a recognized foreign institution
- You have a minimum 3.0 GPA on graduate degree posted transcripts
- You are currently employed or have a record of past employment or access to a work environmentYou have access to a research library
- You have a signed University hardware/software agreement
- You have not previously been expelled from a higher education institution
- You will complete all required forms for admission and submit an official graduate degree posted transcript
No specific master’s degree field of study is required to start a doctoral degree. You must have a minimum 3.0 GPA on graduate degree posted transcripts from an accredited institution. Learn about transferring credits.
Sign up for a University account to start the process. Complete your program application in about 20 minutes. Apply now.
We have an open admissions policy that allows you to apply without standardized test scores, so GMAT/GRE test results are not required. What is required for admissions?
No, application to °®ÎÛ´«Ã½ is free. We strive to remove barriers for new students that might interrupt higher education goals, including fees for application. Explore costs and tuition.
As part of your doctoral studies you can receive a customized support system for doctoral students, including:
- Doctoral-dedicated graduation team
- Dissertation support
- College of Doctoral Studies resource repository
One of the most convenient aspects of the °®ÎÛ´«Ã½ online learning model is that you choose the days and times to participate in class each week. You do need to meet the minimum participation requirements by posting substantive contributions to the classroom on three of seven days each week. While there are due dates for assignments, when you do the work for those assignments is up to you. Find out more about learning online.
Academic advisors are available 6 am to 7 pm, 5 days a week to provide guidance and support throughout your educational journey. Sign up to connect with advisors.
The doctoral degree program length can vary by program expectations. Course extensions, research proposals, and research and dissertation can all impact the duration and cost of doctoral studies. That's why our doctoral support team is here to guide you every step of the way. Review your selected program for details. If you have questions, explore doctoral program details or speak to our dedicated doctoral enrollment representatives: 602-544-3737
You can apply up to 27 doctoral-level credits you’ve earned from accredited institutions toward your professional doctoral degree, which may help you finish your degree sooner. Learn more about transfer credits.
No, a °®ÎÛ´«Ã½ diploma does not indicate that the degree was earned online. The diploma only shows that the degree was earned in a specific field of study. We also offer continued opportunities after you graduate. Explore alumni benefits.
As a doctoral student you have access to the CDS Alumni Mentor Program, a comprehensive program designed to strengthen your connection to our doctoral alumni. Mentorship can help you create a game plan for the year ahead and even begin to build your doctoral network. Mentorship can also help you move through your career discovery process.
You will also have access to webinars and presentations geared to support you after graduation. Learn more in doctoral student resources.
While widely available, not all programs are available to residents of all states. Please check with a University Enrollment Representative.