25 Best Online EdD Programs No GRE [2024 Guide]

Here are the 25 accredited Online EdD Programs with no GRE requirement. Why waste time studying for the GRE? Get your EdD without the extra hassle!

As a current leader in the education space, pursuing a Doctor of Education is one of the most important decisions you can make in your professional career.

Like most doctoral programs, there isn’t a “one size fits all” approach to completing an online EdD program. Depending on the university, you can specialize in a particular area of study to further refine your learning experience.

Universities Offering No GRE Online EdD Degree Programs

Methodology: The following school list is in alphabetical order. To be included, a college or university must be regionally accredited and offer degree programs online or in a hybrid format.

In addition, the schools below offer no GRE EdD degrees online. While some schools do not require the GRE to be considered for admission, others may offer GRE waivers to qualified students.

1. A.T. Still University

Properly named A.T. Still University of Health Sciences, this institution covers two campuses for graduate students. Most of the degrees A.T. Still offers are in the health sciences field.

It is a private, non-profit university founded by Dr. Andrew Taylor Still in 1892. One campus is in Kirksville, MO, with another in Mesa, Arizona.

The school has the distinction of being the world’s first osteopathic medical school. Now, there are approximately 4,000 students enrolled in the university.

• Doctor of Education in Health Professions

ATSU is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

2. Arizona State University

Arizona State University has been ranked first for innovation by U.S. News and World Report for five years in a row. ASU is considered a public “metropolitan” research university consisting of five campuses spread across Phoenix.

The school was founded in 1885. ASU’s more than 50,000 enrolled students can study in bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral programs.

• EdD in Educational Leadership

Arizona State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

3. Baylor University

Baylor University is a private university located in Waco, Texas. This Baptist-affiliated university is the oldest higher education institution still in operation in the state.

There are over 14,000 students enrolled in Baylor programs, but only 3,000 of them are postgrads.

US News & World Report named the university among the Most Innovative and Best Value.

Students enjoy a 1,000-acre campus and watching their teams, the Bears, play in Big 12 of the NCAA Division I.

• Doctor of Education in Learning and Organizational Change

Baylor University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

4. Capella University

There are over 142 undergraduate and graduate specializations, as well as over 1,600 online courses at Capella University. Their Doctor of Education online program is one of the most popular, featuring multiple courses in advanced leadership in education and elementary education.

Located in Minneapolis, Minnesota, the school operates multiple offices in 48 states and six countries.

• Online Doctor of Education – Adult Education
• Online Doctor of Education – Curriculum and Instruction
• Online Doctor of Education – Educational Leadership and Management
• Online Doctor of Education – Performance Improvement Leadership
• Online Doctor of Education – Personalized Competency-Based Instruction
• Online Doctor of Education – Reading and Literacy
• Online Doctor of Education – Teacher Leader in Digital Transformation
• Online Doctor of Education – Teacher Leader in K-12 Studies

Capella University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

5. City University of Seattle

This private school in Seattle has just over 6,500 students each year. While there are multiple degrees available through the Technology Institute, Washington Academy of Languages, and Schools of Arts and Sciences, it’s the education program that is the most popular.

At the Albright School of Education at City University of Seattle, students can enroll in various fields of study for a Doctor of Education degree.

The school was founded in 1989 and offers licensure and certification programs for students seeking higher education degrees.

• Online Doctor of Education in Leadership

City University of Seattle is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.

6. Clarkson College

In Omaha, Nebraska, Clarkson College offers several bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral programs. As a private school, it mainly focuses on health sciences, including degrees in nursing, medical imaging, radiologic technology, health care business, and health information management.

The school typically has 1,250 students enrolled year-round with both online and physical courses.

• Online Doctor in Health Care Education & Leadership

Clarkson College has maintained continuous accreditation with The Higher Learning Commission since 1984 for all programs.

7. Concordia University

Established in 1974 with the merger of two schools, including Loyola College and Sir George Williams University, Concordia is a public, full-term university that offers both physical and online programs.

The university is located in Montreal, Quebec, but it has an extensive online program. Students can earn 300 different undergraduate degrees and over 100 graduate programs. Their Doctor of Education program can be taken completely online through the Faculty of Arts and Sciences.

• Online Doctorate in Education – Administrative Leadership
• Online Doctorate in Education – Higher Education
• Online Doctorate in Education – Instructional Leadership
• Online Doctorate in Education – Professional Leadership, Inquiry, and Transformation
• Online Doctorate in Education – Transformational Leadership

CU is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.

8. Drexel University

This private research college is located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The school was originally called the Drexel Institute of Art, Science, and Industry in the early 1900s, but it was renamed in 1936 to the Drexel Institute of Technology.

Drexel University has several schools and colleges located on its campus, including the College of Arts and Sciences, Antoinette Westphal College of Media Arts and Design, School of Economics, Bennett S. LeBow College of Business, The Drexel Engineering Curriculum, and the College of Computing and Informatics.

• Online Doctorate in Educational Leadership and Management

Drexel University is regionally accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

9. Edgewood College

Located in Madison, Wisconsin, Edgewood College’s main campus looks over the beautiful Lake Wingra. With a popular liberal arts program, students can take courses in nursing, education, business, and fine arts.

Master’s programs are also available for marriage and family therapy, nursing, education, business, and sustainability. There are two doctoral programs available, including the EdD in educational leadership.

Edgewood College offers multiple programs for students who are working professionals, including an extensive online program.

• Online Doctor of Education in Higher Education and Leadership Studies

Edgewood College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

10. Florida State University

As a research university, Florida State University is classified by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching. There are 16 different colleges and 110 centers located at Florida State.

Florida State was named the 19th best public school in the country as rated by US News & World Report. There are hundreds of majors to study, including degrees at the baccalaureate, master’s, and doctoral level.

Their education program offers online classes to teachers who are pursuing a higher degree.

• Online Doctor of Education – Educational Leadership & Administration
• Online Doctor of Education – Learning Design and Performance Technology

Florida State University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

11. Johns Hopkins University

Established in 1876, Johns Hopkins University was founded by the famous entrepreneur and philanthropist John Hopkins. The university has an incredible reputation for excellence.

Located in Maryland with campuses in Washington, D.C. and international campuses in Italy, Singapore, and China, Johns Hopkins University has multiple colleges and schools. The medical school, nursing school, and the Bloomberg School of Public Health offer all types of degrees for undergraduate and graduate students.

Their online Doctor of Education program is available at the School of Education.

• Online Doctor of Education – Entrepreneurial Leadership in Education
• Online Doctor of Education – Instructional Design for Online Teaching and Learning
• Online Doctor of Education – Mind, Brain, and Teaching

The Johns Hopkins University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

12. Liberty University

Rated as one of the largest Christian universities in the world, there are 17 colleges at Liberty University, including a school of law and school of medicine. Students can earn undergraduate and graduate degrees at Liberty, and there are multiple colleges to choose from on the Lynchburg, Virginia campus.

The College of Osteopathic Medicine, Helms School of Government, Rawlings School of Divinity, School of Aeronautics, and the College of Applied Studies and Academic Success are a few of the most popular schools available.

Their online programs include an accelerated graduate learning program for those who want a Doctor of Education.

• Online Doctor of Education – Curriculum and Instruction
• Online Doctor of Education – Educational Leadership
• Online Doctor of Education in Curriculum and Instruction – Elementary Education
• Online Doctor of Education in Curriculum and Instruction – Middle Grades Education
• Online Doctor of Education in Curriculum and Instruction – Secondary Education
• Online Doctor of Education in Curriculum and Instruction – Special Education

Liberty is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

13. Maryville University

Located in Town and Country, Missouri, Maryville University of St. Louis was established in 1872 and offers almost 100 different degrees. Students can go into undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs easily.

The school offers degrees in all 50 states and has campuses in 47 different countries as well. There are also six different colleges and schools available for study at Maryville, including the College of Arts and Sciences, School of Education, Walker College of Health Professions, John E. Simon School of Business, School of Adult and Online Education, and the Catherine McAuley School of Nursing.

Students who wish to earn a Doctor of Education can attend online courses, which are designed to help working professionals.

• Online Doctor of Education in Higher Education Leadership

Maryville University of Saint Louis is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

14. National University

Founded in 1971, National University is a network of nonprofit educational institutions headquartered in San Diego, California. It offers a wide variety of bachelor’s, master’s, specialist, and doctoral degree programs in a variety of fields, including business and technology management, health sciences, marriage and family therapy, and psychology.

NU offers a wide variety of Doctor of Education specializations that can be earned online.

• Online Doctor of Education – Curriculum and Teaching
• Online Doctor of Education – E-Learning
• Online Doctor of Education – Early Childhood Education
• Online Doctor of Education – English Language Learning
• Online Doctor of Education – General Education
• Online Doctor of Education – Instructional Leadership
• Online Doctor of Education – International Education and Globalization
• Online Doctor of Education – Leadership in Higher Education
• Online Doctor of Education – Leadership in Learning Analytics in Higher Education
• Online Doctor of Education – Leadership in Learning Analytics in K-12 Education
• Online Doctor of Education – Nursing Education
• Online Doctor of Education – Organizational Leadership
• Online Doctor of Education – School Safety, Security, and Emergency Management
• Online Doctor of Education – Social-Emotional Learning
• Online Doctor of Education – Special Education
• Online Doctor of Education – Sport and Athletic Management
• Online Doctor of Education – Trauma-Informed Educational Practices

National University is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges.

15. Northwest Nazarene University

Located in Nampa, Idaho, Northwest Nazarene University is a private liberal arts school affiliated with the Christian Church of the Nazarene.

There are two colleges at the school, including the College of Adult and Graduate Studies and the College of Arts and Sciences. There are 60 different undergraduate programs, as well as 11 master’s degree programs and a few doctoral programs.

Their online Doctor of Education program is one of the best in the country by Intelligent magazine due to its online courses.

• Online Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership

Northwest Nazarene University is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.

16. Oakland City University

Established in 1885, Oakland City University is a private university located in Oakland City, Indiana. The school has grown over the years, growing to over a 2,000 student enrollment.

There are a few schools at Oakland City, including the School of Arts and Sciences, School of Education, and School of Business. The school has multiple accreditations from the Higher Learning Commission and Association of Theological Schools.

With a strong history of education for teachers, Oakland City has a rigorous and accredited online education degree program.

• Online Doctor of Education – Curriculum & Instruction
• Online Doctor of Education – Organizational Management
• Online Doctor of Education – The Superintendency

OCU is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

17. Rowan University

Known as a public research university, Rowan University is located in Glassboro, New Jersey. There is also a medical campus located on a separate campus in Stratford, New Jersey. There are two other campuses in Camden, New Jersey.

Founded in 1923, the university was once known as the Glassboro Normal School. There are 12 colleges and schools including the School of Osteopathic Medicine, Cooper Medical School of Rowan University, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, and Rohrer College of Business.

• Online Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership

Rowan University is accredited by the Commission on Higher Education.

18. Saint Leo University

Located in St. Leo, Florida, this Roman Catholic private university was founded in 1889. The abbey and university are located next to each other. It was named after Leo the Great and honors Leo XIII at the same time.

Founded as the first Roman Catholic college in Florida, there are 40 educational schools and centers with online degree programs available in all states.

Their Doctor of Education program is completely offered online. The University’s Center for Online Learning was established in 1998 and has continued to grow over the past two decades.

• Online Doctorate in Education Leadership – School Leadership

Saint Leo University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

19. Samford University

This Christian private university is located in Homewood, Alabama. Originally founded as Howard College in 1841, Samford University is one of the oldest colleges in the United States.

There are over 5,600 students enrolled at the college, and there are campuses within 44 states and 30 countries. There are multiple schools available at Samford University, including the Beeson Divinity School, Orlean Bullard Beeson School of Education, and Ida V. Moffett School of Nursing. The EdD program is available online through the education school.

• Online Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership

Samford University is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

20. St. Thomas University

As a respected Catholic university located in Miami Gardens, Florida, there are 35 different bachelor’s degree programs and 27 graduate programs. Five doctoral programs are available, including the online EdD program.

There are multiple schools at the university, including Biscayne School of Social and Human Sciences, School of Theology and Ministry, School of Arts and Education, School of Science, Technology, and Engineering Management, as well as the Gus Machado School of Business.

• Online Doctor of Education in Leadership and Innovation

St. Thomas University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

21. Trident University

Trident University International is a fully online college with headquarters in California. There are multiple programs available at the associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral levels. Whether students want a business, health, or education degree, there are several programs available online through Trident University.

There are five doctoral degree programs, including one in education for working professionals and teachers.

• Online Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership – Higher Education
• Online Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership – PK-12

Trident University is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior College and University Commission.

22. University of Dayton

Founded in 1850, the University of Dayton, also known as UD, is a private research university located in Dayton, Ohio. Affiliated with the Roman Catholic church, the university has many degree programs at the bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral levels.

The main campus is also well-known for its beautiful Immaculate Conception Chapel and China’s Suzhou Industrial Park.

The School of Education and Health Sciences offers multiple education degrees, including the Doctor of Education program. In addition, students can go to the School of Business Administration, College of Arts and Sciences, School of Engineering, and School of Law.

There are also 50 international programs to enroll in, including summer abroad programs offered through the Center for International Programs.

• Online Doctor of Education in Leadership for Organizations

The University of Dayton is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

23. University of the Cumberlands

Founded in 2005, the University of the Cumberlands is a religious university established in Williamsburg, Kentucky. There are over 13,000 students enrolled at the university.

It was originally called the Cumberland College until its name change in 2005. The university has four different colleges with degrees at the undergraduate and graduate levels. In addition to education degrees, there are PhD and Psy.D programs available in Psychology.

• Online Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership

University of the Cumberlands is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

24. Vanderbilt University

The master of education (M.Ed.) in human development counseling and doctor of education (Ed.D.) in leadership and learning in organizations programs from Vanderbilt Peabody College and have been accredited as part of institutional accreditation awarded by the National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE) since 1991.

• Doctor of Education in Leadership and Learning in Organizations

Vanderbilt University’s Peabody College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

25. Walden University

Walden University is an online university with main offices in Minneapolis, Minnesota. There are multiple bachelor’s and master’s programs available, as well as a few doctoral programs.

The educational degree programs are offered through the School of Education. The Doctor of Education is offered completely online and is available for students in over 25 different countries. The Richard W. Riley College of Education and Leadership enrolls over 16,000 students each year.

• Online Doctor of Education – Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment
• Online Doctor of Education – Early Childhood
• Online Doctor of Education – Educational Administration and Leadership
• Online Doctor of Education – Educational Technology
• Online Doctor of Education – Special Education

Walden University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission.

Check each university’s admission requirements, costs, and financial aid opportunities to find which ones work best for you.

Online EdD Programs with No GRE Requirement

The following Doctor of Education programs do not require a GRE to be considered for admission. Click on the area that most interests you to jump to that section.

• EdD (no specialization)
• Curriculum and Instruction
• Early Childhood Education
• Educational Counseling
• Educational Leadership
• Educational Psychology
• Educational Technology
• Elementary Education
• English Language Learning
• Higher Education
• K-12 Education
• Online Teaching / E-Learning
• Reading and Literacy
• Secondary Education
• Special Education

The concentrations offered can vary from school to school. However, having this list in your mind as you start to filter through your options is a great way to ensure that you pick a path that suits your desired career goals.

Doctor of Education

This is a terminal degree program that is ideal for educational administrators who would like to further their knowledge and skills as a scholar-practitioner.

This program prepares educators to become agents of change in their organizations. The candidates will focus their learning on social change, collaboration with organizational stakeholders, the role of globalization in education, communication skills, leadership, technological know-how, evaluation of research, and current educational trends.

Successful candidates become more adequately prepared to take on active leadership roles in their institutions. Degree holders are uniquely equipped to be deans and department heads or to continue at the elementary or secondary level.

If you want a balanced education with the idea of keeping your options open, choose this general online education degree.

Curriculum and Instruction

This is a terminal degree program that is ideal for educational professionals who wish to become experts in curriculum development, implementation, and evaluation from the level of their own school district up to the federal level.

This program prepares educators to make a significant impact in the lives of students by creating an environment conducive to success and learning.

Candidates will design their own research that will answer problems in education, utilize technology to enhance student education, increase skills in curriculum program design, assess prevailing and current trends in education, and collaborate with stakeholders, including families and communities.

If you like to plan and write lessons for others to use, you’ll find this to be a very rewarding path to follow. You might not spend as much time in the classroom yourself, but you’ll stay abreast of all the current trends.

Early Childhood Education

This is a terminal degree program that is ideal for educational professionals who want to be leaders and influencers in the field that focuses on the education of younger children.

Candidates are trained in a broad range of topics that are pertinent to the field, such as childhood growth and development, childhood behavior, literature for children, curriculum design and evaluation, and program administration.

Candidates will understand theory through its application in research. Degree holders can hold positions as child counselors, professors, specialists in childhood development, school administrators, and even policymakers.

If you have a passion to help lay the foundations of a child’s education, focus your studies here.

Educational Counseling

Just as the workplace can be stressful for adults, so school life can be for students. From problems at home to getting along with classmates to help with educational needs, a school counselor can help children and teenagers navigate successfully through their education.

In this program, you’ll take classes on psychology, human development, counseling practices, legal and ethical considerations for school counseling, and educational theory.

In your position after graduation, you’ll most likely counsel students one-on-one in periodic meetings, in groups as the need arises, and via classroom instruction as you give special presentations.

This is a very specialized concentration designed for those who want to teach life skills rather than classroom curriculum.

Educational Leadership

This is a terminal degree program that is ideal for educational professionals who want to be influential innovators in the field of education.

Candidates are trained to develop their management skills in the context of organizations, their understanding of public policy, as well as designing and implementing educational programs.

Degree holders with a doctorate in educational leadership online will move on to become top-level administrators in their school systems or universities or become highly effective transformational teachers who are able to guide the next generation of educators. Non-profit and federal-level employment is also likely.

If you enjoy managing the big picture and directing others, this field of study could be a fit for your talents.

Educational Psychology

In this course of study, you’ll study questions like how students learn and how teachers and curriculum writers can incorporate more learning styles into the classroom.

You’ll study human development, learning theories, curriculum design, and special education to gain an understanding of how to meet the needs of various students. You might also take classes in counseling to gain the skills for speaking to families and children.

After graduation, you could work for a school system or college. You might also work for a curriculum publisher, a state education board, or a private consulting firm.

If you enjoy studying how people learn and designing ways to help them do so better, this is the degree to pursue.

Educational Technology

With a degree in Educational Technology, you’ll gain an understanding of the classic and modern tools used to promote learning.

You’ll learn about educational learning styles, psychology, human development, and when and how to best use technology.

You’ll also learn how to evaluate the costs and potential returns of implementing technological changes in the classroom. This will help you to consult with school districts and universities regarding new hardware and system installations.

If you want to be on the cutting edge of education, this is the field to tap into.

Elementary Education

This degree is for people who enjoy working with young children on a day-to-day basis because, most likely, you’ll stay in that role after graduation.

In your courses, you’ll capitalize on what you already know: how to create a lesson plan, how to incorporate different learning styles, how to manage a classroom, and how to liaise between different educators and parents.

You’ll gain a thorough understanding of child development, conflict resolution, and teaching theories.

You could also use this degree at the college level to teach upcoming elementary teachers or to pursue a traditional or online doctorate degree in education to do so.

English Language Learning

This is a terminal degree program that is ideal for educational professionals who want to specialize in teaching English as a Second Language.

Candidates will learn to plan, create, manage, and evaluate ESL programs for a diverse range of students. You’ll utilize theories to develop effective ESL curriculum that will be successful in the ESL classroom setting.

Degree holders will be uniquely prepared to be leaders in schools and programs that specialize in bilingual instruction and second language acquisition. You could also use this degree as your ticket to teaching abroad.

Higher Education

This is a terminal degree program that is ideal for educational professionals who want to specialize in creating, planning, implementing, and evaluating educational programs geared toward adult learners.

Candidates will examine prevailing theories and best practices for adult learning. You will also be trained to be a leader and change agent in corporations, international organizations, and higher education.

Degree holders are uniquely prepared to hold careers as professors or administrators in institutions of higher learning or as consultants in workforce training and education in corporations and large organizations.

If you enjoy working with adults at the college-level or beyond, this could be a great option for you.

K-12 Education

This degree program is ideal for educational professionals who would like to further their careers with knowledge of the prevailing current education theories and best practices.

All theories and instruction are designed to be easily applicable to your educational practice. Candidates will be trained to make decisions based on currently accepted theories and become leaders in the field of education.

Degree holders will be equipped to take on responsibilities at a higher administrative level as well as in a policy-maker capacity. You can teach what you’ve learned to undergrad student teachers, work for a school system, or take on a governmental role.

Online Teaching / E-Learning

This is a terminal degree program that is ideal for educational professionals who want to be adept and trained in the ever-evolving landscape of E-Learning.

It is important for educators to be trained in E-Learning since the internet has made this method of learning so ubiquitous. Candidates explore the range and possibilities with online education through hands-on application.

Students will also be able to plan and design their own programs that will fit a highly diverse student population. Educators trained in E-Learning will be prepared to meet the challenges of the changing face of education head-on and help their educational institutions reach a wider student audience.

Reading and Literacy

This is a terminal degree program that is ideal for educational professionals who want to specialize in assisting students to achieve their full potential in reading and writing.

Candidates will be trained in the prevailing theories and best practices to equip them with the right skill set and tools to work in schools, universities, and specialist clinics as reading specialists, coaches, or program coordinators.

Degree holders are uniquely equipped to initiate, manage, and evaluate literacy programs and even propose systemic and global changes to education.

If your passion is to lay the groundwork for education by promoting literacy, pursue this degree to learn how to make it your full-time career.

Secondary Education

This degree program is ideal for educational professionals who want to teach or become leaders in middle, junior high, and high schools.

Candidates will be trained in organizational management through theories and best practices. Courses will also include human development, teaching techniques for adolescents, and intervention strategies for educational or home life needs.

Degree holders will be able to effect sustainable change throughout their academic organizations. Graduates are uniquely equipped to face the challenges of being administrative leaders in middle through high schools, both public and private, as well as become members of research organizations or even become government policymakers.

Special Education

This is a terminal degree program that is ideal for educational professionals who want to teach or be involved in promoting and advocating for equity in education for those with learning disabilities.

Candidates are prepared to engage in community projects, one-on-one teaching, and program development and implementation. Candidates are trained in the most up-to-date theories as well as the most non-oppressive and ethically responsible modes of teaching.

Degree holders can work in private and public educational institutions and can focus on specific areas of learning disabilities, such as autism and behavioral disorders. If you have a heart for students who need a little extra help, consider following this degree path.

How Do You Get a Doctor of Education?

Earning an EdD requires committing to either a traditional learning path – specifically, on-campus classes and more rigid semester schedules – or enrolling in an online degree program.

As with most other decisions in your educational career, making a choice between these options comes down to preference and any financial assistance offered by your current employer or local scholarship funds.

Most individuals who pursue an EdD are established professionals, so working toward this degree on their own time via online schooling is usually the more flexible option.

Doctor of Education Curriculum

Working toward your EdD requires covering a wide variety of topics and areas of study to prove your mastery of this discipline. Here’s a quick look at the curriculum you can expect to delve into for this doctoral program:

• Educational Administration and Leadership
• Reading, Literacy, and Assessment
• Educational Technology
• Higher Education and Adult Learning
• Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment

Although some EdD programs require a dissertation, other universities now offer online EdD programs without dissertation requirements.

While this is just a basic overview, having a firm idea in mind of your target areas of study can help you prepare for the demands and requirements ahead of you as you work toward an EdD.

Career Outlook and Salary Information

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, EdD graduates earn between $49,000 and $155,000 based on location and experience. Here are a few of the careers you could pursue with an EdD.

An EdD makes you valuable to a wide range of organizations. You could work in the business sector or for any level of educational institution.

Doctor of Education Admission Requirements

Once you’re ready to apply for admission to an EdD program, you’ll usually need to submit a transcript that confirms your completion of a master’s degree program from an accredited institution, as well as a statement of intent that explains your professional goals and commitment to the doctoral process.

In some cases, you’ll also be required to present your resume and curriculum vitae to the admissions office, along with a professional writing sample that shows off your research capabilities and writing skills.

Having the written support of faculty members from your undergraduate and master’s programs also enters the admissions picture from time to time, so be prepared to reach out and acquire these recommendations as needed.

As an example of the typical requirements, here’s a screenshot from Walden University’s Doctor of Education admissions page.

You can gain admission to an EdD program without first having to take the GRE. Many schools evaluate prospective students for admission to their doctorate in education programs based on criteria other than test scores.

One thing that many colleges look at is how well you’ve done in your educational career so far. Your previous GPA can play a big role in the admissions process. In fact, some schools use GPA scores to determine whether you need to take the GRE before getting into their programs.

For example, you may need to submit test scores if you earned less than a 3.0 during your master’s program, but you can get away without testing if you did better than that in grad school.

Another important factor is the professional experience you’ve accrued. Some schools set a minimum number of years that you must have been working in the education field. Others don’t list a specific requirement, but they may still pay attention to this factor when determining whether to admit you. Possessing professional certifications may boost your admissions chances as well.

What you have to say about yourself can be influential in the admissions process.

Some schools will ask for this information in the form of a letter of intent that outlines why you want to enroll in the doctorate in education program. Others will request that you submit an essay. Either way, taking the time to carefully craft a well-thought-out, personal piece of writing can really grab the attention of the admissions team.

Schools also pay attention to what others say about you. Many doctoral programs ask you to submit a few letters of recommendation. Your reference letters should be from people who have seen you at work in graduate, community, or professional roles.

Education Licensure

All states require K-12 public classroom teachers to be licensed.

Doctoral programs do not automatically grant this licensure, but many participants already possess their state’s certification before entering an EdD program. In many states, you are required to get an additional license to work as a school administrator.

Accreditation

At this point in your educational and professional career, you probably know the importance of third-party accreditation. Let this simply serve as a reminder to you to check the status of each university that you want to apply to. There’s nothing worse than holding a degree that other universities or employers won’t recognize.

An easy way to check a school’s accreditation status is by searching for them on the U.S. Department of Education’s database.

Financial Aid

You’ll also want to look into your opportunities for financial aid. The federal government has funding programs specifically for graduates, and even more so for educators.

At this level of education, you could qualify for:

• Grants
• Scholarships
• Fellowships
• Deferred Loans

Whereas the first three are by far the more attractive options, taking out a low-interest deferred loan could be what you need to further your education and re-enter the workforce at a higher level of income.

What is a Doctor of Education Degree Program?

Gaining an EdD is all about standing on the cutting edge of the application of educational theory. Often geared toward current educators and those in leadership positions at learning institutions, this degree usually requires the completion of around 54 credit hours of work at the doctoral level.

Pursuing an EdD generally comes down to advancing your professional worth. With this training in hand, you can seek out and obtain positions in the education world that require strong organizational leadership.

Outside of this traditional application of the EdD degree, many corporations and members of the private sector also recognize the value of this kind of training, thereby creating an influx of executive officers and other individuals in management positions walking down this educational path.

What Is the Difference Between an EdD and a PhD in Education?

The difference between an EdD and a PhD in Education revolves around one fundamental question: What are you looking to do with this kind of advanced degree?

Yes, there is plenty of overlap between the two, but taking on the PhD route is primarily an academic endeavor, while an EdD goes beyond research into the actual application of educational theory.

As with any degree, there are no guarantees when it comes to landing your dream job or attaining the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics’ average salary. Your prior work experience, location, and industry must all be factored into the equation.

Most individuals who travel down the EdD path do so with the intention of working as school district superintendents, making roughly $98,490 a year. Alternately, a PhD in this same field usually results in serving as a university-level professor, bringing in about $80,790 (Bureau of Labor Statistics).

What Types of Online Doctor of Education Programs are Available?

The following Doctor of Education Programs do not require a GRE to be considered for admission.

• EdD – Administrator Leadership for Teaching & Learning
• EdD – Higher Education & Adult Learning
• EdD – Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment
• EdD – E-Learning
• EdD – Early Childhood Education
• EdD – Educational Leadership
• EdD – English Second Language
• EdD – General Education
• EdD – Global Training and Development
• EdD – Higher Education Leadership
• EdD – Instructional Leadership
• EdD – International Education
• EdD – Leadership in Higher Education
• EdD – Organizational Leadership
• EdD – Reading and Literacy Leadership
• EdD – Special Education
• EdD – Sports Management
• EdD – Community College Leadership

Again, the concentrations offered can vary from school to school. However, having this list in your mind as you start to filter through your options is a great way to ensure that you pick a path that suits your desired career goals.

Is a Doctor of Education Worth It?

Are you interested in tackling a new academic challenge? Does your current employer want you to complete this kind of program as a form of professional development and enrichment? What do you plan to do once you have this degree in hand?

Answering these questions can help you make the right call when it comes time to plan out your academic future.

You work in education because you believe in the importance of teaching and influencing others.

To increase your potential, consider furthering your education with a Doctor of Education degree. Earning your EdD may likely help you become a respected leader in your field and make a greater difference for students and teachers.

What Is the GRE?

The Graduate Record Examination is a test for evaluating your readiness for grad school.

The exam is graded based on your results from the following sections:

• Analytical Writing
• Verbal Reasoning
• Quantitative Reasoning

Students may also have an additional unscored section for the testing company’s research purposes.

Is the GRE Required for an Online EdD Program?

Many universities do not require GRE scores. Because the exam is limited in its ability to predict academic success, many schools prefer to rely on other admission criteria. Other universities do ask for scores but regularly grant waivers based on certifications, professional experience, or high GPA scores.

What are Test-Optional Colleges?

Some universities give you the option of submitting GRE scores but don’t require them. Even still, sending good scores may boost your chances of admission. However, if you took the test and didn’t do as well as you’d like, it might be better to withhold your scores from test-optional schools.

Why Should I Pursue an EdD?

Earning a doctorate in the education field gives you the opportunity to be a leader among educators and to enact changes that will benefit students and the learning process. With this degree, you can continue to teach in the classroom, or you can move into an administrative role in a school or a district.

For the opportunity to train the next generation of educators, doctorate holders can also take teaching positions at the college level.

What Kind of Professional Experience Is Needed to Be Accepted into an EdD Program?

EdD experience requirements vary among universities. Some schools don’t list a specific length of time in the field, and others have a short requirement, such as three years. On the other hand, there are some schools that ask for 10 years of experience, including several years in a leadership capacity.

School Is in Session!

Whether you want to take on-campus courses or complete your EdD online, here are your next steps:

1. Determine if you want to specialize.
2. Narrow down your choice of programs.
3. Investigate financial aid opportunities.
4. Check admission requirements and apply to 3-5 schools.

Then, comes the easy part – for you, at least – studying and earning your terminal degree.