25 Best Doctorate in Educational Leadership Online Programs [2025 Guide]
By Joy Miller
Edited by Briana Sukert
Updated on February 9, 2025
Explore Doctorate in Educational Leadership Online programs for 2025. Compare EdD vs. PhD in Educational Leadership schools.
Earning your EdD or Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Leadership of Education degree may put you right within the range of $61,000 to $153,000 per year salary mark (Bureau of Labor Statistics). Read on to find out the differences between the two degrees.
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.
Appalachian State University’s online EdD in Educational Leadership is a 60-credit terminal degree program with synchronous classes twice weekly. The curriculum focuses on applying theory to practice, enhancing leadership skills, and addressing contemporary educational issues.
Five concentration options are available: Interdisciplinary Studies, Educational Administration, Literacy in Exceptionalities, Higher Education, and Instructional Technology Leadership. GRE waivers are available for qualified applicants.
Appalachian State University is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association.
Ball State offers a 90-credit, online EdD in Educational Administration and Supervision that fulfills Indiana superintendent licensure requirements. Reduced tuition is available for eligible federal employees.
The program features asynchronous classes and requires research courses, a dissertation, and two cognate fields of 15 credits each or one of 24 credits.
BSU is accredited by Higher Learning Commission.
Capella University’s online EdD in Educational Leadership offers two learning formats: FlexPath (self-paced) and GuidedPath (structured).
The curriculum includes core and specialization courses and culminates with a doctoral project. It explores the application of leadership theory, the promotion of diversity and inclusion, and evidence-based inquiry to address problems.
Capella University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Colorado State University offers a 60-credit, hybrid PhD in Higher Education Leadership with online coursework and annual on-campus meetings. The curriculum covers leadership, diversity, access, and educational outcomes.
The program typically takes 5 years to complete. It offers preparation for dean, provost, and college president positions. Cohorts start each summer.
Colorado State is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission, a Commission of the North Central Association of Schools and Colleges.
Drexel University’s online, cohort-based EdD in Educational Leadership and Management requires the completion of 60.5 to 61.5 quarter credits. It can be finished in 3 to 5 years with part-time attendance. Ten concentrations are offered, and no residency is required.
The curriculum focuses on evidence-based theory, action research, and collaborative discourse. EdD students may participate in Drexel’s EdD Mentoring and Coaching program, which offer first-year guidance from alumni.
Drexel University is regionally accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
East Carolina University’s hybrid EdD in Educational Leadership is a 60-credit, 3-year, hybrid program with two concentration options: PreK-12 or Higher Education Administration.
The cohort-based curriculum focuses on leadership theory, finance, policy analysis, and a Problem of Practice dissertation. Face-to-face classes are held in the evenings at partner locations.
East Carolina University is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.
Florida State University’s online EdD in Educational Leadership and Policy is a 69-credit program for mid-career professionals with a master’s degree. It adheres to CPED principles and values. The curriculum focuses on organizational systems, research, and equity issues.
Most of the program is completed through asynchronous online coursework, but annual attendance at a 3-day summer institute in Tallahassee is required.
Florida State University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Fordham University offers a 50-credit EdD in Educational Leadership, Administration and Policy that can be attended part-time online or at multiple campuses. Applicants need a master’s degree and three years of leadership experience in PreK-12 education.
The curriculum focuses on four core areas: policy and advocacy, leading teaching and learning, educational leadership and organizational change, and engaging and transforming schools, districts, and communities. The completion of four Laboratories of Practice and a dissertation are required to graduate.
Fordham University is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Johns Hopkins’ online EdD is a part-time, 54-credit program designed for education practitioners that can be completed in 4 years. The curriculum focuses on social justice, systems thinking, research methods, and empirical inquiry.
Students can customize their program by choosing electives aligned with their problem of practice. Four areas of interest are available: Entrepreneurial Leadership in Education, Learning Design and Technology, Neurodiversity and Neuroeducation, and Urban Leadership.
Johns Hopkins University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
Liberty University’s online EdD in Educational Leadership is a 54-credit program with 8-week courses. Up to 50% of the credits may be earned through transfer from other programs. Military tuition discounts are available.
The curriculum focuses on leadership skills, research methods, and solving educational challenges. Designed for working professionals, the program emphasizes practical application and ethical leadership from a biblical worldview.
Liberty University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
National University’s online EdD in Educational Leadership is a 54-credit program with weekly start dates. The curriculum focuses on organizational development, research methods, and a dissertation. Two specializations are offered: Higher Education or PK-12 Leadership.
The program consists of 18 courses and can be completed in approximately 35 months. Transfer credits are accepted.
National University is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges.
Northwest Nazarene University offers a PhD in Educational Leadership and an EdD in Educational Leadership. Each program can be completed in about 26 months. The PhD requires 71 credits, while the EdD requires 66 credits—both requiring 30 of these from an EdS.
Both programs focus on K-12 education and feature a cohort model and 2-week, on-campus summer sessions.
Northwest Nazarene University is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.
Rowan University offers a 60-credit EdD in Educational Leadership that can be taken online or in a hybrid format. The online program requires three in-person residencies. The curriculum is divided into three phases, each ending with a benchmark review. A dissertation is required.
Four specialization options are available: P-12 Education, Higher Education, Community College Leadership Initiative, or Nurse Educator.
Rowan University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
Samford University offers an online EdD in Educational and Organizational Leadership with a faith-based perspective. Applicants need a Master of Science to apply. The curriculum includes core leadership courses, research courses, and a dissertation.
Designed for developing experienced leaders, the program focuses on comprehensive organizational leadership in educational institutions and other organizations.
Samford is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.
Texas Tech University offers a 63-credit, online PhD in Educational Leadership Policy with synchronous courses. The interdisciplinary curriculum covers leadership, policy theory, research methods, and advocacy. It requires the completion of field-based internships and a dissertation.
With a cohort model that encourages community learning, the program can be completed in 3 years, plus time for the dissertation.
Texas Tech University is accredited with the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Union University offers an online EdD with two specialization options: P-12 School Administration or Higher Education. The curriculum emphasizes leadership theory, policy analysis, and research methods.
Students engage in practical field experiences and complete a dissertation, making it suitable for professionals aiming to advance in educational leadership roles.
Union University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
The University of Arkansas offers an online EdD in Educational Leadership featuring synchronous weekly classes and three on-campus weekend seminars per semester.
This 42-credit-hour program can be completed in 3 years. It offers preparation for leadership roles in K-16 education. The curriculum includes courses in educational policy, research methods, and program evaluation, culminating in a problem of practice dissertation.
The U of A has been accredited by the Higher Learning Commission without interruption since 1924.
The University of Illinois offers EdD and PhD programs in Education Policy, Organization and Leadership. The EdD is available online or on-campus, while the PhD is on-campus only.
Both programs offer various concentrations and focus on research, leadership, and policy. Coursework includes major subjects, research methods, and dissertation research.
The University of Illinois is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission
The University of Kentucky offers an online PhD in Education Sciences (Educational Leadership) and an EdD in Educational Leadership. Both are 46-credit programs designed for professionals aiming to advance in educational leadership roles.
The PhD focuses on research and academia, while the EdD is suited for those pursuing leadership positions in K-12 or higher education administration. Both programs emphasize leadership theory, research, and policy.
The University of Kentucky is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
The University of Massachusetts – Lowell’s online Ed.D. in Leadership in Schooling is a 42-credit program designed for educational professionals seeking leadership roles. The curriculum covers educational theory, organizational change, and research methods.
The program accommodates working professionals, allowing them to advance their expertise in K-12 or higher education leadership. It requires the completion of field experiences and a dissertation
The University of Massachusetts Lowell is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education.
The University of North Dakota’s online EdD in Education Practice and Leadership is a 90-credit program tailored for professionals pursuing advanced leadership roles. The coursework includes educational theory, policy, and applied research.
With a focus on practical leadership skills, the program can be completed in approximately 3 years, including a dissertation.
The University of North Dakota is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
The University of St. Francis’s online EdD in Educational Leadership is a 60-credit program aimed at professionals seeking leadership roles in education. The program includes studies in leadership theory, policy development, and research practices.
Instruction is delivered through a blend of face-to-face sessions and online coursework, with opportunities for hands-on fieldwork and a dissertation.
The University of St. Francis is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
The University of Southern California’s online EdD in Educational Leadership is a 43-unit program for professionals aiming to advance in K-12 or higher education leadership. The curriculum emphasizes leadership development, equity, and organizational change.
The program requires the completion of live online classes and a dissertation in practice, in which knowledge will be applied to real-world educational challenges.
The University of Southern California is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges.
The University of the Cumberlands offers a 60-credit-hour, online EdD in Educational Leadership for those pursuing advanced leadership roles in education. The program focuses on leadership strategies, policy analysis, and research skills.
Students engage in online coursework, developing expertise to address challenges in educational settings. Graduates can pursue roles such as principal, dean, or director of student affairs.
The University of the Cumberlands is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Vanderbilt University’s online EdD in Leadership and Learning in Organizations is a 54-credit program that can be completed in 3 to 4 years. The curriculum covers data analysis, learning theory, and organizational development.
Students participate in live online classes and complete a capstone project, applying their skills to address real-world organizational challenges.
Vanderbilt Peabody College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
There are two doctoral degrees for Educational Leadership.
Though similar, they are designed to support different professional goals.
Earning a PhD is generally for those who either want to conduct research in the field or who want to teach at the university level.
As a researcher, you may conduct studies on educational practices and theories to better inform professionals in the field. Your curriculum can help prepare you to carry out accurate studies and present non-biased findings. This career path may involve quite a bit of professional writing, so your courses may also help you hone your writing skills.
For those who want to teach in a university setting, your course of study can help inform you of the latest research findings and teaching techniques to utilize and pass on to your students. It can also help you prepare to take up a leadership position in your department.
This degree, on the other hand, is for those who want to lead educational institutions. Your workplace could be anything from a preschool to an elementary school to a high school to a university. You might also work at a vocational training facility, a military training program, or for a specific business teaching employees how to better perform their jobs.
Your course of study will likely focus on the latest research in the field and how to conduct your own studies so that you can make informed decisions for your institution. You may also have the opportunity to upgrade your own teaching skills.
If you’d like to step into an administrative role, this may be the online education degree for you.
The difference between earning a PhD and a Doctor of Education (EdD) in Educational Leadership is the career path that the course of study prepares you for. PhD students generally seek tenure as professors at university-level institutions, while EdD graduates usually enter the professional field via administrative and managerial opportunities.
Salaries are not guaranteed and depend heavily on academic performance, work experience, location, and other factors. That being said, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), both variations of this post-graduate community stand to garner more than adequate compensation.
PhD graduates often start off as professors, eventually moving into the role of dean of students and other leadership positions. EdD students usually end up serving as high school principals, district superintendents, and other high ranking administrators.
Like most other graduate studies, the average PhD in Educational Leadership program allows you to customize your learning experience via concentrations. Some of the most common specializations that refine and focus your learning experience are listed below.
Online PhD in Education Leadership Programs:
Online EdD in Educational Leadership Programs:
Much like with an on-campus or online master’s degree in educational leadership, each available doctoral track at your target university provides you with the ability to fit your education into a highly valuable niche, thereby ensuring that you stand out among other job applicants who chose to travel down a more generic learning path.
Before you sign up for classes, it’s a good idea to acclimate yourself with the curriculum that comes with this program of study. Specifically, you will likely encounter coursework in the following areas:
Most PhD programs require a dissertation, but some universities offer online EdD programs without a dissertation. This can be especially helpful for students who want to earn their doctorate degree in education in less time.
The career outlook for those graduating with a PhD in Educational Leadership is definitely one of the brighter fields in today’s economy. As the experts at the BLS explain, the projected job growth for this sector stands at a healthy 5% over the next ten years.
Aside from an increase in available jobs, PhD graduates also have access to a plethora of well-paying career opportunities. Instructional coordinators make on average about $66,290 annually, while school superintendents tally in on average $109,270 during the same timeframe.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, some more job titles and salary information for Educational Leadership doctorate holders include:
| Job Title (PhD, Educational Leadership) | Annual Median Salaries |
| University President | $153,800 |
| Policy Analyst | $79,640 |
| Professor | $79,540 |
| Program Director | $66,290 |
| University Researcher | $61,760 |
Compare these job titles and figures to those for an EdD graduate.
| Job Title (EdD, Educational Leadership) | Annual Median Salaries |
| School Superintendent | $109,270 |
| Learning Manager | $101,790 |
| University Department Chair | $97,250 |
| High School Principal | $96,400 |
| Academic Dean | $95,410 |
These degree options offer overlapping career paths, depending on the institution.
Like undergrad and adult education masters programs, the most important accreditation to look for is from that of a regional authority.
Regional accreditation can help ensure that your degree will be recognized and respected by other educational institutions.
The first step to determining what financial aid you qualify for is to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Yes, the federal government does have money set aside for graduate students, not just undergrads.
You should also look into scholarships and fellowships at your university, as well as scholarships from private organizations and tuition reimbursement programs from your employer.
Here are our answers to a few more questions you might have about PhD, EdD, and EdS programs.
A PhD in Educational Leadership is a terminal degree designed for those who want to teach or conduct research at the university level. Earning the right to join the rest of the graduates from an Educational leadership PhD cohort usually requires the completion of 60 graduate-level credit hours. Fieldwork, internships, and other practical training often serve as part of this credit-hour requirement.
Those who plan on researching and teaching others about the latest trends and developments in educational leadership are the most likely individuals to pursue this degree. Like other PhD programs, demonstrating expertise in this field can serve as a stepping stone toward a career in academia.
Most Educational Leadership PhD programs take 3 years to complete, plus the time you need to write a dissertation. There are some programs, however, designed to take less time.
An EdD degree usually takes 1-2 years and may or not require a dissertation.
Depending on which type of degree you get (PhD vs EdD), you might take up an administrative role at an educational institution starting from daycare centers all the way up to universities, continue teaching, or move into research. See the lists above for some more ideas of career paths.
Yes, an Education Specialist, or EdS degree, is a terminal degree. As a professional degree, however, it is not ranked as highly as a PhD or EdD. Consider your career goals to determine which degree is right for you.
Yes, a PhD in Educational Leadership is worth it for many students. The Bureau of Labor Statistics is projecting 5% job growth in education, training, and library occupations over the next 10 years. Common careers in this field include university president, academic dean, and program director.
Yes, an EdD is worth it for many professionals. Education, training, and library jobs are expected to grow at a rate of 5%, faster than average for all jobs, over the next 10 years (Bureau of Labor Statistics). Common careers in this sector include school superintendent, high school principal, and department chair.
The first is to determine which Educational Leadership doctoral degree matches your career goals. If you see yourself teaching in a university or researching educational practices, a PhD is probably the right path. If you’d rather serve in an administrative role, you might be better off with an EdD.
After you determine which degree is the best fit for you, you should look at which schools offer the concentration you’re most interested in. Apply to 3-5 universities and begin researching financial aid opportunities. In 1-3 years, you may have your terminal education degree.