From elementary schools to universities, educational institutions require effective leaders who can design curriculums, implement technology, and oversee day-to-day operations. Earning a doctorate in education can help educators develop the skills they need to move into management roles like principal, superintendent, or academic dean.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), over the next decade, there will be an average of 20,200 new job openings for elementary, middle school, and high school principals, who earn a median annual salary of $101,320. Demand for postsecondary education administrators, who earn a median annual salary of $99,940, is expected to grow at a similar rate, with an average of 15,300 new job openings per year.
The length of time it takes to complete a doctorate in education varies based on the number of credits a program requires, which can range from 40-90 credits. The cost of this degree also varies, with the Education Data Initiative reporting that, on average, a doctorate in education costs $62,780.
How to Choose a Doctorate in Education Degree Program
Choose your area of study
There are a number of different options students can choose from when it comes to a doctorate in education, so the first step in selecting a program is identifying your specific area of study based on your educational and career goals.
Common areas of study include education leadership, education policy, curriculum and teaching, instructional technology and media, literacy studies, and higher education. Different areas of study will lead to different roles within the education system, such as roles in administration, research, or classroom instruction.
Students should also consider whether they want an EdD, which is a professional degree, or a PhD, which is a research-focused degree.
This is also a good time to consider the logistics of earning a doctorate in education. Can you attend a program with classes that meet during daytime hours, or do you need the flexibility of a program with evening and weekend classes? Will you be able to accommodate attending all classes in person, or do you also want to explore online doctorate programs?
Research schools and programs
Establishing parameters for the type of doctorate in education program you’re seeking will help you narrow your options as you begin to conduct your research.
Most students start their research by visiting a school’s website, which typically publishes information about curriculum, faculty, experiential learning requirements, student outcomes, cost, and admissions requirements. If you have specific questions, contact the school’s admissions office or attend virtual or in-person information sessions, if available.
To help you determine if a program is a good fit, ask the following questions:
- What is the program’s curriculum? How does it align with your interests and goals?
- Who are the faculty members, and what are their qualifications?
- Are there internship requirements or other experiential learning components?
- What networking opportunities are available to students?
- What support services does the institution offer graduate students, including tutoring, tech support, and mental health care?
- What scholarship and financial aid opportunities are available?
- What type of accreditation does the institution and program have?
Confirming the school’s accreditation status is essential, as this can impact your eligibility for financial aid, future employment, and further educational opportunities. Colleges in the U.S. can have regional or national accreditation, with regional accreditation being the more widely recognized accreditation status. Additionally, seek out doctorate in education programs that have programmatic accreditation from the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) to ensure that they meet industry standards for educator preparation. You can verify if a school and program are accredited through the Council for Higher Education Accreditation’s database.
Prepare for tests and applications
Exact application requirements will vary by school, so be sure to review this information as you research programs. If you need clarification, speak to an admissions counselor from the schools you’re considering.
Most programs will require applicants to submit the following for a doctorate in education program:
- Completed application and required fees
- Official transcripts from all postsecondary schools previously attended
- Letter(s) of recommendation
- Resume or CV
- Personal statement
- GRE scores
If you haven’t yet taken the GRE or your scores are more than five years old, plan on taking this standardized test well before your application is due. There are multiple opportunities throughout the year for students to take the GRE and multiple ways to prepare, including self-paced study or prep classes.
Additionally, review any specific eligibility criteria the program may have, including a minimum amount of work experience or a specific undergraduate degree, to ensure that you qualify for the program.
Select your program
There is no specific number of doctorate in education programs a student should apply to. Some students focus on one or two programs that meet their specific needs, while others apply to multiple programs to increase their odds of acceptance. The most important thing is to select a program that meets your needs in terms of career preparation, scheduling logistics, and budget. If you apply to and are accepted by multiple programs, compare your options to the priorities you outlined in step one to help you decide which program is the best fit for you.
Determine how you’ll pay for your degree
If you haven’t already, get specific information about the program’s cost, including tuition and fees, and what financial aid resources are available. This information may be available on the school’s website, or you can contact the financial aid office to learn more.
Many doctoral programs offer fellowships or other forms of financial support to fully or partially cover the cost of the degree. When researching programs, students should inquire about the availability and eligibility requirements for these opportunities.
In terms of need-based aid, graduate students can apply for Direct Unsubsidized Loans and Direct PLUS Loans through the U.S. Department of Education’s Federal Student Aid program by submitting a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Colleges also use the information from this application to determine eligibility for institutional need-based aid, like scholarships and grants. Students enrolling in education-focused programs may also be eligible for TEACH Grants from the Federal Student Aid program.
Other sources of financial support include scholarships from external sources, such as professional organizations, nonprofits and private scholarship funds, and community and religious groups. Individuals who plan on working while earning their doctorate in education can also inquire with their employer about tuition assistance benefits. Many educational institutions offer this type of benefit to employees who are seeking additional education to prepare for high-level administrative roles.
Best 50 Accredited Doctorate in Education Degree Programs
Discover More Options
How we rank schools
This list features some of the best doctorate in education degree programs at top colleges across the country. Each school featured is a nonprofit, accredited institution — either public or private — with a high standard of academic quality for postsecondary education. The options on our list are accredited by agencies like the Council for Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) or the National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE), both reputable organizations that assess programs in this field for educational excellence.
We evaluated each school’s program on admission, retention, and graduation rates as well as tuition costs, faculty, reputation, and the resources provided for on-campus students. Then, we calculated the Intelligent Score on a scale of 0 to 100. Read more about our ranking methodology.
Next, we compared this comprehensive list of the best doctorate in education degree programs to a list of aggregated college rankings from reputable publications like U.S. News & World Report, among others, to simplify a student’s college search. We pored through these rankings so students don’t have to.
What Can You Expect From a Doctorate in Education Degree Program?
Doctorate in education programs vary based on the student’s specific area of study, but they generally focus on developing advanced leadership and research skills in topics related to educational administration, instruction, and policy. Students learn the skills required for addressing complex educational challenges and improving instructional practices.
Common specializations for doctorate in education programs include:
- Educational leadership: Prepares students for roles as principals, superintendents, and school district personnel.
- Curriculum and instruction: Focuses on pedagogical strategies, curriculum development, and instructional design.
- Educational technology and media: Develops students’ understanding of how to integrate technology into teaching and learning, with a focus on the use of emerging educational technologies.
- Higher education administration: Focuses on preparing students for leadership roles in colleges, universities, and educational institutions in areas like admissions, financial aid, student services, and more.
Courses typically include a mixture of lectures, seminars, project-based learning, and independent study. These degree programs also often include an experiential learning component, such as an internship or practicum, in which students gain hands-on experience in an educational setting.
Students can also expect to fulfill a dissertation or capstone project requirement. Dissertations are usually research-focused, with students developing a theory or method related to educational practice, while capstone projects allow students to take a more creative approach to synthesize their theoretical and practical knowledge.
Potential courses you’ll take in a doctorate in education degree program
- Introduction to School Leadership and Decision-Making: Explores how decision-making styles and strategies affect problem-based decision-making in innovative public school settings.
- Ethical and Legal Issues in Education Leadership: Uses case studies and hypotheticals to explore the relationship between law, ethics, and school leadership.
- Introduction to Organization Analysis in Education: Draws on concepts and propositions from organization theory to help students construct and analyze case studies of schools and school systems and develop action plans for organizational change, reform, and renewal.
- Principles of Teaching and Learning: Examines the relationships among teaching, learning, and assessment; teaching as a profession; and schools as complex social organizations.
- Curriculum Theory and History: Reviews the nature and design of educational activities and the theory, research, and practice of curriculum design.
Doctorate in Education Degree Frequently Asked Questions
How do I apply to a doctorate in education degree program?
For most schools, the application process starts with submitting an online application through an admissions portal on the school’s website. You’ll likely also be able to submit supporting documents, like transcripts, letters of recommendation, a resume, a personal statement, and GRE scores through this portal. However, each school establishes its own application procedures, so if you’re applying to multiple schools, confirm the requirements and application steps with the admissions office before applying.
Also, it’s important to review the eligibility requirements for a doctorate in education program before beginning an application. Some programs may require that applicants have a minimum amount of professional experience or specific prior coursework in order to qualify for admission.
How much does a doctorate in education degree cost?
According to the Education Data Initiative, the average total cost of a Doctorate in Education degree is $62,780. However, the cost of any degree depends on several factors, including the type of institution a student attends and how much financial aid they receive. Students should consult with their school’s financial aid office for the most specific information about overall costs, including tuition and fees.
One important thing to consider is whether a school is a public or private institution. Public universities tend to charge lower tuition rates, particularly for students who reside in the state where the school is located. Out-of-state students at a public college may have tuition rates that are similar to those at private colleges, which charge the same tuition regardless of student residency status.
How long does it take to earn a doctorate in education degree?
Earning a doctorate in education typically takes anywhere from one to three years, based on the total number of credits the program requires and the pace at which students progress through the program. The minimum number of credits for a doctorate in education is typically 36, but programs may require as many as 90 total credits. The more credits a program requires, the longer it takes to complete. Students who enroll full-time will also typically finish faster than those who attend part-time.