Doctor of Education (EdD)
The Doctor of Education (EdD) is a doctoral level degree in the US designed for advanced leadership roles in education, focusing on practical application and research.
Careers open to education graduates
Institutions awarding this level in education (567)
Source: IPEDS (U.S. Department of Education). IPEDS records the field and level of each award, not its exact title.
- Liberty University · Lynchburg
- Northcentral University · San Diego
- University of Southern California · Los Angeles
- Capella University · Minneapolis
- Walden University · Minneapolis
- Nova Southeastern University · Fort Lauderdale
- Northeastern University Professional Programs · Boston
- Grand Canyon University · Phoenix
- American College of Education · Indianapolis
- Regent University · Virginia Beach
- Maryville University · Saint Louis
- University of South Carolina-Columbia · Columbia
- Trevecca Nazarene University · Nashville
- University of Georgia · Athens
- Florida State University · Tallahassee
- University of Southern Mississippi · Hattiesburg
- University of the Cumberlands · Williamsburg
- Texas Tech University · Lubbock
- Baylor University · Waco
- University of Florida · Gainesville
- University of New England · Biddeford
- Ohio State University-Main Campus · Columbus
- Teachers College at Columbia University · New York
- Johns Hopkins University · Baltimore
- University of California-Los Angeles · Los Angeles
- University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign · Urbana
- Concordia University Chicago · River Forest
- St. John's University · Queens
- Indiana University Bloomington · Bloomington
- University of Pennsylvania · Philadelphia
- University at Buffalo · Buffalo
- University of Missouri-Columbia · Columbia
- Drexel University · Philadelphia
- Brandman University · Irvine
- University of Wisconsin–Madison · Madison
- University of Kansas · Lawrence
- American InterContinental University · Chandler
- Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus · University Park
- University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus · Pittsburgh
- University of North Texas · Denton
- Azusa Pacific University · Azusa
- Virginia Commonwealth University · Richmond
- Texas A & M University-College Station · College Station
- The University of Texas at Austin · Austin
- Abilene Christian University · Abilene
- Pepperdine University · Malibu
- Northern Illinois University · DeKalb
- University of Houston · Houston
- Alverno College · Milwaukee
- Michigan State University · East Lansing
- Gwynedd Mercy University · Gwynedd Valley
- William Woods University · Fulton
- North Carolina State University · Raleigh
- University of Nebraska–Lincoln · Lincoln
- Carson Newman University · Jefferson City
- Wilmington University · New Castle
- University of Phoenix-Arizona · Phoenix
- University of Minnesota-Twin Cities · Minneapolis
- Lipscomb University · Nashville
- Saint Louis University · St Louis
- Virginia Tech · Blacksburg
- University of South Florida · Tampa
- National Louis University · Chicago
- University of Central Florida · Orlando
- East Texas A&M University · Commerce
- University of Missouri–St. Louis · Saint Louis
- William Carey University · Hattiesburg
- University of Virginia-Main Campus · Charlottesville
- Aspen University · Phoenix
- Arizona State University Digital Immersion · Scottsdale
- Creighton University · Omaha
- University of North Carolina at Charlotte · Charlotte
- Lamar University · Beaumont
- Southern Nazarene University · Bethany
- University of Arizona · Tucson
- Gardner–Webb University · Boiling Springs
- San Diego State University · San Diego
- Kansas State University · Manhattan
- Fordham University · Bronx
- Point Park University · Pittsburgh
- George Mason University · Fairfax
- Northern Arizona University · Flagstaff
- Purdue University West Lafayette · West Lafayette
- Aurora University · Aurora
- Sam Houston State University · Huntsville
- University of North Carolina at Greensboro · Greensboro
- University of Maryland-College Park · College Park
- Oakland University · Rochester Hills
- University of New Mexico-Main Campus · Albuquerque
- Old Dominion University · Norfolk
- Georgia State University · Atlanta
- University of La Verne · La Verne
- University of Iowa · Iowa City
- University of Alabama · Tuscaloosa
- Wayne State University · Detroit
- St. Thomas University · Miami Gardens
- University of Arkansas · Fayetteville
- A.T. Still University · Kirksville
- Charleston Southern University · Charleston
- Immaculata University · Immaculata
- University of Mississippi · Oxford
- Rutgers University-New Brunswick · New Brunswick
- New Jersey City University · Jersey City
- New York University · New York
- University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences · San Marcos
- University of Kentucky · Lexington
- University of Denver · Denver
- University of Northern Colorado · Greeley
- George Washington University · Washington
- Drake University · Des Moines
- Ferris State University · Big Rapids
- Tarleton State University · Stephenville
- Boston University · Boston
- Vanderbilt University · Nashville
- Indiana State University · Terre Haute
- University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus · Denver
- Lincoln Memorial University · Harrogate
- University of North Dakota · Grand Forks
- University of Rochester · Rochester
- Kennesaw State University · Kennesaw
- Duquesne University · Pittsburgh
- Valdosta State University · Valdosta
- Russell Sage College · Troy
- Clemson University · Clemson
- Loyola University Chicago · Chicago
- Lindenwood University · Saint Charles
- University of Memphis · Memphis
- Auburn University · Auburn
- The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley · Edinburg
- Western Michigan University · Kalamazoo
- Baker University · Baldwin City
- University of Illinois Chicago · Chicago
- East Tennessee State University · Johnson City
- University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa · Honolulu
- Belhaven University · Jackson
- Lesley University · Cambridge
- Harvard University · Cambridge
- Saint Peter's University · Jersey City
- Southern Methodist University · Dallas
- Seton Hall University · South Orange
- University of St. Thomas - Texas · Houston
- Ohio University Lancaster · Athens
- East Carolina University · Greenville
- Dallas Baptist University · Dallas
- Oklahoma State University-Main Campus · Stillwater
- Illinois State University · Normal
- Hofstra University · Hempstead
- University of Connecticut · Storrs
- Murray State University · Murray
- Oregon State University · Corvallis
- University of California-San Diego · La Jolla
- University of St. Francis · Joliet
- University of San Francisco · San Francisco
- Kent State University at Kent · Kent
- University of West Florida · Pensacola
- California State University, Fullerton · Fullerton
- Texas A&M University – Corpus Christi · Corpus Christi
- Stanford University · Stanford
- Delaware Valley College · Doylestown
- University of Toledo · Toledo
- Temple University · Philadelphia
- American University · Washington
- Notre Dame of Maryland University · Baltimore
- University of Houston - Clear Lake · Houston
- Oakland City University · Oakland City
- Southern New Hampshire University · Manchester
- Jackson State University · Jackson
- William & Mary · Williamsburg
- Utah State University · Logan
- Marymount University · Arlington
- Central Michigan University · Mount Pleasant
- Columbus State University · Columbus
- Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College · Baton Rouge
- Morgan State University · Baltimore
- University of South Dakota · Vermillion
- Wilkes University · Wilkes-Barre
- California State University, Sacramento · Sacramento
- The University of Texas at San Antonio · San Antonio
- University of San Diego · San Diego
- Bradley University · Peoria
- University of Michigan-Ann Arbor · Ann Arbor
- University of Louisiana at Monroe · Monroe
- University of Massachusetts-Amherst · Amherst
- Florida Atlantic University · Boca Raton
- Claremont Graduate University · Claremont
- San Francisco State University · San Francisco
- Marshall University · Huntington
- University of Washington-Seattle Campus · Seattle
- University of Delaware · Newark
- California State University, Fresno · Fresno
- George Fox University · Newberg
- South Carolina State University · Orangeburg
- California State University, Long Beach · Long Beach
- University of Louisville · Louisville
- University of St. Thomas - Minnesota · Saint Paul
- City University of Seattle · Seattle
- Miami University-Oxford · Oxford
- Nebraska Methodist College · Omaha
- University of Massachusetts Lowell · Lowell
- Indiana University of Pennsylvania · Indiana
About
The Doctor of Education (EdD) is a doctoral level, the highest degree awarded in the US educational system. It is aimed at professionals seeking to advance their expertise in educational leadership, policy, or practice. This degree is offered by accredited universities and represents a significant academic and professional achievement. The EdD emphasizes the application of research to solve real-world educational challenges. It is distinct from a PhD by focusing more on practical leadership than purely academic research. Graduates often pursue senior roles in schools, districts, higher education, or policy organizations.
- Doctoral level, the highest degree awarded
- Offered by regionally accredited institutions
- Focus on applied research and leadership
- Designed for experienced education professionals
- Distinct from PhD in education
- Leads to senior educational roles
How to get in
Admission to an EdD program typically requires a master's degree in education or a related field. Applicants must demonstrate professional experience in education and often submit GRE or other standardized test scores, though requirements vary. The application process includes transcripts, letters of recommendation, a statement of purpose, and sometimes an interview. Programs are selective, seeking candidates with clear leadership potential and a commitment to educational improvement. Some universities require a minimum GPA from previous graduate studies. Financial aid applications via FAFSA are common for eligible students.
- Requires a master's degree
- Professional experience in education preferred
- Application includes transcripts and recommendations
- GRE may be required depending on institution
- Selective admission process
- FAFSA available for financial aid
Format and schedule
The EdD program generally takes three to six years to complete, depending on whether students study full-time or part-time. Coursework is combined with applied research projects and a dissertation or capstone project. Programs may offer hybrid formats, blending online and on-campus classes. Students often engage in internships or leadership practicums within educational settings. Evaluation includes exams, project presentations, and the successful defense of a dissertation. The credit requirement typically aligns with doctoral standards set by accrediting bodies.
- Duration ranges from three to six years
- Full-time and part-time options available
- Includes coursework and dissertation
- May include internships or practicums
- Hybrid and online formats common
- Evaluations include exams and dissertation defense
What next?
After earning an EdD, graduates are qualified for high-level leadership positions in K-12 schools, higher education administration, educational policy, and consulting. The degree supports advancement into roles such as superintendent, dean, or director of educational programs. Some graduates pursue further research or teaching careers, though the EdD is primarily practice-oriented. The degree also facilitates eligibility for certain professional licenses or certifications. Transfer agreements may exist for credits if pursuing additional doctoral studies. The EdD is widely respected in educational circles but is institutionally granted without federal state-level licensing.
- Prepares for senior leadership roles
- Applicable in K-12 and higher education
- Supports careers in policy and consulting
- Enables eligibility for some certifications
- Possible transfer to further doctoral studies
- Recognized through institutional accreditation
Frequently asked questions
What is the main difference between an EdD and a PhD in Education?
The EdD focuses on applying research to practical leadership challenges, while the PhD emphasizes original academic research. Both are doctoral level degrees but serve different career goals.
Can I enter an EdD program without a master's degree?
Most EdD programs require a master's degree for admission. Some may consider exceptional candidates with significant professional experience, but this is rare.
Are EdD programs available online?
Yes, many accredited universities offer hybrid or fully online EdD programs to accommodate working professionals.
How long does it usually take to complete an EdD?
Completion time varies but typically ranges from three to six years depending on full-time or part-time enrollment and program structure.
Does the EdD lead to any professional licenses?
While the EdD itself is not a license, it can support eligibility for certain educational leadership certifications depending on state and institution.
Is the EdD recognized outside the US?
The EdD is primarily a US degree granted by accredited institutions. Recognition abroad depends on local educational authorities and employer preferences.
What kind of career opportunities does an EdD open?
Graduates often pursue senior roles such as superintendents, deans, policy advisors, or consultants within education sectors.
How competitive is admission to EdD programs?
Admission is selective, focusing on candidates with strong academic records, professional experience, and leadership potential.