phd in educational leadership in usa

• Best Online Ph.D.s in Educational Leadership

Best Online Ph.D.s in Educational Leadership Of 2024

Updated: Mar 18, 2024, 1:43pm

From training and development management to educational policymaking, many careers in education extend beyond traditional classroom roles. A common theme with many of these professions? A Ph.D. in education leadership.

This research-heavy educational leadership doctorate prepares students to interpret data, report their findings and find new opportunities to improve the education system. Learners also explore advanced leadership skills, diversity in schools and programs, contemporary education issues and adult learner education.

This guide ranks the best schools in the U.S. offering education leadership Ph.D. programs online. Explore costs, formats and other important considerations for an online Ph.D. in educational leadership, and learn how to find a program that suits your career goals.

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Our Methodology

We ranked nine accredited, nonprofit colleges offering online Ph.D. degree programs in educational leadership in the U.S. using 15 data points in the categories of credibility, affordability, student outcomes and student experience. We pulled data for these categories from reliable resources such as the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System ; private, third-party data sources; and individual school and program websites.

Data is accurate as of June 2023. Note that because online doctorates are relatively uncommon, fewer schools meet our ranking standards at the doctoral level.

We scored schools based on the following metrics:

Student Outcomes:

• Overall graduation rate
• Median earnings 10 years after graduation

Affordability:

• In-state graduate student tuition
• In-state graduate student fees
• Alternative tuition plans offered
• Median federal student loan debt
• Percentage of students in federal student loan deferment

Student Experience:

• Student-to-faculty ratio
• Socioeconomic diversity
• Availability of online coursework
• Total number of graduate assistants
• More than 50% of graduate students enrolled in at least some distance education

Credibility:

• Fully accredited
• Programmatic accreditation status
• Nonprofit status

We listed all nine schools in the U.S. that met our ranking criteria.

Find our full list of methodologies here .

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Best Ph.D. in Education Leadership Options

Should you enroll in an online ph.d. in education leadership, accreditation for online ph.d.s in educational leadership, how to find the right online doctorate in education leadership for you, frequently asked questions (faqs) about online ph.d.s in education leadership, national university.

• Keiser University-Ft Lauderdale

Andrews University

Liberty university, texas tech university, old dominion university, university of kentucky, western michigan university, regent university.

Graduate Tuition

$19,650/year

Percentage of Grad Students Enrolled in Distance Education

Overall Graduation Rate

San Diego, California-based National University (NU) offers a fully online Doctor of Philosophy in educational leadership with start dates every Monday, allowing students to begin the program when it fits their schedule. Courses include policies and practices in leadership and evidence-based decision-making, each lasting eight to 12 weeks. Most learners complete all 20 courses in about 39 months.

NU doctoral candidates participate in a series of continuous dissertation courses without a break. Each course walks learners through a different aspect of the dissertation process, including the literary review, dissertation proposal and data collection.

• Our Flexibility Rating: Learn around your 9-to-5
• School Type: Private
• Application Fee: Free
• Degree Credit Requirements: 60 credits
• Program Enrollment Options: Full-time
• Notable Major-Specific Courses: Leader as advocate and decision-maker, scholarly literature review
• Concentrations Available: N/A
• In-Person Requirements: No

Keiser University

$7,928/semester

Based in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, Keiser University offers a 20-course Ph.D. in educational leadership for professionals interested in education administration careers. The program allows up to 18 transfer credits, leading to completion in as little as 30 months.

Coursework covers educational technology, curriculum design and leadership theory, culminating in five research-focused courses and six dissertation courses. Although the coursework for this program is delivered online, learners must participate in a one-week on-campus residency during their first year and another before beginning their dissertation.

• Our Flexibility Rating: Learn on your schedule
• Application Fee: $55
• Program Enrollment Options: Full-time, part-time
• Notable Major-Specific Courses: Curriculum design, funding of educational institutions
• In-Person Requirements: Yes, for on-campus residencies

$1,471/credit

Distance learners can complete the coursework for a Ph.D. in educational leadership entirely online through Andrews University , a Seventh-day Adventist school in Berrien Springs, Michigan. However, the program requires a weeklong on-campus orientation and four-day conference during the first year’s summer term, with additional conferences held each subsequent summer.

Andrews allows up to seven years to complete the program, which explores research methods, educational facility operation and educational finance. Graduates with a Master of Arts in educational leadership from Andrews can reduce their credit requirements to 60.

In addition to 16 dissertation credits, students must complete an internship at an approved educational institution during the program to earn up to 12 credits.

• Application Fee: $60
• Degree Credit Requirements: 90 credits
• Notable Major-Specific Courses: Principles of academic writing, planning and operating educational facilities
• In-Person Requirements: Yes, for campus visits during first year

$595/credit

Based in Lynchburg, Virginia, Liberty University features an online Ph.D. in educational leadership focusing on theory, technology, leadership skills and ethics for advanced education careers. Courses include educational law, school district finance and six dissertation-focused classes.

Most students complete the degree in just two years, thanks to accelerated 8-week classes and the ability to transfer up to 39 credits into the program. Applicants must hold an Ed.D. from an accredited school.

• Application Fee: $50
• Notable Major-Specific Courses: Advanced educational statistics, educational leadership and public relations

$313/semester hour

Lubbock-based Texas Tech University offers a Ph.D. in educational leadership policy through its online campus, TTU Online. The curriculum targets education professionals who want to be involved in policymaking with coursework in policy analysis, policy communication, and putting policy into practice.

Students move through this program in a cohort, allowing them to work alongside and interact with the same peers throughout their degree. The program is designed to be completed in about four years, with three years of online coursework and at least one year devoted to dissertation work.

• School Type: Public
• Application Fee: $75
• Degree Credit Requirements: 63 credits
• Notable Major-Specific Courses: Politics of education, contextual effects on education policy
• In-Person Requirements: Yes, for internships and an optional in-person orientation

$599/credit (in-state)

Old Dominion University (ODU), a doctoral research university in Norfolk, Virginia, provides an online Ph.D. in educational leadership for students interested in social justice and its application to the education system. The cohort-based program allows learners to choose 12 elective credits, with many options focusing on social issues in education, like multicultural curriculum leadership and public school reform.

ODU’s Ph.D. program has synchronous online classes that meet once a week. Class sessions take place in the evening to allow students to continue working while completing their studies.

• Program Enrollment Options: Part-time
• Notable Major-Specific Courses: Program evaluation in education, leadership for social justice

$737/credit

The Lexington-based University of Kentucky offers a Ph.D. in educational sciences with an educational leadership option through its online campus, UK Online. Although the program features mostly asynchronous coursework, students must participate in a few synchronous lessons and activities each semester.

This program also requires students to attend professional conferences in person during their first and second years and present their dissertation research in person during their third year. Applicants must submit a diversity, equity and inclusion statement, a resume, a personal statement and recommendations.

• Application Fee: $65
• Degree Credit Requirements: 46 credits
• Notable Major-Specific Courses: Leading organizational change, politics of educational leadership
• In-Person Requirements: Yes, for professional conferences

$765/credit (in-state)

Learners can pursue a Ph.D. in educational leadership with a concentration in K-12 leadership online from Kalamazoo-based Western Michigan University . The program offers a mix of asynchronous and synchronous classes, with some live classes available during evening hours.

In addition to the program’s core coursework, students must choose between teaching, building level and central office administration endorsements worth 18 to 26 credits. Students may need to complete an in-person field experience or a principal internship, depending on their selected endorsement.

• Notable Major-Specific Courses: Maximizing human capacity with adaptive personnel practices, high-impact district governance and community relations
• Concentrations Available: Teaching or leadership endorsement, building level administration endorsement, central office administration endorsement
• In-Person Requirements: Yes, for some concentrations

$800/credit

Located in Virginia Beach, Virginia, Regent University delivers a Ph.D. in education with a concentration in advanced educational leadership via an online 67-credit program. Designed for professionals seeking roles as academic deans or educational consultants, the program covers data analysis, statistics, advanced educational leadership theory, and effective strategies to teach adult learners.

The curriculum also requires 16 credits of dissertation research and writing throughout a student’s last few semesters. A university fee of $700 applies to online students each semester.

• Application Fee: N/A
• Degree Credit Requirements: 67 credits
• Notable Major-Specific Courses: Christian worldview for educators, the adult learner

While earning a doctorate in education leadership online is an effective path for many students, others succeed better in on-campus programs.

If you prioritize convenience, online college may be an attractive option. Many online Ph.D. programs in education leadership feature asynchronous classes or evening class times, allowing you to work and meet personal obligations while completing your degree. Plus, online programs let you avoid transportation costs and commuting times.

However, finding a program that aligns with your learning style is just as critical to your success. A Ph.D. in education leadership has a rigorous curriculum that can be challenging for some learners to follow online. Meanwhile, in-person or synchronous online classes may offer more interaction with instructors and peers and a structured learning format that helps some students thrive.

If both formats sound helpful, look for a hybrid option that blends self-paced work with live classes—either online or in person—allowing you to balance flexibility with interactivity.

The accreditation process highlights colleges, universities, departments and programs meeting or exceeding an accrediting body’s standards. College accreditation is important to understand when looking for a Ph.D. in education leadership.

Institutional accreditation demonstrates a school’s commitment to academic quality, faculty expertise and student support. Only students attending institutionally accredited schools are eligible for federal financial aid, and most schools look for institutional accreditation when considering transfer credits.

Programmatic accreditation assesses how education departments and programs meet specific quality standards. The Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) is the leading programmatic accreditor for doctorates in education leadership. Although not a requirement for advanced educational leadership positions, CAEP accreditation designates programs that meet the industry expectations for these careers.

Reference accreditation pages on schools’ websites or search the Council for Higher Education Accreditation’s directory to find accredited programs.

Consider Your Future Goals

Even if you’ve already completed a master’s in educational leadership , transitioning into doctoral studies is a serious undertaking. A Ph.D. in educational leadership requires a considerable time investment and a desire to further your understanding of issues affecting education through your dissertation work.

If you decide to move forward with an online doctorate in educational leadership, take ample time to compare programs to find one that best suits your learning needs, schedule and career goals.

For instance, some programs have more complex dissertation requirements than others, like requiring you to present your research at reputable conferences. Others may allow you to work closely with faculty as you develop your dissertation and receive feedback throughout the process.

Understand Your Expenses and Financing Options

The cost of an online Ph.D. in education leadership varies widely between schools. To illustrate, the programs in this guide charge $313 to $1,471 per credit. With most programs requiring about 60 credits, their total costs range from under $19,000 to more than $88,000.

Note that some doctoral programs charge tuition per year rather than per credit. In this case, consider the projected length of the program to determine whether it aligns with your budget. For example, National University charges $19,650 a year for its Ph.D. in educational leadership with a goal of completion in just over three years, making its estimated total around $60,000.

Remember that financial aid is available for eligible graduate students, including federal student loans. You can fill out the FAFSA to explore your federal student aid eligibility and apply through your school for additional aid opportunities. Graduate students may qualify for the following:

• Grants: Grants are awards you don’t need to repay, and they reduce the tuition you owe your school. They typically come from a state’s government, a nonprofit organization, or your school and are often based on financial need.
• Scholarships: Like grants, scholarships reduce your out-of-pocket tuition costs and do not require repayment. Scholarships can be based on factors like your field of study, academic accomplishments, personal triumphs or financial need.
• Assistantships: An assistantship is a part-time job graduate students work during their program to earn money toward tuition. Typically, students assist a professor or their department with various tasks, including research, teaching or hosting events.

Is a Ph.D. in educational leadership worth it?

If your ultimate goal is to become involved in educational policy, higher education leadership or academic research, a Ph.D. in educational leadership is often worth it. However, it’s important to consider the amount of time and money you can invest into the doctoral process before applying.

How long does it take to get a Ph.D. in educational leadership?

A Ph.D. in educational leadership takes, on average, three to five years, although some schools allow up to seven years for completion.

Can you teach with a Ph.D. in educational leadership?

If you already have the required teaching credentials for your state, you can continue to teach the subjects or grade levels you’re authorized to teach after completing your doctorate. However, a Ph.D. in educational leadership doesn’t inherently lead to teaching licensure.

As a self-proclaimed lifelong learner and former educator, Amy Boyington is passionate about researching and advocating for learners of all ages. For over a decade, Amy has specialized in writing parenting and higher education content that simplifies the process of comparing schools, programs and tuition rates for prospective students and their families. Her work has been featured on several online publications, including Online MBA, Reader’s Digest and BestColleges.

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Doctor of Philosophy Educational Leadership and Policy Studies

Prepare for a career as a professor or researcher of educational leadership and policy while interrogating multiple aspects of schools and other educational institutions. The curriculum emphasizes critical analysis of contemporary problems of practice in collaborative study environments with professors, school leaders, and doctoral students.

Degree Details

Official degree title.

PhD in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies

What You'll Learn

In this doctorate, you will critically examine the conceptual, organizational, political, social, managerial, interpersonal, and technical dimensions of schools and other educational institutions. Research agendas of the faculty and students center on the nexus between theory and practice and explore critical issues facing educational leaders and policymakers today. 

Alternate-Year Admissions

The Educational Leadership and Policy Studies PhD has an alternate year admissions process where candidates will be admitted every other year on the following timeline:

• Entrance in Fall 2024:  December 1, 2023 application deadline
• Entrance in Fall 2025:  no cohort
• Entrance in Fall 2026:  December 1, 2025 application deadline

Prospective applicants should apply beginning September 2023 for Fall 2024 matriculation.

Funding for Full-Time PhD Students

NYU Steinhardt offers a competitive funding package for PhD students who study full time.  Learn more about our funding opportunities .

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• Educational Leadership and Policy Studies

Purdue’s educational leadership and policy studies program prepares people who are committed to teaching and departmental leadership, administrative, or professional positions. Our graduates assume positions as building-level administrators, superintendents, central office administrators, educational leadership researchers, and educational policymakers.

All of our graduate programs are hybrid. The Doctor of Philosophy with a concentration in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies and the Ed. Specialist degrees are coordinated with the Indiana District Level (Superintendent) license and is offered in a cohort format. The Doctor of Philosophy with a concentration in Higher Education is for post-Master’s degree students who are interested in preparing for service and leadership in a broad range of roles in Colleges and Universities. The Building Level (Principal) licensure program is an add-on to a Master’s degree or Ed.S. degree.

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Our Faculty

Our faculty has diverse backgrounds in P-12 schooling, educational policy, and research.

Educational Leadership and Policy Studies Faculty

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Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership

This program is designed for working professionals with leadership experience who desire to lead K-12 schools, universities, community colleges or other educational organizations

For decades, educational systems have not been able to transform themselves to meet the needs of all students. Drawing on the principles of equity and social justice, build your capacity to lead change in ways that will improve academic opportunities and outcomes for all students.

Program Overview

The Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership (EDL) program prepares you to become a critically conscious leader with the skills to think strategically, understand and apply evidence-based research, develop strategies to create equity, and foster continuous organizational improvement. The program offers four concentrations: educational psychology, higher education administration, K-12 leadership in urban education and leading instructional change. 

Through this program, you will:

• Earn a doctorate from a program with a strong reputation among employers.
• Continue to work full time while taking one evening of classes per week for most of the program.
• Learn alongside a cohort of experienced professionals with diverse career backgrounds.
• Become equipped to address critical issues in communities that serve historically marginalized groups.

The Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership (EDL) program will equip you with knowledge and skills in six core competencies:

• Accountability
• Critical reflection
• Diversity and equity
• Learning organizations
• Research and data

In the first year of the program, you will complete core courses that reflect USC Rossier’s mission and the program purpose. These courses focus on developing or deepening your understanding of the way power and privilege play out in education, leadership and learning to perpetuate inequities in learning opportunities. Subsequent coursework will build on this foundation and align with your career objectives. Each concentration will expose you to context-specific best practices and research while emphasizing the application of theory to practice.

Concentrations

Each concentration path consists of four courses and a dissertation in practice in a concentration-specific format. You will complete your dissertation under the guidance of a faculty member within your concentration. You must have career experience relevant to the concentration to which you apply.

The educational psychology concentration* focuses on research and practice in the areas of learning, motivation and development in diverse social contexts. Courses in the concentration explore how people learn, what motivates them, which instructional and motivational strategies are most effective within varied cultural systems and how the social context of instruction affects learning.

*The educational psychology concentration does not meet the requirements for licensure as an educational psychologist.

Recommended career background for this concentration: Professional in K-12, higher education, or counseling, special education, social services, instructional technology, non-profit organizations, or other non-traditional educational settings.

Dissertation in practice: Study an existing problem of practice and complete a five-chapter dissertation or design curriculum to address an existing problem of practice.

Career outcomes: The educational psychology concentration prepares you for employment in areas such as instructional design, human performance personnel, school/community counseling and more.

Alumni have held positions such as:

• Innovation program manager, Applied Materials
• Managing director, school performance accountability and research, California Charter Schools Association
• Dean of innovation, The Derryfield School
• Vice president of education, Fusion Education Group  

The higher education administration concentration focuses on administrative theory and best practices for leading higher education institutions. Courses in the concentration address policy, economic issues, assessment, student learning and the history and major philosophical assumptions that undergird the system of higher education.

Recommended career background for this concentration: Professional in higher education administration at a two- or four-year college or university (including student, academic and administrative affairs) or secondary and postsecondary college advising.

Dissertation in practice: Study an existing problem of practice and complete a traditional five-chapter dissertation.

Career outcomes: The higher education administration concentration prepares you for employment in senior administration in two- and four-year colleges, academic executive positions, key leadership roles in education-related organizations, and more.

• Associate dean of students and director, Stanford University
• Executive director, undergraduate advising and programs, School of Business, George Washington University
• Director of intercollegiate athletics, California State University, Northridge
• Vice president for student affairs and dean of students, University of Texas, Austin

The K-12 leadership concentration will prepare you to become a leader in classrooms, schools or school districts. The courses help develop an understanding of how to create high-performing schools that address the diverse needs of all students regardless of school setting. The course sequence culminates in either EDUC 720: Leadership for Principals or EDUC 721: Leadership for Superintendents, an integrated composite of effective leadership practices that result in more effective organizational outcomes, including increased student achievement.

Recommended career background for this concentration:

Teacher, administrator or education professional in PK-12 education at the local, state and federal levels.

Career Outcomes: The K-12 leadership concentration prepares you for employment as an educational leader in the K-12 field. This includes school site leadership, district leadership and systems leadership. Roles include teacher leaders, district office leaders, superintendents and CEOs of independent schools and charter schools.

• Superintendent, Covina-Valley Unified School District
• Director of community partnerships, Long Beach Unified School District
• Chief innovation officer, National Catholic Educational Association (NCEA)
• Superintendent, Garden Grove Unified School District  

The leading instructional change concentration focuses on theories, practices and policies supporting curriculum and instruction that foster equitable educational opportunities for students from historically marginalized groups in urban PK-12 and higher education settings. This concentration is designed for individuals interested in leading and teaching teachers (pre- and in-service) and faculty (higher ed) so that they are prepared to provide their students with high-quality instruction that is anti-racist, culturally relevant and LGBTQ+ inclusive.

Recommended career background for this concentration: Teacher or administrator in PK-12 or higher education, instructional leader or designer, curriculum developer or professional in non-traditional educational settings.

Dissertation in practice: Conduct action or participatory action research addressing the relationship between leadership and instructional improvement in PK-20 educational settings and complete a non-traditional written product (not a five-chapter dissertation) and public presentation.   Career outcomes: The leading instructional change program prepares you for positions such as university faculty member, professional development specialist, curriculum developer/administrator and more.   Alumni have held positions such as:

• Director, metrics and LCAP, Azusa Unified School District
• Director, student support and intervention, Antelope Valley Union High School District
• Senior director of teaching and learning, Los Angeles Education Partnership  

Dissertation in Practice

The dissertation in practice is a doctoral dissertation with a more practical focus than a traditional dissertation. Under the guidance of faculty in your concentration, you will apply relevant research methods to tackle a problem of practice that impedes access to equitable educational opportunities and outcomes. The purpose of the dissertation in practice is to equip you with the knowledge and skills you will use to address existing problems in your workplace well beyond your completion of the program. Format options for the dissertation in practice vary by concentration.

Scholarships

As an applicant, you will be automatically considered for limited, merit-based scholarships of $10,000. There is no need to submit a separate application for this scholarship. Recipients are selected based on academic achievement, demonstrated dedication to the USC Rossier mission and other distinguishing characteristics. All USC Rossier scholarships are awarded at the time of admission.

View USC Rossier’s scholarship finder to identify other scholarships and funding opportunities. You do not have to be admitted to apply to these scholarships. Carefully note the scholarship application deadlines, which may occur before the final program application deadline.

Financial Aid

The USC Office of Student Financial Services provides information regarding student accounts, tuition payment plans, campus-based loans, payment options and tax credits.

To be considered for financial aid, you must apply by filing the FAFSA. After you apply, the financial aid office will determine your financial need and inform you of the federal or private loans that are available to you.

Program Details

Degree awarded, estimated length, program cost.

$2,354 per unit (estimated)

Estimated cost of attendance

Next Deadline

December 1, 2024

See all deadlines

August 25, 2025

Class Times

Prior to the dissertation phase, students are assigned to one evening of classes per week on Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday from 5:00 to 9:50 p.m.

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• Associate Professor of Education
• Educational Psychology
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Shafiqa Ahmadi

• Professor of Clinical Education
• Co-director of the Center for Education, Identity and Social Justice
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• Diversity • Legal Protection of Underrepresented Students, Including Female Muslims, Bias and Hate Crimes, and Sexual Assault Survivors

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Melanie Brady

• Master Lecturer of Education
• • Educational psychology • Instrumentation design and development • Metacognition, health, and education • Organizational leadership and change • Metacognition to improve clnical practice in acute care settings

Patricia Burch

• Professor of Education
• Co-director of CEPEG
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• Organizational and Institutional Change • Education Policy • Intersection of Public and Private Partnerships in Education • Digital Instruction • Policy Implementation and Impact • Equity and Quality in Public School Instruction

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Monique Claire Datta

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John Pascarella, III

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• Educational Psychology • K-12 Education • Diversity • Leadership • Supervision • School Counseling • Adolescents • Military

Mark Power Robison

• Professor of Clinical Education and History
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Artineh Samkian

Helena Seli

• Professor of Clinical Education, Assistant Dean of Academic Program Development

Gale M. Sinatra

• Stephen H. Crocker Chair
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Julie Slayton

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Themistocles Sparangis

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• Professor of Higher Education
• Veronica and David Hagen Chair in Women’s Leadership
• Higher Education Administration • University Student Affairs • International Higher Education

Kenneth A. Yates

• Learning • Instruction • Motivation • Cognitive Sciences

Program Outcomes

80+ Sitting superintendent alumni

of EDL alumni said their USC Rossier education prepared them to be more effective in their career

Of edl alumni said their studies at usc rossier prepared them well for future employment, of edl alumni said their studies at usc rossier prepared them to understand research, from our alumni.

“My time at USC was invaluable, I enjoyed the program and the world-class faculty that assisted me in honing my skills as a practitioner-scholar.”

Tonantzin Oseguera, EdD ’13

Higher Ed Concentration Vice President for Student Affairs California State University Fullerton

“It was always a dream of mine to be a part of the University of Southern California. The doctoral program was second to none, and the connections you make will impact your career forever. My goal is to be a Superintendent, and with my doctorate, it will open doors for me to accomplish that goal. The Trojan Family is real, and we definitely take care of our own. I am proud to have earned a doctorate from the greatest University in the world.”

Henry (Kenny) Torres, EdD ’21

K-12 Concentration Principal, Santiago High School Corona-Norco Unified School District

“The EdD program taught me how to take in information that I am learning, but also how to narrow it down to manageable bites that I can use to teach others.”

Juliana Calhoun, EdD ’17, MMFT, PPS

Educational Psychology Concentration Assistant Director/Learning Specialist, USC Kortschak Center for Learning and Creativity Assistant Adjunct Professor, USC Rossier School of Education

Featured Research Centers

Center for education, identity and social justice.

Established in 2017, the Center for Education, Identity and Social Justice has a compelling interest in eradicating all forms of discrimination based on the intersection of an individual’s identities that include religion, gender, sexual orientation, race, ethnicity and disability. Using rigorous research and legal analysis, we empower educators to utilize laws and policies in order to identify and extricate bias and unequal distributions of power within educational institutions.

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The University of Southern California Race and Equity Center

Established in 2017, the Race and Equity Center is the epicenter for interdisciplinary scholarship, resources and meaningful activities on racial equity that significantly benefit the University, other institutions of higher education and the broader society.

Is an EdD worth it? Leaders share insights and experiences

Those wondering if an EdD is worth it often want to make a positive impact while advancing their career. A doctoral degree in education can be an effective way to land leadership positions in K–12 schools, higher education and other industries as well. Because doctoral programs require rigorous study and professional experience, an EdD represents the highest level of preparation for many roles in education and related fields. 

PhD vs. EdD in education: nine expert tips to help you choose

If you want to elevate your career in education, an advanced degree can open the door to more job opportunities. Many schools offer graduate programs in education, but before you go down a rabbit hole of research, first decide if you want to get a PhD or EdD degree.

News and Insights

August 1, 2024

Copur-Gencturk receives $6.7 million in federal funding to continue work to improve elementary math instruction by improving teacher knowledge

Creating content-focused professional development programs that focus on the key knowledge and skills that matter in quality teaching and student learning.

Featured Faculty

• Yasemin Copur-Gencturk

July 31, 2024

New research shows that transcendent thinking can increase teens’ sense of purpose

In a study of an intergenerational community program, CANDLE researchers found that adolescents who engaged in transcendent thinking increased their sense of purpose.

• Mary Helen Immordino-Yang
• Xiao-Fei Yang

July 23, 2024

USC launches Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy online program

Culturally competent and versatile therapists are more critical than ever in the ever-evolving mental health landscape.

• Pedro Noguera

July 10, 2024

Breakthrough Leadership Institute offers education leaders the opportunity to thoroughly examine K–12 school district issues and develop actionable next steps

Mike Romero EdD ’23 discussed takeaways from last year’s program.

July 9, 2024

New study reveals that witnessing violence harms the brains of older teens—but ‘transcendent thinking’ may be an antidote 

These latest findings from CANDLE researchers show that teens who think about social issues and violence in more reflective ways show greater resilience to the effects of violence exposure on their brain development.

Program Contact

Jessica Romero

Assistant Director, Office of Admission and Scholarships

• [email protected]
• (213) 821-2071

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Related Programs

Educational leadership (online).

Doctor of Education (EdD)

Organizational Change and Leadership (online)

Global executive, school leadership academy, school business management.

Certificate

PhD in Educational Leadership

Recognizing the centrality of policy in education practice, the educational leadership PhD program gives current and aspiring leaders, policy analysts, and scholars the opportunity to critically examine and synthesize research, theories, practices, and policies, and conduct rigorous research that contributes to improving education.

Our doctoral students take courses with students in higher education and international education, helping them expand their perspectives beyond education in the United States. In doing so, they gain insight regarding leadership, organizational change and school reform, policies and politics, curriculum development, instructional improvement, and evaluation in both domestic and international contexts. Students also have the opportunity to work with the Center for Educational Policy, which manages externally funded grants and contracts.

Application information & deadlines

Please consult the program .

Become a more innovative educator, a leading educational professional, or an effective public policymaker committed to social justice and diversity in education

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