Trends in education are favorable to educators seeking doctoral-level employment. As the general population grows and more adults are earning bachelor’s degrees, enrollment numbers at both elementary and secondary schools are steadily rising online and on campuses. Jobs are readily available in education administration, educational research, teaching, and related areas.

Which education doctorate is right for me?

In the United States, two main doctorates are available in education, and each can be earned online. The Doctorate in Education (Ed.D.) and the Doctor of Philosophy in Education (Ph.D.) degrees both prepare students to become educational researchers, policy makers, school superintendents, and university professors. Both are research-based degrees, and they are equally rigorous. A school’s decision to award one degree over the other is somewhat arbitrary. Therefore, it’s best to consider both types of programs.

Which schools offer online doctoral degrees in education?(cont)

The following schools offer accredited online Ed.D.s and Ph.D.s in education.

Jones International University offers an online doctorate in K-12 Education Leadership. Students think critically about important problems and theories concerning current K-12 education, and they prepare to become endorsed as principals and administrators.

The New Mexico State University Online doctoral program in educational leadership is actually a hybrid model: in addition to online courses, each month it involves one weekend of face-to-face instruction on campus in Las Cruces.

The University of Maryland University College trains higher education administrators through its online doctoral program in community college policy and administration. The program’s blended format combines online classes with a three-day residency.

The University of Phoenix offers a variety of online and hybrid doctoral degree programs in education. These vary by region, so check the website for a link to your state. Some options include the Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership degree and the Doctor of Philosophy in Higher Education Administration degree.