i want to do phd in distance education

Doctor of Education in Distance Education

At a glance.

• Credential: doctorate degree
• Credits: 18
• Next start: see program details

Athabasca University’s online Doctor of Education in Distance Education is a professional doctoral degree for distance education practitioners and those with related career experience.

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About Doctor of Education in Distance Education

At Athabasca University, we're proud to offer North America's first online Doctor of Education in Distance Education (EdD). Designed for professionals in distance education, adult education, and related fields, this 18-credit doctoral program provides you with the advanced skills and research opportunities you need to excel in leadership roles. The program is accessible and flexible for working professionals, with one intake per year and an online grouped study format that includes a 1-week, on-site orientation.

Admission requirements

Normally, admission requirements include a master’s degree in a relevant field with a minimum grade point average (GPA). See full Doctor of Education in Distance Education admission requirements

Program details

Tuition and fees, career options.

The EdD provides rigorous preparation for advanced responsibilities and leadership in the distance-learning field, including:

• implementing
• researching

Research is an important focus, as you will be expected to make an original and significant contribution to their profession as part of your doctoral program. Research opportunities include:

• examination of practice
• theory-building
• basic research

More conceptual or theoretical interests may also be accommodated.

Why take the Doctor of Education in Distance Education?

AU is a global leader in distance education teaching, scholarship, and program innovation. You will be learning from leaders in the field.

As a professional doctoral degree, the EdD program provides a relevant and accessible learning context designed for the working professional. This program may be of interest to:

• distance education
• adult education
• continuing education
• policy development and implementation
• academics, teachers, and instructors who wish to specialize in aspects of distance education research and scholarship
• instructional design specialists
• senior-level managers and program planners

The Doctor of Education in Distance Education is an 18-credit online doctoral program. You must normally complete the entire program through Athabasca University. (Inquire if you have questions.)

Application deadlines and start dates

There is only 1 EdD intake each year. The application deadline is in Jan., and classes start in May. An orientation in Edmonton or Athabasca for 1 week is a program requirement. All courses are online grouped study, with defined start and end dates. As noted above, the program includes a 5-day on-site orientation.

Completion times

Finish this program in as little as 4 years of study. You can take up to 5 years to complete all requirements.

Understanding how higher education fees and tuition are calculated is important to ensure you stay within your budget and make informed decisions.

Financial aid and awards

We're dedicated to supporting your academic goals and committed to helping you overcome financial barriers by providing many funding and award options.

The following fees are effective Jan. 1, 2024, to Aug. 31, 2024. All fees are quoted in Canadian dollars and are subject to change. Academic-related fees are exempt from the Federal Goods and Services Tax (GST). GST is added to all other goods and services, for example, workshops, some publications, self-help seminars, and Athabasca University promotional sales items.

The EdD fees consist of a yearly program fee and individual course fees. The annual program fee is paid in three installments (see the example below). Individual course fees are due by the course registration deadline.

If a company or other organization is sponsoring your tuition, we will require a Letter of Guarantee.

* Students may take up to 5 years to complete their degree. After year 4 (12 installments of $1,810 already paid), there will be a continuation fee of $1,810 payable each 4-month term.

†Should Candidacy and/or EDDE 806 not be completed in year 3, they may be completed in year 4. Students work towards completing their dissertation in year 4. Please note that students must pay a minimum of 12 program installments even if they complete the program in less than 4 years

Fee information effective Jan. 1, 2024, to Aug. 31, 2024.

At Athabasca University, our Doctor of Education in Distance Education (EdD) program is thoughtfully structured to facilitate collaborative learning and professional growth. The program is cohort-based, admitting around 12 students each year who will generally progress through the program together, offering you a chance to network and learn within a diverse community of skilled professionals. Your journey kicks off with a mandatory 5-day orientation, combining instruction, program planning, and community-building activities. The coursework is paced and sequential, featuring 6 core online courses along with important milestones like the proposal defence and dissertation, ensuring you meet the highest standards of proficiency in scholarship, research, and teaching.

To complete the program you will need to fulfill all the general requirements of the Doctor of Education in Distance Education.

Our program regulations can give you an idea of what courses you need to finish this program, and how to plan the order you’ll take them in.

Program regulations

Courses to explore

Below are some of the courses that our students take in this program.

Focus areas

With a Doctor of Education in Distance Education from Athabasca University, you'll be well-equipped for high-level roles in distance and adult education, including academic research, policy development, and program planning. Whether you're eyeing positions as a senior educational administrator, instructional design specialist, or a consultant in educational technologies, this credential will give you the expertise to lead and innovate in your field.

Depending on your experience and goals, some careers may include:

• chief learning officer
• academic researcher
• director of distance education
• academic dean of online programs
• education policy advisor
• senior instructional designer
• research director in educational technology
• educational consultant
• program director for adult education
• university provost
• educational technology strategist

Resources and links

Additional information that you need to know about AU and this program.

Program resources

• Visit program website
• Apply online
• View Calendar

Additional resources

• The AU Advantage
• View program listings

Program contact

• Toll free: 1-800-788-9041 ext.6179
• Email program

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Ontario Tech University launches fully online doctoral program in Education

November 29, 2021

To help educators better navigate the increasingly complex and constant changes to educational frameworks, Ontario Tech University now offers an ease-of-access online applied research degree for working professionals.

Ontario Tech’s Doctor of Education (EdD) is a graduate degree program positioned at the core of the modern digital landscape. The fully online program allows educators working in elementary and secondary schools, universities, colleges, and in public and private sector organizations to address challenges that require sophisticated and research-informed responses.

Graduates are prepared to analyze complex problems of practice and use collaborative skills to develop innovative solutions to community issues.  

The cross-faculty and interdisciplinary EdD program focuses on specific aspects of the use of technology in education, including digital practice.

It draws on Ontario Tech faculty members from a wide range of programs within the faculties of Education, Science, Health Sciences, Social Science and Humanities, Business and Information Technology, and Engineering and Applied Science.  

• First intake: September 2022
• Program length: approximately three years
• Learn more about the EdD program, including admission requirements and applications deadlines on the Ontario Tech Doctor of Education website .

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Another great example of why Ontario Tech research experts are in high demand

Best Online Doctorate in Education

Are you ready to discover your college program?

Doctoral degrees appeal to learners seeking terminal credentials in their field. Education students have two options: a doctor of philosophy (Ph.D.) or a doctor of education (Ed.D.). Available face-to-face and online, Ph.D. programs in education build advanced research and leadership skills.

Typically, Ph.D. programs focus on education theory and academic research. If you aspire to high-level leadership roles, or to a career in research or academia, a Ph.D. may best suit your needs. Ed.D. programs usually emphasize practical skills with classroom or administrative applications.

Our guide profiles the Ph.D. in education, exploring its defining features and differentiating it from similar advanced degrees. It includes a ranked list of top online Ph.D. programs in education, which you can use to launch your program search.

Popular Online Programs

Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.

Top Online Ph.D. Programs in Education

Pepperdine university.

• Campus + Online
• In-State $55,640
• Out-of-state $55,640
• In-State $34,900
• Out-of-state $34,900
• Retention Rate 91%
• Acceptance Rate 32%
• Students Enrolled 8,824
• Institution Type Private

University of Florida

• In-State $3,358
• Out-of-state $15,000
• In-State N/A
• Out-of-state N/A
• Retention Rate 63%
• Students Enrolled 3,926
• Institution Type Public

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

• In-State $14,188
• Out-of-state $33,127
• In-State $14,997
• Out-of-state $28,404
• Retention Rate 93%
• Acceptance Rate 59%
• Students Enrolled 51,605

University of Wyoming

• In-State $3,336
• Out-of-state $13,392
• In-State $4,878
• Out-of-state $14,598
• Retention Rate 76%
• Acceptance Rate 96%
• Students Enrolled 12,249

Boise State University

• In-State $5,532
• Out-of-state $22,452
• In-State $7,110
• Out-of-state $24,030
• Retention Rate 79%
• Acceptance Rate 77%
• Students Enrolled 26,217

How We Rank Schools

At TheBestSchools, we use trusted data from the U.S. Department of Education to evaluate schools without bias. Our ranking methodology helps prospective students from various backgrounds find the best fit. We consider key factors like academic quality, online offerings, and affordability so every type of student can find the best fit for them.

This list has not been updated for 2024. Learn more about how our formula works on our ranking methodology page .

Why Get a Doctoral Degree in Education?

• Doctoral degree-holders can qualify for high-impact careers. Through your research and teaching, you can bring about positive change that can lead to better learning outcomes and teaching methods.
• Ph.D. programs focus on research, giving you the opportunity to identify systemic shortcomings and gaps in the education system.
• Doctoral programs typically include dissertation requirements, which let you study specific interests in detail and build expertise in niche areas.
• A doctorate can keep you competitive in a fast-changing employment landscape facing impacts from evolving technologies and emerging pedagogical theories.

Did you know?

• Payscale data from March 2024 cites an average salary of $87,000 per year for professionals with a Ph.D. in education. In contrast, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports a median wage of $50,000 for all education workers. Thus, a Ph.D. can offer a positive return on investment by boosting your salary prospects.
• From 2022 to 2032, the BLS projects 20,200 annual job openings for school principals and 15,300 annual openings for postsecondary administrators. A Ph.D. can help you qualify for these roles.

Does Accreditation Matter for Online Doctoral Degrees?

To ensure your educational doctorate holds value in the field, you must attend a properly accredited school . Institutional accreditation indicates that a college or university meets standards of academic excellence.

Some online Ph.D. programs in education hold specialized programmatic accreditation. These optional endorsements reflect how well the coursework in a specific program or department prepares enrollees for careers in their field. In education, programmatic accreditors include

the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation and the Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation .

What to Expect From an Online Doctorate in Education

Online Ph.D. in education programs are terminal research degrees. In general, they emphasize academic theory and education research more than Ed.D. programs, which focus more on practical, applied skills.

The education specialist (Ed.S.) designation is another terminal postgraduate degree. Ed.S. programs typically suit classroom educators who want to develop advanced teaching skills. Generally, Ed.S. graduates pursue different careers than doctorate-holders.

Typical features of Ph.D. programs in education include:

• Credit Requirements: Education doctorates typically require 50-90 credits.
• Graduation Timelines: Full-time programs usually require 3-5 years of study.
• Course Types: Ph.D. program coursework requirements typically include core classes, specialization coursework, dissertation hours, and electives.
• Culminating Experiences: Some programs include apprenticeships or internships, though most culminate in a dissertation that reflects your original research.

The following tables explore other common program features, including admission requirements, specialization areas, and curricula.

Understand Admission Requirements

Online Ph.D. in education programs typically require applicants to hold a master’s degree in education or an advanced degree in a related field like developmental psychology or school counseling. Some Ph.D. programs may accept students with only a bachelor’s degree, though this is less common.

GPA requirements vary, but schools usually favor candidates with strong academic records. You may need a minimum 2.75-3.0 GPA in your master’s coursework to remain competitive in the admissions process. Some schools prefer or require Ph.D. candidates to have professional experience as a classroom teacher, curriculum specialist, or similar role.

Common application materials include letters of recommendation, a resume, a personal statement, and standardized test scores.

Explore Degree and Specialization Options

When considering advanced education degrees, you should first determine whether a research-oriented Ph.D., a practitioner-focused Ed.D., or a classroom-focused Ed.S. best matches your goals.

If you pursue a Ph.D., research prospective programs’ specialization options, which can help you pursue advanced study in niche subfields of education. Common education concentrations at the doctoral level include:

• Curriculum and instruction
• Early childhood education
• Instructional design/instructional technology
• Organizational leadership

Discover Popular Courses

Though each online Ph.D. in education program offers its own courses, common classes you may encounter include:

• Advanced theories of learning
• Current issues and trends in education
• Organizational analysis and leadership
• Quantitative and qualitative research methods
• Theories of educational performance measurement
• Culturally relevant pedagogical modeling
• Curriculum development and instruction

How Much Will an Online Ph.D. in Education Cost?

Tuition for online Ph.D. programs in education varies based on factors like:

Institution Type: NCES data from the 2021-22 school year shows that graduate tuition fees are more than twice as high at private schools than at public institutions.

Prestige and Reputation: Prestigious schools may charge higher tuition, which typically reflects the higher operating costs of their intensive research activity.

Program Format: Online programs may charge lower tuition rates for distance learners, including in-state tuition for all online enrollees at public schools.

NCES data from the 2021-22 academic year reveals the following average graduate school tuition costs by school type:

• Public institutions: $12,596
• Private for-profit institutions: $14,161
• Private nonprofit institutions: $29,931

As you consider costs, remember that many schools offer financial aid and funding to doctoral students. These options can significantly reduce your cost of attendance, and they may be available even if you study entirely online. Distance education can also help you save on relocation, commuting, and parking expenses.

What Can You Do With a Doctorate in Education?

Data from the BLS indicates stable to average growth rates for many of the roles available to professionals with Ph.D.s in education. Graduates can qualify for jobs that offer average pay in the six-figure range, including administrative and leadership positions.

Earning potential varies by location. Generally, states with higher costs of living pay higher average wages, as do metropolitan areas with more people and higher demand for education professionals. BLS state and area data for higher education administrators , K-12 principals , instructional coordinators , and similar roles offer insights into top-paying locales in the United States.

A Ph.D. in education can lead to jobs outside of academia and educational institutions. For instance, some businesses hire education professionals to lead their internal professional development and training programs. Some companies even maintain C-suite roles for these specialists, such as the chief learning officer position.

Explore Other Doctoral Degrees in Education

• Online Doctorate in Early Childhood Education
• Online Doctorate in Curriculum and Instruction
• Online Doctorate in Educational Administration
• Online Doctorate in Educational Leadership
• Online Doctorate in Educational Technology
• Online Doctorate in Higher Education
• Online Doctorate in Reading and Literacy

Common Questions About Doctoral Degrees in Education

What is a doctorate in education.

A doctorate in education is a terminal degree that best suits educational professionals seeking leadership, research, or advanced teaching positions. There are two types: the research-focused Ph.D. and the practitioner-focused Ed.D.

What is the difference between a Ph.D., Ed.D., and Ed.S.?

A Ph.D. is an academically oriented doctoral degree that mainly engages with pedagogical theory and education research, while Ed.D. programs tend to offer more coverage of practical administrative and leadership skills. The Ed.S. designation is primarily for classroom teachers seeking to develop advanced educator skills.

How long does it take to get a doctorate in education?

Ph.D. programs in education typically require 3-5 years of full-time study. Depending on your background and qualifications, you may be able to pursue an accelerated graduation timeline. If you continue working while studying part time, your doctorate can take 5-7 years.

Is an online Ph.D. recognized by employers?

Yes, as long as you attend a properly accredited institution, employers should recognize your online Ph.D. in education. Distance learning programs are functionally equal to traditional campus-based degrees. Many schools no longer explicitly identify degrees as being earned online in transcripts, diplomas, and other official documents.

What is the shortest Ed.D. online program?

Some schools offer accelerated doctoral programs in education that students can complete in as few as 2.5 years. Some schools refer to these as “executive programs.” More demanding admission standards may apply — for instance, you may need three or more years of professional experience in a relevant role.

How expensive is an Ed.D.?

NCES data for the 2021-22 school year reveals the average annual price of tuition for all graduate programs nationwide is $20,513. Ed.D. programs can range in tuition from $300 per credit to more than $1,000 per credit, meaning programs’ total tuition can range from $30,000 to more than $50,000. When calculating costs, make sure you also account for required fees. You can reduce your net price of attendance by securing institutional funding, grants, or scholarships.

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