doctorate in education

Doctoral Degree Programs

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Doctoral study at Harvard means full immersion in one of the world's most dynamic and influential intellectual communities. At the Harvard Graduate School of Education, two distinct doctoral programs leverage the extraordinary interdisciplinary strengths of the entire University. The Doctor of Education Leadership (Ed.L.D.) prepares experienced educators for system-level leadership roles in school districts, nonprofit organizations, government agencies, and beyond; and the Doctor of Philosophy in Education (Ph.D.) empowers cutting-edge interdisciplinary research informed by the cognitive sciences, economics, medicine, the humanities, and more.

Doctor of Education Leadership (Ed.L.D.)

The Doctor of Education Leadership (Ed.L.D) is a three-year, practice-based program designed to produce system-level leaders in American pre-K-12 education. The Ed.L.D. curriculum mines the vast intellectual and professional resources of HGSE, the Harvard Business School , and the Harvard Kennedy School , and includes a 10-month residency in the third year.

Doctor of Philosophy in Education (Ph.D.)

The Doctor of Philosophy in Education (Ph.D.) , offered jointly with the Harvard Kenneth C. Griffin Graduate School of Arts and Sciences , provides unrestricted access to faculty and resources at all Harvard graduate and professional schools. This five-year Ph.D. is ideal for conducting groundbreaking interdisciplinary research that directly informs and impacts education practice and policy.

Doctorate in Education Program Guide

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Educators do their best, but sometimes the system isn’t perfect. Problems fall through the cracks and create more problems. There may be an issue you have a dream of fixing one day. A doctorate in education (Ed.D. or Ph.D.) can help you do that.

If you don’t know which you want to pursue, or you want to know the difference between an Ed.D. and Ph.D. , we’re here to help.

Popular Doctoral Programs in Education

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

What Is a Doctorate in Education Degree?

A doctorate in education is rigorous . It’s an advanced degree with challenging coursework and dissertation research. It offers a variety of valuable experiences and outcomes, from developing leadership skills to pursuing specialized career paths.

A Ph.D. in education helps you gain in-depth working knowledge of educational theories, research, and practices. You’ll be able to work with leading researchers and faculty and build a strong network of fellow educators.

A Ph.D. program typically prepares students for advanced research in education. It’s a research-oriented degree that emphasizes scholarly research, theoretical frameworks and contributing to the knowledge base in education.

An Ed.D. program often focuses on developing skills and knowledge for academic leadership roles. It’s a professional practice-oriented degree that applies research and theory to real-world educational contexts.

Earning an Ed.D. in education can prepare you for leadership roles such as a school principal, university president, or superintendent. Some programs prepare graduates for other community leadership roles. It can also prepare you to become doctoral faculty within an Ed.D. program itself.

Doctoral Programs in Education Courses and Concentrations

The curriculum of a doctorate in education depends on if it’s a Ph.D. or an Ed.D. program. Specializations will also impact curricula — educational psychology covers different topics than education policy would.

Both Ph.D. programs and Ed.D. programs usually cover advanced theories, research, and practical applications in education. Coursework may explore educational leadership, research methods, curriculum development, educational policy, and instructional design.

Doctorate in Education Concentrations

Educational Administration

Educational administration prepares students for leadership roles in educational settings. Key skills taught in the concentration include strategic planning, organizational management, policy analysis, and ethical decision-making.

Higher Education

A higher education concentration develops skills and knowledge for leadership roles in colleges and universities. Learning outcomes include gaining expertise in higher education policy, administration, research, and pedagogy.

Curriculum Instruction

Curriculum instruction involves the design, strategies and assessment of curricula. Gaining expertise in curriculum development, instructional leadership, and research are common points of focus in this concentration.

Educational Leadership

Educational leadership focuses on leadership skills and knowledge specific to educational settings. Students learn about topics like strategic planning, organizational management, policy analysis, and educational equity.

Human Resource Development

Human resource development (HRD) prepares students to lead, design, and implement effective training and development programs in organizations. Learning outcomes include advanced knowledge in adult learning theories, organizational development, and strategic HRD.

How to Apply for a Doctorate in Education Program

Most doctorate in education programs require a master’s degree . Beyond that, Ph.D. in education requirements can vary. Some programs may prefer several years of related work experience. Others look for candidates who have leadership skills in an educational setting or teacher certifications. Or, it can be a combination of all the above.

The following are typical general admission requirements for a doctorate in education program:

Master’s Degree: Most programs require applicants to hold a master’s degree in education or a related field. Applicants typically need a strong foundation in educational theory and research. Most programs also require a minimum grade point average of 3.0.
Recommendation Letters: Programs often request 1-3 letters of recommendation from people who can speak to your capabilities. Ideally, they should have knowledge of your academic abilities, work experience, leadership potential, and commitment to the field of education.
Resume or Curriculum Vitae: A resume or curriculum vitae (CV) highlights your educational background, work experience, research involvement, publications, and other relevant achievements.
Purpose Statement: A purpose statement is a written essay about your passion and alignment with the program. Here, you’ll explain your motivations for pursuing a doctorate in education, research interest and career goals.
Test Scores: Some but not all Ph.D. programs require applicants to take the Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) and meet score expectations . Fewer Ed.D. programs require it, but some still do.

How Much Does a Doctoral in Education Degree Cost?

The tuition for a doctorate in education can vary based on several factors. The institution can play a significant role in determining the cost. Prestigious universities often have higher tuition rates compared to less renowned institutions.

Average Annual Tuition and Fees: Online vs. On-Campus Programs

Online Doctorate in Education

On-Campus Doctorate in Education

The program format also impacts tuition. Online programs sometimes have lower tuition due to reduced campus infrastructure costs. Full-time students generally pay higher tuition rates than part-time students due to campus-specific fees and higher course loads..

Other associated costs include textbooks, technology fees, research expenses and potentially housing and travel expenses for in-person programs.

What Can You Do With an Online Doctorate in Education?

A doctorate in education provides many career options . One path you can take is entering academia as a professor. You could also pursue leadership roles in K-12 institutions. For example, you could become a principal or superintendent, or a higher education leader. Other careers include educational consulting, policy analysis and research.

With a doctorate in education, you can make a meaningful impact in various settings. Common examples include schools, colleges, government agencies, nonprofit organizations, and research institutions.

According to April 2024 Payscale data , the average base salary for someone with a doctorate in education is $88,000.

Frequently Asked Questions About Doctorates in Education

Ed.d. vs. ph.d. in education: what is the difference.

Students of both an Ed.D. or Ph.D. are prepared with the skills to impact education positively, but from different perspectives. An Ed.D. focuses on practical application in education and prepares students for educational leadership, such as a principal, superintendent, or college president. A Ph.D. is a research-focused degree.

Can you get an Ed.D. or a Ph.D. in education online?

Yes, there are many online programs for an Ed.D. or a Ph.D. in education. Schools like the University of Arizona, Drexel University and Walden University offer online doctorates in education. Each program typically has a main focus. For example, Arizona State University’s online doctor of education is in leadership and innovation.

How many years does it take to get a doctorate in education?

How many years it takes to get a doctorate in education varies by program, required credits, and whether you’re a full-time or part-time student. The average time to complete an Ed.D. is three years. Whether you already have a master’s degree or have completed doctorate coursework can also affect completion time.

Do all doctorate in education programs require a master’s degree?

Many doctorate in education programs require a master’s degree, but some will allow you to earn a master’s degree as part of the Ph.D. curriculum. These programs may make accommodations for students with a bachelor’s who want to jump directly into a doctoral program.

Is getting an online doctorate in education worth it?

An online doctorate in education can be worth it for several reasons. A Ph.D. and Ed.D. are the highest level of education a person can earn in the field. NCES data shows online education doctoral programs are cheaper than in-person programs. Online programs also provide flexibility and convenience.