Best Online Doctorate in Education Programs

Earning a doctorate degree is no easy feat, but if you're passionate about learning and teaching others, then you'll surely push

Updated on January 13, 2023

Do you love leading, teaching, and helping others? Are you ready for your next big challenge? Check out the best online Education Degrees!

Whether you've been teaching for many years or you're looking for an exciting new challenge, earning a Doctor of Education degree will certainly take you to new heights. Pursuing a doctorate degree is no easy feat, but if you're passionate about learning and teaching others, then you'll surely push through and meet your greatest career goals! Online learning is the way of the future, and you'll find that the schools below make earning a flexible and affordable PhD in Education accessible to working professionals.

What kind of Education degree should you get?

The type of degree you get depends on your level of education and where you are in your career. If you're just starting out and don't yet have a teaching license, you'll want to look into bachelor and master's programs in teaching. However, if you already hold a master's degree in education and you have some work experience under your belt, you may be looking for a new challenge. If that's the case, a PhD in Education may be the perfect choice for you!

If you currently have a job that you're not willing to give up in order to earn a degree, don't worry! Many people feel the same way – many college programs now are cater to folks like you with flexible and affordable online options. In fact, many online programs now offer 24/7 tech support and asynchronous classes. If you're looking for more online options, we've ranked the overall Best Online Colleges and Universities.

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How much money do people make with an Education degree?

It's hard to pinpoint exactly how much you'll make after earning a PhD in Education. Your past experience and where you decide to work afterwards will have a great impact on your salary. According to PayScale, a school superintendent with a PhD can earn upwards of $163,000 per year, while a professor and associate dean can rake in close to $125,000 annually.

While elementary, middle, and high school teachers notoriously make low annual wages, earning a PhD in Education will bump you into a new level. Working on the administrative level and even as a professor in higher education will send your salary soaring. Of course, many educators are purely passionate about what they do and the salary is just a bonus!

What can you do with a PhD degree in Education?

As mentioned above, there are plenty of paths you can take with a PhD in Education. This is not a degree meant purely for teachers. In fact, you may dream of becoming a dean, provost, school superintendent, or executive director of a university – all of these career paths are possible with a PhD in Education.

While many careers in education are attainable with just a master's degree, a PhD will allow you to do more research and really hone in on your individual passions. From there, you can spread your knowledge to others and create a better educational experience for all students.

What are the requirements for a PhD degree in Education?

Most of the below PhD programs require applicants to hold a master's degree in education or a related field. It is also expected that you'll have at least a few years of teaching experience, or related industry experience, prior to applying. Once admitted, students will be expected to complete required coursework in addition to researching, writing, and defending a dissertation. Some of the below programs also require internships or other field experiences. While these degrees can be earned online, many of the below programs do require in-person summer residencies.

What are the best Education degrees?

Here at College Choice, we take our ranking seriously. We know that pursuing a PhD is a huge investment and we've compiled a list of the 40 Best Online PhD in Education degrees just for you! The best degrees aren't just found at Ivy League schools…in fact, some of the best are offered through close-knit, small colleges and universities. You'll get more bang for your buck and a more convenient and flexible schedule as well! The list below ranges from small schools to larger ones.

We've found that the best degrees are those that offer fair not only fair prices, but ample flexibility and convenience as well! To find the best degrees for you, we look at the best schools in the country based on reputation, student satisfaction, program quality, and return on investment. Then we review the bottom line – just how much is this going to cost? Check out our methodology page for a more in depth description of our data.

Once we determine all of the above, we curate a list of stellar schools for you! These not only represent the best degrees you can get, but also ones that will fit your budget. Check out our picks below!

Best Online Education Doctorate Degrees

See our rankings methodology page.

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