Best Online Doctorate in Educational Administration
Updated January 8, 2024
Earning a PhD in Education Administration Degree
An educational administration doctorate develops leadership and entrepreneurial skills, preparing graduates to oversee academic organizations.
Educators often pursue graduate degrees to expand their career prospects and increase their earning potential. An online doctorate in education administration helps educators advance into leadership roles. With a doctorate, graduates can work as K-12 education administrators and higher education administrators, earning median salaries of over $95,000 per year.
During online doctoral programs in educational administration, graduate students choose specializations and complete advanced coursework in educational leadership, school administration, and higher education administration. Enrollees strengthen their research and analytical skills through coursework and a dissertation. Online learning formats prioritize flexibility, which appeals to working educators who need to balance school with their careers.
This page explores the best online doctoral programs in educational administration. Prospective applicants can use our rankings to find the right fit for their interests, budgets, and career goals.
Featured Educational Administration Programs
The Best Online Doctorate in Educational Administration Programs
We use trusted sources like
Peterson's Data and
the National Center for Education Statistics to inform the data for these schools.
#1 Best Online Doctorate in Educational Administration
Andrews University
Berrien Springs, MI - 4 years
- Online + Campus
The doctor of education in higher education administration program at Andrews University offers an online option for doctoral students. Degree-seekers benefit from the private university's flexible format. Doctoral candidates receive research support, library access, and career advising.
The doctoral program includes a rigorous curriculum in education administration. After passing comprehensive examinations, doctoral candidates begin working on an original dissertation project. As the highest degree in education administration, the doctorate meets requirements for research, academic, and leadership roles.
Doctoral students attending the accredited institution online qualify for several forms of financial aid. Contact the education administration program for more information about doctoral admissions.
Andrews University at a Glance:
Online Student Enrollment: 918
Online Master's Programs: 7
Online Doctoral Programs: 6
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 10-to-1
Graduate Tuition Rate: $27,216
#2 Best Online Doctorate in Educational Administration
Arkansas State University-Main Campus
Jonesboro, AR - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Doctoral students seeking an online program benefit from the doctorate of education in educational leadership program at Arkansas State University. At the public institution, degree-seekers complete a doctorate in a flexible environment. Doctoral candidates strengthen their research skills and present in academic conferences.
The doctoral program includes a rigorous curriculum in educational leadership. After passing comprehensive examinations, doctoral candidates complete a dissertation that contributes original research to the field. With an education administration doctorate, graduates pursue academic, research, and industry roles.
Doctoral students qualify for several forms of financial aid at the accredited institution. Reach out to the program to learn more about the application process and start dates.
Arkansas State University at a Glance:
Online Student Enrollment: 7,939
Online Master's Programs: 19
Online Doctoral Programs: 2
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 18-to-1
Graduate Tuition Rate: $4,986
#3 Best Online Doctorate in Educational Administration
Belhaven University
Jackson, MS - 4 years
- Online + Campus
The doctor of education in educational leadership program at Belhaven University enrolls online learners. The private university provides flexible enrollment options to meet the needs of diverse degree-seekers. Doctoral students strengthen their research skills and present in academic conferences.
Learners complete doctoral coursework in the online educational leadership program. After passing comprehensive examinations, doctoral candidates conduct research for their dissertation. An education administration doctorate leads to job opportunities in research, academia, and leadership.
Doctoral students who attend the accredited institution in an online format qualify for several types of financial aid. Prospective applicants can contact the program to learn more about research support, financial aid opportunities, and admission requirements.
Belhaven University at a Glance:
Online Student Enrollment: 2,200
Online Master's Programs: 14
Online Doctoral Programs: 1
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 8-to-1
Graduate Tuition Rate: $10,170
#4 Best Online Doctorate in Educational Administration
City University of Seattle
Seattle, WA - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Doctoral students seeking an online program benefit from the doctor of education in leadership program at City University of Seattle. With its flexible format, the private university helps degree-seekers complete a doctorate. Doctoral candidates receive support services like career advising and research support.
The doctoral program incorporates advanced education administration coursework. After passing comprehensive examinations, program participants conduct research for their dissertation. Graduates with an education administration doctorate pursue roles in research, academia, and leadership.
Online doctoral students at the accredited institution qualify for several forms of financial aid. Reach out to the program to learn more about financial aid opportunities, admissions requirements, and start dates.
City University of Seattle at a Glance:
Online Student Enrollment: 1,568
Online Master's Programs: 16
Online Doctoral Programs: 2
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 6-to-1
Graduate Tuition Rate: $11,430
#5 Best Online Doctorate in Educational Administration
Clark Atlanta University
Atlanta, GA - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Clark Atlanta University offers a top-ranked online doctor of education in higher education leadership program. The private university offers flexible enrollment options for degree-seekers. Doctoral students receive research support throughout the program.
The online education administration program requires that participants complete doctoral coursework. Doctoral candidates also pass comprehensive examinations and conduct research for their dissertation. An education administration doctorate leads to job opportunities in research, academia, and leadership.
Online doctoral students at the accredited institution pay for their degree with scholarships, fellowships, and loans. Reach out to the higher education leadership program to learn more about admission requirements.
Clark Atlanta University at a Glance:
Online Student Enrollment: 31
Online Doctoral Programs: 1
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 19-to-1
Graduate Tuition Rate: $16,290
#6 Best Online Doctorate in Educational Administration
Concordia University Irvine
Irvine, CA - 4 years
- Online + Campus
The doctor of education in leadership program at Concordia University Irvine offers a doctorate in an online learning format. Degree-seekers benefit from the private university's flexible format. Doctoral students receive research support and participate in scholarly events.
The online education administration program requires that participants complete doctoral coursework. Doctoral candidates move through the program by passing exams and researching a dissertation project. With a doctorate in education administration, graduates pursue academic, research, and industry roles.
Online doctoral students at the accredited institution qualify for several forms of financial aid. Prospective applicants can contact the program for more about financial aid and admission requirements.
Concordia University Irvine at a Glance:
Online Student Enrollment: 2,478
Online Master's Programs: 11
Online Doctoral Programs: 1
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 16-to-1
Graduate Tuition Rate: $7,953
#7 Best Online Doctorate in Educational Administration
Drexel University
Philadelphia, PA - 4 years
- Online + Campus
The doctor of education in educational leadership and management program at Drexel University offers a flexible route to a doctorate. Degree-seekers benefit from the private university's flexible format. Doctoral students also benefit from research support, career advising, and library access.
The online program requires that participants complete doctoral-level coursework. After meeting coursework requirements, doctoral candidates conduct research and defend an original dissertation that contributes to the field. As the highest degree in education administration, the doctorate meets requirements for research, academic, and leadership roles.
Doctoral students qualify for federal financial aid and fellowships at the accredited institution. Reach out to the program to learn more about financial aid opportunities, admissions requirements, and start dates.
Drexel University at a Glance:
Online Student Enrollment: 9,300
Online Master's Programs: 39
Online Doctoral Programs: 2
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 11-to-1
Graduate Tuition Rate: $35,181
#8 Best Online Doctorate in Educational Administration
East Tennessee State University
Johnson City, TN - 4 years
- Online + Campus
The doctor of education in higher education leadership program at East Tennessee State University uses an online learning format. With flexible enrollment options, the public school helps degree-seekers earn a doctorate. Doctoral students participate in career counseling and benefit from research support.
The online education administration program requires that participants complete doctoral coursework. After passing comprehensive examinations, doctoral candidates propose a dissertation topic and conduct research in their specialty area. An education administration doctorate leads to job opportunities in research, academia, and leadership.
Doctoral students attending the accredited institution online qualify for several forms of financial aid. Reach out to the higher education leadership program to learn more about admission requirements.
East Tennessee State University at a Glance:
Online Student Enrollment: 7,986
Online Master's Programs: 2
Online Doctoral Programs: 1
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 15-to-1
Graduate Tuition Rate: $8,640
#9 Best Online Doctorate in Educational Administration
Edgewood College
Madison, WI - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Doctoral students seeking an online program benefit from the doctor of education in higher education and leadership studies program at Edgewood College. With its flexible format, the private university helps degree-seekers complete a doctorate. Doctoral students participate in career advising and gain research skills.
The online education administration program requires a minimum number of credits of doctoral coursework. After meeting coursework requirements, doctoral candidates pass a comprehensive examination and conduct research for an original dissertation or project. As the highest degree in education administration, the doctorate trains graduates for academic, research, and leadership careers.
Doctoral students qualify for federal financial aid and fellowships at the accredited institution. Contact the higher education and leadership studies program to learn more about financial aid, enrollment options, and start dates.
Edgewood College at a Glance:
Online Student Enrollment: 565
Online Master's Programs: 6
Online Doctoral Programs: 3
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 10-to-1
Graduate Tuition Rate: $17,856
#10 Best Online Doctorate in Educational Administration
Endicott College
Beverly, MA - 4 years
- Online + Campus
The doctor of education in educational leadership in higher education program at Endicott College offers a flexible route to a doctorate. Degree-seekers benefit from the flexible enrollment options at the private university. Doctoral students receive research support, library access, and career advising.
The doctoral program incorporates advanced higher education leadership coursework. The program also requires passing scores on a comprehensive examination and the successful defense of an original dissertation project. As the highest degree in education administration, the doctorate meets requirements for research, academic, and leadership roles.
Doctoral students pay for the program with federal financial aid, fellowships, and scholarships. Reach out to the higher education leadership program to learn more about admission requirements.
Endicott College at a Glance:
Online Student Enrollment: 1,949
Online Master's Programs: 8
Online Doctoral Programs: 1
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 11-to-1
Graduate Tuition Rate: $12,555
#11 Best Online Doctorate in Educational Administration
Hampton University
Hampton, VA - 4 years
- Online + Campus
The doctor of philosophy in educational management program at Hampton University offers an online option for doctoral students. At the private institution, degree-seekers take doctoral classes in a flexible format. Doctoral students work closely with faculty mentors and career advisors.
During the online education administration program, learners take doctoral courses to earn their degree. After meeting coursework requirements, doctoral candidates pass a comprehensive examination and conduct research for an original dissertation or project. Professionals with an education administration doctorate work in academia, research, and leadership roles.
At the accredited institution, doctoral students qualify for several forms of financial aid. Prospective applicants can contact the program directly to learn more about research support, financial aid opportunities, and admission requirements.
Hampton University at a Glance:
Online Student Enrollment: 490
Online Master's Programs: 3
Online Doctoral Programs: 3
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 14-to-1
Graduate Tuition Rate: $12,475
#12 Best Online Doctorate in Educational Administration
Indiana State University
Terre Haute, IN - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Doctoral students seeking an online program benefit from the doctor of philosophy in educational administration: higher education leadership program at Indiana State University. At the public institution, degree-seekers complete a doctorate in a flexible environment. Doctoral students participate in career counseling and benefit from research support.
During the online education leadership program, learners complete advanced coursework in the discipline. After completing the coursework, doctoral candidates conduct research for their dissertation or doctoral project. Graduates with an education leadership doctorate pursue roles in research, academia, and leadership.
Doctoral students qualify for fellowships, scholarships, and federal financial aid programs at the accredited institution. Contact the education leadership program to learn more about financial aid, enrollment options, and start dates.
Indiana State University at a Glance:
Online Student Enrollment: 5,748
Online Master's Programs: 18
Online Doctoral Programs: 4
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 18-to-1
Graduate Tuition Rate: $7,542
#13 Best Online Doctorate in Educational Administration
Lamar University
Beaumont, TX - 4 years
- Online + Campus
The online doctor of education in educational leadership program, offered by Lamar University, ranks as a top program in the field. The public university provides flexible enrollment options to meet the needs of diverse degree-seekers. Doctoral students also benefit from research support, career advising, and library access.
In the online educational leadership program, learners take advanced doctoral coursework. After completing the coursework, doctoral candidates conduct research for their dissertation or doctoral project. As the terminal degree in educational leadership, the program leads to career opportunities in academia, research, and industry.
At the accredited institution, doctoral students can use fellowships, scholarships, and other forms of financial aid to pay for their degree. Contact the program for more information about research support and financial aid.
Lamar University at a Glance:
Online Student Enrollment: 11,310
Online Master's Programs: 13
Online Doctoral Programs: 1
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 18-to-1
Graduate Tuition Rate: $6,324
#14 Best Online Doctorate in Educational Administration
Liberty University
Lynchburg, VA - 4 years
- Online + Campus
The doctor of education in educational leadership program at Liberty University offers a flexible route to a doctorate. At the private university, degree-seekers participate in virtual classrooms to earn a doctorate. Doctoral students engage in advanced research and benefit from support services.
During the online educational leadership program, learners complete advanced coursework in the discipline. After passing comprehensive examinations, doctoral candidates spend 1-2 years researching and writing their dissertation. With a doctorate in educational leadership, professionals work in academia, research, and leadership roles.
The accredited institution meets federal requirements for financial aid support. Reach out to the program to learn more about the application process and start dates.
Liberty University at a Glance:
Online Student Enrollment: 78,511
Online Master's Programs: 67
Online Doctoral Programs: 9
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 17-to-1
Graduate Tuition Rate: $7,980
#15 Best Online Doctorate in Educational Administration
Nebraska Methodist College
Omaha, NE - 4 years
- Online + Campus
The doctor of education in education and leadership in healthcare program at Nebraska Methodist College appeals to doctoral students seeking an online route to their degree. At the private institution, degree-seekers take doctoral classes in a flexible format. Doctoral candidates participate in career counseling and benefit from research support.
During the online education administration program, learners take doctoral courses to earn their degree. After passing comprehensive examinations, doctoral candidates conduct research for their dissertation. With a doctorate in education administration, graduates pursue academic, research, and industry roles.
Online doctoral students at the accredited institution qualify for several forms of financial aid. Reach out to the program to learn more about the application process and start dates.
Nebraska Methodist College at a Glance:
Online Student Enrollment: 696
Online Master's Programs: 6
Online Doctoral Programs: 5
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 13-to-1
Graduate Tuition Rate: $11,955
#16 Best Online Doctorate in Educational Administration
Nova Southeastern University
Fort Lauderdale, FL - 4 years
- Online + Campus
The doctor of education in higher education leadership at Nova Southeastern University appeals to learners seeking an online doctorate. The private university provides flexible enrollment options to meet the needs of diverse degree-seekers. Doctoral students engage in advanced research and benefit from support services.
In the online education administration program, learners take advanced doctoral coursework. The program also requires passing scores on a comprehensive examination and the successful defense of an original dissertation project. As the terminal degree in education administration, the doctoral program trains graduates for roles in academia, research, and industry.
The accredited institution meets federal requirements for financial aid support. Prospective applicants can contact the program to learn more about research support, financial aid opportunities, and admission requirements.
Nova Southeastern University at a Glance:
Online Student Enrollment: 9,298
Online Master's Programs: 46
Online Doctoral Programs: 9
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 17-to-1
Graduate Tuition Rate: $19,665
#17 Best Online Doctorate in Educational Administration
Regent University
Virginia Beach, VA - 4 years
- Online + Campus
The online doctor of education in higher education leadership and management program at Regent University ranks as one of the best degrees in the education administration field. The private university offers flexible enrollment options for degree-seekers. Doctoral students participate in career counseling and benefit from research support.
The online education administration program requires that participants complete advanced doctoral coursework. After passing comprehensive examinations, doctoral candidates begin working on an original dissertation project. With a education administration doctorate, graduates pursue academic, research, and industry roles.
Doctoral students who enroll online at the accredited institution qualify for fellowships, scholarships, and other forms of financial aid. Reach out to the program to learn more about the application process and start dates.
Regent University at a Glance:
Online Student Enrollment: 9,507
Online Master's Programs: 37
Online Doctoral Programs: 12
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 29-to-1
Graduate Tuition Rate: $15,552
#18 Best Online Doctorate in Educational Administration
Rowan University
Glassboro, NJ - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Rowan University offers a top-ranked online doctor of education in educational leadership - higher education program. At the public institution, degree-seekers take doctoral classes in a flexible format. Doctoral students conduct research and participate in academic conferences.
In the online educational leadership program, learners complete doctoral coursework and strengthen advanced skills. After passing comprehensive examinations, doctoral candidates propose a dissertation topic and conduct research in their specialty area. An educational leadership doctorate leads to job opportunities in research, academia, and leadership.
Doctoral students who enroll online at the accredited institution qualify for fellowships, scholarships, and other forms of financial aid. Contact the program for more information about research support and financial aid.
Rowan University at a Glance:
Online Student Enrollment: 6,694
Online Master's Programs: 7
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 17-to-1
Graduate Tuition Rate: $12,879
#19 Best Online Doctorate in Educational Administration
Southwest Baptist University
Bolivar, MO - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Doctoral students seeking an online program benefit from the doctor of education in educational leadership program at Southwest Baptist University. Degree-seekers benefit from the private university's flexible format. Doctoral students participate in career advising and gain research skills.
The online educational leadership program requires a minimum number of credits of doctoral coursework. After passing comprehensive examinations, doctoral candidates spend 1-2 years researching and writing their dissertation. As the highest degree in education administration, the doctorate trains graduates for academic, research, and leadership careers.
Doctoral students pay for the program with federal financial aid, fellowships, and scholarships. Reach out to the program to learn more about financial aid opportunities, admissions requirements, and start dates.
Southwest Baptist University at a Glance:
Online Student Enrollment: 1,145
Online Master's Programs: 2
Online Doctoral Programs: 1
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 12-to-1
Graduate Tuition Rate: $5,004
#20 Best Online Doctorate in Educational Administration
Southwestern College
Winfield, KS - 4 years
- Online + Campus
The doctor of education in educational leadership program at Southwestern College offers an online option for doctoral students. Thanks to the flexible format, the private institution makes it easier to complete a doctorate. Doctoral students strengthen their research skills and present in academic conferences.
The doctoral program includes a rigorous curriculum in education administration. After passing comprehensive examinations, doctoral candidates choose a dissertation topic and conduct research in their specialty area. As the terminal degree in education administration, the program prepares graduates for academic, research, and industry positions.
The accredited institution meets federal requirements for financial aid support. Reach out to the educational leadership program to learn more about admission requirements.
Southwestern College at a Glance:
Online Student Enrollment: 905
Online Master's Programs: 8
Online Doctoral Programs: 1
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 10-to-1
Graduate Tuition Rate: $11,340
Online Doctorate in Educational Administration Programs Ranking Guidelines
We ranked these degree programs based on quality, curricula, school awards, rankings, and reputation.
Our Methodology
Here at TheBestSchools.org, we take the trust and welfare of our readers very seriously. When making our school and program rankings, our top priority is ensuring that our readers get accurate, unbiased information that can help them make informed decisions about online education. That's why we've developed a rigorous ranking methodology that keeps the needs of our readers front and center.
Our proprietary, multi-criteria ranking algorithm analyzes key data indicators — as collected by the federal government — for each school or program. What data we use depends on the focus of each specific ranking, but in all cases, our ranking methodology is impartial: Schools cannot buy better rankings at TBS.
While specific criteria under consideration can vary by ranking, there are a few data points that we value most highly. They are affordability, academic quality, and online enrollment. Below, we break down our algorithm to help you understand what you're getting when you use one of our rankings.
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Academics -
Affordability -
Online Enrollment
Data Sources
The data used in TBS rankings comes primarily from the federal government, and much of it is provided by the schools themselves. We aggregate and analyze this data to build our rankings.
The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) is our primary source. Its data comes from annual surveys conducted by the U.S. Department of Education's National Center for Education Statistics (NCES). Every college, university, or technical school with access to federal financial aid must participate in these surveys, which include questions about enrollment, graduation rates, finances, and faculty qualifications. This is publicly available data, which you can access yourself through the College Navigator.
Additionally, because we value a personal touch and the professional experience of our staff and Academic Advisory Board, we vet all results and adjust rankings as necessary based on our collected knowledge of schools and degree programs. Depending on the ranking, we may obtain additional input from AcademicInfluence.com, subject matter experts, prior TBS ranking lists, or other sources we deem relevant to a particular ranking.
Breakdown of Our Rankings Methodology
About Our Ranking Factors
Here at TBS, we value what you value: quality education, affordability, and the accessibility of online education. These factors guide all of our program rankings.
Each of these factors are further broken down into weighted subfactors. For example, retention rates are weighted more heavily than availability of program options because they are a better indicator of student success.
We chose the following factors for our rankings because of their influence on learning experiences and graduate outcomes. However, students should always balance our rankings against their personal priorities. For instance, a learner who needs a fully online program may prioritize online flexibility more than our rankings do. Our rankings are designed to help you make a decision — not to make a decision for you.
Academics - 75%
Affordability - 15%
Online Enrollment - 10%
In all our school rankings and recommendations, we work for objectivity and balance. We carefully research and compile each ranking list, and as stated in our advertising disclosure, we do NOT permit financial incentives to influence rankings. Our articles never promote or disregard a school for financial gain.
If you have questions about our ranking methodology, please feel free to connect with our staff through contact page.
We thank you for your readership and trust.
Educational Administration Degree Overview
An online doctorate in educational administration prepares graduates for roles as school administrators, college administrators, education researchers, policymakers, and education professors. The degree strengthens decision-making, analytical, and problem-solving skills. Practitioner-focused doctoral programs incorporate real-world situations to train students for leadership roles in education.
Many doctoral programs use specializations to tailor coursework to specific careers. For example, many institutions offer specializations for superintendents, higher education administrators, and education policymakers. Other concentrations include special education administration, international education, and learning technologies.
During a doctoral program, graduate students take core courses and electives in their specializations and typically complete a comprehensive examination to demonstrate mastery. After coursework is completed, doctoral candidates research and write a dissertation. Many Ed.D. programs also incorporate an internship or practicum to help students develop practical experience.
Professionals with doctorates in education work at the highest levels of the field. At the K-12 level, they can work as principals and superintendents. In higher education, they can pursue research roles or work as higher education administrators.
What Is the Difference Between an Ed.D. and Ph.D. in Educational Administration?
At the doctoral level, graduate students can pursue Ed.D. or Ph.D. degrees in educational administration. An Ed.D. trains students to work in a secondary or administrative teaching environment, while a Ph.D. focuses on research and academia.
Both degrees require coursework, comprehensive exams, and a dissertation, but they differ in some key ways. An Ed.D. typically requires three years, while a Ph.D. takes 4-5 years. With an Ed.D., graduates can work in school administration and higher education administration, while a Ph.D. leads to careers in academia and research.
Common Specializations in Educational Administration
During an online doctorate in educational administration, incoming degree-seekers use specializations to focus their coursework. Common specializations include school leadership, higher education, and administrative licensure, all offering focused coursework that prepares graduates for specific career paths.
Administrative Licensure
Some doctoral programs offer a licensure track to prepare graduates for school administrator licenses. Coursework covers school leadership, instructional supervision, and human resource management in education. This specialization may focus on principal preparation, superintendent licensure, or other administrative roles. Most programs with licensure options train graduates for roles in the public school system.
School Leadership
A school leadership specialization emphasizes planning, management, and administrative abilities at the school level. Educators and administrators in school leadership concentrations study community engagement, instructional leadership, and data analysis. The degree strengthens administrative skills and helps educators advance their careers.
Higher Education
In a higher education specialization, doctoral students learn best practices for managing student services and administration at the college level. Coursework focuses on evaluating institutional and student needs, designing and implementing programs, and evaluating program effectiveness. Graduates pursue careers as college and university administrators.
PreK-12 Education
A concentration in preK-12 education focuses on administration and leadership at the preschool, elementary, and secondary levels. Doctoral students take courses in school leadership, data analysis, and curriculum development. Some concentrations meet licensure requirements for principals. The specialization also explores research at the preK-12 level, preparing graduates for policymaking and administrative roles.
How Long Does It Take to Complete an Online Doctorate in Educational Administration Program?
Earning an online doctorate in education administration typically takes around three years for full-time students. Some programs offer an accelerated route to the degree, which can take as little as two years. Program length depends on several factors, including program requirements, the student's enrollment status, and whether the school uses a cohort model.
Online doctorates can use either synchronous or asynchronous delivery. Synchronous courses use live meetings, while asynchronous courses have no set login times — only assignment deadlines. Working professionals or doctoral candidates with busy schedules may prefer asynchronous delivery.
Accreditation Educational Administration Degree Programs
Prospective students should always choose regionally accredited institutions for doctoral programs. Regionally accredited universities meet the highest standards for awarding degrees.
Educational administration programs can also hold programmatic accreditation from specialized accrediting agencies, such as the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation. This agency evaluates programs based on their student learning outcomes, faculty qualifications, and graduation requirements.
Paying for an Educational Administration Degree
Doctoral students can pay for their degrees with savings, scholarships, fellowships, and student loans — or some combination thereof. Graduate students qualify for many of the same financial aid opportunities as undergraduates.
Graduate students can receive federal financial aid, including student loans and work-study wages. To qualify for federal aid, degree-seekers must submit Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) forms for every year they are in school.
FAFSA automatically considers graduate learners independent students when determining their federal student aid eligibility. Doctoral students who demonstrate financial need qualify for the federal work-study program, which connects recipients with job opportunities on campus or in their local areas.
In addition to federal aid, doctoral students often rely on institutional support to pay for their degrees. Many universities offer graduate assistantships or fellowships that include a tuition waiver and stipend. Private organizations, including professional associations, also offer fellowships for graduate learners.
Other funding sources include state financial aid, private and local scholarships, private student loans, and employer tuition assistance programs. Finally, many graduate students pay for some of their college costs out-of-pocket. An online program makes it easier to continue working while earning a degree, allowing students to maintain a steady source of income during graduate school.
Educational Administration Jobs
Educational administrators can work in several settings. At the K-12 level, they can become principals, instructional coordinators, and superintendents. These careers often require a license, and a doctorate in education administration with a licensure option qualifies graduates to apply for this credential.
Educational administrators can also work in higher education as college administrators and professors. For example, a doctorate in educational administration can lead to employment as a tenure-track professor.
Outside of education, the degree prepares graduates for roles in training and development and instructional design. Below are a few common careers for individuals with doctorates in educational administration, including median salary data and projected job growth.
College/University Education Administrators
| Median Salary (2019): $97,500 | Projected Job Growth (2019-2029): 4% |
|---|
College and university education administrators oversee the administrative needs of higher education organizations. These education administrators manage student affairs departments, oversee financial aid offices, and work alongside registrars. Some administrators oversee academic development. Employers typically require candidate to have a graduate degree, and some positions specifically require a doctorate.
Training and Development Managers
| Median Salary (2019): $115,640 | Projected Job Growth (2019-2029): 7% |
|---|
These managers assess organizations' training needs, develop programs to meet those needs, and oversee the training and development process. They review training materials, update training programs, and manage instructors who present the material. Training and development managers also assess the effectiveness of both programs and individual instructors.
Elementary, Middle, and High School Principals
| Median Salary (2019): $98,490 | Projected Job Growth (2019-2029): 4% |
|---|
K-12 principals oversee daily school operations. They manage staff, set school policies, and implement curriculum standards. Principals often observe teachers, hire new staff, and meet with parents or administrators. Most principals have graduate degrees and prior classroom experience. Many states require a principal or school administrator license.
Instructional Coordinators
| Median Salary (2019): $66,970 | Projected Job Growth (2019-2029): 6% |
|---|
Instructional coordinators develop school curricula, set teaching standards, and evaluate student data to modify curricula or teaching approaches. They also review educational material, train teachers on techniques or technologies, and measure curriculum effectiveness. Instructional coordinators typically have a graduate degree, prior teaching experience, and a teaching or administrator license.
Popular Questions About Educational Administration
What Is the Difference Between Educational Administration and Educational Leadership?
Both educational administration and educational leadership programs train educators for advanced positions. However, educational leadership often focuses on principal or superintendent training, while educational administration focuses on K-12 school administration and higher education administration. The top online doctoral programs in educational leadership also prepare graduates for academic roles, like professorships.
What Degree Do You Need To Be an Education Administrator?
An education administrator typically needs a master's degree to work as a school principal or superintendent. Some roles require a doctorate, including tenure-track teaching positions in higher education.
Can You Be a School Administrator Without Being a Teacher?
Most school administrators work as teachers before moving into administrative roles. In some states, a principal must hold a teacher's license before applying for a school administrator license. However, other administrative roles may not require classroom experience.
What Are School Administrator Duties and Responsibilities?
School administrators set policies for their schools or districts, oversee daily school operations, and manage budgets. They also direct staff, promote a welcoming learning environment, and report to the superintendent or school board.
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