Are you interested in obtaining a reputable doctorate in higher education?
This article will examine some of the best educational administration and leadership Ph.D. programs available online. Candidates can utilize our rankings to locate the best fit for their interests, budgets, and career aspirations in our list.
Here, we will be reviewing the best Ed.D. programs in higher education.
Ed.D. Higher Education Programs: Online And On-Campus
A Ph.D. in educational administration teaches students how to be leaders and entrepreneurs, enabling them to run academic institutions.
Educators who want to advance their careers and earn more money often pursue graduate degrees.
Educators can go up the ranks by earning a Ph.D. in educational administration online. Graduates with a Ph.D. can work in K-12 and higher education administration and earn a median yearly salary of over $95,000.
Graduate students can specialize in educational administration, school administration, or higher education administration as part of an online Ph.D. program in educational administration.
Coursework and a dissertation help students improve their research and analytical abilities. Flexible online learning formats appeal to working educators trying to balance their jobs with their education.
Best Doctorate In Higher Education Administration
Below are the best doctoral programs in higher education administration online:
1. Andrews University
An online Ed.D.. and Ph.D. in higher education administration are available through Andrews University’s Moodle platform located in Berrien Springs, Michigan.
Most of these 60-61-credit programs are geared toward experienced educators, allowing participants to continue working while completing their degree in five years.
Higher education finance and administration of academic services are among the classes taken by students pursuing the Ed.D.. Track.
To pursue jobs as researchers and instructors, Ph.D. students study themes such as college student development theory and current issues in educational leadership.
A dissertation is required for both of these specializations.
Applicants for an online Ph.D. in higher education must have a master’s degree with a GPA of at least 3.3. In addition, they must provide a statement of purpose, a resume, and three references.
2. Colorado State University
CSU’s Global Campus serves around 12,500 students. Online Ph.D. in higher education leadership students can take advantage of the university’s scholar-practitioner learning paradigm.
Senior administrative employment in enrollment management, student services, and institutional research are available to students who complete the degree program.
This doctorate in higher education takes five years to complete and includes some on-campus meetings at Colorado State University’s Fort Collins campus.
Student growth in a collegiate setting is also addressed in the study. A dissertation and a comprehensive exam are required to complete a degree for distance learners.
A least 3.0 GPA on a master’s degree from an institution with regional accreditation is required for applicants. Having two or more years of relevant job experience is also necessary.
For admission to CSU, standardized exam scores are not required.
3. Concordia University Chicago
CUC offers over 100 career-oriented undergraduate and graduate programs. The online Ed.D.. and Ph.D. in higher education leadership pathways are available.
This curriculum requires students to complete 61-67 credits, which helps them acquire the advanced research skills necessary for making sound, evidence-based decisions.
Courses on human capital development and sustainable change form the core of the curriculum. Students learn about higher education law in governance and leadership as part of the specialization.
Learners must finish a dissertation and pass a rigorous exam to acquire an online doctorate in higher education.
To apply to CUC, applicants must have a master’s degree and a minimum 3.0 GPA. The university also requires at least two years of administration or teaching experience.
The GRE or MAT scores, two letters of recommendation, a scholarly writing sample, and a statement of intent are all required of prospective candidates.
4. The George Washington University
Over 26,000 students attend GW each year as a private research university. The university provides a Ph.D. in higher education administration for working professionals who aspire to advance.
GW’s Foggy Bottom campus requires some weekend classes in this program’s hybrid delivery strategy.
The 53-credit curriculum of the degree comprises fundamental courses like comparative and international higher education, college and university curricula, and theories for research on college students.
Qualitative research methods and group comparison models are also covered in the curriculum. A dissertation and a comprehensive test are required as part of the curriculum.
Applicants must submit GRE/MAT scores, a letter of recommendation, and a CV. Only the fall semester is open to prospective students.
5. Gwynedd Mercy University
Over 40 academic programs are offered at GMercyU, which serves 2,800 students.
With the help of the Blackboard platform, the school can offer online degrees like an executive Ed.D.. in educational leadership to students worldwide.
One subject is taken at a time in five- or seven-week sessions in this accelerated program, and students graduate in less than three years.
There are 54 credits required to complete the degree, which focuses on statistical research methodologies, educational policies and practices in the United States, and financial management.
Students learn to manage university enrollment and conduct program assessments based on facts rather than guesswork. As part of their training, they participate in three residencies.
Applicants must have a master’s degree in a relevant field with a minimum grade point average of 3.0. At least three years of full-time professional experience is also required for those applying.
GMercyU waives the GRE/MAT for applicants with a 3.5 GPA.
6. Indiana State University
More than 70 online programs, including a Ph.D. in educational administration focusing on leadership in higher education, are available through ISU’s Blackboard campus in Terre Haute.
Students in this program follow a cohort format, completing the same courses simultaneously as their peers. In two years, students complete their education.
As a scholar/practitioner, this program’s 72-credit curriculum covers courses like foundations of modern education, resource management in college and university administration, and organizational governance.
This Ph.D. in higher education allows students to learn practical skills through on-campus courses and an integrated internship.
A 3.3 GPA and a regionally accredited master’s degree are the minimal requirements for admission to ISU. They must submit three recommendations, GRE scores, and a personal essay about their achievements in educational leadership.
7. Maryville University
About 6,000 students are enrolled in Maryville’s online programs, which include more than 30 entirely online courses.
The Ed.D.. in higher education leadership can be completed in 32 months by graduate students at this institution. Additionally, this program provides students one-on-one mentorship by pairing them with a faculty member.
Reflective leadership practice and inquiry, data and analysis, and the competitive nature of higher education are among the required courses in the program.
Students also study design thinking to prepare them to lead strategic change and innovation. Residency programs allow students to enhance their professional network.
Applicants must have a master’s degree with a minimum 3.0 GPA and three years of relevant professional experience to be accepted into this online doctorate in higher education program.
Maryville University may grant you nine transferable credits depending on your post-education, master’s certification, and professional training.
8. Missouri Baptist University
A 30-month Ed.D.. in higher education leadership is one of several career-focused, online degrees offered by MBU through the Canvas platform.
Graduates of the program are prepared for senior administrative positions in postsecondary institutions, community-based organizations, and research and policy organizations.
Required courses in curriculum creation and advanced research methodologies are included in the program’s 42-45 credit curriculum.
Students also learn to establish a collaborative culture and make ethical decisions in their leadership and strategic planning classes.
Students can tailor their education to their interests with three elective courses and an on-campus stay.
Applicants must hold a master’s degree with a minimum GPA of 3.25. A resume, three letters of recommendation, and a sample of graduate-level research writing are all required for admission.
9. Notre Dame of Maryland University
Education professionals at NDMU can benefit from one of the state’s most extensive teacher-prep programs, enabling them to respond to many student and government demands.
The 51-credit curriculum consists of the following:
- Language and cultural diversity
- Assessment, evaluation, and accreditation
- Quantitative and qualitative research methodologies.
A dissertation and comprehensive test are the final requirements before graduation. By offering multiple start dates and no residency requirements, NDMU gives students a wide range of options.
A one-page personal statement and two letters of recommendation are required.
Numerous financial assistance options are available to School of Education students at NDMU, including awards tailored precisely to their needs.
10. Nova Southeastern University
Over 20,000 students attend NSU, its headquarters in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Doctor of Education in Higher Education Leadership is one of the flexible degrees offered by the university.
Students who complete this program’s 55-credit curriculum will be well-prepared for careers as human resource managers in corporations, university presidents, and policy analysts.
Topics like student affairs in higher education and quantitative data analysis are included in the required courses. It’s also a good idea for students to learn how to manage the institution’s finances.
Summer institute residency is required for NSU’s online Ph.D. in higher education.
At least a 3.0 GPA in a regionally accredited master’s degree is required for admission. GRE/MAT scores, as well as two letters of recommendation, are required for entry.
Graduate and professional students at NSU have numerous financial aid options.
11. Clark Atlanta University
CAU was formed in 1988 when Atlanta University and Clark College merged into one institution. Currently, the university serves nearly 4,000 students in 40 fields of study.
Six months of on-campus summer residencies are part of the 60-credit hour hybrid higher education in leadership curriculum.
GRE and GMAT scores are required, a completely online application and an official transcript, three letters of recommendation from three different people, a CV, and a form from the dean of students.
12. Drexel University
The Drexel University system has more than 24,000 students enrolled in 200-degree programs. It was established in 1891, with its first school in Philadelphia.
If students choose one of the ten offered concentrations, Drexel’s online educational leadership and administration doctorate requires 60-61.5 units. On a part-time basis, students can complete the degree in three to five years.
Three years of relevant work experience and a bachelor’s degree from a regionally qualified university are required for admission.
Students must submit official transcripts, three letters of recommendation, and a resume.
13. Edgewood College
The student body of Edgewood College, which numbers little over 2,000, has access to 60 majors and 40 minors.
Typically, students can complete the online doctor of education in higher education and leadership studies degree in three to four years.
Optional in-person residencies on campus in Madison are available to students. Both synchronous and asynchronous components make up the curriculum.
A Master’s degree, official transcript, two letters of recommendation, a statement of intent, and a curriculum vitae are all required for admission.
14. Liberty University
It takes three years for a doctorate in higher education administration to be completed online at Liberty University. Eight-week courses in this degree program allow students to rush through their studies, and students can transfer up to 15 credit hours toward this degree.
Students who complete this program will have the leadership and research abilities necessary to work in higher education. Completing a dissertation is part of the program’s requirements for students.
University professors, curriculum specialists, educational consultants, and other professionals will be among the options open to those who complete this program.
Liberty University was formed in 1971 and is based in Lynchburg, Virginia. More than 550 programs of study are available at this recognized evangelical liberal arts university.
Liberty University’s 16 colleges and institutions attract more than 100,000 students yearly.
Liberty University offers more than 250 online courses to students worldwide and the ones available on campus. Liberty University has frozen its undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral tuition rates for the previous four years, making higher education more accessible and affordable.
Credit for prior training, work experience, and military service may also be available to students, allowing them to finish their degree with fewer credits.
15. Sam Houston State University
Sam Houston State University offers an online doctor of education (Ed.D..) in Developmental Education Administration to accommodate working professionals and students who reside far away from the university.
It is possible to complete this 60-credit-hour program online, but graduates will get the same diploma and transcript as on-campus SHSU students.
Students at SHSU benefit from small class sizes and round-the-clock support, keeping them connected and engaged while studying from afar.
Scholarships are another option for students who need financial assistance paying for their education.
SHSU was established in 1879 as a school for the preparation of teachers. With seven academic divisions, the university now educates nearly 20,000 students.
Over 40 undergraduate and graduate degree programs are accessible entirely online. Students can save time and money by pursuing their undergraduate and graduate degrees online through SHSU.
Although SHSU’s main campus is in Huntsville, Texas, the university offers distance learning options for students regardless of where they live. SHSU’s online graduate education programs were included in the country’s top 50 by US News & World Report.
As for online graduate programs, SHSU’s graduate criminal justice and computer technology programs were placed third in the US.
16. East Carolina University
Students can get an EdS in Educational Administration and Supervision from East Carolina University.
This degree can be completed with a Dual Language Immersion Administration Certificate or a Superintendent Concentration.
Students who complete this degree program will be prepared to take on leadership roles in school districts.
As part of the program, students can learn about project-based learning in their school districts, gaining hands-on experience and expertise.
Cohorts of about 14 students each begin the program for two years.
Applicants to the program must hold a master’s degree in education or a closely related field and previous experience in educational leadership or supervision.
There are 120-degree programs available online at ECU in Greenville, North Carolina, and many bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees.
As of the 2018 Fall semester, ECU was home to over 28,000 students from 48 different states and 44 different countries worldwide. More than 2,000 academic members work at the university, home to more than 475 student organizations and clubs.
The university’s NCAA Division I sporting teams are open to student-athletes. ECU’s online graduate program has been recognized by US News & World Report.
Other rankings include Best Business Schools, Best Medical Schools, and Green Colleges by the Princeton Review.
17. Texas A&M University-commerce
Doctor of Education (Ed.D..) degree programs in educational administration are available at Texas A&M University-Commerce.
This is one of the few online doctoral programs in Texas and one of the largest. Each year, the program admits only two new students.
Therefore, anyone interested in applying should be informed that acceptance is highly competitive.
This 60-credit-hour curriculum includes writing classes early to prepare students for writing their dissertations.
Master’s degree applicants must have a 3.40 GPA and administrative experience. Students must finish the degree program to graduate ten calendar years after the entrance date.
Established in 1889, A&M-Commerce has offices throughout Texas, including Commerce, Dallas, Corsicana, Mesquite, McKinney, Midlothian, and Rockwell.
A&M-Commerce also has a location in Oklahoma City. As Texas’ fifth-oldest institution, it now offers 144 distinct degree options for students at all academic levels.
The student body has 120 clubs and organizations to choose from.
For the Honors College at A&M-Commerce, 50 students will get full-tuition scholarships, while students in the Regents’ Scholars Programs will earn a four-year scholarship covering housing and tuition costs.
Campus highlights include an alumni center, planetarium, and new student housing.
18. Carson-Newman University
Online students at Carson-Newman University can get a Doctor of Education degree in Administrative Leadership. Program completion within seven years of enrollment is required for students enrolled in the 57-credit hour program.
In the fall and spring, students take one three-credit course every eight weeks, and in the summer, they can take up to four courses.
This course is online, with online assignments, discussions, and group activities. A minimum of three years of teaching experience at the PreK-12 level is required for admission.
To be eligible for the Administrative Licensure Specialization, students must be employed by a Tennessee public school district.
As a non-profit university based out of Jefferson City, Tennessee, Carson-Newman University provides online and hybrid Master of Education degree programs.
It’s a “teacher-friendly” university that provides teachers with various financial incentives.
19. West Virginia University
A hybrid Ed.D.. in Higher Education Administration is available from West Virginia University. A mix of online and face-to-face classes is available for some students, while others can only be taken online.
Students juggling a full-time job and school can still take advantage of the face-to-face classes held at night or on weekends.
Students can choose from four areas of concentration within this degree program:
- Curriculum and Assessment;
- College Student Development;
- Administration, Organizations, and Policy; or
- Individual Studies in Higher Education Administration.
Founded in 1867, West Virginia University (WVU) is a land-grant college with almost 30,000 students on campus as of Fall 2018. Morgantown, Beckley, and Keyser are the three campuses that make up the West Virginia University system.
In addition to the 25 Rhodes scholars, 24 Truman scholars, 45 Goldwater scholars, and more, WVU students have received numerous notable awards.
19 Carnegie Foundation Professors of the Year are also on the faculty and as many other distinguished academics. Intramural and club sports are available to students, over 450 student organizations, and 18 varsity sports.
20. New Mexico State University
New Mexico State University’s Educational Leadership Doctoral Program offers students the opportunity to earn a Ph.D. in Educational Administration or a Ph.D. in Educational Leadership.
Students can complete the 63-credit-hour Doctor of Education degree in three years; the 78-credit-hour Doctor of Philosophy program takes longer.
As a result of their integrated format, these degrees are well-suited for working professionals.
Students meet face-to-face and participate in online synchronous and hybrid courses on the weekends, with about 20% of the degree’s online content.
Each student in the program must have a master’s degree to apply.
Students at New Mexico State University (NMSU) can choose from more than 70 academic programs ranging from certificates to bachelor’s to master’s degrees.
In addition, NMSU Online offers more than 500 online courses.
It is possible to complete some degree programs wholly online and some in a hybrid style. Scholarships are available to NMSU Online students, as are grants from the federal and state governments of New Mexico.
As a military and veteran-friendly university at New Mexico State University, NMSU provides numerous benefits to military personnel, veterans, and families.
These include priority registration, transferable military credits applied toward degrees, etc.
Conclusion On Ph.D. In Higher Education
Here are the best on-campus and online Ed.D. programs in higher education.