35 Best Online Doctoral Programs in Education without Dissertation [2024 Programs]
By Joy Miller
Edited by Tania Staley
Updated on October 1, 2024
We’ve compiled information on 35 of the best accredited online doctoral programs in education without dissertation requirements.
As an educator, you can have a rewarding career helping others grow in their knowledge. The more education you have, the more equipped you will be to help others learn.
A doctoral education can help you become an expert in your chosen field, but you may not want to tackle a dissertation. If so, we can happily inform you that more universities than ever are offering online doctoral programs in education without dissertation requirements.
Editorial Listing ShortCode:
Methodology: The following school list is in alphabetical order. To be included, a college or university must be regionally accredited and offer degree programs online or in a hybrid format.
The universities below offer doctorate of education degree programs without requiring a dissertation. Under each school listed, you will find the specific EdD degrees offered. In addition, many of these schools have no GRE requirements for admission.
Barry University offers the following online doctoral degree program:
Barry University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Baylor University offers the following online doctoral degree in education:
Baylor University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
California University of Pennsylvania offers the following online doctorate in education:
California University of Pennsylvania is accredited by the Commission of Higher Education of the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools.
Capella University offers the following online programs in education:
Capella University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Concordia University, St. Paul offers the following online educational program:
Concordia University, St. Paul is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
East Tennessee State University offers the following doctoral program in education:
East Tennesse State University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Fordham University offers the following online doctorate in education:
Fordham University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the Middle States Association.
Franklin University offers the following online education doctoral program:
Franklin University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Governors State University offers the following doctoral program in education online:
Governors State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
Idaho State University offers the following online Doctor of Education program:
Idaho State University is regionally accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.
Johns Hopkins University offers the following online doctoral degree programs:
Johns Hopkins University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
Liberty University offers the following online doctoral degree programs:
Liberty University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Maryville University offers the following online doctorate in education:
Maryville University of Saint Louis is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Morehead State University offers the following education doctorate degree programs:
Morehead State University is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.
National Louis University offers the following doctoral degree in educational leadership:
National Louis University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
Nebraska Methodist College offers the following online doctoral degree program:
Nebraska Methodist College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
New York University offers the following accredited online degree program in education:
New York University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
Northeastern University offers the following doctoral degrees in education:
Northeastern University is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education, Inc.
Northern Illinois University offers the following degree program in education:
Northern Illinois University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Nova Southeastern University offers the following doctoral degree programs online:
Nova Southeastern University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Texas A&M University offers the following doctoral education program:
Texas A&M University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
The University of Dayton offers the following education degree:
The University of Dayton is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
The University of Missouri – St. Louis offers the following online educational degree program:
The University of Missouri – St. Louis is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
The University of North Dakota offers the following education programs online:
The University of North Dakota is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
The University of South Carolina offers the following education degree program:
The University of South Carolina is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
The University of Southern California offers the following educational and organizational leadership degree program:
The University of Southern California is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges.
The University of Southern Mississippi offers the following online educational degrees:
The University of Southern Mississippi is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
The University of Virginia offers the following education degree program online:
The University of Virginia is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.
The University of West Alabama offers the following degree program online:
The University of West Alabama is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
The University of Western States offers the following online degree program:
The University of Western States is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.
Vanderbilt University offers the following educational leadership doctorate program:
Vanderbilt University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Virginia Commonwealth University offers the following doctoral degree program:
Virginia Commonwealth University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Walden University offers the following online higher education, curriculum, and leadership degree programs:
Walden University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Wilkes University offers the following doctoral degree:
Wilkes University is accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools.
Wilmington University offers the following online degrees in educational leadership and higher education:
Wilmington University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
There are many education specializations to choose from, and more schools than ever offer online Ed.D. programs without dissertation requirements.
Select the education degree specialization that most interests you from the list below to learn more about it.
An online program can allow you to pursue doctoral studies in a way that fits your busy schedule and responsibilities.
Although educating children might be the first thing that comes to mind for many people when they think about teachers, adult education is just as important. If you wish to equip adult learners with skills and knowledge, consider an EdD in Adult Learning.
Many graduates put this degree to work in higher education settings. For example, you could run programs to help people return to college after a break. Others provide training and education in public health, business, or government settings.
Your classes will cover teamwork, ethical leadership, and learning styles.
Community colleges provide access to affordable, convenient higher education. If you have a passion for helping college students succeed in the classroom, a concentration in Community College Leadership can fuel your professional growth.
You’ll study budgeting, educational technology, policy-making, diversity, and evaluation methods. You’ll also learn about organizational leadership and discuss how to guide organizations through times of transition.
After graduation, you are likely to hold a leadership position in a community college, but you could also work for related organizations, such as a government education agency.
If you’re passionate about education, then you probably want to help students learn in the best way possible. Whether your goal is to work with children or adults, specializing in Curriculum and Instruction can help you become a more effective teacher or educational leader.
In your studies, you’ll learn more about the theories that shape teaching methods, curriculum styles, and means of evaluating student progress. You may need to hold a valid teaching license before beginning this program.
After earning your doctorate, you might work in school administration, hold a leadership role among classroom teachers, teach in academia, or serve as an educational consultant.
When you shape children during their early years, you can make a difference that lasts for a lifetime. By studying Early Childhood Education, you can become an expert in working with children up to age eight. This training can be useful in preschool and early elementary settings.
You can also apply your studies in government agencies or community programs or prepare the next generation of teachers as an instructor at the college level.
Choosing a program accredited or recognized by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) can ensure your education meets the highest standards.
While teachers work in the classroom, administrators work behind the scenes to ensure that high-quality education is delivered throughout an institution.
Administrators work at all levels of education. For example, administrators in higher education may be responsible for maintaining a safe and satisfied student body, ensuring that legal regulations are followed, or determining whether effective instruction and evaluation practices are being used.
With a degree in Educational Administration, you could become a university’s dean of students, admissions director, academic dean, or president. You could also serve as a principal, special education director, or superintendent.
To help others become effective counselors, consider a concentration in Educational Counseling. After earning this degree, you could serve in a supervisory or training capacity over counseling students or school counselors.
For success in this field, you must have a strong understanding of counseling practices and effective instructional methods. Your courses will cover counseling theories, instructional methods, ethical practices, and program evaluation. You’ll also discuss case studies with your classmates and have hands-on opportunities to practice your supervision skills.
After graduation, you could work at a university, healthcare facility, or government agency.
What factors influence how students learn and how teachers teach? With a specialization in Educational Psychology, you can delve into the psychological factors that play a role in educational processes.
You’ll study motivation, social behaviors, growth and development, and cultural influences through classes like Human Development, Personality Psychology, Evaluations and Analyses, and Ethical Psychology Practices.
With this degree, you could work in a school setting or as a corporate trainer. To become a school counselor or school psychologist position, you’ll likely need to complete additional coursework and pursue licensure in your state.
Technology is changing the face of education at all levels. If you want to be on the cutting edge of these educational developments, you can pursue a concentration in Educational Technology.
During your doctoral work, you’ll study digital media, multimedia presentations, and e-learning delivery methods and discuss the strengths and weaknesses of these platforms. Your program will also cover planning, implementing, and evaluating organizational change.
To ensure your education meets the highest standards, consider a program aligned with the standards set by the Association for Educational Communications and Technology.
Leaders must be able to navigate change and guide others through transitions. In a Higher Education Leadership program, you’ll study effective means of leading schools and other educational organizations.
Your curriculum will cover instructional methods and organizational psychology and address methods of motivating staff and students to implement new, more effective teaching and learning methods.
This specialization can prepare you for an administrative role at a community college or a university. You could also put your degree into practice as a workplace trainer or organizational change consultant.
Strong reading skills can make all the difference during the school years and beyond. To help improve reading and comprehension for kids or adults, become an expert in the field with a Reading and Literacy concentration.
You’ll learn about working through language barriers, assessing literacy skills, applying for grants, and implementing reading programs. Your degree program will also cover language and literacy education theories.
Although this degree can be quite helpful in a classroom setting, you could also use it to become a curriculum writer, school consultant, government policymaker, or community program director.
Teachers and administrators who work with special-needs students require a unique set of skills and knowledge. A Special Education concentration will hone your skills to educate at-risk students, gifted learners, and those with physical, emotional, or intellectual disabilities.
Your course will cover legal issues, data interpretation, and program implementation. With a doctorate, you could become the director of an elementary or secondary special education program or teach in the education department of a university.
Of course, you might also choose to work directly with students in the classroom or write curriculums for special-needs learners.
Earning a doctoral degree in education can open numerous career paths to you. Many of these options are in growing fields that offer promising salary potential. According to the BLS, these are some careers you could pursue with a doctorate in education.
These are just some of the careers you could pursue after graduation. Your specific salary and career opportunities will depend on several factors, including your experience, education, and location.
To ensure your program meets educational standards, you’ll want to make sure it has regional accreditation awarded by a CHEA regional accreditor, such as the Higher Learning Commission or the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
Your doctoral program may also have programmatic accreditation from an industry-specific organization. The main accrediting body for schools of education is the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP). Early childhood programs may receive a distinction from the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC).
Such accreditations affirm that a program is of the highest quality.
The first step to obtaining financial aid for your doctoral program is to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Once you’ve taken care of that, you may be able to qualify for financial aid in the form of:
It’s important to apply for several scholarships and grants. Unlike loans, these don’t have to be repaid. The more you apply for, the more opportunities you’ll have to reduce the cost of your education.
Educators know how important it is to learn from one another, so there are many professional organizations available for people in this field.
These are some popular organizations to consider:
Becoming a member of one or more of these groups can offer networking opportunities, support, discounts, and professional development.
A Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) is a terminal degree designed for individuals who aspire to become leaders and experts in various fields related to education.
The primary purpose of an Ed.D. program is to enhance the skills of scholars, teachers, university faculty, and other professionals, focusing on improving teaching practices, shaping educational policies, and promoting effective learning environments in workplaces.
In an Ed.D. program, you’ll gain practical knowledge with immediate beneficial applications, such as applied research methodologies or the use of decision-making rubrics to address real-life problems.
You can also pursue specialized concentrations tailored to specific career paths. For instance, a teacher, principal, or dean might choose a concentration in Curriculum and Instruction, while an education administrator might opt for Educational Leadership. Additionally, professionals in fields like nursing, the military, or business may find value in an Organizational Leadership concentration.
Yes, many schools offer fully online doctoral programs, including online doctorate degrees with no dissertation. From beginning to end, you may never have to step foot on campus or meet face-to-face with your faculty advisors. Other schools have hybrid programs that can be completed mostly online but require some on-campus classes or in-person residencies.
Your doctoral professors need to be able to assess how much you know about your chosen area of study. A dissertation is one means of conducting that evaluation, but it’s not the only way. Some doctoral programs do not require a dissertation but instead rely on capstone projects or other assessments.
An EdD is a professional doctorate designed for real-world application. It’s most suitable for those who want to continue working in the field.
PhD programs deal more with educational theory and research. A PhD is more suited for those who want to conduct original research or teach at the college level.
The main differences between an Ed.D. (Doctor of Education) program and an Ed.S. (Education Specialist) program are their academic focus, scope, and career outcomes. Both degrees are postgraduate programs in education, but they serve different purposes and cater to distinct career goals.
An Ed.D. is a terminal degree, similar to a Ph.D., designed for individuals seeking leadership roles and expertise in educational research, policy-making, and administration. Ed.D. programs focus on advanced theoretical and practical knowledge, emphasizing leadership and innovation in educational settings.
Graduates often pursue careers as school superintendents, education policymakers, or higher education administrators.
On the other hand, an Ed.S. program is an intermediate, post-master’s level degree. It provides specialized training for educators looking to advance their careers in specific areas, such as school counseling, curriculum development, or educational technology. Ed.S. programs concentrate on practical skills and application, preparing graduates to become specialists in their chosen field.
Graduates typically work as school counselors, instructional coordinators, or curriculum specialists.
An Ed.D. is a more research-oriented and leadership-focused degree, while an Ed.S. is a specialized program that enhances expertise in a specific educational area. The choice between the two depends on individual career aspirations, with the Ed.D. leading to higher-level leadership roles and the Ed.S. providing specialized expertise in a particular education-related field.
A full-time education doctoral program usually takes 3 to 4 years to complete. A few with accelerated tracks can be completed in 18 to 24 months. Programs that require dissertations take longer than non-dissertation doctorates.
Working full-time while going to school requires flexibility. Online doctoral programs can be ideal for those balancing school and employment. If a full-time class load is too much, consider part-time enrollment.
Campus-based and online education degree programs cover the same material and produce comparable results, but online EdD programs may offer greater scheduling flexibility. With online classes, you may learn the material through a variety of media, including message boards, textbooks, interactive simulators, live discussions, and prerecorded lectures.
Earning a Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) may seem daunting because the landscape of available programs is vast and diverse. To aid aspiring doctoral candidates in making well-informed decisions, we’ve created a list of essential considerations for selecting an Ed.D. program.
The importance of each of these factors will vary based on your values and priorities. Considering these key points can help you make an informed decision when selecting the most suitable Ed.D. program to meet your academic and career goals.
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