The Doctor of Education (EdD) is a professional doctorate designed for educators aiming for leadership roles. It was first awarded by Harvard in 1921. Since then, the degree prepares professionals with skills in research, evaluation, and administration. While confused with the more research-focused PhD, the EdD is a practice-oriented degree. This is for people in school systems and other learning organizations. Nowadays, many universities offer programs for the fastest way to earn a Doctor of Education degree.
These flexible programs culminate in an applied project rather than a traditional dissertation. It allows students to advance their careers and impact the educational sphere on their own timelines. In this blog, we shall see the fastest way to earn a Doctor of Education degree and how much they cost.
Who Should Pursue a Doctor of Education Degree?
The EdD is ideal for experienced educators who hold a Master’s degree, planning to transition into leadership roles.Â
Common job roles that benefit from an EdD include:
- School principals and superintendents
- University deans and provosts
- Higher education administrators
- Curriculum and instructional designers
- Education consultants and policy analysts
An EdD is a direct path to career advancement. This degree offers the credentials and skills necessary to influence and shape the future of education.
What Type of Jobs Can You Get with a Doctor of Education?
An EdD graduate must prepare themselves for a career that makes lasting impacts on students’ lives. They contribute to academic institutions, as well as the community at large.
Earning an EdD opens the door to a variety of influential leadership positions across different sectors. Graduates can find opportunities in:
- Academia: As professors, department chairs, or senior administrators at colleges and universities.
- K-12 Education: As superintendents, principals, or central office leaders.
- Government and Nonprofits: As education policy advisors, program directors, or researchers for think tanks and educational organizations.
- Corporate Sector: As leaders in corporate training and development, or in educational technology companies.
The EdD degree prepares individuals not just for a new job but for a position of influence and impact within the field.
What are the Steps to Getting a Doctor of Education?
Getting to EdD is not easy; it is time-consuming and takes a lot of effort. Here are the steps to the fastest way to earn a Doctor of Education degree.
Step 1: Bachelor of Education (or Equivalent)
- Earn an undergraduate degree in education.
- If your degree is in another field, you may still pursue this path, but you’ll need to take additional education courses first.
Step 2: Master of Education (MA/M.Ed.)
- Typically, it takes about 2 years to complete.
- Includes a practicum course, comprehensive exam, and dissertation or thesis.
- Some students finish a non-thesis MA first and complete their thesis later.
Step 3: Doctor of Education (EdD)
- Entry is open to those who have completed a Master’s in Education.
- Common application requirements include:
- Resume
- Transcript of records
- Letter of recommendation from an MA professor
- Application letter (requirements may vary by school)
What is The Fastest Way to Earn a Doctor of Education Degree?
The most direct and fastest way to earn a Doctor of Education degree (EdD) is through accelerated online programs. Many universities now offer programs that can be completed in as little as 24 to 33 months. This is a significant reduction from the traditional timeline of 3 to 5 years.
These accelerated programs are specifically designed for working professionals. There are many advantages of online EdD programs, such as:
- Flexible Pacing: Many programs allow students to take one course at a time in a focused, sequential manner.
- Credit Transfers: You can often transfer credits from a Master’s or EdS degree, further shortening the timeline.
- Online Format: The online format offers the flexibility to study from anywhere. This eliminates the need for a campus relocation or a career break. Some programs may have a dissertation-in-practice or a capstone project instead of a traditional dissertation.
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Average Time to Earn EdD
On average, it takes anywhere between 8 and 10 years to complete an EdD degree. An undergraduate degree typically takes 4 years, while a Master’s degree takes 2 to 3 years. An EdD takes about 3 to 5 years, depending on the progress of the student.
But with the fastest way to earn a Doctor of Education degree, i.e., an online program, you can complete it in 2 to 2.5 years.
Average Costs of an Online EdD Program
The cost of an EdD degree can vary a lot. Online programs are often more affordable than traditional on-campus programs.
For a traditional, on-campus EdD, the total cost can range from about $40,000 to over $60,000. This includes tuition, fees, and sometimes even books and living expenses.
Online EdD programs are usually more budget-friendly. For the 2025-2026 academic year, some online degrees cost as little as $20,748, while others might be $30,000 or more. The cost per credit hour can vary from a few hundred dollars to over $1,000. Some schools also offer a flat tuition rate per semester.
How to Choose the Best Online EdD Program?
Choosing the right online EdD program means looking beyond the brochure. Start with accreditation; it’s the most critical factor for ensuring a credible, high-quality degree. Next, check the program’s retention rates and graduate outcomes. Low completion rates can signal a problem with the curriculum or support.
Finally, consider the school’s reputation by checking national rankings. This can tell you how the degree is viewed by employers and the industry. Other important factors to consider are cost, curriculum quality, and program flexibility.
Conclusion
Today, earning a Doctor of Education (EdD) is more accessible and faster than ever before. For experienced professionals looking to transition into leadership roles, the fastest way to earn a Doctor of Education degree is through a growing number of accelerated online programs. These programs offer a streamlined curriculum, flexible schedules, and significant cost savings compared to traditional on-campus degrees.
By choosing an accredited program that allows for credit transfers and offers a practical, applied capstone project, you can earn your EdD in as little as two years. This valuable credential represents the fastest way to earn a Doctor of Education degree and will not only advance your career but also empower you to make a lasting impact on the future of education.
FAQs
1. What is a Doctor of Education (EdD)?
An EdD is a professional doctorate for educator-practitioners, focusing on applied research and leadership skills to solve real-world problems in educational settings. Unlike a PhD, which emphasizes academic theory, the EdD prepares graduates for leadership roles in schools, districts, and universities.
2. Why is accreditation important when choosing a program?
For a credible EdD, choose a program with both regional accreditation for the university and programmatic accreditation for the specific education program, with CAEP being the most common accreditor. This ensures the curriculum meets high standards and that your degree will be widely recognized.
3. Is an EdD dissertation different from a PhD dissertation?
Yes, an EdD dissertation is focused on practical application. It addresses a specific problem within an educational setting and proposes a data-driven solution. A PhD dissertation is a theoretical project that aims to contribute original knowledge to the field of education.
