Online Doctorate Degree in Educational Leadership

What is a Ph.D. in Educational Leadership?

In educational leadership, professionals play a central administrative role managing programs and institutions. A degree in educational leadership prepares graduates to work as principals, school superintendents, and higher education administrators. Professionals also work in director-level positions in pre-K to university settings, establishing goals and managing staff members. The field requires strong leadership and management skills, and professionals play a key role in a school’s success.

By earning a doctorate in educational leadership online, educators qualify for top administrative jobs, making them more competitive on the job market than professionals with a master’s degree.

By earning a doctorate in educational leadership online, educators qualify for top administrative jobs, making them more competitive on the job market than professionals with a master’s degree. The best doctoral programs in educational leadership include coursework in management skills, curriculum development, and leadership theory. Doctoral candidates complete and defend a thesis or dissertation, and graduates pursue academic positions in addition to leadership jobs.

Working professionals benefit from the flexibility and accessibility of an online Ph.D. educational leadership program. Because a doctorate in educational leadership online can take five years, many doctoral students work while completing their degree. An online Ph.D. in educational leadership degree lets educators advance their careers and work at the highest levels of leadership in K-12 schools and at the college level.

Types of Educational Leadership Degrees

Doctoral students pursue either a doctorate of philosophy in educational leadership (Ph.D.) or a doctorate of education in educational leadership (Ed.D.). The two degrees share similar coursework and graduation requirements: both include classes on administration and leadership in education, and both require a research-based thesis or dissertation. However, the Ph.D. has a stronger research focus, and graduates pursue careers in academia and research. An Ed.D. educational leadership program focuses on skills for practitioners, training students to apply theoretical approaches in practical settings. Graduates work as administrators and also hold teaching positions.

Because the degrees lead to slightly different career paths, prospective students need to consider whether a Ph.D. or Ed.D. best fits their goals. Graduates from both degrees command higher-than-average salaries, with Ed.D. professionals earning slightly higher starting salaries. With ten year’s experience, Ph.D.s and Ed.D.s earn, on average, just under $80,000 a year. In addition to educational leadership degrees, students can also pursue other online doctorates in education. For example, an online doctorate in educational administration prepares graduates for jobs in higher education administration and as school district superintendents.

Average Salary by Degree and Years of Experience

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Choosing an Online Doctorate in Educational Leadership Program

Each online doctoral degree in educational leadership is slightly different, so prospective students need to research their options before choosing a program. For example, some programs let students take a mix of online and in-person classes, and some may not require applicants to submit GRE scores. Students should consider several factors, including the cost, completion time, and graduation requirements, to find the best program for their interests and career goals.

The cost of online educational leadership doctoral programs varies. Some universities offer tuition discounts for in-state residents or fully-online students, and they may also provide grants or scholarships to help distance learners cover the cost of the program. While most doctorate in educational leadership online programs take three to five years, some may offer accelerated or part-time options. Graduation requirements, like practicums or dissertations, can also add time to an online doctorate in educational leadership.

Students also need to check the school’s accreditation status. An unaccredited program likely does not meet licensure or certification requirements, and only students in accredited programs qualify for federal financial aid. Additionally, many programs only accept transfer credits from accredited institutions. Some online doctorate degrees in educational leadership offer concentrations in areas like higher education administration, which help students focus their degree and prepare for specialized careers.

Many of the best doctoral programs in educational leadership offer online or hybrid options, which appeal to students working while completing their degree. When selecting an online program, students need to check for any on-campus requirements. In addition to considering the program, students must also consider the admission requirements.

Entry Requirements

When researching online doctoral programs in educational leadership, prospective students need to consider all relevant entry requirements. Each program sets admission requirements, such as a minimum number of years of teaching experience, standardized test scores, and an educational background in the field. By checking a program’s admission requirements, prospective students can make sure the program is a good match for their experience.

Most online Ph.D. programs in educational leadership require a master’s degree in the field or a closely related discipline. For example, an online master’s in educational leadership meets the requirements for all doctoral programs, and many also accept a master’s in educational administration. Applicants typically submit a transcript showing their coursework and GPA. Many programs set a minimum 3.0 GPA, but they may offer provisional admission to candidates who do not meet the requirement.

In addition to educational requirements, the admissions process for an online doctorate in educational leadership also evaluates candidates by looking at their standardized test scores, often including the GRE. Teaching exams like the Praxis may also meet that requirement. Applicants also provide letters of recommendation and a statement of purpose explaining their goals in an online Ph.D. in educational leadership program. Because the entry requirements vary by program, prospective students need to closely check each program’s admission process.

Directory of Accredited Doctorate in Educational Leadership Programs

Educational Leadership Licensure and Certifications

In order to teach at the K-12 level, educators must hold a state teaching license. Each state sets its own requirements and licensure process for teachers. Typically, teachers must complete a bachelor’s degree in education from an accredited teacher preparation program. After earning a bachelor’s, teaching license candidates must pass teaching skills and content area exams, which vary by state. At the secondary level, all states require proof of content area knowledge for all teaching fields. Teachers also undergo a background check and must demonstrate student teaching experience.

Because the state teacher licensure process varies by state, a teaching license earned in one state does not automatically transfer to another. Some states do offer limited reciprocity from states with similar requirements. In these cases, teachers must still apply for a new license and meet any additional licensure requirements. Experienced teachers provide evidence of teaching effectiveness from their current job. In some states, licensed out-of-state teachers apply for a temporary license while meeting additional requirements.

Online doctoral programs in educational leadership may meet the state educational requirements for a teaching license, depending on the program.

Online doctoral programs in educational leadership may meet the state educational requirements for a teaching license, depending on the program. If the educational leadership program fulfills the state’s standards, graduates with a doctorate still need to complete testing requirements and pass a background check.

Educational leadership professionals working in higher education rarely require a teaching license. At the K-12 level, principals, superintendents, and program directors may need a specialized state license for administrators. Because the requirements vary by state, doctoral students considering a career in elementary or secondary administration need to research the licensure process in their state. Educational leadership professionals may also benefit from certifications in their specialty.

What Can I Do With a Doctorate in Educational Leadership?

After earning a doctorate in educational leadership online, graduates pursue careers in educational administration and director-level positions. The degree leads to many rewarding and lucrative career paths. Many boast above average salaries, including school superintendents, who earn $114,580 a year on average. Graduates also work as assistant principals, education directors, and directors of special education. Salaries and job requirements vary by location; educational leadership students can research the requirements by state.

School Superintendent

School superintendents manage a school district or system, acting as the highest administrator. They work with school boards, principals, teachers, and parents to ensure high-quality education in their district. School superintendents typically hire principals, manage the district’s budget, and manage any problems at the schools. They work with school boards to design and implement the district’s goals and vision.

Median Salary: $114,580

Assistant Principal

Assistant principals work under a principal, typically at a K-12 institution, helping with the administrative functions of running a school. They monitor curriculum standards, set discipline guidelines, and enforce the school’s rules. Assistant principals also communicate the school’s goals to teachers and parents.

Median Salary: $70,753

Education Director

Education directors work in institutions from the early childhood level through higher education. At the highest levels, they manage academic affairs as administrators, and they also provide supervision over staff members, teachers, and other faculty. Education directors review instructor performance, hire and train staff, and manage the accreditation process. They may also play a role in setting curriculum standards and guidelines.

Median Salary: $63,431

Education Program Director

Education program directors manage a program within a school or academic setting. They help develop and maintain the program’s academic curriculum, and they also oversee the program’s educational standards. As part of their responsibilities, education program directors manage budgets, oversee staff, and lead educational programming. They help develop and maintain the program’s academic curriculum, and they also oversee the program’s educational standards. As part of their responsibilities, education program directors manage budgets, oversee staff, and lead educational programming.

Median Salary: $60,023

Director of Special Education

Directors of special education oversee a school or district’s special education programs. They monitor programs to ensure that their services meet the needs of special education students. Directors of special education also hire and manage staff members, monitor counseling programs, and administer the special education budget.

Median Salary: $74,265

Paying for Your Online Doctorate in Educational Leadership

Before enrolling in a doctorate program, prospective students should plan to pay for their degree. Some online Ph.D. programs in educational leadership provide financial support for students, and students can also pay out of pocket for tuition expenses. In addition to funding through the program or university, many doctoral students rely on financial aid, scholarships, and fellowships. These funding sources, typically operated through the university’s financial aid office, help students afford an online Ph.D. educational leadership degree.

Scholarships for Online Doctorate in Educational Leadership Degrees

Resources for Online Doctorate in Educational Leadership Students

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