Get one-on-one guidance throughout your doctoral journey from your Student Success Advisor, doctoral methodology advisor, the Office of Academic Support and Instructional Services (OASIS), doctoral peer mentors, 24/7 tech support, and more.
PERSONALIZED LEARNING
Further your goals with practical insights you can apply immediately. Choose a dissertation or capstone that matches your interests.
INTERACTIVE STUDY
Engage with instructors and peers in real time—or on your own time. Build confidence with Grand City’s dynamic simulation program.
DOCTORAL DEGREE COACH®
Map your progress, anticipate what’s ahead, connect with faculty, and find support with this personalized digital resource.
EASY ADMISSION
Walden has streamlined the online EdD program admissions process. When you’re ready to apply, you’ll pay no application fee—and you won’t have to write an essay.
TRANSFER CREDITS
You’ve invested your time. You’ve gained experience. Transferring credit can save you time and money on your EdD degree.
SAVE ON TUITION
As part of our commitment to reducing barriers to higher education, Walden offers many options to lower the cost of your online doctorate in education.
Doctoral Experience
How will I learn?
YOUR DOCTORAL JOURNEY
Earning an EdD is no easy feat—it takes drive, dedication, and perseverance. Knowing what to expect can help you make an informed decision.
DOCTORAL DEGREE COACH®
Map and track your online Doctor of Education milestones, meet weekly targets, connect with faculty, and get support when you need it.
ACADEMIC RESIDENCY
Receive a variety of student success and faculty advising support services as you build relationships to foster your academic and professional goals
Career Opportunities
Postsecondary Educator
Teach courses in colleges and universities; apply scholarship to address challenges in the field.
Expected growth: 8%1
Estimated annual wage: $39,670–$98,1301
Education Administrator
Oversee student services, academics, and faculty research at colleges and universities.
Expected growth: 1%2
Estimated annual wage: $70,050–$131,1802
1Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics | Job outlook | Estimated wage (as of May 2023)
2Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics | Job outlook | Estimated wage (as of May 2023)
No guarantee is made that a person who enrolls in the Doctor of Education (EdD) program will obtain a job or will earn the stated salaries.
Learning Outcomes
Apply theoretical knowledge to solve educational problems.
Critically analyze education-related issues
Align research methodologies to questions and hypotheses addressing issues in educational practice.
Communicate with diverse stakeholders to advocate for students in educational settings.
Practice ethically as a professional in the field of education.
Collaborate with diverse stakeholders to promote continuous improvement in educational settings.
Promote equity in education programs and policies.
Advocate for social change to make a positive impact in educational settings.
Meet Your Academic Team
Learn about some of the online Doctor of Education faculty members who bring vast expertise and a passion for education to the Walden classroom.
You Might Also Be Interested In
Browse other online education degree programs at Walden.
Doctor of Education FAQ
The benefits of earning your Doctor of Education (EdD) are numerous. An EdD is a terminal degree in education practice, which means earning your doctorate will put you among the most educated in your field. This degree can be an important part of your résumé and help demonstrate to potential employers that you have the education and skills necessary to succeed at a high level. Whether your chosen field is K–12, early childhood, or higher education; or whether you focus on program development, policymaking, or corporate education; earning a Doctor of Education degree online can help prepare you for bold new challenges and rewards.
When you pursue your Doctor of Education (EdD) degree online, there are numerous specialization options from which to choose. When you choose one that’s aligned with your passions and goals, your coursework becomes even more engaging. Walden University offers a number of EdD specialization options:
- Community College Leadership
- Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment
- Early Childhood Education
- Educational Administration and Leadership (for administrators)
- Educational Administration and Leadership (non-licensure)
- Educational Technology
- Higher Education (Self-Designed)
- Higher Education and Adult Learning
- Higher Education Leadership and Management
- Organizational Leadership and Development
- P–20 Education (Self-Designed)
- Reading, Literacy, and Assessment
- Special Education
As an online Doctor of Education student at Walden, you will learn research methods, plan and design your research, and present your findings in a scholarly paper called a doctoral study. Your purpose is to make an original contribution to your field by creating a practical solution to a real problem.
In your doctoral study, you will identify a problem, present your methodology, describe your project, make observations about your findings, and present your practical solution. The doctoral study’s components demonstrate your competence in research and research design, your subject matter expertise, and your command of critical thinking and academic writing.
A PhD degree, also known as an academic doctoral degree, can be pursued by college graduates who don’t yet have relevant work experience or by working professionals who are interested in using their advanced research skills and dissertation to add to the existing body of knowledge in their field.
A professional doctorate, like Walden’s online Doctor of Education (EdD), is designed for working professionals with practical experience in their field. Professionals often choose a doctoral program to increase their knowledge, enhance their résumé, and translate their work experience into a higher position of credibility, leadership, and influence. The coursework and research allow students to connect existing theories with practice. Professional doctoral research focuses more on applying existing theories and knowledge to address real-world problems.
A Doctor of Education (EdD) program can lead to opportunities either inside or outside of traditional education settings. While teaching or becoming an administrator at the university level is common path, thanks to the problem-solving skills and other competencies taught in EdD degree programs like Walden’s, a variety of public and private organizations could provide opportunities for EdD graduates.
Career options may require additional experience, training, or other factors beyond the successful completion of this degree program.