If you are here, the chances are that you are keenly passionate about the field of education. So, you want to further pursue a doctoral degree in Education for better career opportunities. The good thing is we have tried to cut down your effort and we have come up with the best doctoral programs in Education in 2024. So, keep on reading to find out the best doctoral program in Education that fits you best.
What is a Ph.D. degree in Education?
A Doctor of Philosophy in Education (also known as a Ph.D. degree in Education) is a researched focus degree that aims to prepare students to be able to conduct research to test theories to enhance learning and teaching practices. Besides, it also enables graduates to teach at the post-secondary levels.
Besides Doctor of Philosophy in Education, students can also opt to pursue a more practice-based doctoral degree in Education, called Doctor of Education or EdD. While there are a lot of similarities between both degrees, Doctor of Education focuses more on producing leaders and administrators in the Field of Education including education technology specialists or school principle. On the other hand, Ph.D. degree holders in Education tend to get roles as researchers and professors at universities or businesses.
Whichever you choose to pursue, you need to make sure that you are ready to invest at least four to six years to complete the degree as a full-time student.
Best Doctoral Programs in Education in 2022
1. University of Florida
The University of Florida has been a member of CPED since 2007. So, you can surely expect excellence in each field of study and degree including in the Education programs. Speaking of Doctoral programs in Education, the University of Florida offers the following doctoral degrees.
- Ed.D. in Curriculum and Instruction – Computer Science Education (Online)
- LEAD in Higher Education Administration Ed.D.
- Ed.D. in Curriculum and Instruction – Educational Technology (Online)
- Leadership in Educational Administration Doctorate (LEAD) Ed.D.
- Ed.D. in Curriculum and Instruction – Teachers, Schools, and Society (TSS) (Online)
- LEAD in Higher Education Administration Ed.D.
- Ed.D. in Special Education (Online)
The university is proud to have students who on average earned an S.A.T. score of 1405 and a 4.5 GPA in their last Fall 2020 session. The number might be impressive but the main goal of the university is not an individual’s accomplishments. Instead, the main motto of the University of Florida is accomplishing success together.
Moreover, they have been able to generate more than 130,000 jobs in Florida and contribute over $16 billion to build one of the strongest state economies. Hence, the University of Florida proves to be one of the best options to pursue a doctoral program in Education.
2. Boston College
Boston University is proud to enlighten over 33,500 students from more than 130 countries in 17 colleges and schools. The university offers a variety of courses, degrees, and programs including a doctoral degree in Education. Speaking of a Ph.D. degree in Education, Boston University offers the following programs.
- Executive Ed.D. in Higher Education: Catholic Higher Education (Online)
- Ed.D. in Educational Leadership (PSAP)
- Executive Ed.D. in Higher Education (Online)
From the above doctoral degrees, The Ed.D. in Educational leadership is specifically designed to prepare the candidate for superintendent licensure. The course is designed by CPED principles. In addition to that, it has been refined by Teachers21. and MASS or Massachusetts Association of School Superintendents. So, if you want to earn the Ed.D. in Educational Leadership, you should be willing to invest at least three years.
Besides this, Boston University also offers virtual degrees for university educators who are unable to attend pursue a full-time doctoral degree but are keen enough to level up their leadership career. However, they have to be willing to invest at least 5 to 10 years of full-time work experience.
3. University of Georgia
The University of Georgia is the oldest university in the state. And for more than 235 years, the university has been engaged to fulfill its mission of leadership. Besides, its main motto is to serve, teach, and inquire into the nature of things.
The best thing about the University of Georgia is its 18:1 student/faculty ratio to make sure that no student is missed out in a classroom. Moreover, people pursuing a bachelor’s degree or a master’s degree can opt to pursue a dual degree to save time and money.
Furthermore, the University of Georgia offers the following Doctoral Programs in Education.
- Ed.D. in Educational Leadership
- Executive Ed.D. in Higher Education Management
- Ed.D. in Learning, Leadership, and Organization Development
- Ed.D. in Science Education
- Ed.D. in Student Affairs Leadership (Online)
- Ed.D. in Workforce Education (Hybrid)
- Ed.D. in Workforce Education (Traditional)
So, if you are a school administrator eager to enhance school systems, you can explore Educational Leadership Ed.D. which is a three-year-long doctoral program. The course includes composite coursework, leadership residency, and a research dissertation.
Moreover, if you are a senior-level professional in any educational system, you can pursue Executive Ed.D. in Higher Education Management or any of the above programs.
4. University of Southern California
The University of Southern California is one of the most well-known private research universities in the world. The Times Higher Education and the Wall Streat Journal ranked the University of Southern California 19th among more than 1,000 private and public universities.
In 2022 alone, it received 71,000 applications for its fall freshman class and had a 12.5% acceptance rate. The university offers a range of courses including doctoral programs in Education. They are given as follows.
- Ed.D. in Educational Leadership (Multiple Concentrations Available)
- Ed.D. in Educational Leadership – K-12 Leadership (Online)
- Global Executive Ed.D.
- Ed.D. in Organizational Change and Leadership (Online)
From the above courses, the doctoral program in Educational leadership challenges prospects to address injustice in the educational system. The program focuses on a range of areas including Higher Education Administration, Educational Psychology, Teacher Education in Multicultural Societies, and K-12 Leadership in Urban School Settings.
Moreover, the University of Southern California offers Online Ed.D. in Educational Leadership – K-12 Leadership for city school leaders. However, the courses are available virtually.
5. New York University
The New York University was founded in 1831. Since then, the university has always strived to stay an innovator in higher education. The university always has been trying hard to reach the middle class and urban area students to help them complete their education and grow.
Moreover, it has 3 degree-granting campuses in different places including New York, Abu Dhabi, and Shanghai, and offers research programs in more than 25 countries. In addition to all the courses that the New York University offers, the doctor programs in Education are given below.
- Ed.D. in Educational Leadership & Policy Studies
- Ed.D. in Leadership and Innovation (Online)
- Ed.D. in Educational Theatre in Colleges and Communities
- Ed.D. in Higher Education Administration
From the above programs, the Ed.D. in Educational Leadership & Policy Studies is to prepare students for policy positions and leadership roles. And the Online Leadership and Innovation program is only 2 years long degree and focuses on organizational theory, education policy, management & data ethics, incorporates immersive residencies, and change & innovation.
In addition, the doctoral degree in Education Theater in Colleges and Communities is a research-based program. So, you can choose either of the following specializations.
- Drama in Education
- Theatre for Young Audiences
- Applied Theatre
- Play Production
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