The 5 Best Accelerated Doctoral Programs in Education Online | Complete 2024 Guide

Are you a world-class educator looking to take your skills to the next level? Are you also an ambitious student who’s not afraid to tackle a challenging program in pursuit of your dreams? If so, accelerated  doctoral programs in education online might be calling your name. These two to three and a half year programs will quickly position you for the most prestigious positions within education and give you all the tools necessary to be an effective leader.

What are the typical education requirements to pursue this program?

In order to pursue an EdD through an accelerated doctoral programs, you’ll need to have both a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree in your back-pocket. This is a terminal education degree for those who want to become leaders within that sphere. Overall, previously earned degrees should be somehow related to education.

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How Accelerated Doctoral Programs in Education Online Work

Are there any in-person requirements?

Many doctorate in education online programs are completely virtual. However, there are some programs that require in-person work. These requirements are typically called “residencies”. Residencies require students to come to campus for a weekend or a week during the summer semester to have face-to-face time with faculty and fellow students. Some quick doctorate degrees may also be in a synchronous format. This would require students to “log on” at specific times to have virtual face-to-face time with professors and classmates.

Is accreditation important?

Accreditation is always an important component when considering where to earn your degree. Attending an accredited school is a guarantee that the institution meets strictly defined standards of excellence. Also, that the training you receive will prepare you well for your career goals. Entire schools can be either nationally or regionally accredited—with regional accreditation considered the most prestigious. Certain programs within the university can also have programmatic accreditation.

What is the difference between an accelerated timeline and a traditional timeline?

A traditional timeline usually involves taking one class at a time over a period of several years and then finishing with one to three years of dissertation work. In total, most traditional programs are 4-6 years.

Accelerated doctoral programs crank the pace to full-time and allow students to finish the entire program in one and a half to three years. As one can imagine, this is not always easy. It often requires taking multiple classes at a time and/or progressing through classes at an accelerated pace. But for ambitious and disciplined students, the upsides of enrolling in one of the shortest online doctoral programs is completely worth it!

For those looking for 1 year online doctoral programs, we hate to be the bearer of bad news, but unless you have transferrable credit, this will be a tough feat. While we did find a couple of 2 year doctoral programs, true 1 year doctoral programs are few and far between. But that doesn’t mean there aren’t still many amazing options available to you for a short doctoral program. Read on!

Types of Short Doctoral Programs in Education

What’s the difference between a PhD and an EdD in Education?

Both PhD’s and EdD’s are terminal degrees in the field of education. The defining difference between the two is research vs. application. PhD’s best benefit for those who want to be professors of education and/ or continue doing original research within the field of education. EdD’s are for those who are more interested in real-world application and want to become hands-on leaders in the field (ie. superintendents, principals, etc.)

Of special note to those interested in accelerated programs—the fastest PhD programs are still typically longer than the shortest online doctoral programs for EdD’s.

What are some majors within a doctoral Education program?

The schools below will offer a good sampling of some majors within online doctoral degrees in education. The first school on our list in particular offers 13 different specialization options to suit any interest. Some typical areas of focus include:

• Curriculum and instruction
• Organizational leadership
• A K-12 leadership concentration
• A higher education leadership concentration

Keep reading to see our round-up of the most prestigious accelerated doctoral programs in education online!

The 5 Best Accelerated Doctoral Programs in Education Online

1. University of the Cumberlands

   Degree: Doctorate of Education in Educational Leadership
   Tuition (In-State & Out-of-State): $415 per credit hour

   The School

   The University of the Cumberlands was originally known as Williamsburg Institute. Founded in 1888 by Baptist ministers, the purpose of the Institute was to prepare students to live as servant leaders. The Institute acquired Highland College in 1913 and was then renamed Cumberland College. It adopted its current name, University of the Cumberlands, in 2005.

   Still grounded in its original Christian principles and heart for service, the University of the Cumberlands prides itself in being a student-focused community and abides by four core values: “Ensuring access to underserved student populations, pursuing excellence in teaching and learning, fostering faith in action through a student-focused community, and innovating to improve student learning outcomes and career preparedness.” Total enrollment is around 20,000 students with two campuses and a robust online program.

   Something unique about this University is their signature One Price Promise. For undergrad students, this means that they pay one flat rate for everything—room and board, tuition, books, etc. is all included with no hidden fees. For graduate students, that means one consistent price per credit hour with no extra costs for books or resources. Because of this One Price Promise, a quarter of their students are debt free.

   The Program

   The Doctor of Educational Leadership program at this school desires to cultivate educational leaders who create solutions. They prepare students to “apply the critical thinking and creativity necessary to solve today’s most pressing educational challenges.”

   This is a 60 credit program that is entirely online. As one of the quickest doctorate degrees, it can take three years or less to complete. The program begins with 21 credit hours of core courses like: Learning in Adulthood, Higher Education in America, and The Change Process. Students then proceed to 18 credit hours of a specialization area and 21 hours of Professional Research that culminate in a dissertation.

   A distinctive of this particular program is that it offers 13 different and diverse specialization areas. This makes UC a fantastic option for those wanting to focus on a a specific niche. Students can choose from the following areas:

   – Criminal Justice
   – Education
   – English
   – Health Professions
   – Health Science
   – History
   – Mathematics
   – Missions and Ministry
   – Nursing
   – Student Personnel Services
   – Business
   – Information Systems
   – Instructional Technology

   Admission requirements for this program include: a graduate application, official transcripts with a 3.0 minimum GPA, and a program specific application.

   Find Out More:
   Doctorate of Education in Educational Leadership

    

2. University of Bridgeport

   Degree: EdD in Educational Leadership
   Tuition (In-State & Out-of-State): $700 per credit hour

   The School

   The University of Bridgeport’s history began in 1927 as the first two-year junior college in New England. After World War II, the president of the college decided to expand the school into a full university, and in 1947 it was officially created at its Seaside Park campus. Today the University has an undergraduate enrollment of 1,637 and a graduate enrollment of 2,351.

   The University has many achievements to its name that they categorize as either “first, best, or only.” For example, they were the first University in the world to have a dental hygiene program. Also, the first Education Leadership Doctoral Program in Connecticut. Not to mention, it’s one of the most diverse universities in the nation, and the only university in Connecticut with a master’s in Artificial Intelligence. Bridgeport prides itself on excellence.

   The Program

   The full EdD program is 62 credits. It gives students “the skills and experience they need to become effective leaders, policymakers, and researchers with a focus on education in an increasingly global world.” Students will take a wide range of courses including Evaluation of School Effectiveness, Curricula Theory, and International Education Concepts & Theories. The program culminates in a comprehensive exam as well as a dissertation sequence.

   For ambitious students, the University offers two ways for students to take an accelerated route. Those who have an accredited Sixth-Year or Education post-master’s degree have the option to take one of the fastest doctorate degrees with their 42 credit EdD program. In addition, any student can choose to take a full-time class load to complete the accelerated doctoral program in as little as 3.5 years.

   Note that this is not a 100% online program, but rather a hybrid program. Students enrolled in this degree must complete two on-campus residencies. These residencies occur during the summers and are intended to make sure students have significant and meaningful face-to-face interactions with faculty members and other graduate students.

   For admission, prospective students should be prepared to submit: master’s transcripts with a 3.0 minimum GPA, two letters of recommendation, a resume, a personal statement, and a writing sample. Those pursuing the 42 credit program must also submit their Sixth-year or post-master’s degree.

   Find Out More:
   EdD in Educational Leadership

    

3. Holy Family University

   Degree: Doctor of Education in Educational & Organizational Leadership
   Tuition (In-State & Out-of-State): $848 per credit for accelerated graduate programs

   The School

   Holy Family University is a Catholic school founded in 1954. It’s part of the ministry of the Sisters of the Holy Family of Nazareth. This Holy Family is the model for all families, and throughout its history the University has continued to emphasize the importance of the family unit. In its early years, the school was part of the Catholic University of America, but in 1961 it received its own full accreditation. In 2002 the college officially became a university.

   Today, it has a total enrollment of around 3,600 students. It’s got two campuses in both Philadelphia and Newton, Pennsylvania. Overall Holy Family hosts schools in the Arts & Sciences, Business & Technology, Education, and Nursing & Health Sciences. They are passionate about being a values-driven school and work hard to create a welcoming environment for their diverse student population. They also have a low 12:1 student to faculty ratio and offer the lowest net-cost tuition of any private university in the state. Of special note for this degree, their School of Education is widely regarded as one of the best in the region.

   The Program

   Their Doctor of Education in Educational & Organizational Leadership program prepares students to be leaders within the field of education. The program offers four different areas of focus:

   – Curriculum & Instruction
   – Organizational Leadership
   – School Leadership & Administration
   – Professional Studies

   While these concentrations can be applied in any context, there are also special opportunities given to preparing students for in-state opportunities like Principal Certification, Superintendent Certification, and Supervisor of Curriculum and Instruction.

   This EdD is a short doctoral program made up of 51-54 credits, depending on the specialization chosen. It is made up of a 15 credit Leadership Core, a 15-18 credit Specialization Core, and a 21 credit Research Core. The Research Core includes five different dissertation courses as well as a comprehensive exam. There is an accelerated option, but students must talk with an admissions counselor to learn more about this track.

   Prospective students wishing to apply to this program can learn about the admissions requirements by creating an account on the Holy Family website and going through their admissions process.

   Find Out More:
   Holy Family University

    

4. Gwynedd Mercy University

   Degree: Executive EdD in Education/Leadership and Teaching & Learning
   Tuition (In-State & Out-of-State): $1,076 per credit

   The School

   Gwynedd Mercy University began as a junior women’s college in 1948. Founded by the Religious Sisters of Mercy of Merion, the school has always been shaped by their Catholic heritage and their mission to “prepare students to lead productive lives of deep meaning and value.” Ten years after its founding, the school earned accreditation. Then, five years after that, became a full-fledged four-year institution.

   Today Gwynedd Mercy has a total enrollment of over 2,000 students and has over 24,500 alumni. The student population is global and diverse—comprised of students from 35 states and 22 countries. Almost 30% of the population has a diverse background and 60% are first-generation college students. This commitment to diversity is also reflected in their four core values: “integrity in word and deed, respect for the dignity of each person, service to society, and social justice in a diverse world.”

   The Program

   Their Doctorate of Education in Educational Leadership Program is a 54-60 credit hour hybrid program. It offers four different specialization options.

   An important distinctive of this program is its residency requirement. Students are required to do two on-campus residencies during the summer and an additional global residency. Students will travel to Ireland for a one-week study trip at the Ireland Sisters of Mercy Universities to learn about global education trends. No need to save extra for this trip—it is built into the tuition costs.

   The four options for this EdD degree are:

   – Leadership in PreK-12 Schools & School Districts
   – Teaching & Learning in Higher Education
   – Leadership in Special Education
   – Leadership in Higher Education

   Regardless of what you choose, all students will take courses like: The Ethics of Educational Leadership and Policy and Foundations of Educational Research. All students will also go through a four part dissertation sequence. The accelerated version of this program is one of the shortest online doctoral programs and can be completed in less than three years.

   For admission, students must submit: master’s transcripts with a 3.0 or above GPA, GRE scores of 155 or higher, a resume, three letters of recommendation, a statement of purpose, and a writing sample. Candidates may also may also to go through an interview process.

   Find Out More:
   Gwynedd Mercy University

    

5. South College

   Degree: Doctor of Education (EdD) in Adult Learning & Development, Higher Education Leadership, Teaching & Learning, Organizational Leadership, Educational Leadership, or Instructional Design Technology
   Tuition (In-State & Out-of-State): $2,100 per 1-3.5 quarter credits

   The School

   The story of South College begins way back in 1882 with Nashville Business College. The college began to grow tremendously and offer far more than just business classes. In 2001, the college changed its name to South College in recognition of this growth. In addition to its original campus, it also has as second Knoxville location, a Nashville location, and branches in five other states across the country. They have a current enrollment of over 6,000 students.

   South College has four institutional goals that guide its day-to-day decision-making: educational excellence, growth, fiscal health, and creating a community atmosphere. It has a career-focused vision with an emphasis on high academic standards and excellence to produce graduates who are fully prepared to be leaders in the workforce.

   The Program

   The EdD program at South College is quite different from a typical doctoral program. Like others, it offers specialization options in: Adult Learning & Development, Higher Education Leadership, Teaching & Learning, Organizational Leadership, Educational Leadership, and Instructional Design & Technology.

   But that’s where most similarities stop.

   Instead of a traditional program schedule, South has a “competency-based” program. Students enroll in 6 month subscription-based terms and are able to progress through courses at their own pace during these terms. Students are required to complete 10 courses, including a dissertation, and a total of 90 quarter hours. This format allows students to breeze through courses they are familiar with and take more time in courses that are new or challenging. Utilizing this accelerated, subscription-based format, most students complete their degree in about three years. Students looking for 1 year doctoral programs online and who have some previously earned credits may be able to achieve that in this program

   While not the right fit for every student, this model allows ambitious and gifted students to earn a doctoral degree at an extremely accelerated rate and allows them to thrive in their independent work. However, just because this model requires a high degree of initiative, doesn’t mean that students are left alone. At the start of the program, students are assigned a Faculty Mentor who provides guidance throughout the course of the program and helps to keep everything on track.

   Those interested in this program will need to fill out a general admission application. Also, an EdD program- specific application. In addition, you will need to submit master’s degree transcripts with a minimum 2.75 GPA.

   Find Out More:
   Doctor of Education in Adult Learning & Development
   EdD in Educational Leadership
   EdD in Higher Education Leadership
   Doctor of Education in Organizational Leadership
   Doctor of Education in Teaching & Learning

    

Admission Requirements for the Fastest Doctorate Degrees in Education Online

As can be seen from our top five, all schools with an accelerated doctoral program in education will have slightly different admission requirements. At the very least, however, all school will require submitted transcripts from an earned master’s degree. Especially for accelerated programs, most of universities will also have fairly high minimum GPA requirements to make sure you will be successful in the program.

Most schools will also want to see evidence of real-world leadership experience within education.

Other potential requirements include:

• GRE scores
• A resume
• Letters of recommendation
• Writing samples
• Interviews
• Statements of purpose

Make sure to take special note if any of your top schools require taking the GRE. This test requires significant prep time and must be scheduled in advance.

Why Pursue Accelerated EdD Programs Online

What are the benefits of accelerated online doctoral education programs?

The three biggest benefits of accelerated doctoral programs in education online are time, convenience, and money. You can save several years of time by enrolling in an accelerated program as opposed to a typical one. If you’re ready to level-up in your career asap, then this is a huge benefit.

As with any online degree, convenience is also a major benefit. You can attend a prestigious school in a completely different state—all from the comfort of your home. Not every accelerated program will be cheaper than a traditional one, but some of these programs—particularly the subscription based program—offer to save money by working at a faster pace.

And, of course, we can’t forget the biggest overall benefit. That you will emerge from the program as a confident educational leader who is ready to take on the world. You will solve complex educational problems, and make a difference in the lives of learners wherever you may go!

What are some career paths for EdD doctoral students?

The two most common career paths for EdD students are administration and teaching. Depending on your particular area of interest, an EdD will prepare you for almost any administration job at any level of education. If you want to be a superintendent, for example, then this degree is the way to go. With online doctor of education programs, you could also teach at any level of education. Including becoming a college professor. Another potential career path would be in the field of curriculum development and/or research within education.

A smaller number of people might use their degree and experience for organizational leadership positions outside the field of education.

Find the Best Doctoral Programs in Education Online with GetEducated

Picture this: Dear Dr. (Insert Your Name Here). That has a nice ring to it, doesn’t it?

Maybe now is the time to start making your dream a reality by pursing one of the many accelerated doctoral programs in education online. As you can see, there are so many good options that will help you earn your degree quickly, conveniently, and within your particular area of interest. We’ll be cheering you on as you start this exciting journey and become the world-class educational leader that we know you are.

If you want to learn more about this and other online degrees, check out GetEducated to read all about the amazing online options that are available for you!