Become a thought leader and implement meaningful change in education with Aurora University’s online Doctor of Education degree. This immersive online doctorate in education program combines academic rigor, practical application, and current trends in educational research to prepare you for the next step in your career. It includes four strand options to specialize your studies for your chosen professional path:
This program trains you to address current issues and challenges in education as you work with your peers and build a strong network in districts and institutions across Illinois and beyond. It features three starts per year in January, May, and August.
The online doctorate in education connects theory and practice to provide a comprehensive view of preK-12 instructional leadership and higher education. Graduates can apply their studies to solve complex problems, carry out forward-thinking initiatives, and transform their workplaces.
No matter which doctorate in education strand you choose, you’ll gain advanced skills for the next step in your education career. Discover why over 130 school districts, universities, and agencies in Illinois employ AU EdD graduates. Learn more about our flexible online EdD today.
You will complete an internship at your current place of employment to gain hands-on experience. In addition, all students orally defend and publish a final dissertation on an approved topic. AU students have a dissertation completion rate of 70â80%, surpassing the national average. You may also complete 13 courses to receive your Superintendent Endorsement that can be transferred into the EDD program.
Our EdD online courses are taught by experienced faculty who are experts in the education field. An optional, synchronous writing retreat opportunity is available but not required.
If you are a current student already enrolled in the EdD program and need resources as you work through your dissertation, you can find more information here.
Get StartedThis strand is designed for teachers, curriculum instruction educators, and principals who are ready to become curriculum directors and teacher educators. You will study topics such as teacher development, program evaluation, data analysis for school improvement, and instructional practices.
This strand is designed for educational leaders who want to become a superintendent or hold other top positions in school districts. You'll study topics such as curriculum and assessment for all levels of education and types of students as well as law, coaching and mentoring, research, and data analysis. Completing the ISBE-approved coursework allows you to earn the Superintendent Endorsement.
This strand of the online Doctor of Education program is designed for educators who have completed a master's degree in educational leadership and hold an active Illinois principal endorsement. Students in the program will graduate with the credential to pursue upper-administrative roles such as assistant superintendent and director.
This strand is designed for administrators who already hold an Illinois Superintendent Endorsement and are ready to advance their careers in Kâ12 school district leadership through continued study. Students research areas relevant to their practice and publish a final dissertation. As an advanced standing program, this option allows you to complete your doctoral degree in two years by transferring previous credits earned from the Superintendent Endorsement.
*Continuous enrollment must be maintained until degree completion and a minimum of 9 dissertation hours in the Ed Admin track
** Student must maintain continuous enrollment until degree completion and complete a minimum of 10 dissertation hours.
Those accepted into the advanced standing strand can transfer up to 30 credit hours of coursework from the Superintendent Endorsement and must take 30 credit hours of research-related coursework. Students with fewer than 30 credit hours of transfer credit must take elective courses to fulfill the total 60 credit hours needed to graduate with a doctorate in education.
Note: Tuition and fees are subject to change without prior notice. Please contact the Office of Student Accounts for questions or information on current tuition, fees, room, board and other rates.
Applicants to the online doctorate in education program must hold a master’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university. Required content for the admission portfolio includes:
Upon submission of a completed admissions portfolio, applicants must complete an interview with members of the School of Education faculty and submit a timed writing proficiency.
All AU Online students must have unrestricted access to a computer or mobile device with high-speed internet to participate in online courses. AU Online uses Moodle to host its online classes.
Transferable course credit is considered on a case-by-case basis. Please contact an enrollment counselor for more details.
Professionals with an online EdD are qualified to work in a broad range of fields from K-12 and higher education to nonprofits, business, government, health care, and the military.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, postsecondary education administrators earn an average of $95,410 per year. In addition, job outlook for postsecondary educators is growing much faster than the national average for all occupations at 9%. Possible roles include:
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