Online EdD Programs
Shape Educational Outcomes Through a Doctor of Education
The Doctor of Education (EdD) online(See disclaimer 1) programs at Grand Canyon University, an institutionally accredited university, can prepare you to lead with integrity and facilitate faculty- and student-focused solutions as an effective servant leader. Designed for working professionals, our online EdD programs explore qualitative and quantitative research methods for scholar-practitioners.
The Doctor of Education degree programs are embedded with residencies and milestones, enabling you to refine your research skills. As a member of GCU’s online doctoral learning community, you can collaborate with faculty and fellow doctoral peers as you work toward achieving your academic and professional goals.
Explore Online Doctor of Education Programs
16 Matching Degrees
What Can You Do With an EdD?
The EdD degree offers a curriculum designed for the scholar-practitioner interested in roles that put theories into practice in applied settings. A Doctor of Education degree can be an ideal choice for those pursuing leadership opportunities in K-12 education and postsecondary academia.(See disclaimer 2) Education administrators shape the mission and future of their organizations, allocating resources for faculty, setting standards, advising students and serving as a community liaison.
Some career opportunities you may consider include:
K-12 education administrator
Postsecondary education administrator
Preschool and daycare education administrator
Training and development specialist
Median annual salary for postsecondary education administrators as of May 2024(See disclaimer 3)
Median annual salary for K-12 education administrators as of May 2024(See disclaimer 4)
Frequently Asked Questions
Before embarking on your doctoral journey, you may wish to do some exploratory research into your degree and career options. The College of Doctoral Studies has compiled the following FAQs and answers for those interested in our EdD programs online.(See disclaimer 1)
What does coursework in an EdD program typically include?
Can you be a professor with an EdD?
Does an EdD require a dissertation?
Is an EdD still considered a professional degree?
Can you be called a doctor with an EdD?
Advancing Education Leadership With Doctoral-Level Learning
Join a dedicated community of scholars and faculty at GCU’s College of Doctoral Studies. Our online(See disclaimer 1) Doctor of Education programs are founded on the university’s strong Christian values, emphasizing character education, servant leadership and integrity in practice. GCU provides a mission-driven learning environment with faculty members committed to supporting doctoral learners as they strive to make an impact in their fields.
GCU is committed to being a transfer-friendly institution, providing a seamless process for students to transfer their previous coursework. We value the academic experiences of incoming students and encourage prospective transfer students to visit the Transfer Center for support.
The Higher Learning Commission has continually accredited GCU since 1968. As an institutionally accredited university, GCU prioritizes academic quality and comprehensive curriculum. The College of Doctoral Studies shares the university’s commitment to upholding the principles and standards established by our accrediting bodies.
GCU encourages doctoral learners to collaborate and network with each other while completing coursework via our Learning Management System. Our e-learning platform also provides easy access to professors, as well as a gateway to numerous online learning resources, including technical support.
Resources for Online EdD Students
GCU’s EdD programs online(See disclaimer 1)offer comprehensive student support and resources from day one. These include being assigned a student services counselor to support you on your journey and the Center for Innovation in Research and Teaching and the Doctoral Community (DC) Network.™ Here, you can receive personalized guidance as you work toward your academic goals and shape your future. You can also benefit from faculty support and mentorship, as well as doctoral research support from the Institutional Review Board (IRB).
Benefit from extensive learner support as you take the next step in your academic and professional trajectory. Get started today.
Program has residencies that take place on or near GCU's campus.
- Louie, K. (n.d.). The History of the Doctorate in Education (Ed.D.) – Past, Present & Future. Online EdD Programs. Retrieved February 2026.
- The earnings referenced were reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Postsecondary Education Administrators as of May 2024, retrieved February 2026. Due to COVID-19, data from 2020 to 2023 may be atypical compared to prior years. BLS calculates the median using salaries of workers nationwide with varying levels of education and experience. It does not reflect the earnings of GCU graduates as postsecondary education administrators, nor does it reflect the earnings of workers in one city or region of the country or a typical entry-level salary. Median income is the statistical midpoint for the range of salaries in a specific occupation. It is very unlikely that a median salary will reflect an entry-level salary. It represents what you would earn if you were paid more money than half the workers in an occupation, and less than half the workers in an occupation. It may give you a basis to estimate what you might earn at some point if you enter this career. Grand Canyon University can make no guarantees on individual graduates’ salaries. Your employability will be determined by numerous factors over which GCU has no control, such as the employer the graduate chooses to apply to, the graduate’s experience level, individual characteristics, skills, etc. against a pool of candidates.
- The earnings referenced were reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Elementary, Middle, and High School Principals as of May 2024, retrieved February 2026. Due to COVID-19, data from 2020 to 2023 may be atypical compared to prior years. BLS calculates the median using salaries of workers nationwide with varying levels of education and experience. It does not reflect the earnings of GCU graduates as elementary, middle, and high school principals, nor does it reflect the earnings of workers in one city or region of the country or a typical entry-level salary. Median income is the statistical midpoint for the range of salaries in a specific occupation. It is very unlikely that a median salary will reflect an entry-level salary. It represents what you would earn if you were paid more money than half the workers in an occupation, and less than half the workers in an occupation. It may give you a basis to estimate what you might earn at some point if you enter this career. Grand Canyon University can make no guarantees on individual graduates’ salaries. Your employability will be determined by numerous factors over which GCU has no control, such as the employer the graduate chooses to apply to, the graduate’s experience level, individual characteristics, skills, etc. against a pool of candidates.
- Thompson, E. and Carlton, G., PhD. (2024, May 30). Ed.D. vs. Ph.D. vs. Ed.S.: What’s the Difference? BestColleges. Retrieved February 2026.
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2025, Aug. 28). How to Become a Postsecondary Teacher. Occupational Outlook Handbook. Retrieved February 2026.