Doctor of Education Program

School of Public Service and Education

Grow as a leader with an education doctorate

Do you want to effect real change in your school or district? Grow beyond where you are as a leader? Solve problems in the field of education to make a lasting difference? The Capella Doctor of Education (EdD) can be your key to developing leadership skills used by K–12 or higher education faculty, district administrators, policy specialists, and other professional educators.

Our online EdD specializations focus on the skills needed by practitioners, with an emphasis on applied research. Learn how to solve specific organizational problems, improve outcomes, and address gaps in the field with a program that’s flexible enough for you to live your life while earning your degree.

EdD program specializations

Learn more about admissions requirements, costs, and courses for your specialization.

Accredited & recognized

Capella University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Accreditation and recognitions provide the assurance we meet standards for quality of faculty, curriculum, learner services, and fiscal stability. See all of our accreditations and recognitions

Why choose Capella?

The Capella doctoral experience

This Capella doctoral program is designed to maximize your learning and have a demonstrable impact, professionally and personally. You’ll receive guidance from a dedicated faculty and support team and gain access to a treasure trove of online resources and tools.

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Two learning formats

Choose the option that fits for your EdD in Educational Leadership. GuidedPath, a flexible yet structured approach, or FlexPath, a self-paced format.

Mastery of applied research

Your core coursework will help you build advanced skills in applied research, which prepares you to complete your doctoral project. You’ll evaluate a problem or gap in your field, construct practical solutions for that issue, and offer concrete ways to implement your solution in the real world.

Professionally aligned curriculum

Your understanding of how the field of education works in the real world is just as important as the skills and theory you learn in your EdD program. Our courses are designed by scholar-practitioner faculty who understand industry standards, with curriculum that can help you achieve your goals.

“Everything I was learning in my EdD program, I was applying directly at work. It couldn’t have been more applicable and in the moment. I would read about something in my assignment, and there it was happening in my job.”

Lynn Desjarlais* Doctor of Education
*Actual Capella student who agreed to appear in Capella promotional materials.

Other programs to explore

Is this program close to what you need, but maybe not a perfect fit? The programs below might be interesting. Check them out to find one that suits your academic and professional goals.

PHD

PhD in Education

Focus on research and expertise in the specialization of your choice, including curriculum and instruction and special education.

Ready for the next step?

Learning online doesn't mean going it alone. Help is here. From faculty, coaches, advisors and more. Plus a supportive community of students who are as passionate about their careers as you are about yours.