Lead change with an online Doctor of Education (EdD)
Capella’s online Doctor of Education (EdD), guided by experienced scholar-practitioner faculty, offers five specializations – Adult Education, Educational Leadership, Curriculum and Instruction, Performance Improvement Leadership, and Reading and Literacy – so you can align your doctorate with the leadership role you’re working toward. Coursework is delivered entirely online, though the program requires in-person projects to complete degree requirements. To learn more about where a teaching career could take you, see 5 career paths in education: skills and degree pathways.
EdD program overview
Our EdD program is designed with an emphasis on applied research to help experienced practitioners build high-level leadership skills. Learn to solve specific organizational problems, improve outcomes and address gaps in the field.
Capella University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Accreditation and recognitions provide assurance that we meet standards for quality of faculty, curriculum, student services and fiscal stability. See all our accreditations and recognitions.
Why Capella?
- Cost & savings
- Flexibility
- Quality curriculum
- Student experience
$32,000 Capella Tuition Cap
With the Capella Tuition Cap, you won’t pay more than $32,000* in tuition costs for your degree.
*Eligibility rules and exclusions apply. Connect with us for details.
Reduce your tuition
Student loans can help you finance your education – but they must be repaid. Before you apply for a loan, make sure to explore options for discounts, tuition assistance and other ways to manage costs.
FlexPath: Your pace. Your price.
FlexPath lets you finish the degree you started, with a doctoral degree in business administration.
Ways to save
Get the credit you deserve. You may be able to save time and money on your Capella degree by transferring credits from an accredited university.
All transfer credit must be completed prior to starting any program in the FlexPath format. Any professional certification or external courses taken concurrently with FlexPath enrollment cannot be recognized in the Capella degree program.
24/7 courseroom access
Access your coursework anytime, anywhere, and work on it as it suits your schedule. Weekly deadlines and regular check-ins help you stay motivated and on track.
Two online learning formats to fit your life
- Take one or two courses at a time
- Set your own deadlines. You can finish a course and move on to the next one without having to wait for a new term
- Complete as many courses as you can in each 12-week billing session
- Available in select programs
- Work on assignments with fixed weekly deadlines
- Take up to three classes per quarter
- Follow a set schedule of 10-week quarters
Distinguished faculty
While guiding you through a curriculum designed to help prepare you for your chosen career, our faculty bring a wealth of experiences that translate the courseroom material to the real world. You’ll learn the skills you need and gain insights into your chosen profession.
EdD outcomes
At Capella University, the EdD program provides practicing professionals the opportunity to further develop their skills and demonstrate proficiency in the essential competency areas of their discipline.
Students will practice creative and critical thinking and practical application of inquiry, research, leadership, cultural competency and collaboration skills. The program prepares successful graduates to excel as effective strategists, problem-solvers and change managers in their chosen fields. Students complete a doctoral project focusing on an applied improvement project to meet the needs of an organization of their choice, with key deliverables embedded across a number of courses in the program.
95%
of Doctor of Education alumni agree their education experience at Capella was designed around the needs of working professionals.
Alumni Outcomes Survey, 2025, point of graduation
Financing support
- Assistance with the financial aid process
- Scholarships, transfer credits
Academic support
- One-on-one enrollment and advising support
- Writing Center, online library and tutoring services
- Expert faculty with real-world knowledge
Additional support resources
Doctor of Education (EDD) program insights
“I decided to pursue my doctorate degree at Capella due to the flexibility of the program. I work full-time and did not want to leave an organization and career that I loved. Capella enabled me to complete my degree while maintaining my job and studying the degree that was also aligned with my everyday work.”
Tamara Ryan
EdD Alumni
Frequently asked questions
Applicants to the EdD program must provide the following materials for admission:
- A master’s degree from an institution accredited by an agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education or from an internationally recognized institution
- Your official master’s transcripts, with a minimum grade point average of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale
- A valid, government-issued form of photo identification
- Admission application – no application fee required
GRE and GMAT are not required for admission.
International and FlexPath applicants will be subject to additional admission requirements.
View full admission requirements for EdD specializations: Adult Education, Curriculum and Instruction, Educational Leadership, Performance Improvement Leadership, Reading and Literacy.
International student requirements
If you completed your most recent academic coursework, degree or credential at an institution outside the United States, regardless of your citizenship or where you currently live, you are considered an international applicant.
In addition to the above admission requirements, you will need to submit these materials:
- Minimum score on acceptable test for proof of English proficiency
- Transcript evaluation
Learn more about international student admissions.
The Doctor of Education program prepares successful graduates with a foundation and skill set in key areas of educational leadership. Students complete a doctoral project focusing on an applied improvement project to meet the needs of an organization of their choice, with key deliverables embedded across a number of courses in the program.
For more information on education courses, view the available specializations: Adult Education, Curriculum and Instruction, Educational Leadership, Performance Improvement Leadership and Reading and Literacy.
With FlexPath, you can take courses at your own speed and move on to the next one when you’re ready. Our self-paced learning format helps put you in control.
The FlexPath learning format offers flexibility – and support – to help you fit earning a degree into your busy life. Set your own deadlines. Use what you already know to progress at your own pace. And take advantage of one tuition fee every 12-week billing session to help lower costs. Books, supplies and other fees apply.
Compare that with our GuidedPath learning format, which offers structured learning with the flexibility of 24/7 access to the courseroom. Set deadlines help you stay focused and motivated. You’ll engage with peers for weekly discussion posts, and instructors provide regular check-ins and feedback on assessments. Tuition is billed on a pay-per-credit model for 10-week courses. So, you can plan out your degree to fit your schedule and budget.
Capella University offers degrees ranging from bachelor’s to doctorates, as well as certificate options. But what if you just need one specific class? Enrollment specialists Rey Bayl and Terry Metoxen share their insights into how individual courses work and what you can expect from the experience.
Choosing education as a career is fulfilling, rewarding and pragmatic. Check out these five potential careers in education to see if one feels right for you.
Additional EDD resources
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Curriculum and instruction: career paths for educators
Learn about curriculum and instruction and explore career paths in instructional design, program development and educational leadership for working educators.
What can you do with an EdD?
Learn about the applied educational research focus of this doctoral degree and related job titles to explore.