Education
Doctor of Education
Elevate your leadership journey online
U of I’s online doctor of education (Ed.D.) degree program prepares professionals across education, health care, the military, corporate organizations and other industries to use applied research to solve real problems in real time. Unlike traditional programs focused narrowly on school administration, U of I’s program emphasizes leadership, learning and innovation across fields. You’ll complete a dissertation embedded in your daily coursework and graduate ready to advance your role and enact change in your professional organization.
From flexible coursework to exceptional student support, here’s what makes U of I’s degree program the best choice for professionals in all industries:
- 100% online format: Take courses from anywhere in the world, with a blend of synchronous and asynchronous options that fit your schedule.
- A terminal degree with real-world application: Earn your Ed.D. degree, the highest academic credential, while applying research to your own workplace challenges.
- Embedded dissertation: Finish your dissertation during the program through tailored coursework and faculty mentorship.
- Finish in three years: Complete one course at a time in an eight-week format.
- Cohort model with cross-industry peers: Learn alongside professionals from education, health care, the military and other industries, building a diverse network that broadens your perspective.
- Online student support: Benefit from one-on-one advising, a virtual writing center and other academic support services rarely found in doctoral programs.
- In-person connection opportunity: Join your cohort on campus at the start of the program for a face-to-face orientation.
- Learn from industry-leading faculty: Study with faculty who are scholars and practitioners actively shaping their fields.
- Accessible admissions criteria: Submit an application to the program with either a master’s degree or at least five years of relevant professional experience.
Overview
Related Topics
Open doors with a new degree
Degree fit
University of Idaho’s online Ed.D. program is ideal for self-motivated professionals who want to expand their leadership opportunities.
You might be a great candidate if you:
- Want to advance your career or move into a leadership role in your organization
- Are interested in conducting relevant, actionable research
- Work well independently
Curriculum and courses
The 100% online Ed.D. program takes three years to complete and includes 54 credit hours. Courses are delivered in eight-week terms, one at a time, using a mix of asynchronous coursework and live, synchronous sessions. During weekly virtual meetings, you’ll connect with faculty and your cohort to discuss key ideas and learn how other students apply course concepts to their professional industry.
From the beginning of the program, you’ll develop and lead original dissertation research focused on challenges in your own organizational setting. The dissertation process is fully embedded in the curriculum, allowing you to make steady progress and avoid delaying completion when you reach the end of the program.
Coursework emphasizes program evaluation, case study methodology and action research, giving you the skills to create, measure and implement data-informed solutions that make a real impact. This applied approach ensures that your work throughout the program directly benefits your organization and supports your long-term leadership goals.
Career outcomes
Current job openings
911 in ID, WA, OR, MT and HIPotential careers and starting salaries
- Education Administrators for Elementary and Secondary Schools
$84,410 - Religious Activities and Education Directors
$41,459 - Postsecondary Education Administrators
$67,185
* Career data provided by Lightcast.
Financial aid and scholarship opportunities
Financial aid
Paying for college can feel overwhelming, but U of I’s Financial Aid Office is here to help. Our experienced financial aid counselors can assist you in exploring financial aid options, making informed financial decisions and addressing common concerns.
For information on FAFSA deadlines, financial aid types and eligibility requirements, visit the University of Idaho Financial Aid Office website.
Plan ahead—estimate your cost of attendance with U of I’s Cost Calculator.
Clubs and involvement opportunities
Problem of practice dissertation
As part of the online Ed.D. degree curriculum, you’ll complete a professional practice experience tailored to your individual goals. You and your dissertation committee will collaboratively design the required practicum or internship to align with your career path and long-term aspirations. Whether you’re advancing in your current role or exploring a new leadership direction, the experience is structured to provide meaningful, hands-on learning in your field of expertise.
During the practice experience, you’ll apply what you’ve learned in real time by engaging in purposeful projects, collecting measurable outcomes and demonstrating leadership in action. This is your opportunity to directly impact your organization or community while building a body of work that supports your dissertation and your broader professional goals. The experience reinforces the program’s applied research focus and provides tangible evidence of your growth as a scholar-practitioner and leader.
Application information
Applicants for the Ed.D. program must meet the following admission requirements:
- Education level: Master’s degree or 5+ years of industry experience
- Graduate GPA: 3.0 (applicants with a lower GPA may be considered under specific circumstances) or 5+ years of industry experience
- GRE: No
- TOEFL/IELTS (for international applicants): 79/6.5
- Letters of recommendation: Two (One letter of recommendation is required from someone in your current industry that you plan to work with on the required dissertation)
- Other requirements: Writing sample
Visit Graduate Admissions to learn more and start your application.