How to Choose the Right Online Doctorate in Education Program

Pursuing a doctorate in education is an amazing experience and opportunity to grow in your profession. However, it can be hard to go to school if you are already in a career that consumes most of your time, or you have a family. 

That's why we recommend getting an online doctorate in education. Online education will give you the flexibility you need to fit your EdD program into your busy life. It's also a more budget-conscious choice, and with a doctorate in education, you can get higher-paid leadership positions. 

How do you choose the best EdD program online? In this guide, we're going to explore what you should look for in the perfect program for you. We'll also discuss the benefits of a doctorate in education as well as the benefits of doing an online program. Let's get started. 

Why Get an Online Doctorate in Education?

Having a doctorate in education will qualify you for advanced leadership and administration roles in the education sector. Here are some of the EdD careers you could apply for with an education doctorate:

• School Superintendant
• College President
• Provost
• Chief Learning Officer
• Academic Dean
• Elementary, Middle, and High School Principal
• Executive Director of Education
• University and College Professor

All of these positions pay better salaries than what you could earn with lower-level jobs. Plus, if education is your passion, these roles will give you the most influence to make positive changes in the education systems.

Why Choose Online

Once you decide to go for your education doctorate, the next step is deciding whether you want to get in from an in-person or online program.

Online programs offer complete flexibility. You can go at your own pace and continue working your regular job while you complete the doctorate program. Distance learning also means you will spend less time commuting to and from class and can focus on your studies instead.

Another advantage to online learning is the access you will have to faculty and staff. Professors can respond to more students over email than they can in person, so you can trust that you will always get a timely response. You can also schedule one on one video chats with your advisor or administrator to help you determine your courses.

Finally, future employees like seeing online degrees on resumes because it shows strong time management and discipline skills. You can also develop proficient computer technology and online researching skills in an online program.

What to Look for in an Online Doctorate in Education Program

With so many online education programs available, choosing the right one can get overwhelming. Here are some tips on choosing the best online doctorate program for you:

1. Look for the Right Concentration

When you are applying for leadership jobs in education, you will set yourself apart if your degree has a special concentration. Therefore, you should make sure the programs your considering offer the concentration you need instead of just a generic degree. 

For instance, if you want to work in secondary school leadership, look for a K-12 concentration. If you want to work in higher education, look for a post-secondary concentration. At California Coast University, we offer concentrations in organizational leadership, educational psychology, and educational administration. 

2. Look for Accreditations and High Rankings

Ideally, an online doctorate program should have national and state accreditations. For example, California Coast University is accredited by the California Bureau for Private Post-Secondary Education.

You can also check to see how high your program ranks in the U.S. News and World Report rankings for education. 

3. Look for Skilled and Experienced Professors

Just because a program is online doesn't mean it should have second-rate teachers. Before you choose your online doctorate program, scan through the list of professors who teach the courses you will take. Check out their years of experience, academic achievements, and published work.

4. Check Reviews from Past Students

Past students will give you an honest and accurate representation of their experience in the program, so you should also read their reviews before choosing the program for you. 

Most schools should have a reviews page on their website. If not, you can ask the admissions counselor to connect you with alumni who can are happy to speak with you about their time in the online EdD program. 

5. Determine Your Budget

Before you fall in love with an online doctorate program, you need to make sure it fits within your budget. Determining your budget first will also give you an idea of how long you will be in the program. If your budget is limited, you can stretch your program out over a longer course of time so you have smaller payments.

To make a budget, factor in your income, living expenses, savings, how much extra you have to spend on school, and whether or not you will take out student loans. Once you know what you can spend, you can search for schools that fit within that budget. 

Get Started with an Online Doctorate at California Coast University

At California Coast University, you can pursue higher education without putting your life on hold. Our programs are affordable, self-paced, 100% online, and accredited. 

The California Coast University online doctorate degree program is designed with complete flexibility for our students. You can start anytime, and we offer affordable tuition with interest-free payment plans. 

We understand that taking your education to the next level is a big decision, and we want to make it an easy choice. Not only will an online doctorate in education work into your life right now, but it will also open up doors for you in the future to further your career. 

For more information about the California Coast University EdD program online, click here to speak to our admissions department.