collageA traditional dissertation is a five-chapter paper showing that an Ed.D. student knows the discipline and can conduct original research that contributes to the field of education. The dissertation process starts practically as soon as students begin the program and can be broken down into six steps:
- Choose a topic. Near the beginning of the program, students identify a topic they will still be interested in even after years of exhaustive research. The topics need to revolve around a narrowly focused problem educators face.
- Craft a proposal. Students use the knowledge they’ve gained from didactic coursework and research classes to write the opening chapters: an introduction defining the problem they are trying to answer, a literature review, and a proposed methodology for finding the answer.
- Defend the proposal. After the student presents their work, the committee provides feedback, making sure the research is significant and relevant works are in the literature review.
- Research. After making any necessary tweaks to the proposal and getting it approved, students actually research the problem.
- Write the (rest of the) dissertation. Students write the final two chapters—one detailing their findings and the other analyzing what they mean and how they might be applied.
- Defend it. To graduate, students must present their dissertation, incorporate any notes from their committee, and finalize their submission.
It’s not hard to find examples of dissertations. Several schools publish full Ed.D. dissertations online for free, among them Concordia, George Fox, and University of San Francisco. Titles include “Education Reform in Rwanda: Impacts of genocide and reconstruction on school systems” and “Exploring High School Seniors’ Lived Experience of Teacher Empathy: A phenomenological study.”
Alternatives to the Ed.D. Dissertation
Ed.D. programs intentionally distinguish themselves from Ph.D. programs by focusing more on practice and less on research. Therefore, it makes sense that Ed.D.s might skip the traditional dissertation, which is geared toward producing academic research. However, for a terminal degree, students still must show they can improve the discipline; there has to be a final something.
Dissertation in Practice
In the 2000s, the Carnegie Project on the Education Doctorate (CPED) consortium conceptualized an alternative to the standard dissertation. The consortium, which now includes over 100 schools, wanted to make the Ed.D. degree more relevant for school practitioners and education leaders, not researchers. One way was the dissertation in practice (DiP).
The basic idea was that students would take a “problem of practice,” a problem that an organization or stakeholder group in education has that makes their education goals harder, and try to make it better.
In reality, even when schools use the dissertation in practice name, they may still require what appears to be a standard five-chapter dissertation, whereas others might incorporate a group project, a video presentation, or other work. The unifying factor, however, according to Duquesne University School of Education, is that a dissertation in practice is meant to guide others and be used in the field. In other words, the concluding recommendations are the most important part.
Capstone Project
Some dissertations in practice are more like the other alternative to a dissertation. Schools may call it a culminating project, scholarly delivery, applied inquiry project, or just a capstone project. In general, however, all alternatives to a traditional dissertation—including DiPs—deal with a problem of practice, which usually faces the student’s workplace. By completing a capstone, students set out to research the problem and create a workable solution.
That solution is not a research paper. Other types of deliverable could be a new curriculum or a training video for teachers, or even a portfolio showing multiple materials. This is typically accompanied by a shorter report explaining the process behind the project.
Ed.D. Capstone Projects
Ed.D. degree plans often incorporate capstone work into the orientation and throughout the project. Here’s a general summary of the steps involved:
- Take coursework, then choose a topic. The beginning of the Ed.D. is typically front-loaded with foundational coursework as well as classes on how to conduct research. It’s here that students start to explore what a good capstone topic might be and learn the research tools they might apply.
- Meet with an advisor. Further along in the program, students work with an advisor to firm up the problem they want to address and determine how to approach it. Part of that is figuring out what an appropriate deliverable would be, such as a change management plan or curriculum. They also start developing a timeline and gathering members of the committee that will review the capstone upon completion.
- Draft a report. Most capstones still ask for a written report explaining the process students went through. Therefore, about halfway through the program, students may draft a problem statement that covers background info, outline a process for finding solutions, and describe the deliverable. Often, there will be required capstone coursework at this stage to assist students with putting it all together.
- Defend the proposal. Before the actual research takes place, the committee needs to sign off on the proposal.
- Collect and analyze data. To be clear, even without a standard dissertation, there’s no getting around conducting research. The key difference is how that research is gathered and applied. Students may use not only traditional research but also action research and/or evaluation research to complete their capstone.
- Defend the report. Students have one more defense—this time of their research findings and accompanying recommendations. This is separate from the project deliverable.
- Produce a deliverable. The deliverable is the most relevant part. It’s something the organization being researched can actually use to improve educational access or outcomes.
Ed.D. Capstone Project Examples
Just taking a glance at titles, capstone topics may not appear to be much different from dissertation topics. If they differ, it’s in scope and format. Students work on an issue tied to their workplace, and their deliverable can be in a form other than a paper.
One 2011 group capstone project from Virginia Commonwealth University, titled “Statewide Communities of Practice for Excellence: A Statewide Program Evaluation,” looked at a specific K-12 leadership curriculum being implemented in Virginia public schools and tried to determine if it was meeting its objectives. This was a worthwhile focus for a capstone project, the Ed.D. candidates decided, because no one had evaluated the effectiveness of the program. Moreover, they were all assistant principals and principals in Virginia, so they had access to determine this particular problem. The result was a report that concluded with recommendations.
Another capstone, this one from Capella University, analyzed records from an unnamed for-profit college to determine how effective its compensation system was. The candidate wanted to see if the institution could create happier employees with better work performance. The result came in two parts: a change management plan, which showed how the college should alter its philosophy toward employee compensation, and a final report explaining how the candidate created the plan. (Akin to showing one’s work in a math problem.)
For examples of dissertations in practice, visit CPED’s database.
Online Ed.D. Programs Without Dissertation Requirements
It’s not uncommon to see online Ed.D. programs without a dissertation. However, when schools advertise such a degree, they typically require a capstone project instead. For a program without either a capstone or a dissertation, students should typically apply for an Educational Specialist (Ed.S.) degree. (Prospective doctoral students should be wary of Ed.D. programs without a final project or paper and should confirm via the Council for Higher Education Accreditation database that the school is regionally accredited.)
Since dissertation alternatives vary, here’s a short, diverse sample of schools with online Ed.D.s and no dissertation requirements:
- National University’s Ed.D. in Organizational Innovation requires a culminating project, worth 9 quarter credits, which is a written work based on research students do in their workplace.
- Nebraska Methodist College runs an Ed.D. in Education and Leadership in Healthcare that has an 8-credit practice doctorate capstone split into four courses over a six-term program.
- University of Missouri-St. Louis employs an 8-credit dissertation in practice, which is completed through group work, for its Ed.D. in Educational Practice.
- University of Southern California’s Ed.D. in Educational Leadership incorporates a dissertation in practice that tackles an issue impeding K-12 students’ access to learning opportunities.
- University of Southern Mississippi’s Ed.D. in Educational Administration includes a 12-credit capstone research project, which runs the length of the program. Students are expected to focus on a problem of practice in their workplace.
See our listings for other universities offering online Doctor of Education programs without dissertations.
Ed.D. Dissertations Vs. Capstone Projects: Which Is Best?
Doctoral programs with capstone projects lead to the same degree as doctoral programs with dissertations: an Ed.D. The biggest question to consider is: After your degree, do you want to research education or practice it?
If it’s the former, you might consider doing a Ph.D. because that’s what they’re built for—unless you want the future flexibility that a mix of research and practitioner skills could bring. If it’s the latter, you should be doing a dissertation or project that helps you solve problems in the field. The CPED includes numerous prominent universities, and U.S. News & World Report highly ranks several schools with project capstones, among them University of Virginia. Therefore, the value of a dissertation-less degree isn’t in doubt. It’s all about what you want to do with it.
Think that a no dissertation Ed.D. program is right for you? Use our listings (below) to browse Ed.D. programs without dissertation requirements.
Online EdD Programs Without Dissertation
Select the Education degree specialization that most interests you from the list below:
Online education programs, especially those that don’t require dissertations, allow you to pursue doctoral studies through a format that fits your busy life.
Adult Learning
Although educating children might be the first thing that comes to mind for many people when they think about teachers, adult education is just as important. If you have a passion to equip adult learners with skills and knowledge, then consider an EdD with a specialization in Adult Learning.
Many graduates put this degree to work in higher education settings; for example, you could run programs to help people return to college after a break. Others provide training and education in public health, business or government settings.
Topics of study may include working with groups, providing ethical leadership and understanding learning styles.
Community College Leadership
Community colleges provide many people with access to affordable, convenient higher education. If you have a passion for helping college students succeed in the classroom, then a concentration in Community College Leadership can fuel your professional growth.
Your topics of study may include budgeting, educational technology, policy making, diversity and evaluation methods. You’ll also learn about organizational leadership and discuss how to guide organizations through times of transition.
After graduation, you are likely to hold a leadership position in a community college, but you could also work for related organizations, such as a government education agency.
Curriculum & Instruction
If you’re passionate about education, then you probably want to help students learn in the best way possible. Whether your goal is to work with children or adults, a concentration in Curriculum and Instruction can help you become a more effective teacher or educational leader.
In your studies, you’ll learn more about the theories that shape teaching methods, curriculum styles and means of evaluating student progress. You may need to hold a valid teaching license before beginning this program.
After earning your doctorate, you might work in school administration, hold a leadership role among classroom teachers, teach in academia or serve as an educational consultant.
Early Childhood Education
When you shape children during their early years, you can make a difference that lasts for a lifetime. By studying Early Childhood Education, you will become an expert in working with children up to age eight. This training can be useful in preschool and early elementary settings.
You can also apply your studies in government agencies or community programs, or you can prepare the next generation of teachers as an instructor at the college level.
You may want to look for a program that is accredited or recognized by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC).
Educational Administration
While teachers work in the classroom, administrators are working behind-the-scenes to ensure that high-quality education is being delivered throughout the institution.
Administrators work at all levels of education. For example, administrators in higher education may be responsible for maintaining a safe and satisfied student body, ensuring that legal regulations are being followed, or determining whether effective instruction and evaluation practices are being used.
With a concentration in Educational Administration, you could become a university’s dean of students, admissions director, academic dean or president. For schools with younger students, you could serve as the principal, special education director or superintendent.
Educational Counseling
To help others become effective counselors, consider a concentration in Educational Counseling. After earning this degree, you may serve in a supervisory or training capacity over counseling students or school counselors.
For success in this field, you must have a good grasp of counseling practices and well as effective instructional methods. Your curriculum may cover counseling theories, instructional methods, ethical practices and program evaluation. In addition, you may discuss case studies with your classmates and have hands-on opportunities to practice your supervision skills.
After graduation, you could work at a university or a healthcare facility, or you could join a government agency.
Educational Psychology
What factors influence how students learn and how teachers teach? With a specialization in Educational Psychology, you can delve into the psychological factors that play a role in educational processes. Through classes like Human Development, Personality Psychology, Evaluations and Analyses, and Ethical Psychology Practices, you’ll study topics such as motivation, social behaviors, growth and development, and cultural influences.
With this degree, you might decide to work in a school setting or serve as a corporate trainer. To hold a school counselor or school psychologist position, you may need to pursue licensure in your state; additional coursework may be required.
Educational Technology
In many ways, technology is changing the face of education at all levels. If you want to be on the cutting edge of these educational developments, then you could pursue a concentration in Educational Technology.
During your doctoral work, you may study digital media, multimedia presentations and eLearning delivery methods, and you’ll discuss the strengths and weaknesses of these platforms. Your program will also cover planning, implementing and evaluating organizational change.
You may want to look for a program in which the curriculum is aligned with the standards set by the Association for Educational Communications and Technology.
Higher Education Leadership
Being a leader requires being able to navigate change and guide others through the transition process. As a student in the Higher Education Leadership specialization, you’ll study effective means of leading schools and other educational organizations.
Your curriculum may cover instructional methods and organizational psychology. Additionally, the doctoral program will address methods of motivating staff and students to implement new, more effective teaching and learning methods.
This specialization can prepare you for an administrative role at a community college or a university. You could also put your degree into practice as a workplace trainer or an organizational change consultant.
Reading & Literacy
Strong reading skills can make all the difference during the school years and beyond. To help improve reading and comprehension for kids or adults, become an expert in the field with a Reading and Literacy concentration.
You’ll learn about working through language barriers, assessing literacy skills, applying for grants and implementing reading programs. Your degree program will also cover the various theories behind language and literacy education.
Although this degree can be quite helpful in a classroom setting, you can also pursue this field if you want to become a curriculum writer, a school consultant, a government policymaker or the director of a community program.
Special Education
Teachers and administrators who work with special-needs students require a unique set of skills and knowledge. A Special Education concentration will hone the work you do among at-risk students, gifted learners, and those with physical, emotional or intellectual disabilities.
The coursework may cover legal issues, data interpretation and program implementation. With a doctorate, you could become the director of an elementary or secondary special education program, or you could teach in the education department of a university.
Of course, you might also choose to work directly with students in the classroom, or you could write curriculum for special-needs learners.
Education Careers & Salary
Earning a doctoral degree in education can open a number of career paths to you. Many of these options are in growing fields that offer promising salaries. From 2018 through 2028, the Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts a job-growth rate of 5% for teachers, trainers and librarians. Some doctoral-level positions within the field of education are expected to experience a faster growth rate.
School Principals
Administrators, such as principals, may work at the elementary, middle school or high school levels.
Job Growth:
- Job Growth: 4%
Average Salary:
- Average Salary: $95,310
Professors and Other Postsecondary Teachers
In a higher-education setting, you could train future teachers or work with adult learners.
Job Growth:
- Job Growth: 11%
Average Salary:
- Average Salary: $78,470
Instructional Coordinator
The responsibilities of an instructional coordinator include overseeing curriculum and teaching methods.
Job Growth:
- Job Growth: 6%
Average Salary:
- Average Salary: $64,450
Corporate or Industrial Training Specialist
As a training specialist, you can help employees improve their professional skills.
Job Growth:
- Job Growth: 9%
Average Salary:
- Average Salary: $60,870
University Administrator
Student deans, academic deans, admissions directors and college presidents are part of a school’s administrative team.
Job Growth:
- Job Growth: 7%
Average Salary:
- Average Salary: $94,340
Accreditation
Any college or university that you attend should be regionally accredited. This means that the entire school has received the approval of one of the main regional accreditors, such as the Higher Learning Commission or the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
Your doctoral program may have additional accreditation from an industry-specific organization. The main accrediting body for schools of education is the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP). Early childhood programs may receive a distinction from the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). Such accreditations affirm that a program is of the highest quality.
Financial Aid
The first step to obtaining financial aid for your doctoral program is to complete the free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Once you’ve taken care of that, you may be able to qualify for financial aid in the form of:
- Grants
- Loans
- Scholarships
- Federal Work-Study
- Fellowships
Professional Organizations
Educators know how important it is to learn from one another, so there are many professional organizations available for people in this field. Becoming a member of one or more of these groups may offer you opportunities for networking, support, discounts and professional development.
Professional organizations include:
- American Association of School Administrators (AASA)
- American Association of University Administrators (AAUA)
- Association of American Educators (AAE)
- National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC)
- National Association of Elementary School Principals (NAESP)
- National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP)
- National Education Association (NEA)
Is It Possible to Get a Doctorate Degree Online?
Yes, many schools offer fully online doctoral programs; from beginning to end, you may never have to step foot on campus or meet face-to-face with your faculty advisors. Other schools have hybrid programs that can be completed mostly online but may require some on-campus classes or in-person residencies.
In fact, some universities now offer EdD programs without GRE requirements.
Are There Doctoral Programs in Education That Do Not Require a Dissertation?
In a doctoral program, it’s important for the faculty to assess how much you know about your chosen area of study. A dissertation is one means of conducting that evaluation, but it’s not the only way. Some doctoral programs do not require a dissertation, but instead rely on capstone projects or other assessments.
What Is the Difference Between an ED D and a PhD in Education?
An EdD is a professional doctorate designed for real-world application. It’s most suitable for those who want to continue working in the field.
A PhD may deal more with educational theory and research. It can be best for those who want to conduct original research or teach at the college level.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Doctorate in Education?
In general, a full-time education doctoral program may take three to four years to complete. A select few with accelerated tracks may be doable in just 18 to 24 months. Programs that require dissertations may take longer than non-dissertation doctorates.
Can I Work While Earning a Doctorate in Education?
Working full-time while going to school requires flexibility. Online doctoral programs can be ideal for those who need to balance school and employment. If you find that a full-time class load is too much, consider part-time enrollment.
What is the Biggest Difference Between a Traditional and an Online EdD Program?
Campus-based and online programs cover the same material and produce comparable results, but online EdD programs may offer greater scheduling flexibility. With online classes, you may learn the material through a variety of media, including message boards, textbooks, interactive simulators, live discussions and prerecorded lectures.
35 Best Doctorate Programs in Education Online Without Dissertation
The following universities are fully accredited and offer doctorate of education degrees without requiring a dissertation. Under each school listed, you will find the specific EdD degrees offered. In addition, a number of schools have no GRE requirement for admission, though it varies by program.#1 Barry University
Barry is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
- EdD in Educational Leadership
#2 Baylor University
Baylor is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
- EdD in Learning and Organizational Change
#3 California University of Pennsylvania
Cal U is a member of the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education and accredited by the American Association of State Colleges and Universities. The Commission of Higher Education of the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools also accredits Cal U.
- EdD in Education Administration and Leadership
#4 Capella University
Capella is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
- EdD in Adult Education
- EdD in Curriculum and Instruction
- EdD in Educational Leadership
- EdD in Performance Improvement Leadership
- EdD in Reading and Literacy
#5 Concordia University, St. Paul
CSP is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
- Doctorate in Education (Ed.D.)
#6 East Tennessee State University
ETSU is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
- EdD in Global Sport Leadership
#7 Fordham University
Fordham is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) of the Middle States Association.
- EdD in Educational Leadership
#8 Franklin University
Franklin is fully-accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
- EdD in Organizational Leadership
#9 Governors State University
Governors State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
- EdD in Interdisciplinary Leadership
#10 Idaho State University
Idaho State University is regionally accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.
- EdD in Educational Leadership – Instructional Design and Technology Concentration
#11 Johns Hopkins University
Johns Hopkins University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
- EdD in Entrepreneurial Leadership in Education
- EdD in Mind, Brain & Teaching
- EdD in Urban Leadership
#12 Liberty University
Liberty is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
- EdD in Educational Leadership
- EdD in Curriculum and Instruction
- EdD in Curriculum And Instruction – Elementary Education
- EdD in Curriculum And Instruction – Middle Grades
- EdD in Curriculum And Instruction – Secondary
- EdD in Curriculum And Instruction – Special Education
#13 Maryville University
Maryville University of Saint Louis is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and is a member of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
- EdD in Higher Education Leadership
#14 Morehead State University
Morehead is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.
- EdD in Adult and Higher Education Leadership
- EdD in P-12 Administrative Leadership
- EdD in Educational Technology Leadership
#15 National Louis University
National Louis University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
- EdD in Higher Education Leadership
#16 Nebraska Methodist College
Nebraska Methodist College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
- EdD in Education & Leadership in Healthcare
#17 New York University
NYU is regionally accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
- EdD in Leadership and Innovation
#18 Northeastern University
Northeastern has maintained its status as a member in good standing of the New England Commission of Higher Education, Inc.
- EdD in Higher Education Administration
- EdD in Curriculum, Teaching, Learning and Leadership
- EdD in Organizational Leadership Studies
#19 Northern Illinois University
NIU is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
- EdD in Higher Education – Community College Leadership
#20 Nova Southeastern University
NSU is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
- EdD in Curriculum & Teaching
- EdD in Educational Leadership
- EdD in Higher Education Leadership
- EdD in Human Services Administration
- EdD in Instructional Technology & Distance Education
- EdD in Organizational Leadership
- EdD in Reading Education
- EdD in Special Education
#21 Texas A&M University
TAMU is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). The university has been accredited since 1925.
- EdD in Curriculum and Instruction
#22 University of Dayton
University of Dayton is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
- EdD in Leadership for Organizations
#23 University of Missouri – St. Louis
UMSL is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
- EdD in Educational Practice
#24 University of North Dakota
UND has been accredited by the Higher Learning Commission since 1913, when the Association was first organized.
- EdD in Educational Practice and Leadership (4 specializations)
#25 University of South Carolina
University of South Carolina was most recently accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) in 2011.
- EdD in Curriculum and Instruction
#26 University of Southern California
USC has been accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) since March 6, 1949.
- EdD in Organizational Change and Leadership
#27 University of Southern Mississippi
The University of Southern Mississippi is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
- EdD in Education Administration
- EdD in Higher Education
#28 University of Virginia
The University of Virginia is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.
- EdD in Curriculum & Instruction
#29 University of West Alabama
UWA is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
- EdD in Rural Education
#30 University of Western States
University of Western States is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.
- EdD in Sport and Performance Psychology
#31 Vanderbilt University
Vanderbilt is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
- EdD in Leadership and Learning in Organizations
#32 Virginia Commonwealth University
VCU is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
- EdD in Leadership
#33 Walden University
Walden has been accredited by The Higher Learning Commission (HLC) since 1990.
- EdD in Community College Leadership
- EdD in Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment
- EdD in Early Childhood Education
- EdD in Educational Administration and Leadership (Non-Licensure)
- EdD in Educational Technology
- EdD in Higher Education (Self-Designed)
- EdD in Higher Education and Adult Learning
- EdD in Higher Education Leadership and Management
- EdD in P–20 Education (Self-Designed)
- EdD in Reading, Literacy, and Assessment
- EdD in Special Education
#34 Wilkes University
Wilkes University is an accredited member of the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools and its graduate and professional programs are approved by the Department of Education of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
- EdD in Educational Leadership (3 concentrations)
#35 Wilmington University
WilmU is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
- EdD in Educational Leadership
- EdD in Higher Education Leadership
- EdD in Organizational Leadership, Learning and Innovation
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