Ed.D. – Doctor of Education
Prepare for Leadership Opportunities through Regent’s Ed.D. Degree Program
Are you ready to build your skills and knowledge so you can become an organizational leader in education? If you desire to drive change in this field, earning an Ed.D. degree is your best next step. Regent’s Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) is a terminal degree with a focus on applied research and practice-oriented curriculum. Designed to facilitate the learning styles of adults, this program offers a collaborative community for higher-level thinking and problem-solving. Follow your dream path to learning the latest developments in the field of education while preparing to demonstrate independent scholarly ability at the doctoral level. During this time, you can prepare to present and defend your dissertation before a dissertation committee.
Careers | Concentrations | Courses | Admissions | Tuition
INCREASE YOUR INFLUENCE & SALARY
Advance in organizational leadership roles and earn a higher salary too.
WIDEN YOUR JOB PROSPECTS WITH AN ED.D. DEGREE
Enjoy rewarding opportunities in schools and communities.
MAKE A REAL DIFFERENCE IN EDUCATION
Create engaging education environments that foster learning with the knowledge and skills gained through the doctorate in education.
PURSUE YOUR ED.D. DEGREE ONLINE
Earn your doctorate in education without having to relocate—pursue your Ed.D. degree online at Regent University. Our programs have been ranked among the Top 10 Best Online Graduate Education Programs in Virginia for 11 years in a row by the U.S. News & World Report, 2013-2023. Regent has also been ranked by it among Top National Universities for four years (2019, 2020, 2022 and 2023). Experience the difference through the Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) degree program.
Presented from a Christian worldview, this specialty degree is supported by award-winning faculty in Virginia Beach.
On completing the Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) degree program, you can:
- Foster institutional change through innovative thinking grounded in theory and research.
- Develop original research that greatly impacts the field of education and promotes the core values of our society through shared responsibility.
- Understand key theories that inform planning, administration, policy and professional practice.
- Practice vital skills in critical thinking, scholarly research and writing.
Career Opportunities
- School Principal
- Superintendent
- Education Administrator
- University Professor
- Training & Development Manager
- Instructional Coordinator
Adult Education
The Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) – Adult Education program can equip you current and aspiring organizational and institutional decision-makers with the knowledge and skills to design, implement and evaluate professional development programs for adult populations.
Advanced Educational Leadership
The Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) – Advanced Educational Leadership program is designed for students who desire to become leaders in the field of education. It can equip you with the knowledge and skills needed to improve educational systems and institutions.
Christian Education Leadership
The Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) – Christian Education Leadership program focuses on teaching for discipleship. The research-based relational love motive, being crucial to both faith and learning, is a mainstay of the educational process in this program.
Curriculum & Instruction
The Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) – Curriculum & Instruction helps you deliver research-supported programs while teaching you how curriculum and instruction can be structured and applied to educational reform.
Educational Psychology
The Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) – Educational Psychology allows for a broad area of academic inquiry with topics like psychological underpinnings of learning, cognitive strategies for learning in children and adults, creating environments conducive to learning, brain research, teacher education, faculty roles; and professional development in varied settings.
Educational Technology & Online Learning
The Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) – Educational Technology & Online Learning can prepare you for leadership positions in K-12, higher education or corporate learning settings. You can study the principles of curriculum, instruction, assessment and evaluation, and apply them to an online education setting.
Exceptional Education Executive Leadership
The Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) – Exceptional Education Executive Leadership program focuses on a more inclusive approach to supporting exceptional learners by broadening the reach to populations who need it most. Enjoy a meaningful career while you help close the achievement gaps for groups in Special Ed, 504, Gifted, At-risk and Diverse categories.
Higher Education Administration & Leadership
The Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) – Higher Education Administration & Leadership is designed to prepare mid- to senior-level administrators at Christian higher educational institutions for positions of significant administrative leadership.
K-12 School Leadership
The Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) – K-12 School Leadership program provides continuing education for teachers and is designed for those seeking initial administrative endorsement in preparation for positions as principal or assistant principal.
Special Education
The Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) – Special Education program provides career development for special education teachers seeking leadership positions in special education research, practice and policy.
2024-25 Semester Check-In Deadlines
All students are expected to check-in for the semester two weeks before the session start date. Students should apply, be accepted, enroll in their first courses, and confirm a plan to pay for their courses prior to this date.
| Session | Semester Check-In | Session Start Date |
|---|---|---|
| Session A | Friday, August 9 | Monday, August 19 |
| Session M | Friday, September 6 | Monday, September 16 |
| Session B | Friday, October 11 | Monday, October 21 |
| Session C | Wednesday, January 8 | Monday, January 13 |
| Session T | Friday, January 31 | Monday, February 10 |
| Session D | Friday, March 7 | Monday, March 17 |
| Session E | Friday, May 2 | Monday, May 12 |
| Session F | Friday, June 13 | Monday, June 23 |
Admissions Requirements
Step 1: Apply to Regent University
Submit your application using the Regent University Online Application.
Note: If you are unable to complete our application due to a disability, please contact our Admissions Office at 757.352.4990 or admissions@regent.edu and an admissions representative will provide reasonable accommodations to assist you in completing the application.
Step 2: Submit Your Unofficial Transcripts
Submit your unofficial transcripts to regent.edu/items.
Upon submitting your application, you will receive an email requesting authorization for Regent University to obtain your official transcripts from your U.S. degree-granting institution. International transcripts must be evaluated by a NACES, AACRAO or NAFSA approved agency.
Step 3: Submit Your Government-Issued ID
To ensure academic integrity, Regent University requires a copy of a government-issued ID. Please submit a scanned copy or photograph of it to regent.edu/items.
Please feel free to contact the Office of Admissions at 757.352.4990 or admissions@regent.edu should you have any further questions about the application process.
Note: All items submitted as part of the application process become the property of Regent University and cannot be returned.
PART-TIME STUDENTS
| Degree | Tuition Cost Per Credit Hour | Average Credit Hours Per Semester | Average Tuition Per Semester |
|---|---|---|---|
| Master of Education (M.Ed.) | $565 | 6 | $3,390 |
| Educational Specialist (Ed.S.) | $800 | 6 | $4,800 |
| Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) | $800 | 3 | $2,400 |
| Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) | $800 | 3 | $2,400 |
Full-Time Students
| Degree | Tuition Cost Per Credit Hour | Average Credit Hours Per Semester | Average Tuition Per Semester |
|---|---|---|---|
| Master of Education (M.Ed.) | $565 | 9 | $5,085 |
| Educational Specialist (Ed.S.) | $800 | 9 | $7,200 |
| Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) | $800 | 6 | $4,800 |
| Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) | $800 | 6 | $4,800 |
Student Fees Per Semester
| University Services Fee (On-Campus Students) | $850 (Fall & Spring) $700 (Summer) |
| University Services Fee (Online Students) | $700 |
Part-Time Students
| Degree | Tuition Cost Per Credit Hour | Average Credit Hours Per Semester | Average Tuition Per Semester |
|---|---|---|---|
| Master of Education (M.Ed.) | $565 | 6 | $3,390 |
| Educational Specialist (Ed.S.) | $800 | 6 | $4,800 |
| Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) | $800 | 3 | $2,400 |
| Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) | $800 | 3 | $2,400 |
Full-Time Students
| Degree | Tuition Cost Per Credit Hour | Average Credit Hours Per Semester | Average Tuition Per Semester |
|---|---|---|---|
| Master of Education (M.Ed.) | $565 | 9 | $5,085 |
| Educational Specialist (Ed.S.) | $800 | 9 | $7,200 |
| Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) | $800 | 6 | $4,800 |
| Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) | $800 | 6 | $4,800 |
Student Fees Per Semester
| University Services Fee (On-Campus Students) | $850 (Fall & Spring) $700 (Summer) |
| University Services Fee (Online Students) | $700 |
*Rates are subject to change at any time.
Advanced Standing
Students possessing an Ed.S. or equivalent may be admitted to the Ed.D. program with advanced standing after a review of their post-master’s transcript(s). Offered in a cohort model. Students may begin the program in the spring, summer or fall semesters. Courses are delivered online with some required face-to-face components. School division cohorts are also offered in varying formats.