Application deadline
Credits and costs
Shape the Future of Education and Drive Student Success
At every level, from kindergarten through post-graduate, education is in a state of rapid evolution. The institutions and organizations that will drive education forward to best serve future generations need passionate and educated leaders. Prepare yourself for an influential role by earning the highest level of education degree available. Learn to apply research and data to solve the problems and guide the decisions facing educators, counselors, and organizational leaders.
This online Doctor of Education program is offered through Penn State World Campus in partnership with the Penn State College of Education. The program is based on a flexible, research-intensive, and practical model of study that can prepare students for rewarding professions in the education, counseling, and human services fields. Unlike other programs, it is neither cohort-based nor specific to a single discipline, being offered across the entire College of Education.
NOTE: Penn State awards graduates of this program a D.Ed., recognized as a Doctor of Education degree and equivalent to an Ed.D.
About the Curriculum
This doctorate-level education degree program draws from several disciplines and affords you the opportunity to customize your learning by picking from a wide range of areas of emphasis:
- Adult Education
- Curriculum and Instruction
- Educational Leadership
- Higher Education
- Learning, Design, and Technology
- Organization Development and Change
- Special Education
The Penn State Doctor of Education (D.Ed.) program is designed for people who want leadership roles that shape the future of education. The knowledge that working professionals gain in this program can be immediately applied in their current roles and can lead to promotion or career expansion in the private sector or government. In this program, you can focus on honing your practical skills, rather than on teaching and research like you would in a more traditional Ph.D. program.
Information for Military and Veterans
Note: This program is under review for GI Bill® eligibility, and you may experience delays attempting to use GI Bill benefits toward this program until it has been officially approved.
GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government website at https://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill.
Courses
Penn State's online Doctor of Education program offers you the freedom to build a customized doctoral degree. The program is centered on developing knowledge pertinent to problems of practice, while developing the inquiry skills and disciplinary practices to develop, understand, and apply research in new situations.
Completion of a research capstone experience is required for graduation from the program. The capstone experience will culminate with a dissertation and research addressing problems of practice and engaging a specific client in a targeted educational setting. This experience should extend beyond course work and be part of an extended online community.
Prescribed Courses (24 credits)
Electives (12 credits)
Electives will be chosen by students in consultation with their faculty adviser. Students can personalize their degree based on their research interests and career goals (like in these specialized path examples) by selecting their electives from more than 170 online graduate courses offered by the Penn State College of Education within the following areas of emphasis:
- Art Education
- Curriculum and Instruction
- Earth Sciences
- Educational Leadership
- Higher Education
- Learning, Design, and Technology
- Lifelong Learning and Adult Education
- Organization Development and Change
- Special Education
Costs and Financial Aid
Graduate Tuition
Graduate tuition is calculated based on the number of credits for which you register. Tuition is due shortly after each semester begins and rates are assessed every semester of enrollment.
How many credits do you plan to take per semester? | Cost |
---|---|
11 or fewer | $1,007 per credit |
12 or more | $12,082 per semester |
Financial Aid and Military Benefits
Some students may qualify for financial aid. Take the time to research financial aid, scholarships, and payment options as you prepare to apply. Military service members, veterans, and their spouses or dependents should explore these potential military education benefits and financial aid opportunities, as well.
How to Apply
Deadlines and Important Dates
Admissions Help
Thank you for your interest in applying to this program. Contact an admissions counselor to discuss your educational goals, financial aid options, and application deadlines.
Admission Requirements
For admission to the Graduate School, an applicant must hold either (1) a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited U.S. institution or (2) a tertiary (postsecondary) degree that is deemed comparable to a four-year bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited U.S. institution. This degree must be from an officially recognized degree-granting institution in the country in which it operates.
Applicants to the D.Ed. program must also have a completed master’s degree or equivalent (30 credits minimum). Admitted students may be required to take additional course work as recommended by the academic program at the time of admission.
What You Need
Applications are submitted electronically and include a nonrefundable application fee. You will need to upload the following items as part of your application:
Official transcripts from each institution attended, regardless of the number of credits or semesters completed. Transcripts not in English must be accompanied by a certified translation. Penn State alumni do not need to request transcripts for credits earned at Penn State but must list Penn State as part of your academic history. If you are admitted, you will be asked to send an additional official transcript. You will receive instructions at that time.
GPA and Test Scores — GRE or GMAT scores are not required.
English Proficiency — The language of instruction at Penn State is English. With some exceptions, international applicants must take and submit scores for the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or International English Language Testing System (IELTS). Minimum test scores and exceptions are found in the English Proficiency section on the Graduate School's "Requirements for Graduate Admission" page. Visit the TOEFL website for testing information. Penn State's institutional code is 2660.
References (3) — you will need to initiate the process through the online application by entering names and email addresses of three references. Upon submission of your application, an email will be sent to each reference requesting they complete a brief online recommendation regarding your commitment for success in an online program. Please inform all recommenders they must submit the form in order for your application to be complete.
Program-Specific Questions/Materials
Writing Sample — Provide a published or unpublished paper, thesis, or another scholarly writing sample. This sample must be in English.
Résumé or Vitae — Upload your résumé or vitae to the online application.
Statement of Purpose — A written essay discussing your professional goals and how the Doctor of Education program will bring you closer to the realization of those goals.
Start Your Application
Former Penn State students may not need to complete the admissions application. Please visit our Returning Students page for instructions.
You can begin your online application at any time. Your progress within the online application system will be saved as you go, allowing you to return at any point as you gather additional information and required materials.
Begin the graduate school application
- Choose Enrollment Type: "Degree Admission"
- Choose "WORLD CAMPUS" as the campus
Checking Your Status
You can check the status of your application by using the same login information established for the online application form.
Technical Requirements
Review the technical requirements for this degree program.
Get the resources you need to make informed decisions about your education. Request information on this program and other programs of interest by completing this form.
Contact Us
To learn more about the Doctor of Education program, offered through Penn State World Campus in partnership with the Penn State College of Education, please contact:
World Campus Admissions Counselors
Phone: 814-863-5386
[email protected]