Online Program Start Dates
Monday, January 6, 2025
An online Ed.D program for the impactful educator
You got into education to make a difference, and that’s been driving you ever since. You worked hard to earn your Master’s, but now you’re looking to make an even bigger impact on a wider scale. With our online Doctor of Education (Ed.D.), you can position yourself to become the innovative game-changer you’ve always strived to be. You'll even get to customize your degree with a concentration in Curriculum and Assessment or The Exceptional Learner.
For a working adult like you, finding the time in your schedule to earn another degree can be a challenge. With this 100% online program, we’re giving you the flexibility to earn your doctorate on your own time. Combine this with a practical approach to coursework, and you’ll be ready to change even more lives on your journey through education.
Named one of the 25 Best Online Doctorates in Curriculum by Online-PhD-Programs.org
Choose your concentration
Curriculum and Assessment
Why Curriculum and Assessment instead of Curriculum and Instruction
While there are many education doctoral programs available in curriculum and instruction, there are very few in the nation that concentrate on assessment as a main theme. A program that emphasizes assessment will make you better equipped to use quantitative and qualitative outcomes to improve strategies and programs. Assessment training is desperately needed in today’s outcomes-based climate, and it’s a highly in-demand skill.
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Exceptional Learner
This concentration provides a focus on culturally responsive teaching practices and the nature and needs of diverse learners – those with special needs, disabilities, or the gifted and talented. You will be equipped with expertise from top quality education professionals and a Christian ethic of care to lead or develop programs that support this special student population.
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Those who might be interested
- Charter School Faculty and Staff
- College/Tech School Faculty and Staff
- Government Services Leaders
- K-12 Educators
- Nonprofit/ministry leaders
Ed.D. Dissertation Process
You’ll begin the dissertation research process within your first year. During research courses and residencies, our faculty works alongside you to establish milestones and will guide you to progress through the development, research, and defense of your dissertation.
Summer Residencies
While almost all courses are offered fully online, you’re required to be on campus for a one-week summer residency course for three summers. Each one-week residency will include classes and other curriculum activities focused around developing your dissertation.
I have said this before, but I will say it again - for many years, I was looking for something, and I did not know what it was until I found this program. I truly feel in my heart that God led me here with all of you, my colleagues, friends, and teachers, and it has grounded me and pulled me back into a safe place. God is good all the time, Jesus walks with us, and prayers will be answered for God has a plan for us.
— Rebecca Yoder, residency 2 student
I'm grateful for the hard work everyone did to make the residency a success. I walked away encouraged, overflowing with ideas, and with a feeling of comradery. It is worth the effort to bring people all together!
—Amy Flagler, current online Ed.D student
Southern Wesleyan University offers the environment and flexibility I have been seeking in a Doctor of Education program. I have found a place that has impacted my intellectual, professional and spiritual growth.
— Shawntay White, current online Ed.D. student
The Ed.D. program has been an incredible opportunity for me! The professors are helpful and knowledgeable and always available to answer questions that may arise. This is a program that I would highly recommend to anyone considering more educational opportunities.
— Dr. Rachel Gregory, SWU Ed.D. program graduate