Doctor of Education – Distance Education

Overview

The EdD provides rigorous preparation for advanced responsibilities and leadership in the distance-learning field, including:

• planning
• teaching
• directing
• designing
• implementing
• evaluating
• researching
• managing

Research is an important focus, as you will be expected to make an original and significant contribution to their profession as part of your doctoral program. Research opportunities include:

• examination of practice
• theory-building
• basic research

More conceptual or theoretical interests may also be accommodated.

Why take the Doctor of Education – Distance Education?

AU is a global leader in distance education teaching, scholarship, and program innovation. You will be learning from leaders in the field.

As a professional doctoral degree, the EdD program provides a relevant and accessible learning context designed for the working professional. This program may be of interest to:

• mid-career professionals involved in
  • distance education
  • adult education
  • continuing education
  • policy development and implementation
• academics, teachers, and instructors who wish to specialize in aspects of distance education research and scholarship
• instructional design specialists
• senior-level managers and program planners

The Doctor of Education – Distance Education is an 18-credit online doctoral program. You must normally complete the entire program through Athabasca University. Inquire if you have questions.

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Completion times

Finish this program in as little as 4 years of study. You can take up to 5 years to complete all requirements.

Tuition and fees

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Courses

At Athabasca University, our Doctor of Education – Distance Education (EdD) program is thoughtfully structured to facilitate collaborative learning and professional growth. The program is cohort-based, admitting around 12 students each year who will generally progress through the program together, offering you a chance to network and learn within a diverse community of skilled professionals. Your journey kicks off with a mandatory 5-day orientation, combining instruction, program planning, and community-building activities. The coursework is paced and sequential, featuring 6 core online courses along with important milestones like the proposal defence and dissertation, ensuring you meet the highest standards of proficiency in scholarship, research, and teaching.

Our program regulations can give you an idea of what courses you need to finish this program, and how to plan the order you’ll take them in.

Program regulations

Courses to explore

Below are some of the courses that our students take in this program. Please consult an advisor to confirm any course planning, as some of these courses may not apply to you.

Career options

With a Doctor of Education – Distance Education from Athabasca University, you'll be well-equipped for high-level roles in distance and adult education, including academic research, policy development, and program planning. Whether you're eyeing positions as a senior educational administrator, instructional design specialist, or a consultant in educational technologies, this credential will give you the expertise to lead and innovate in your field.

Depending on your experience and goals, some careers may include:

• chief learning officer
• professor
• academic researcher
• director of distance education
• academic dean of online programs
• education policy advisor
• senior instructional designer
• research director in educational technology
• educational consultant
• program director for adult education
• university provost
• educational technology strategist