Best Online EdD Programs in California
Online EdD programs in California can pave the way if you’re looking to step into a leadership role in education. Our guide tells you everything you need to know about getting your EdD in CA.
Popular Online EdD Programs in California
It’s an excellent time to consider online EdD programs in California. An EdD degree opens the door to exciting leadership opportunities for educators looking for a career boost. The Golden State is seeking school administrators who can meet the challenges school districts face in the most populous state in the U.S. Educational changemakers can step up to advocate for effective budgets and legislation as schools face potential cuts.
When searching for the best online EdD programs in California, you might be concerned about finding a high-quality program that gives you the support you need. To help you on your search, we’ve put together a short list of high-caliber programs that represent program quality, flexibility, and affordability for online EdD programs.
California Coast University
California Coast University offers a Doctor of Education in Organizational Leadership that is entirely online and self-paced. The program does not require group projects, set meeting times, or exam dates, so students truly have flexibility to complete coursework and assignments on their own schedules.
While applicants must have a minimum of three to five years of experience in education, they can start the program any time once they’ve been accepted. The program guides students through:
- 3 qualifying courses
- 6 core courses
- 2 research courses
- 1 comprehensive examination
- A research and dissertation phase
Candidates with a master’s degree in education are preferred. However, those with a master’s in other fields may be considered. If accepted, they must complete four prerequisite courses. CCU also offers interest-free payment plans on tuition. Tuition is $320 per credit.
The California State University
At The California State University, Fresno, students can choose from several EdD programs to prepare them for their roles as future leaders of California’s schools. With the Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership at CSU Fresno, students can earn their EdD entirely online.
The program features a cohort model, where 15-20 students proceed through coursework together. Doctoral candidates can choose between a focus on P-12 Educational Leadership or Community College/Higher Education Leadership, depending on where they plan to work.
Each accelerated class lasts just eight weeks. The majority of coursework is asynchronous, allowing for maximum flexibility. However, students must attend a weeklong summer residency on the Fresno State campus during the third and sixth semesters of the program.
USC Online
The University of Southern California’s online Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership prepares students to become leaders in various areas of education. This program focuses on producing conscious leaders with a passion and capability for addressing inequities in education.
Courses are available entirely online in a real-time virtual classroom environment, making this program ideal for students who prefer high levels of interaction with peers and professors. Students in the program can choose from four potential concentrations:
- K-12 Leadership in Urban School Settings
- Leading Instructional Change
- Higher Education Administration
- Educational Psychology
Rather than a traditional dissertation, students complete a “dissertation in practice,” working with faculty to apply research methods to a problem of practice. Applicants must have a master’s degree and three years of relevant full-time work and leadership experience.
Expert Insight
Many California EdD programs use a cohort model, where students move through the program together over 3–4 years. That structure can create strong networking and support, but it also means less flexibility if your schedule changes.
Common Courses in California EdD Programs
What can you expect to learn when getting your EdD? Each EdD program in CA uses a unique blend of courses and experiences to prepare students to become leaders in the field.
However, there are a handful of courses that most programs have in common. We’ve outlined those courses below to give you a look at what you can expect to learn as an EdD student.
Curriculum Development and Transformation
The leaders and administrators who will shape the landscape of modern education and educational organizations need to know how to develop curricula that meet the highest quality standards. In this course, educators learn how to originate and evolve educational plans and materials.
Then, they learn how to apply them to all types of students and educational settings for maximum impact. This study of traditional and modern educational frameworks instills doctoral candidates with the tools to design, implement and assess quality curricula.
Legal Aspects of Education
As graduates step into roles as educational leaders and administrators, they must be capable of standing at the helm of schools and school districts. An important part of their job will be ensuring that their organization remains legally compliant and follows best practices.
In this course, students learn the foundational principles of school law, precedent-setting cases, and emergent legal issues. As a result, they’re well-prepared to implement policies in the best interest of their organization, its personnel, and its students.
Philosophical Foundations of Education
This course provides an overview of the broader philosophical concepts that form education as it stands today. Students delve into the historical foundations of educational philosophy, beginning with Plato and proceeding to the current day.
They examine the major conversations that have framed the development of educational systems and discuss how they impact the modern educational field. Students can expect to engage in discussion and examination of the philosophical aspects and impact of topics like school reform, multiculturalism, and feminism.
Teaching for Diversity and Social Justice
Advancing diversity and social justice initiatives is imperative in today’s social and educational environments. This course aims to equip educators and leaders to address the topics of diversity, equity, inclusion, and social justice and incorporate them into their educational organizations and curricula.
Students who complete this course are equipped to bring change-centered knowledge and action into classrooms, school systems, and beyond – whether they become a school principal or an educational policymaker.
Expert Insight
If you plan to stay in California long-term, look for programs with strong ties to local school districts, colleges, and leadership networks. Those relationships can be quite valuable when it comes to finding a job and career advancement.
EdD Career Salary Outlook in California
An EdD in California prepares you for senior leadership roles across the state’s large and complex educational landscape — including K-12 districts, community colleges, and research universities. Graduates serve as college presidents, provosts, superintendents, academic deans, and senior education administrators — leading institutions that collectively serve millions of students across California. The state’s scale and diversity of educational institutions creates strong demand for doctoral-level education leadership.
Postsecondary education administrators in California earn competitive salaries, particularly at large public universities and multi-campus systems where the scope of administrative responsibility is greatest.
Browse the salary table to see what postsecondary education administrators earn in California, and benchmark EdD-level leadership compensation across the state.
Education Administrators
| Area | Median | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bakersfield-Delano, CA | $119,160 | $153,250 | $194,840 |
| California | $125,460 | $169,550 | $216,480 |
| Chico, CA | $118,710 | $151,400 | $194,690 |
| Fresno, CA | $118,130 | $164,950 | $195,250 |
| Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA | $125,230 | $169,550 | $216,410 |
| Merced, CA | $165,620 | $236,550 | $352,280 |
| Modesto, CA | $123,830 | $157,380 | $170,000 |
| Oxnard-Thousand Oaks-Ventura, CA | $123,260 | $164,270 | $205,740 |
| Redding, CA | $102,420 | $174,750 | $178,610 |
| Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA | $126,620 | $170,920 | $221,010 |
| Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom, CA | $128,270 | $171,150 | $218,290 |
| San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA | $125,470 | $161,710 | $215,650 |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA | $136,030 | $175,530 | $216,720 |
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA | $154,140 | $198,750 | $306,410 |
| Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA | $172,410 | $218,390 | $286,700 |
| Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA | $153,950 | $177,570 | $359,180 |
| Stockton-Lodi, CA | $99,990 | $162,870 | $205,810 |
| Vallejo, CA | $132,500 | $170,580 | $178,560 |
| Visalia, CA | $156,010 | $204,130 | $213,510 |
Source: BLS, OEWS, May 2025
Showing 1 – 10 of 19 entries | Data reflects national numbers, not school-specific information.
FAQs About Online EdD Programs in California
Earning a doctoral degree is a big commitment. Before you dive into the process, it’s likely that you have questions about what it takes to get a degree, how much time you’ll spend in school, and whether you’ll see a return on your investment. Keep reading for answers to our most common questions about online EdD programs in California.
Are EdD programs worth it?
That all depends on what you’re hoping to accomplish in your career, but an EdD program is worth it if your goal is to become a school administrator or superintendent.
Can I earn my EdD online without writing a dissertation?
The majority of EdD programs in California have a dissertation requirement. However, depending on the school, you might have options beyond the traditional written dissertation. For example, USC’s online EdD in Educational Leadership requires a “dissertation in practice,” where doctoral candidates work under faculty guidance to apply research to practical problems.
Can I teach at a university with an EdD?
While you technically can, it’s not common. If teaching in higher education is your goal, a PhD in education is a smarter choice. An EdD is better suited to someone who wants to apply their skills to educational institutions and policy. Some people with an EdD become professors once they have several years of work experience under their belt.
How long does it typically take to earn an EdD?
In California, most EdD programs take three years of full-time study to complete. How many years it takes depends on how much time you can dedicate to working toward your degree. Fortunately, these programs are often organized to allow you to work and keep up with full-time coursework. However, if you can only study part-time, it will take longer to earn your doctorate.
Is it possible to earn my EdD online in two years?
In California, the majority of online EdD programs take three years. However, if you’re open to getting your degree from a school in another state, you can find accelerated programs that you can complete in as little as one year. For example, you can graduate from the online EdD in Leadership and Innovation at NYU in as little as 24 months.
Which is better, an EdD or a PhD?
A PhD, which is more research-focused, is ideal for those who want to conduct original research and make new contributions to the field. An EdD is better for people who want to apply their doctorate to leadership in educational organizations. These degrees serve very different student goals and desired outcomes. It all comes down to you.