If you’re a higher education professional considering your next career move, you may be asking: Can you earn a doctorate in higher education online—and will it truly prepare you to lead? Rowan University says yes. Our fully online Doctorate in Higher Education is designed for real-world leaders ready to drive change in colleges, universities, and educational systems. This Doctor of Education (Ed.D) degree is perfect for educators who are looking to gain advanced knowledge in the field of higher education, with a special focus on administration and leadership at the post-secondary/four-year college level.
Whether you’re working full-time, managing a team, or balancing family life, Rowan’s online Ed.D programs make earning your doctorate online achievable — on your schedule, with the structure and flexibility you need to succeed.
Why Earn a Doctorate in Higher Education?
A doctorate in higher education is a terminal degree that positions you for leadership roles in postsecondary institutions, government agencies, and education-focused nonprofits. It’s an opportunity to sharpen your leadership skills, develop policy expertise, and build the knowledge needed to support diverse student populations.
This degree is ideal for professionals who want to:
- Advance into roles like dean, provost, or vice president
- Lead institutional change with a focus on equity and student success
- Design and assess academic programs
- Influence public policy in higher education
- Manage student services, enrollment, or academic affairs at a senior level
Rowan’s online Ed.D in Higher Education delivers the rigorous, practice-based education needed to turn your passion for leadership into measurable impact.
Why Choose Rowan’s Online Ed.D in Higher Education?
With Rowan University, you’re not just earning a degree—you’re joining a legacy of leadership in education.
Founded as a teacher’s college in 1923, Rowan has been committed to advancing education from the start. Its very first degree was in elementary education, and its first doctorate was an Ed.D. in 1997. Today, Rowan continues that legacy as a Top 100 public research university and the 3rd fastest-growing public research university in the nation.
Rowan’s online programs are built on four pillars: Quality, Flexibility, Affordability, and Career Advancement. That means your Ed.D. experience is not only rigorous and relevant—but also designed with your real life in mind.
With Rowan’s reputation for excellence and innovation in educator preparation, your Ed.D. carries weight—and heart. You’ll be supported by expert faculty, a collaborative learning community, and a curriculum grounded in real-world leadership and social justice.
Inside the Online Learning Experience at Rowan
Rowan’s commitment to accessible, high-quality education extends into every part of the online learning experience. We understand that different students have different learning styles, which is why our courses are carefully structured to provide flexibility without sacrificing academic rigor.
Program Format and Structure:
- Most courses are delivered asynchronously, allowing you to log in and complete assignments during times that work best for you
- Some courses offer optional synchronous elements—such as virtual office hours or review sessions—for students who prefer real-time interaction
- Clear course structures and consistent pacing help you stay on track without the stress of rigid deadlines
This model is ideal for working professionals who need a degree that adapts to their lives—not the other way around.
Unmatched Support for Online Students
At Rowan, online students receive the same level of personalized support as those on campus. You’ll have access to an entire ecosystem of resources that help you succeed—academically, personally, and professionally.
Here’s the online learning support you can count on:
- Virtual Workshop Series: Join online workshops designed to help you build academic confidence. Topics include Time Management, Motivation, Study Tips, Well-Being, and more—all led by Rowan’s Academic Support Programs team.
- Academic and Career Advising: Get tailored guidance to help you make the most of your studies and align your coursework with your career goals.
What You’ll Learn in Our Doctorate in Higher Education Program
Rowan’s online Ed.D in Higher Education program blends leadership theory with practical application. Every course is designed to help you connect what you’re learning to the work you’re already doing in higher education.
Core Courses Include:
- Leadership for Social Justice
- Public Policy, Ethics, and Contemporary Issues
- Sustainable Institutional Change
- Program Evaluation and Institutional Research
- Writing a Research Literature Review
Specialized Higher Education Courses:
- History and Context of American Higher Education
- Higher Education Governance and Leadership
- Legal and Administrative Issues in Postsecondary Education
- Leadership and Advocacy for Student Success
You’ll also complete a dissertation-in-practice that focuses on a real-world challenge in your current role or organization—allowing you to contribute meaningful research that matters.
To view the full course list and official program requirements, visit the Rowan University Academic Catalog.
What Can You Do with an Ed.D in Higher Education?
Graduates of Rowan’s program are prepared for advanced leadership roles across postsecondary education, including:
- Dean or Assistant Dean
- Provost or Vice President of Academic Affairs
- Director of Student Affairs, Advising, or Retention
- Institutional Research Analyst
- Higher Education Consultant or Policy Advocate
Whether you’re in a university, community college, nonprofit, or policy organization, a doctorate in higher education positions you as a leader who can shape the future of the field.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About a Doctorate in Higher Education
Can I earn my Ed.D in Higher Education online?
Yes. Rowan University offers a fully online Ed.D in Higher Education that’s designed for working professionals and current or aspiring leaders in postsecondary education.
What’s the difference between a Ph.D and Ed.D in Higher Education?
An Ed.D focuses on applied leadership and solving real-world challenges in education settings, while a Ph.D is more research-focused and designed for those pursuing academic or theoretical careers.
Is the Ed.D program at Rowan flexible for working professionals?
Yes. Rowan’s online Ed.D program is asynchronous, allowing you to complete coursework on your own schedule. Most students finish in about 48 months while working full-time.
What support is available to online students?
At Rowan, online students receive the same personalized support as those on campus. We’re committed to helping you succeed every step of the way with online learning resources designed for your academic and personal growth.
Does Rowan offer other online Ed.D tracks?
Yes. Rowan University offers an additional three fully online Ed.D specializations beyond Higher Education, allowing you to tailor your doctorate in educational leadership to your specific career goals.
Here are the available tracks:
- Ed.D in Educational Leadership: P-12: This track is designed for educators who are looking to gain advanced knowledge in the field, with a special focus on developing the leadership skills and dispositions necessary to enact lasting and meaningful change within the preschool through secondary school levels.
- Ed.D in Educational Leadership: Community College: This track is designed for individuals working in the community college sector who are interested in gaining advanced knowledge in the higher education field with a special focus on community college.
- Ed.D in Educational Leadership: Nurse Educator: This track is designed for educators or nurses who are looking to gain advanced knowledge in the field of education with a special focus on educating nurses.
All programs are offered online, with flexible, asynchronous coursework and personalized student support—making it easier to earn your Ed.D while continuing to work full-time.
Ready to Take the Next Step and Pursue Your Ed.D Online?
If you’ve been searching for a flexible, mission-driven, and fully online Ed.D in Higher Education, Rowan University is here to help you succeed. With a strong foundation in leadership and the support of experienced faculty and advisors, you’ll be equipped to make a real difference in higher education.
Apply now or request information today to learn more. Your next chapter as a leader in higher education starts here—with Rowan.
Want to Learn More About Online Ed.D Programs?
Explore these related blogs to deepen your understanding of doctoral education leadership and find the right path for your career goals:
- What Is an Ed.D. and How Can It Prepare You for Leadership? – Understand the purpose of an Ed.D., how it differs from other doctorates, and how it prepares you for leadership roles in education.
- Choosing the Right Online Doctorate in Education Program – Learn key factors to consider when selecting an online Ed.D. program that fits your professional and personal needs.
- Can You Get a Doctorate in Nursing Education Online? – Discover how nurses can earn an Ed.D. online to advance in academic nursing education and leadership.
- Can an Online Ed.D Help You Become a Principal or Superintendent? – Explore how an Ed.D. supports leadership opportunities in K-12 education settings.
- Can a Doctorate in Educational Leadership Help You Lead a Community College? – Find out how an Ed.D. prepares professionals for leadership roles within community colleges.