If you’re a nurse or educator driven to shape the future of healthcare through teaching, curriculum design, or academic leadership, you may be asking: Can you get a doctorate in nursing education online—and will it advance your career? The answer is yes.
Rowan University’s fully online Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) in Educational Leadership: Nurse Educator track is designed to meet the needs of working professionals like you—those seeking to make a lasting impact in the classroom and beyond. Whether you’re teaching the next generation of nurses or transitioning from clinical care into education, this flexible, career-focused program will elevate your expertise and help you lead with purpose.
Why Pursue a Doctorate Degree in Nursing?
A doctorate degree in nursing with a focus on education opens the door to advanced roles in nursing instruction, academic leadership, and program development. It’s the credential that sets you apart when applying for competitive positions—and the pathway to broader influence in nursing education.
This program is designed for professionals who want to:
- Become a nurse educator, program director, or department chair
- Design, implement, and evaluate nursing curricula
- Lead clinical instruction and simulation labs
- Champion academic policy and quality standards in nursing education
- Mentor and shape the future of the nursing workforce
A nursing Ed.D. (Doctor of Education) is best suited for nurses who want to lead in academic settings. Rather than focusing on clinical practice like a DNP, an Ed.D. emphasizes teaching, curriculum development, and advancing nursing education through research and leadership.
With a doctorate in nursing education, you’ll be prepared to lead instructional teams, influence policy, and create a more equitable and effective nursing education landscape.
What Makes Rowan’s Program Different?
Rowan’s online doctorate in nursing education stands out for its flexibility, rigor, and support. As a student, you’ll gain access to expert faculty, real-time feedback, and a curriculum that blends theory with application—without sacrificing your current career or lifestyle.
Highlights of the Nurse Educator Track:
- 100% online format—no campus visits required
- Asynchronous coursework so you can study around your schedule
- Courses led by experienced nurse educators and education scholars
- Personalized advising and access to academic and career coaching
This program is part of Rowan’s Ed.D. in Educational Leadership, meaning you’ll gain both discipline-specific training and the broader leadership skills needed to drive change in academic or healthcare settings.
What You’ll Learn: Coursework at a Glance
Your studies will combine foundational education leadership with nursing-specific pedagogy and practice. The curriculum is designed for immediate real-world application.
Core Courses:
- Leadership for Social Justice
- Reforming Organizations
- Public Policy, Ethics, and Contemporary Issues
- Program Evaluation and Institutional Research
- Writing a Research Literature Review
Nurse Educator Specialization Courses:
- Curriculum Development for Instructional Design
- Assessment and Evaluation for Nurse Educators
- Practicum in Nursing Education
- Elective from another Ed.D. track
You’ll also complete a dissertation-in-practice—a research project focused on a real challenge or opportunity in your current or future role. This gives you the opportunity to contribute meaningful solutions to the field of nursing education.
To view the full course list and official program requirements, visit the Rowan University Academic Catalog.
Learning Designed for Nurses Like You
Rowan’s approach to online doctoral education prioritizes accessibility and structure—helping you succeed while balancing clinical work, teaching responsibilities, or family life.
Online Format & Flexibility
- 100% online, asynchronous coursework
- Weekly structure and deadlines to keep you on track
- Optional support from faculty through virtual office hours
Student Support That Goes Beyond the Classroom
- Virtual tutoring and 24/7 Brainfuse access for writing, research, and time management
- Advising and career coaching tailored to nurse educators
- Workshops on motivation, wellness, and academic skills
At Rowan, you’ll never feel like you’re going it alone. Our online learning environment and is designed to help you grow academically, professionally, and personally.
Program Snapshot
- Degree: Ed.D. in Educational Leadership: Nurse Educator
- Delivery: 100% Online
- Credits: 60 (48 coursework + 12 dissertation)
- Length: ~48 months
- Start Terms: Summer and Fall
Application Deadlines:
- Early Decision: February 15
- Summer Entry: June 1
- Fall Entry: July 1
For the most up-to-date tuition and cost per credit, please visit the program page.
Career Pathways for Nurse Educators
Graduates of Rowan’s online Ed.D. in Educational Leadership: Nurse Educator track are prepared to lead in academic, clinical, and administrative settings. Whether you’re transitioning from clinical practice or advancing within an academic role, this degree equips you with the skills and credentials to make an impact.
Career paths include:
- Director of Nursing Education Programs
- Clinical Education Coordinator
- Simulation Lab Director
- Tenured or Adjunct Faculty at Colleges or Universities
- Department Chair or Academic Dean
- Nursing Curriculum Developer
- Health Professions Educator
- Nurse Educator for Advanced Practice Nurses (e.g., nurse practitioners, clinical nurse specialists, psychiatric nurses)
This program is ideal for experienced nurses—such as registered nurses, critical care nurses, nurse practitioners, or clinical nurse specialists—who want to step into teaching, lead academic programs, or influence nursing education policy.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can you get a doctorate in nursing online?
Yes. Rowan University’s Nurse Educator Ed.D. track is fully online with no campus visits required. This format is ideal for working professionals who need flexibility.
What’s the difference between a DNP and Ed.D. in nursing education?
A DNP focuses on clinical practice, while an Ed.D. in nursing education prepares you for teaching, curriculum development, and leadership in academic settings.
Is the program flexible for full-time nurses?
Absolutely. With asynchronous classes and robust online support, you can complete the program while continuing to work full-time.
What support is available for online learners?
You’re never on your own at Rowan. As an online learner, you’ll have access to virtual tutoring, 24/7 Brainfuse academic support, dedicated advisors who know your goals, and success workshops designed to keep you motivated, confident, and moving forward.
Explore Other Online Ed.D. Tracks
Looking for a different focus? Rowan University also offers these fully online Ed.D. specializations:
- P–12 Leadership — Built for current or aspiring school and district leaders focused on instructional leadership and educational equity at the preschool through high school level.
- Higher Education — Designed for professionals seeking leadership roles in four-year colleges and universities, with a focus on administration, governance, and student success.
- Community College Leadership — Tailored for leaders in two-year institutions who want to support student success, develop academic programs, and influence policy.
All four tracks are delivered 100% online, with asynchronous coursework and personalized support designed to help you advance your career—on your schedule.
Ready to Lead in Nursing Education?
If you’re ready to advance your career, deepen your impact, and join a network of nurse educators leading change, Rowan’s online doctorate in nursing education will help you get there.
Your future in nursing education starts here—with Rowan.