Online Doctorate Programs
Take your expertise further with an online doctoral degree
You've built your career and developed expertise in your field. Now take the next step. Our online doctorate degrees are designed for experienced professionals ready to lead change, solve complex problems and contribute new knowledge to their fields.
Choose from doctoral programs in health administration, educational leadership and educational technology, with flexible learning options designed for working professionals.
Why earn your doctorate with CMU Online?
Lead meaningful change
Build the advanced knowledge and leadership skills to make an impact within your organization and profession.
Turn research into action
Use research to explore real challenges and develop solutions that can improve your field and your work.
Learn with experienced professionals
Build relationships with faculty and fellow professionals who bring diverse experiences and perspectives to your program.
Keep building your career
Find your doctorate program
We offer three online doctoral degrees designed for experienced professionals in health care and education.
Doctor of Health Administration
Lead change in health care.
Designed for professionals already working in health administration, the Doctor of Health Administration prepares you for advanced leadership within the health care industry. You'll explore health care management, policy, leadership and research while applying what you learn to real challenges facing health care organizations.
The 63-credit program combines online coursework with six intensive, face-to-face seminars and an applied research dissertation. Choose between a three- or five-year degree plan to fit your professional goals and schedule.
Educational Leadership
Lead stronger schools and educational organizations.
Turn your experience in education into the leadership skills needed to create meaningful, lasting change. The Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership (Ed.D.) prepares experienced education professionals to use research, advanced scholarship and leadership practices to improve educational institutions.
Choose an emphasis in PK-12 Leadership or Higher Education Administration and apply what you learn to the educational setting that matters to you.
The program requires 63-66 credits and is primarily online, with two one-week summer residency requirements. Students who have an eligible Ed.S. in Educational Leadership may receive up to 24 credits toward the online doctorate degree.
Educational Technology
Shape what's next in learning and technology.
Technology continues to change how people learn, teach and train. The Doctor of Educational Technology prepares you to research, evaluate and improve the use of technology in education, workplace training and other learning environments.
You'll explore educational technology and research alongside a cohort of professionals from education, corporate and nonprofit settings while developing research connected to your own interests and professional environment.
The 54-credit program is fully online with no face-to-face requirements and offers full- and part-time options.
Research that matters beyond the classroom
Your doctoral research is an opportunity to investigate a challenge that matters to you and your profession. Throughout your program, you'll develop advanced research skills and work with faculty to explore questions, evaluate evidence and contribute new knowledge to your field.
Each doctoral program culminates in advanced research, including a dissertation.
Is an online doctorate program right for me?
An online doctoral degree may be the right next step if you've established yourself professionally and want to deepen your expertise, move into higher levels of leadership or contribute research that can improve your field.
Before choosing a program, consider your career goals, the research questions you're interested in exploring and how doctoral study fits alongside your professional and personal responsibilities.
FAQ
What doctoral degrees can I earn through CMU Online?
CMU Online offers three doctoral programs: the Doctor of Health Administration (DHA), Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership (EdD) and Doctor of Educational Technology (DET). Each is designed for experienced professionals looking to advance their expertise and leadership within their field.
Are CMU's online doctoral programs completely online?
It depends on the program. The Doctor of Educational Technology is fully online with no face-to-face requirements. Educational Leadership is primarily online with two one-week summer residencies, and the Doctor of Health Administration combines online coursework with six intensive face-to-face seminars.
Do I need a master's degree to apply?
Admission requirements vary by doctoral program. Educational Leadership and Educational Technology require a master's degree, while each program has additional admission requirements based on professional experience, academic background and other criteria. Review the individual program before applying.
Can I earn my doctorate while working full time?
CMU's online doctoral programs are designed with working professionals in mind. Program formats vary, but online coursework, cohort structures and flexible degree plans can help you balance doctoral study with your career.
How long does it take to earn an online doctorate?
Completion time varies by program and your pace of study. For example, the Doctor of Health Administration offers three- and five-year degree plans, while the Doctor of Educational Technology is structured to provide a pathway to completion in about three years for students entering with a master's degree. Review your individual program for its curriculum and expected timeline.
Will I complete a dissertation?
Yes. All three doctoral programs include advanced research culminating in a dissertation. Your research gives you the opportunity to investigate a topic relevant to your professional interests and contribute knowledge to your field.
Can previous graduate credits count toward my doctorate?
It depends on the program and your previous education. For example, students entering Educational Leadership with an eligible Ed.S. degree may receive up to 24 credits toward the EdD. Review your program's transfer requirements or talk with an advisor to determine whether previous graduate coursework may apply.
What resources are available to online doctoral students?
As a CMU Online student, you'll have access to academic and student resources to support you throughout your doctoral program, from research and academic support to technology and other online student services.
Can I walk at commencement if I earn my doctorate online?
Absolutely! As a CMU Online student, you're a CMU student. You're invited to walk at graduation, cross the stage and celebrate your achievement alongside other CMU graduates. Whether you complete your degree online or on campus, you earn the same CMU degree and are part of the same academic community.
