Doctorate Degree Programs

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Reach the Highest Level of Your Career

Advance your expertise with a doctoral degree from American College of Education (ACE). Our flexible online programs are built for driven professionals ready to shape their industries, influence change and leave a lasting impact.  

With expert faculty mentorship and structured dissertation support, you’ll have guidance at every step. These programs are designed to fit your life, allowing you to complete your doctorate in as little as 36 months* while continuing your career and personal commitments.  

Whether your path is education, business, leadership, healthcare or nursing, ACE gives you the advanced skills, confidence, and credentials to reach your goals and lead at the highest level. 

Advance Your Expertise Without a Dissertation

Our education specialist (Ed.S.) degrees offer advanced study and practical application without the dissertation requirement of a doctorate. It’s a focused, shorter path designed to strengthen your skills and credentials in just over a year.* 

Choose Your Specialized Program

Education

Healthcare & Nursing

Business & Leadership

Ed.S. in Curriculum and Instruction

Position yourself as a leader in curriculum and classroom improvement with research-based courses taught by expert faculty. Develop your skills in curriculum development and instructional methods to elevate your effectiveness in diverse educational settings. Benefit from an efficient online program designed to help you advance your career in education. Whether you work in pre-K-12 or college settings, this program can help you reach the next level of leadership. 

Coursework blends knowledge, hands-on learning and scholarly research in a variety of key areas, including leadership, curriculum and instructional design, assessment practices, and more. This program is a great option for those who want to continue their education past the master’s level and gain advanced skills, all without the requirement of a dissertation. 

Ed.D. in Curriculum and Instruction

Position yourself as a leader in curriculum and instructional improvement with this research-driven Ed.D. program led by expert faculty. Build your expertise in curriculum development and instructional methods through coursework designed to help you teach and lead effectively across diverse educational settings. With 100% online learning and an efficient timeline to completion, you’ll be prepared to advance your career in pre-K–12 or higher education. 

The program culminates in a dissertation, giving you the opportunity to apply your research to real-world challenges and make a lasting contribution to the field of education.  

Ed.S. in Early Childhood Education

Move ahead in early childhood education with this fully online Ed.S. program designed for post-master’s professionals. Gain the skills and knowledge to advance into leadership positions such as program director, instructional coach, or advocate for children and families. This program immerses you in advanced research, connecting foundational and current studies to practical applications in early childhood settings.  

 

Coursework equips you to design curriculum and assessments, apply research in practice, build collaborative partnerships, and support individual student needs. You will also strengthen your professional growth by integrating emerging technologies and promoting innovation in early childhood education. 

Ed.D. in Early Childhood Education

Gain expertise in early childhood education with a focus on child development, family engagement and innovative teaching practices. Conduct research that addresses real challenges in the field while preparing to lead and support other professionals across academic settings. Customize this fully online program with focus areas like Curriculum and Instruction, Higher Education, Public Health, Leadership, and more to become a transformative leader in education. 

This doctorate program concludes with a dissertation, allowing you to apply your research to practical issues in early childhood education.

Ed.S. in Instructional Technology

Increase student performance by integrating exciting new technologies into the classroom. Learn transformative, evidence-based strategies that boost student engagement and success in their education. You can customize your program by selecting an area of specialization. Immerse yourself in coursework that blends theory with real-world practice, while gaining the research skills to solve challenges in educational instruction with confidence. 

Course topics span essential areas of instructional technology, including digital teaching, resources, environments, leadership and more. 

Ed.D. in Instructional Technology

Increase student performance by integrating innovative technology into the classroom. Learn transformative, evidence-based strategies that drive engagement and success while building expertise in both theory and practice. This fully online program blends advanced research with customizable specializations in STEM education, higher education, and leadership—preparing you to solve instructional challenges and lead technology-driven learning. 

This doctoral program culminates in a dissertation, giving you the opportunity to apply your research to real-world challenges and contribute meaningful solutions to the field of education. 

Ed.S. in Second Language Instruction

Elevate your abilities to teach second language education with a program designed for leaders in multilingual learning environments. Through flexible online learning, you’ll gain the skills and experience to step into TESOL program leadership, guide curriculum development, or teach in higher education. Learn to conduct research that uncovers innovative approaches to teaching. Develop the skills to integrate technology into the classroom to improve performance and increase engagement. 

You can choose from several areas of focus, including Curriculum and Instruction, Higher Education, Leadership, Special Education and more.

Ed.D. in Second Language Instruction

Advance your leadership in second language education, gaining expertise to influence policy, curriculum, and innovation beyond the classroom. Prepare for TESOL program leadership, curriculum development or higher education faculty roles while building your skills in research, innovative teaching methods and applying technology to enhance student performance. Customize your path with focus areas such as Curriculum and Instruction, Higher Education, Leadership and Special Education. 

This doctorate includes a dissertation that empowers you to make a real difference—contributing original research to the field and helping shape the future of second language instruction. 

Ed.S. in Special Education

Prepare to lead inclusive education systems and support learners with exceptional needs through advanced research and policy expertise. Develop the skills and confidence to thrive in school leadership, educational consultant or advocacy roles. Benefit from a practical post-master’s pathway that strengthens your qualifications without the need for a dissertation. Choose an area of focus that aligns with your professional goals in special education. 

Coursework spans key areas of special education, including Instructional Technology, Differentiated Instruction, Assessment and Evaluation and more.

Ed.D. in Special Education

Prepare to lead inclusive education systems and support learners with exceptional needs through advanced research and policy expertise. Build the skills and confidence to thrive in leadership, consulting or advocacy roles while focusing on differentiated instruction, assessment and evaluation, and advanced studies in special education. Graduate with advanced skills and leadership experience to make an immediate impact in your field. 

Completing your dissertation empowers you to make a meaningful difference in special education by contributing original research, addressing real-world challenges, and informing practice and policy for a more inclusive future. 

Ed.S. in Literacy

Strengthen your leadership in literacy education through a fully online Ed.S. program that builds on your classroom experience. This post-master’s degree allows you to expand your impact without completing a dissertation. Instead, you’ll focus on building practical expertise in curriculum design, leadership and assessment. Upon completion, you’ll have the expertise to drive evidence-based literacy initiatives that make a difference in schools, communities, and broader educational or social service organizations. 

Coursework connects research to real-world application, focusing on technology-integrated instruction, content-area literacy and data-informed decision-making. 

Ed.D. in Literacy

Lead systemic change in literacy education with this fully online Ed.D. program designed for experienced educators. Deepen your expertise in evidence-based assessment, instructional design and data-driven decision-making to advance literacy outcomes. Prepare for careers shaping policy, leading improvement initiatives and closing literacy achievement gaps across diverse learning communities. 

Coursework emphasizes applied research, innovative literacy models and strategic leadership practices. The program culminates in a dissertation that addresses complex challenges and informs organizational change in education and related fields. 

Ed.S. in Public Health Education

Take the next step in your public health career with our Education Specialist program—a path designed for healthcare professionals who are passionate about making a real difference in disease prevention and health promotion. Develop the competencies necessary to address public health issues in local and international communities, without the completion of a dissertation. You’ll learn from expert faculty who connect research directly to real-world challenges, so you can confidently address public health concerns wherever they arise. Invest in yourself and the well-being of those you serve with a program built to elevate your career and your ability to drive positive change. 

Ed.D. in Public Health Education

Drive change in public health through advanced education and leadership. Prepare to make an impact, whether you aspire to serve schools, your community or global health organizations. Benefit from immersive coursework grounded in evidence-based practices for improving population health, both directly and through public policy. The curriculum blends research, theory and practice to equip you with the skills to lead in this vital field. 

As part of the program, you will complete a dissertation that allows you to apply research to real-world challenges and contribute new knowledge to the discipline. Upon graduation, you’ll be prepared to address public health issues in local, national and international communities. 

Ed.S. in Nursing Education

Prepare to teach and mentor the next generation of nurses with this efficient, fully online Ed.S. in Nursing Education program. Help fill the growing need for more RNs in our evolving and rapidly growing healthcare system. Benefit from a unique interdisciplinary approach to learning that explores the science of education and learning.  

Coursework helps you develop the competencies to evaluate curriculum, develop teaching strategies and integrate new technology to enhance learning.  

Ed.D. in Nursing Education

Prepare to become a nurse educator with this fully online Doctorate of Education in Nursing Education. Designed to meet the urgent demand for more RNs in today’s rapidly evolving healthcare system, the program equips you with the expertise to teach, mentor and lead the next generation of nurses.  

Interdisciplinary coursework includes scholarly research to inform your dissertation while helping you develop the competencies to evaluate curriculum, develop teaching strategies and apply technology to promote learning.  

Ed.S. in Leadership

Sharpen your leadership skills and ability to impact transformational change in schools, communities, and a wide range of professional settings. Immerse yourself in a post-master’s program that emphasizes strategic planning, ethical decision-making and change management. Learn how to implement innovative leadership strategies that promote learning and organizational improvement. Choose an area of focus that aligns with your professional interests, such as Business Management, Literacy, Special Education, Higher Education and others.  

Coursework emphasizes key topics in educational leadership, including ethical leadership, models of leadership and coaching, strategic operations, and more. 

Ed.D in Leadership

Transform your leadership potential into meaningful change with this online Ed.D. program. Designed for driven professionals aiming to reach the highest levels of their careers, the curriculum prepares you to solve complex challenges and lead innovation across organizations. Guided by expert faculty, you’ll study core areas such as ethics, decision-making, budget management and organizational behavior while advancing your research skills. 

The program culminates in a dissertation, giving you the opportunity to apply evidence-based insights and contribute new knowledge to the field of leadership.  

Quality Education You Can Afford

Discover the ACE Advantage

Icon for Nationally Recognized
ACE is #3 in the country for master’s degrees conferred in education, and we’re growing in master’s degrees earned in healthcare, nursing and business**

Nationally Recognized

ACE is #3 in the country for master’s degrees conferred in education, and we’re growing in master’s degrees earned in healthcare, nursing and business**

Icon for Fast Completion Times
Complete your master’s in education, business, healthcare or nursing in as little as 12 months.*

Fast Completion Times

Complete your master’s in education, business, healthcare or nursing in as little as 12 months.*

Icon for Focused Online Learning
100% online courses structured to keep you on track toward your goals.

Focused Online Learning

100% online courses structured to keep you on track toward your goals.

Icon for Expert Faculty
Learn from instructors who are actively working in your field, with firsthand knowledge of up-to-date practices and industry trends.

Expert Faculty

Learn from instructors who are actively working in your field, with firsthand knowledge of up-to-date practices and industry trends.

Ready to pursue your career-focused program at ACE?

We’re excited to give you the tools you need to build the future you want.

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*This is an estimated time to completion. Actual completion time may vary depending on the number of transfer credits applied, availability of courses, a satisfactory pace, successful course completion and meeting program milestones as required.
**Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System