Doctorate in Elementary Education Degree (Ed.D.) Ensuring Students Get the Jumpstart They Need
54
Credit Hours
100% online, 8-week courses
Transfer in up to 50% of the degree total
Next Start Dates: February 16, 2026 | March 23, 2026 | May 18, 2026
Do you want to reach the pinnacle of achievement for educational studies? Are you passionate about helping elementary school students succeed? Have you been seeking a doctoral degree that can help you solve real-world educational challenges? By conferring Liberty’s 100% online Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) in Curriculum and Instruction – Elementary Education, you can become equipped to foster a fun and effective learning environment for young students.
Our doctorate in elementary education is designed to enhance your skills in administration, research, curriculum development, and learning theory. You’ll receive a blend of research, theory, and practical skills so you can make a positive impact on the world of education. If you want to become an expert in elementary education, classroom management, and content development, this degree may be a great fit for you.
Elementary school students are young and impressionable, and they need strong school leaders who can help them grow as individuals and thrive academically. We’re committed to equipping you with the skills you need to develop effective curricula and address teaching challenges in elementary classrooms. Partner with us and prepare to make a difference in the lives of your students.
Backed by a brick-and-mortar campus ranked as Niche.com’s #2 Best College Campus in America for 2026
Liberty has been a pioneer in distance education since 1985. A lot has changed since then, but our commitment to Training Champions for Christ has not. Our goal is to help you become a school leader who can lead with integrity and make a positive impact on the next generation. All of our courses are taught from a biblical worldview, so you can become equipped to live out ethical principles in your career.
Earn a degree that fits your schedule. Our doctoral degree in elementary education is offered 100% online, so you can pursue your degree in the comfort of your home. You’ll have the freedom to stay invested in the things that really matter – like your family, job, and community – while taking the next step in your academic journey. And, as long as you submit your assignments by the due date, you can complete your coursework whenever it’s most convenient for you.
Throughout this online doctorate in education program, you can prepare to address a variety of challenges in academic institutions. You’ll study under experienced professionals who are dedicated to mentoring you as you develop into an advanced educator, administrator, or school leader.
This elementary education doctorate gives you the flexibility to tailor your degree to fit your interests and career goals. You’ll explore advanced topics in learning theory and research, particularly in the areas of classroom management, assessment, diversity, and teaching. Through in-depth research, discussion, and projects, you can learn about the principles and theories that have shaped education throughout history – right up to the present day.
The core courses in this degree cover essential topics in curriculum and instruction. You can explore how to utilize educational technology in online and face-to-face learning environments. You can also analyze current research and theories in curriculum design and development. With this knowledge, you can prepare to solve various challenges in your school and become a more effective educational leader.
With the elementary education specialization, you can learn how to create lesson plans, teaching tools, and exercises for children in kindergarten through 6th grade. You’ll also explore how to design literacy instruction for all learners, including those who struggle with reading, writing, and spelling. By studying practical tools for instruction, behavior management, and elementary curriculum development, you can help your students thrive.
You’ll also complete several research courses, culminating in the final capstone project. Our goal is to help you apply your research to solve practical problems, so you can make your mark on the modern education system. With a doctorate degree in education from Liberty, you can pursue the pinnacle of your career and train to work at all levels of education, from K-12 schools to universities.
After earning your elementary education degree, some of the jobs you could pursue include:
*Please note: Licensure may be required for some positions.
Degree Completion Plan
Speak to one of our admissions specialists to help you choose the program that best fits your needs.
At Liberty University, a private Christian education is less expensive than you think. Over the last 10 years, Liberty University’s Online Program has only raised its standard tuition costs by less than 5% – and most of our online tuition rates rank in the top 35% for affordability for 2025 when compared to our leading online competitors.
| EdS and EdD Full Time | $610/Credit |
|---|---|
| EdS and EdD Part Time | $675/Credit |
| Military EdS and EdD | $375/Credit |
These rates are reflective of academic year 2025-2026. Tuition rates may change annually. For the current information, please visit our LU Tuition Cost page.
All Tuition & Fees
The Office of Graduate Admissions may request additional documentation when conducting admission reviews to evaluate a candidate’s record before a final admission decision can be made.
Please note: Guidelines are subject to change in federal or state regulations for the licensure of school personnel.
If you are sending in a preliminary transcript for acceptance, you must:
Please note: Due to the competitive nature of the Ed.D. online program, preliminary acceptance is not guaranteed.
An acceptable official college transcript is one that has been issued directly from the institution and is in a sealed envelope. If you have one in your possession, it must meet the same requirements. If your previous institution offers electronic official transcript processing, they can send the document directly to luoverify@liberty.edu.
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Liberty University is dedicated to providing world-class educational experiences to military students across the globe.
Who May Qualify?
Available Benefits:
These rates are reflective of academic year 2025-2026. Tuition rates may change annually. For the most current information, please visit our LU Tuition Cost page.
Completing an Ed.D. degree gives you a terminal credential that shows employers you have reached the pinnacle of your field’s achievement.
While a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) can help you prepare for research and teaching roles at the college level, a Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) is a professional degree designed to provide vocational knowledge. In particular, an Ed.D. is an excellent option if you want to develop practical solutions to educational challenges or strengthen your effectiveness as a school leader.
Additionally, most PhD students must complete a dissertation. In contrast, Liberty’s Ed.D. in Curriculum and Instruction – Elementary Education degree requires a capstone project that lets you apply your research to real-world challenges.
If you’d prefer a career in research or academia, Liberty’s online PhD in Education may be a better fit for you.
Liberty University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
Liberty University’s curriculum and instruction – elementary education EdD does not require a dissertation. Instead, you will complete a capstone project that will help you apply research to practical problems in education.
As a Liberty student, you will have access to a wealth of resources through our top-notch research portal while pursuing your online elementary education degree.
Our Ed.D. in Curriculum and Instruction – Elementary Education degree is offered 100% online, so you can work toward your goals without putting your life on hold. Additionally, you can network with leaders in education from across the country while completing your degree.
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*Some restrictions may occur for this promotion to apply. This promotion also excludes active faculty and staff, military, non-degree-seeking, DGIA, Continuing Education, WSB, and certificate students.