Online Ed.D. Degree in Middle Grades Education
Lead with impact through students’ pivotal years
100% online
As few as 3 years
27-54 credit hours
$1,090 cost per credit
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Guide, support and improve the academic performance of young adolescents
- Apply By: 02/08/2027
- Start Class: 03/08/2027
Prepare to be a leader in middle school education, supporting student growth and outcomes as they transition from childhood to adolescence. The 100% online Doctor of Education in Middle Grades Education from Brenau University is a career-enhancing program that equips experienced educators to be forward-thinking leaders who can navigate, shape and impact the future of education.
Building on foundational courses, our online Ed.D. degree program focuses on advancing research capabilities and dissertation development. Specialization coursework examines subject-specific innovations and evolving strategies to meet the unique needs of middle school students. Take advantage of an independent study, practicums and virtual residencies. You will graduate ready to pursue high-level opportunities across diverse learning environments.
Concentration details
- Flexible, convenient online coursework ideal for working professionals
- Real-world applications of learning and research
- Mentoring from highly experienced faculty
- Professional values centered on educational excellence
Deepen expertise to be an influential leader
The online Doctor in Education degree program at Brenau is comprised of 54 credit hours and can be completed in as few as three years. Boasting a flexible format, the program is great for working professionals who don’t have to put their life on hold while advancing their careers.
You are required to complete six concentration courses (totaling 12 credit hours) where you will build expertise in middle grades education with a focus on innovation and trends in language arts, math and science. An independent study delves deep into a relevant issue, while practicum activities are devoted to the real-world application of your learning and research.
Middle grades education required courses
With this specialization, choose between three areas of study for middle grades education:
English Language Arts (ELA) Concentration
- ED 801: Study of the English Language
- ED 840: Innovations in Language Arts – MG/SEC
- ED 832: Theor. Foundations of Teaching & Writing in MG/SEC
- ED 851: Literature through Multimedia
- ED 804: Special Topics in ELA
- ED 837: Instr. Leadership in the MG/SEC Classroom
Mathematics Concentration
- MS 801: Essential Mathematics for Teachers
- ED 833: Innovations in Mathematics – MG/SE
- ED 838: Psychology of Learning Mathematics
- ED 839: Seminar in Mathematics Education
- ED 837: Instr. Leadership in the MG/SEC Classroom
- ED 800: Integrated Math-Science in MG/SEC classroom
Science Concentration
- ED 834: Innovations in Science – MG/SEC
- BY 803: Ecology for Teachers
- ED 841: Special Topics in Science
- ED 847: Science Leadership
- ED 837: Instr. Leadership in the MG/SEC Classroom
- ED 800: Integrated Math-Science in MG/SEC classroom
Brenau’s Ed.D. program offers core coursework that covers essential education topics, including curriculum design, academic program assessment and education policy. You’ll strengthen your capacity for leadership and explore the emerging trends driving the future of education.
View Program CurriculumBe ready for higher-level opportunities
Brenau’s online Ed.D. degree in middle grades education program is a valuable step for those who want to advance their career across academia and beyond. After completing your program, you may qualify to take on leadership roles in:
- Public or private schools
- Private or nonprofit youth enrichment programs
- Local, state or federal government agencies serving adolescents and their families
- Public or private research firms
Be part of the educator workforce where about 40,500 openings for middle school teachers are projected each year through 2034.1 In Georgia, a new teacher recruitment initiative was launched in 2025 that aims to attract, recognize and retain top teaching talent.2
Potential careers for graduates of the doctorate in education programs in Georgia:
Middle School Teacher $74,720 per year3*
Postsecondary Education Administrator $131,590 per year4*
Explore more Doctor of Education concentrations
We offer additional Doctor of Education programs focused on elementary, middle grades and special education. Review those as well as our Doctor of Education in Higher Education programs with concentrations in leadership and teaching and learning.
Frequently asked questions
Explore our frequently asked questions for in-depth answers. If you don’t find what you’re looking for, reach out to us.
Young adolescents go through significant academic, social, and cognitive changes that can shape their trajectory into high school and beyond, and this concentration is built for educators who want to lead the programs and policies that support that transition. Coursework covers innovations in language arts, math, science, and social studies specifically for middle-grades learners.
Graduates typically pursue leadership roles in public or private schools, youth enrichment programs, government agencies, or research organizations. An admissions counselor can help you map the concentration to your goals.
This concentration prepares graduates for roles like curriculum director, middle-grades program leader, instructional leadership supervisor, or policy positions focused on the adolescent transition years.
An admissions counselor can walk through how this concentration’s coursework connects to the specific role you’re aiming for.
Time and scheduling is this concentration’s largest pillar in our enrollment data. Brenau’s Ed.D. program overall is designed to be completed in less than three years, combining online coursework with two required weekend residencies, built for working education professionals.
An admissions counselor can walk through a realistic schedule based on your current work situation.
Admission follows Brenau’s standard Ed.D. requirements: a degree from an institution recognized by DAPIP and eligible for Title IV federal financial aid. Most applicants have already completed a master’s degree or have relevant professional experience in middle grades education.
An admissions counselor can confirm your specific eligibility based on your background.
Sources and disclaimer
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Occupational Outlook Handbook. “Middle School Teachers.” Retrieved April. 2026, from
https://www.bls.gov/ooh/education-training-and-library/middle-school-teachers.htm. - Department of Georgia Education. “GaDOE launches new teacher recruitment campaign.”
https://gadoe.org/press-releases/gadoe-launches-new-teacher-recruitment-campaign/. - U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Occupational Employment and Wages. “Middle School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education.” Retrieved April. 2026, from https://www.bls.gov/oes/2023/may/oes252022.htm.
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Occupational Employment and Wages. “Education Administrators, Postsecondary.” Retrieved April. 2026, from https://www.bls.gov/oes/2023/may/oes119033.htm.
*Depending on district and years of experience.