Ed.D. in Educational Leadership

The Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) in Educational Leadership degree is a 60 credit hour program that is designed to inspire visionary thinking and innovating solutions among mid- and late- career district and school leaders for their current and future leadership positions.

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Curriculum

Using a problem-based learning approach, this program is based on the National Educational Leadership Preparation Standards for public school leaders. The program is built around four themes of study:

  • Visionary & Transformative Leadership
  • Organizational Change
  • Equity & Excellence
  • Focus on Teaching & Learning

 Sample Courses 

Year 1 • Fall, Spring 

  • Constructs of Leadership Theory
  • Foundations of Research for Educational Leaders
  • Leadership for School System Innovation
  • Quantitative Research Methods for Educational Leaders

Year 2 • Summer, Fall, Spring 

  • Ethics and Professionalism, Mission, Vision, and Core Values in Educational Leadership
  • Community and External Leadership
  • Equity and Cultural Educational Leadership
  • Qualitative Research Methods for Educational Leaders
  • Educational Leadership for Policy, Governance, and Advocacy
  • Management of People, Data, and Processes in Educational Systems

Year 3 • Summer, Fall, Spring 

  • Internship/Field Experience
  • Instructional Leadership for Systemic Change
  • Critique of Research in the Leadership Process
  • Action Research for Educational Leaders
  • Comprehensive Exam

Year 4+ • Summer, Fall, Spring 

  • Prospectus for Dissertation
  • Dissertation

Schedule

  • Cohorts are admitted in the fall semester in even years (i.e., 2024, 2026, 2028)
  • Fall and spring semester courses are held on weekends twice a month
  • Summer courses are held as week-long seminars

Admissions and Application Process

  • Fall 2026 Cohort- Applications are due by April 15, 2026

Admission Requirements

  • Applicants are required to hold a regionally accredited Master’s degree.
  • Grade Point Average – You must have a minimum overall grade point average of 2.75 (4.00=A) for the bachelor’s degree or a minimum 3.00 (4.00=A) for the last two years (60 semester credits). 
  • All applicants are required to submit an unofficial transcript from each postsecondary institution attended, showing all degrees and coursework, the dates awarded, and grades received. Official transcripts required upon admission.
    1. Credentials not in English must be accompanied by an English translation certified as true by a university official, an official representative of a United States embassy or consulate, the United States Information Service, the United States Education Foundation, or an approved professional translating service. Notarized copies of originals or translations are not considered official.
  • Program Admission Requirements
    • Two letters of recommendation. These letters should detail the applicant’s
      (a) leadership experiences and strengths
      (b) academic skills and abilities
    • Letter of Application/Interest. A maximum two page, single-spaced letter of application/interest that clearly articulates professional and research goals related to the Doctor of Education degree in Educational Leadership. The letter should include: 
      • (a) how the applicant will apply the doctoral degree to improve the field of education 
      • (b) the career objectives and professional goals upon completion of the program, including how the degree will assist in attaining these objectives and goals
      • (c) the applicant’s leadership philosophy.
    • Resume or Vita. A curriculum vitae/resumé of professional preparation and experience, including evidence of at least three years of leadership experience in education (broadly defined).
    • Representative samples (two or more) of professional writing related to professional study (e.g., thesis, professional paper, grant applications, opinion/editorial, newsletter, class paper).
    • Successful interview with program faculty.

Tuition

Approximately 354 dollars per credit hour + fees

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For Inquiries

Dr. Bradley Marianno – Program Coordinator (execedl.gradcoord; 702-895-2895)