Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership – Principal Certification Online
Prepare for principal certification and top leadership roles in K-12 schools as you develop effective strategies for helping teachers, staff, and students succeed.
Apply by
8/6/25
Program Overview
Step up to school leadership with a principal Ed.D. program designed for K-12 educators
Become an innovative leader in your school and community with the online Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership – Principal Certification program at Northern Kentucky University. Gain the advanced knowledge and administrative skillset required to manage personnel and campus operations effectively, transform your school culture, and create a dynamic learning environment that empowers students to succeed.
Study educational theory and ethical leadership as you work with experienced faculty mentors, including current and former principals. Develop advanced knowledge of K-12 law, policy, school finance, and budgeting. Learn strategies that promote equity and justice in education, and design an action research capstone project tailored to your learning goals. You can even complete your principal practicum on your current campus.
In this online principal Ed.D. program, you will:
- Gain insight into the challenges, practices, and perspectives facing educational leaders
- Demonstrate creative leadership that encourages thoughtful innovation and risk-taking in individuals and educational agencies
- Support the human qualities associated with facilitating change in oneself, others, and educational organizations
- Demonstrate the capacity to scan ever-changing environments and analyze the forces that impact organizational effectiveness, and use this knowledge to design and implement adaptive strategies
- Prepare to influence the creation, continuation, and evaluation of just and ethical educational contexts, norms, policies, and practices to transform educational institutions
- Focus on elevating student learning through curriculum design and the development of intervention plans
- Gain insight into the challenges, practices, and perspectives facing educational leaders
- Demonstrate creative leadership that encourages thoughtful innovation and risk-taking in individuals and educational agencies
- Support the human qualities associated with facilitating change in oneself, others, and educational organizations
- Demonstrate the capacity to scan ever-changing environments and analyze the forces that impact organizational effectiveness, and use this knowledge to design and implement adaptive strategies
- Prepare to influence the creation, continuation, and evaluation of just and ethical educational contexts, norms, policies, and practices to transform educational institutions
- Focus on elevating student learning through curriculum design and the development of intervention plans
Ed.D. Career Opportunities:
- Principal
- Assistant Principal
- Supervisor of Instruction
- Director of Curriculum
- Instructional Coach
- Principal
- Assistant Principal
- Supervisor of Instruction
- Director of Curriculum
- Instructional Coach
Online education programs also available:
Northern Kentucky University offers a variety of graduate and postgraduate online education programs. Check out our other quality online education programs.
Total Tuition
$33,932
Program Duration
As few as 36 months
Credit Hours
68
Accreditation
The Northern Kentucky University College of Education is accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP).
Tuition
Discover our affordable, pay-by-the-course tuition
The Ed.D. in Educational Leadership – Principal Certification online program offers the same affordable, pay-by-the-course tuition to in-state and out-of-state students.
| Program | Per Credit Hour | Required Fees | Total Program with Fees |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ed.D. in Education Leadership – Principal Cert | $499 | $100 | $33,932 |
Tuition Breakdown:
Total Tuition
$33,932
Per Credit Hour
$499
Nationally Recognized
Ranked among the "Top Public Schools" by U.S. News & World Report, 2025
Calendar
View enrollment dates and deadlines
The Ed.D. in Educational Leadership – Principal Certification online program is convenient and flexible, featuring six start dates on an accelerated course schedule. View the calendar to find the best start date for you, and be sure to note all corresponding deadlines.
| Session | Program Start Date | Application Deadline | Document Deadline | Registration Deadline | Payment Due |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fall 1 | 8/18/25 | 8/6/25 | 8/11/25 | 8/15/25 | 8/18/25 |
Now enrolling:
Apply Date
8/6/25
Class Starts
8/18/25
Admissions
Review the online principal Ed.D. program admission requirements
The admission process for the Ed.D. in Educational Leadership – Principal Certification online program is streamlined to help you get started right away.
Admission Requirements:
- Official transcripts of all coursework from accredited institutions
- 3.0 GPA or higher on a 4.0 scale
- Minimum of three years of full-time teaching experience
Ed.D. in Educational Leadership – Principal Certification Online Admission Requirements
- Complete online application for admission
- Pay $55 non-refundable application fee
- If you are an NKU alum or active/veteran military member, your application fee will be waved
- Official transcripts of all undergraduate and graduate coursework from accredited institution(s)
- A master’s degree or equivalent in an applicable field from a regionally accredited institution of higher education with a minimum graduate GPA of 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale)
- Evidence of significant professional leadership experience. We are looking for people with a history of leading that transcends the expectations of their professional commitments. It is rare to find this in an applicant with less than five years of progressive professional experience.
- In addition to the two criteria above, applicants will be evaluated for their:
- Level of organizational or civic ambition
- Leadership trajectory
- Timing for pursuit of an Ed.D.
- Fit between the candidate’s hopes and aspirations and the features of our Ed.D. program
In order to be eligible to select this cognate, learning associates must submit a copy of valid teaching certificate showing successful completion of three (3) years full-time documented classroom teaching experience in a school which meets the state performance standards as established in KRS 156.560. Note: Completing the Kentucky Principal Certification requires the learning associate to take 8 credit hours beyond the 60-credit hour degree program.
- Transfer previously earned credits:
- Transfer credits aligned with a student’s cognate topic are processed after admission to the Ed.D. program upon approval from the program director. No more than 9 credit hours of graduate credit applied to a previously earned degree, with a grade of B or better from a regionally accredited institution, can be transferred into the Ed.D. program. No more than 40% of graduate credit that was not applied to a previously earned degree can be transferred into the Ed.D. program. All credits applied toward the Ed.D. degree, inclusive of transfer credits, must be completed within a period of eight (8) years at the time of graduation.
Official documents may be mailed or emailed to:
NKU Office of Graduate Education
302 Lucas Administrative Center
Highland Heights, KY 41099
Have a question? Call us at 800-985-7215.
Courses
Explore our doctoral program in educational leadership curriculum
For the Ed.D. in Educational Leadership – Principal Certification program, you must complete 68 credit hours, including 24 credits of core courses, 15 credits of specialization courses, 20 credits of cognate courses, and 9 credits of capstone courses.
EDD 800: Introduction to Doctoral Studies
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Introduction to the perspectives and skills needed to succeed as a doctoral student, including an introduction to information literacy, doctoral-level writing, and proficiency reading and responding to major ideas in a chosen leadership field.
EDD 804: Leadership: Professional & Personal Perspectives
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
This course offers Learning Associates a comprehensive interdisciplinary exploration of leadership, focusing on developing knowledge, skills, and dispositions aligned with contemporary educational leadership. It provides a framework to investigate and enhance leadership assumptions, behaviors, and goals, fostering the planning of improvements for increased leadership effectiveness.
EDD 805: Educational Leadership Theories
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Understand the role of theory in research and learn to develop and apply theoretical frameworks to guide research design and analysis. In-depth exploration of educational leadership theories within social and historical contexts. Critically analyze leadership frameworks, gaining fluency in articulating fundamental concepts such as leader, leadership, theory, power, and authority.
EDD 806: Navigating Organizational Change
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
This course explores navigating organizational change by fostering effective communication and ethical leadership, emphasizing skills applicable to any role. Students employ systems thinking to grasp interconnectedness within organizations, crafting strategies for managing change reactions, promoting resilience, and cultivating adaptable, ethically grounded teams in a supportive, innovative environment.
EDD 807: Leadership: Identity and Agency
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
This course focuses on individuals, emphasizing self-awareness, values, and purpose. Participants explore their unique identity and agency, synthesizing theory and introspection to gain insights into how their personal traits shape their capacity for leadership, culminating in a deeper understanding of themselves within their professional journey.
EDD 815: Unpacking Educational Systems
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
This course explores educational systems through social reproduction lenses, fostering compassion and a commitment to challenging injustice. Learning Associates gain tools and insights to problematize normative practices. The course inspires leadership that transforms conditions, policies, and practices, aiming to champion systems that support just outcomes and experiences.
EDD 816: Universal Design for Learning
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Explore Universal Design for Learning (UDL) principles, examining strategies to create inclusive and accessible learning environments. Participants will gain insights into designing curriculum and instruction that meet diverse learner needs, promoting equity and engagement. Practical applications ensure participants can implement UDL effectively in educational settings.
EDD 817: Transforming Educational Systems
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Learning Associates leverage their prior knowledge of educational inequities to instigate positive, transformative changes in policies and practices for individuals, families, and educational institutions. The course frames the current landscape of US education through a systems perspective, fostering creative leadership, adaptive strategies, collaborative relationships, and influence within just, ethical educational contexts.
EDD 852: Working with Governing Boards
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
This course provides a comprehensive understanding of the intricate dynamics and responsibilities of working with governing boards within various organizational contexts. Grounded in both theoretical frameworks and practical applications, the course aims to equip doctoral students with the knowledge and skills necessary to navigate the complexities of governance structures effectively.
EDD 853: Educational Finance and Operations
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
This course is designed to provide advanced insights in the intersection of educational finance and operations within the broader field of education leadership. Participants in this course will engage in rigorous analysis and independent research to develop an in-depth understanding of the complex financial and operational challenges facing educational institutions.
EDD 854: Education Policy Development and Analysis
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Participants explore the policy-making process, analyze its impact on educational systems, and gain skills to formulate effective policies. Practical applications ensure a comprehensive understanding, empowering leaders to navigate and contribute to the dynamic landscape of educational policy.
EDD 855: Educational Public Relations
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
This course explores advanced concepts and strategies for effective communication within and from educational institutions. Emphasizing the intersection of public relations theory and educational leadership, the course equips students with the knowledge and skills needed to navigate the complex communication landscape in the field of education.
EDD 856: Ethics for Educational Leaders
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Exploration of ethical considerations in educational leadership. Participants delve into foundational ethical theories and practical decision-making frameworks. Case studies and real-world scenarios enhance ethical reasoning skills, empowering educational leaders to navigate complex moral dilemmas and cultivate just learning environments.
EDA 704: Education Leader as Culture Builder: Roles and Responsibilities in a PLC
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
In this course, candidates assess school culture and its impact on student learning and school performance to determine areas of assistance needed. Candidates study ways to engage stakeholders to determine impact of student performance and what is needed for improvement.
EDA 705: Education Leader as Culture Builder: Fieldwork
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 1
This course focuses on field experiences in educational administration and leadership at the early elementary, middle school, secondary or district level. Emphasis is upon organization, administration and leadership of schools.
EDA 706: Educational Leader: Designing Curriculum
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
In this course, candidates will focus on increasing student learning through effective leadership strategies. Candidates collect and analyze authentic student work and use current research and practices to identify effective and diverse strategies and develop intervention plans.
EDA 707: Educational Leader: Fieldwork
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 1
In this course, candidates will focus on increasing student learning through the application of effective leadership strategies. Under the supervision of a school principal and an N.K.U. faculty member, Candidates will engage in Fieldwork related to the following course objectives.
EDA 708: Education Leader as Assessor: Data Informed Decision Making
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
In this course, candidates will develop an understanding of Kentucky’s various curriculum and instruction documents. Candidates will identify and use appropriate research-based intervention strategies for addressing student needs. Candidates will also use a variety of protocols to promote teacher collaboration in analyzing student work.
EDA 709: Education Leader as Assessor: Fieldwork
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 1
In this course, candidates will develop an understanding of Kentucky’s various curriculum and instruction documents. Candidates will identify and use appropriate research-based intervention strategies for addressing student needs. Candidates will also use a variety of protocols to promote teacher collaboration in analyzing student work. Under the supervision of a school principal and an N.K.U. faculty member.
EDA 712: Education Leader as Supervisor: Fieldwork
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 1
In this course, candidates will study staff selection, personnel evaluation, work conditions and environment, and professional development. These are interrelated processes that influence the culture of the learning environment. Principals should know and use the characteristics of effective teachers to successfully conduct staff selection, evaluation, and professional development processes.
EDA 713: Education Leader as Manager: School Improvement Plans
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
The focus of this course is instructional leadership-the delivery of an effective instructional program that results in high levels of student achievement. Candidates will study the organizational vision and mission, school improvement planning and implementation. Candidates will also study basic management skills that foster student safety, learning and achievement.
EDA 714: Education Leader as Manager: Fieldwork
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 1
Candidates will study the organizational vision and mission, school improvement planning and implementation by successfully completing field projects.
EDA 715: Education Leader as Facilitator: Leveraging Community Systems and Resources
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Candidates will develop relationships with families and develop partnerships with community stakeholders to leverage resources to support shared goals and objectives. Candidates will identify stakeholders who are representative of the community served by the school. Candidates will study how to work collaboratively to assess the concerns, needs, and issues of families served by the school; and know how to monitor resource allocation and program implementation to assess and adjust if necessary.
EDD 850: Critical Analysis of Education Research
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
This course equips participants to contextualize, design, and evaluate ethical action research. Through analyzing environmental scans and scholarly inquiry, participants learn to understand patterns across public and local knowledge sources. Emphasis is placed on addressing problems of practice with justice and equity considerations and effectively communicating findings to diverse audiences. Pre-req: EDD 800
EDD 851: Research Writing for Education Leaders
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
This course explores effective communication of scholarly inquiry and action research findings. Participants learn to align communication strategies with diverse audiences and to assess and prepare for clear, impactful presentation of action research processes, findings, and recommendations. Pre-req: EDD 850
EDD 897: Action Research Capstone
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
In this capstone course, students synthesize action research projects, applying them to address real-world challenges in their field and fostering advanced problem-solving and strategic decision-making. The course culminates in the presentation of impactful findings that contribute to professional growth and field advancement.
