Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership Online

Become a transformational leader by adding doctoral-level knowledge and skills to your resume. This 100% online program prepares you for elite leadership roles with primary to postsecondary academic institutions and nonprofit organizations.

Apply by 1/3/25
Start class 1/13/25 Apply Now

Program Overview

Become an influential changemaker with the online Ed.D. in Educational Leadership

Prepare to lead in academic institutions and nonprofit organizations with the Northern Kentucky University online Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership. This 100% online program develops your leadership, collaboration, and research skills in relation to advanced education roles. Explore relevant topics such as statistical analysis, performance appraisals, and management of organizational changes, and choose from multiple cognates to customize your degree to fit your professional goals.

Learn to conquer the challenges of modern school districts and systems impacting students in primary-to-higher education levels, through rigorous coursework, collaborative assignments, and a required dissertation. This affordable online Ed.D. – Educational Leadership program is designed for busy professionals—continue working while enrolled and apply your new knowledge immediately in your current role. Upon graduation, you will be part of our network of expert faculty and like-minded professionals.

In this online educational leadership program, you will:

  • Develop leadership skills by integrating theory and practice using job-embedded puzzles of practice
  • Build the knowledge, skills, and disposition needed for transformational leadership
  • Tackle local, regional, and global issues by conducting, interpreting, and applying action research
In this online educational leadership program, you will:+
  • Develop leadership skills by integrating theory and practice using job-embedded puzzles of practice
  • Build the knowledge, skills, and disposition needed for transformational leadership
  • Tackle local, regional, and global issues by conducting, interpreting, and applying action research

Ed.D. Career Opportunities:

  • Dean
  • Higher Education Administrator
  • Nonprofit Organization President
Ed.D. Career Opportunities:+
  • Dean
  • Higher Education Administrator
  • Nonprofit Organization President
+

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 $30,900
Program Duration As few as 36 months
Credit Hours 60

Accreditation

CAEP Accredited

The Northern Kentucky University College of Education is accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP).

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Need More Information?

Call 800-985-7215

Call 800-985-7215

Tuition

Pay-as-you-go tuition reduces your initial financial hardship

The Ed.D. in Educational Leadership online program offers the same affordable, pay-by-the-course tuition to in-state and out-of-state students.

View additional tuition information+

Program Per Credit Hour Required Fees Total Program with Fees
Ed.D. in Educational Leadership $500 $100 $30,900

Tuition and fees subject to change at any time.

Tuition Breakdown:

Total Tuition $30,900
Per Credit Hour $500
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“Top Public College”

Ranked among the “Top Public Colleges” by Forbes, 2022

Calendar

Sync your academic schedule with your personal schedule

The Ed.D. in Educational Leadership 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.

View full calendar  + 

SessionProgram Start DateApplication DeadlineDocument DeadlineRegistration DeadlinePayment Due
Spring 11/13/251/3/251/7/251/10/251/13/25
Summer 15/12/254/30/255/5/255/9/255/12/25

Now enrolling:

Apply Date 1/3/25
Class Starts 1/13/25
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Admissions

How to get started with the online Ed.D. in Educational Leadership

The admission process for the Ed.D. in Educational Leadership online program is streamlined to help you get started right away.

Admission Requirements:

  • Official transcripts of all coursework from accredited institutions
  • 3.25 GPA or higher on a 4.0 scale
  • Minimum of five years of work experience with progressive leadership evident
View all admission requirements +

Ed.D. in Educational Leadership 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 waived
  • 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 normally achieved over a minimum of five years
  • In addition to the 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

Official documents may be mailed or emailed to:

NKU Office of Graduate Education
302 Lucas Administrative Center
Highland Heights, KY 41099

[email protected]

Have a question? Call us at 800-985-7215.

Courses

Find out more about the online educational leadership courses

For the Ed.D. in Educational Leadership, you must complete 60 credit hours, including 12 credits of foundational courses (included in the program as part of the curriculum), 24 credits of research/dissertation courses, 12 credits of specialization courses, and 12 credits of cognate courses.

Expand All

Students must take all four courses below (12 credit hours):

Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
This course introduces action research, equipping participants with perspectives and skills to engage with key concepts in their chosen educational leadership field. Through a practical approach, participants learn to conduct meaningful research, fostering the application of research insights to address challenges and enhance leadership practices in educational contexts. PREREQ: Admission to the Ed.D. in Educational Leadership program.
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
This course explores critical issues of access and equity for contemporary US college students, examining the evolving demographics and characteristics of this population. Participants analyze challenges and opportunities, exploring strategies to enhance inclusivity and address disparities in higher education, fostering a deeper understanding of student experiences.
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
This course explores theories of adult learning and student development, delving into the affective and cognitive aspects that shape the educational experiences of post-secondary students. Participants gain a deep understanding of how students acquire and refine knowledge, skills, and values, blending theoretical exploration with practical applications.
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.

Students must take all four courses below (12 credit hours):

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.
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.
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.
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.

Students must take all three courses below (9 credit hours):

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.
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.
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.

Students must take all five courses below (15 credit hours):

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.
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.
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.
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.
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.

Students must earn 12 credit hours from the list of courses below (9 of which may be transferred in from a master's degree program):

Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
An in-depth examination of higher education in the United States from origins to current day. Topics include trends, characteristics, and features that have shaped higher education, including the emergence of different types of institutions, the evolution of academic disciplines, and the impact of social, political, and economic forces.
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
This course explores critical issues of access and equity for contemporary US college students, examining the evolving demographics and characteristics of this population. Participants analyze challenges and opportunities, exploring strategies to enhance inclusivity and address disparities in higher education, fostering a deeper understanding of student experiences.
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
This course explores theories of adult learning and student development, delving into the affective and cognitive aspects that shape the educational experiences of post-secondary students. Participants gain a deep understanding of how students acquire and refine knowledge, skills, and values, blending theoretical exploration with practical applications.
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
This specialized course explores current trends and emerging issues in higher education leadership. Each iteration focuses on specific topics, offering in-depth insights through theoretical exploration, case studies, and real-world applications. Participants develop strategies to address contemporary challenges, gaining knowledge crucial for effective educational leadership in their professional contexts.
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
A practicum experience in higher education administration. Participants apply theoretical knowledge to real-world scenarios, gaining practical experience in diverse administrative tasks. Supervised by seasoned professionals, students develop leadership skills, strategic planning abilities, and a nuanced understanding of higher education management.

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