doctoral programs educational leadership

Doctoral Degree Programs

Additional information.

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Join a world-class community of scholars and education leaders exploring new frontiers in learning and teaching.

Doctoral study at Harvard means full immersion in one of the world's most dynamic and influential intellectual communities. At the Harvard Graduate School of Education, two distinct doctoral programs leverage the extraordinary interdisciplinary strengths of the entire University. The Doctor of Education Leadership (Ed.L.D.) prepares experienced educators for system-level leadership roles in school districts, nonprofit organizations, government agencies, and beyond; and the Doctor of Philosophy in Education (Ph.D.)  empowers cutting-edge interdisciplinary research informed by the cognitive sciences, economics, medicine, the humanities, and more.

Doctor of Education Leadership (Ed.L.D.)

The Doctor of Education Leadership (Ed.L.D) is a three-year, practice-based program designed to produce system-level leaders in American pre-K-12 education. The Ed.L.D. curriculum mines the vast intellectual and professional resources of HGSE, the Harvard Business School , and the Harvard Kennedy School , and includes a 10-month residency in the third year.

Doctor of Philosophy in Education (Ph.D.)

The Doctor of Philosophy in Education (Ph.D.) , offered jointly with the Harvard Kenneth C. Griffin Graduate School of Arts and Sciences , provides unrestricted access to faculty and resources at all Harvard graduate and professional schools. This five-year Ph.D. is ideal for conducting groundbreaking interdisciplinary research that directly informs and impacts education practice and policy.

Educational Leadership Program (EDDL)

Program description and overview.

The Educational Leadership Program leads to a Doctorate in Educational Leadership Degree/Ed.D. and is designed to develop excellent educational leaders who are well rounded in research and theory in the organizational, sociological, legal, economic, political, philosophical, and historical foundations of education.

Applicants are expected to demonstrate acumen in writing, problem solving, data collection and analysis, and the use of educational technology. Furthermore, applicants are expected to demonstrate understanding of the principles, modes of inquiry, and content of educational administration and supervision.

This program has been designed to prepare leaders for service in a variety of organizational settings. Components of the degree program include: the cohort model (wherein all candidates in the cohort begin and complete their core courses at the same time); application of theory to practice; action research; group presentations; theme-based and program-based seminars; frequent colloquia; and many other experiences deemed current and appropriate for doctoral students. Our expectations are that candidates completing the program will be prepared as knowledgeable and skilled practitioners fully equipped for success in a dynamic and changing world.

To apply for admission to this program, candidates should go here  and then follow the instructions provided on this homepage in submitting their application online. Official transcripts from all institutions previously attended, (except CSU), are required. Questions about the application process should be directed to the Office of Graduate and Professional Studies at Chicago State University, (773) 995-2404 or [email protected]

To request for more information:   Please Click here .

To be eligible for admission to the doctoral program, applicants must hold a master’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university and present a record of prior academic performance that indicates potential for success in a doctoral program. Applicants with a grade point average of 3.5 or better (on a 4.00 scale) in all graduate work, and who satisfy other specific program requirements including personal interviews, are generally recommended for Full admission. There is no conditional admission for Ed.D. program.

In addition to meeting the university’s general admission requirements, the applicant must :

• Educational Law.
• Curriculum Development and Learning Theories;
• Foundations of Finance; and
• Organizational Dynamics or Administration.
• Submit three letters of recommendation, (which need to be uploaded directly by the referees into the online application system), from professors and/or administrators addressing the applicant’s potential for success in a doctoral program.
• Submit (in the online application portal) a typed double-spaced goal statement, which describes the applicant’s reasons for pursuing an advanced degree in educational leadership.

Additional Required Documents for International Applicants Only

• A course-by-course transcript evaluation from Education Credentials Evaluators (ECE) or World Educational Services (WES).
• Proof of English Proficiency: TOEFL/IELTS Official Score Report or Waiver Application
• International Student Packet: - Bank Statement; and Notarized Financial Statement Form and Certificate of Sponsorship.

Career Placement Information, Including Linking to IBHE’s Major Study Database

Graduates from this program have become K-12 administrators, district administrators, professors, higher education administrators, and administrators for the U.S. Department of Education. In addition, graduates have used their degrees in non-educational settings such as Fortune 500 companies, law enforcement, and correctional facilities.

The Ed.D. in Educational Leadership program requires 54 semester hours of coursework, which include 42 credit hours of core courses and a minimum of 12 credit hours of dissertation writing. In addition to the required coursework, the doctoral program in Educational Leadership includes a qualifying examination (administered after the core coursework is completed), the dissertation and the dissertation defense.

Specific Course Requirements (54 credit hours):

• EDDL 6000 - Seminar in Doctoral Studies (3)
• EDDL 6001 - Research and Statistics I (3)
• EDDL 6002 - Curriculum and Instructional Theory (3)
• EDDL 6003 - Research and Statistics II (3)
• EDDL 6004 – Philosophical Foundations of Educational Leadership (3)
• EDDL 6005 - Public Policy and Politics of Education (3)
• EDDL 6006 – Introduction to Qualitative Research (3)
• EDDL 6007 – Advanced Qualitative Research (3)
• EDDL 6008 – Adult Learning and Distributed Leadership (3)
• EDDL 6009 - Educational Change and School Improvement (3)
• EDDL 6010 - Organizational Theory and Educational Leadership (3)
• EDDL 6011 - Program Evaluation and Student Assessment (3)
• EDDL 6012 – Critical Issues in Urban Educational Leadership (3)
• EDDL 6013 – Seminar in Research and Dissertation Development (3)
• EDDL 6990 – Dissertation (3) *

*NOTE : Following admission to candidacy, a doctoral student must enroll for 1 to 6 dissertation hours every fall, spring, and summer term for a minimum of 12 semester hours until completion of dissertation. Candidates have seven (7) years from the date of admission to complete the program. May repeat for credit .

Ms. Chrystal Fountain, Program Advisor

Department of Advanced Studies in Education

Chicago State University/ College of Education Building, Room 319

9501 South King Drive

Chicago, Illinois 60628-1598

Phone: (773) 995-2086 or (773) 995-5018

E-mail :  [email protected]

Fall semester of every year.

Credits are not transferable.

Yes, the program is aligned to state standards, Interstate School Leaders Licensure Consortium (ISLLC), Professional Standards for Educational Leaders (PSEL) and the Educational Leadership Constituent Council Standards (ELCC).

The degree will take a minimum of four (4) years and a maximum of seven (7) years.

Core coursework consists of a total of 54 credit hours. Dissertation consists of a minimum of 12 credit hours.

Yes.  Students must maintain a GPA of 3.5 or better throughout the program.  Students who fall below this standard will be placed on probation. Students are not allowed to enter candidacy with a grade below B on their record.  Students receiving a grade lower than B must retake the class before proceeding to candidacy.  Students earning two grades below a B (within the same semester) cannot continue to register for classes. Students must retake the classes and earn a grades of B or better before continuing in the program.  Students are allowed to retake a class in which they earned less than a B only once. The retake option is only afforded twice within the doctoral program.

Student Testimonials

Education Leadership

The Doctor of Education Leadership (Ed.L.D.) prepares experienced educators to become the transformational preK–12 leaders that the country needs — passionate about educational quality and equity, well versed in learning and development, and knowledgeable about public policy and organizational management, so they can translate visionary ideas into real-world success. Graduates of the three-year, multidisciplinary Ed.L.D. — taught by faculty from the Harvard Graduate School of Education, the Harvard Business School, and the Harvard Kennedy School — are uniquely prepared for system-level leadership positions in schools, nonprofits, mission-driven for-profits, and state and federal departments of education.

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• Doctor Education Leadership Innovation

Online Doctor of Education (EdD) in Leadership and Innovation

Admissions requirements.

• Career Outcomes

Doctor of Education in Leadership and Innovation Overview

It’s time to take your education career even further. Become a change agent ready to make a difference in your workplace. Earn an EdD degree online in leadership and innovation.

• Prepare for leadership roles within all areas of education, including postsecondary, government, corporate, and nonprofit institutions.
• Take doctoral courses 100% online and complete a research project you can apply to your workplace, community, or area of expertise.
• Get the credit you deserve. Save up to $12,600 (or 33%) on tuition and graduate in 2 years by transferring up to 30 credits from your master’s.
• Find resources and support every step of the way, including a Faculty Advisor and Consultant, access to a comprehensive online library, writing support, and more.
• Gain leadership, diversity and inclusion, and research skills to create innovative and transformative learning environments.

Review College Scorecard data for this program .

See Notes and Conditions below for important information.

Purdue Global Is Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission

The HLC ( HLCommission.org ) is an institutional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

Calculate Your Time and Cost

Estimate how much your prior learning credits can reduce your tuition and time to graduation.

What Courses Will I Take?

The 100% online courses for the EdD degree build your skills in leadership and innovation, with diversity, equity, and inclusion principles integrated throughout. Topics include diversity, equity, and inclusion; transformative learning; ethics and accountability; and more. Your studies culminate in an applied research project, which you can complete at your workplace or in your community.

Sample Courses

• Trends, Patterns, and Ethical Issues That Impact Education
• Research in Responsive Curriculum Design and Development Learning and Professional Practice
• Transformative Learning Environments
• Creativity, Innovation, and Intrapreneurship in Education

Program Requirements

1 semester credit hour = 1.5 quarter credit hours

A master’s degree in a related field is required to enroll in a postgraduate program. You will need to provide an official transcript that shows completion of your master’s degree from an accredited institution, though an unofficial copy may be provided during the application process. Refer to the University Catalog or speak to an Advisor to learn more.

Upcoming Start Dates

We offer multiple start dates to give you flexibility in your education, life, and work schedules.

Develop with Faculty Expertise and Support

Our faculty are pioneers and leaders in online higher education and are dedicated to supporting you on your educational journey. You will be assigned a faculty member who will guide you. A Faculty Advisor will review your master’s degree and discuss your career goals to ensure alignment of your EdD cognate electives.

During your final four applied research courses, a Faculty Consultant will be there to assist you in choosing a research project that focuses on a practical application in your field of expertise. The Consultant will help you with completing the Institutional Review Board process, choosing a methodology, collecting and analyzing data, and defending your research project.

Ways to Save on Time and Tuition

Purdue Global works with students to find ways to reduce costs and make education more accessible. Contact us to learn about opportunities to save on your educational costs.

Earn credit for prior coursework completed at eligible institutions.

Learn about federal financial aid programs available for many of our degree programs.

Learn about federal and state grants and loan programs that may be available.

Employees of Purdue Global partner organizations may be eligible for special tuition reductions.

Graduate tuition savings for military include a 17–30% reduction per credit for current servicemembers and, 14% per credit for veterans for graduate programs.

Earn credit for your military training. We offer credit for ACE-evaluated training and CLEP and DANTES examinations.

View the total cost of attendance for your program.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for administrators in postsecondary education is expected to grow through 2032. Opportunities for training and development specialists and instructional coordinators are also expected to grow during this timeframe. The online doctorate in education at Purdue Global equips you with the skills and knowledge to lead education-related organizations in a fast-changing landscape.

Average Salary

In Your State

General labor market and salary data are provided by Lightcast and may not represent the outcomes experienced by Purdue Global graduates in these programs. Purdue Global graduates in these programs may earn salaries substantially different or less than the amounts listed above. Salary and employment outcomes vary by geographic area, previous work experience, education, and opportunities for employment that are outside of Purdue Global's control.

Purdue Global does not guarantee employment placement, salary level, or career advancement.

Get to Know Our Faculty

Purdue Global faculty members are real-world practitioners who bring knowledge gained through the powerful combination of higher learning and industry experience.

Faculty members who have advanced degrees

Faculty members who hold a doctorate

Faculty publications in 2022–2023

Professional development hours logged by faculty in 2022–2023

Statistics include all Purdue Global faculty members and are not school- or program-specific calculations. Source: Purdue Global Office of Reporting and Analysis, July 2023. 2022–2023 academic year.

Join an Extensive Alumni Network

Upon graduation, you’ll become part of the Purdue Alumni Association, a vast and prestigious network of professionals. You’ll be able to make connections and access alumni benefits.

Download the Program Brochure

Download our brochure to learn more about the Online Doctor of Education in Leadership and Innovation and the benefits of earning your degree at Purdue Global. Prepare yourself for success with a doctoral degree in education.

Your Path to Success Begins Here

Connect with an Advisor to explore program requirements, curriculum, credit for prior learning process, and financial aid options.

* Estimated Graduation Date and Average Completion: Estimated graduation date is based on the assumption that you will enroll in time to begin classes on the next upcoming start date, will remain enrolled for each consecutive term, and will maintain satisfactory academic standing in each term to progress toward completion of your program. Completion time is based on a full-time schedule. Programs will take longer for part-time students to complete.

Credit for Prior Learning: Estimate based on maximum cognate open elective credits available in degree plan. The EdD program is a new offering and thus historic data on credit for prior learning are not available. Exact transfer amount may vary. All credits must be validated on official transcript(s) to be eligible for transfer. Purdue Global does not guarantee transferability of credit. See the University Catalog for the Prior Learning policy.

Employment and Career Advancement: Purdue Global does not guarantee employment placement or career advancement. Actual outcomes vary by geographic area, previous work experience and opportunities for employment.

Postsecondary Education Administrator Job Growth and Openings: Source: U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Postsecondary Education Administrators, www.bls.gov/ooh/management/postsecondary-education-administrators.htm . National long-term projections may not reflect local and/or short-term economic or job conditions and do not guarantee actual job growth.

Training and Development Specialists and Instructional Coordinators Job Openings: Source: U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Training and Development Specialists, www.bls.gov/ooh/business-and-financial/training-and-development-specialists.htm ; Instructional Coordinators, www.bls.gov/ooh/education-training-and-library/instructional-coordinators.htm . National long-term projections may not reflect local and/or short-term economic or job conditions and do not guarantee actual job growth.