Become the leader your field needs
The challenges facing education today in classrooms, campuses and policy offices require leaders who can think critically, drive change and do it with scholarly rigor.
The Doctorate in educational leadership is a 60-hour terminal degree designed for the scholar-practitioner, offered entirely online in a cohort-based format. Program curriculum covers leadership theory and practice, educational research, ethics and philosophy and leading change in education.
Dissertation requirement
You'll design, develop, implement, complete and defend an approved research study in an area of educational leadership. You're are encouraged to view dissertation proposals and defenses from previous cohorts.
Key elements of the program
- Technology-based learning modules.
- A challenging, relevant and current curriculum.
- Collegiate support through a cohort model.
- Mandatory leadership internship in a field-based setting.
Core curriculum
You will receive advanced preparation in leadership, including:
- 21 hours of educational leadership courses
- 12 hours of research
- 18 hours of concentration courses
- and nine hours (minimum) of dissertation hours.
See curriculum
Curriculum requirementsCan I participate remotely?
Yes. This is a fully-online program.
How long will it take to complete?
Three years of coursework plus dissertation hours.
What is the deadline to apply?
March 15.
Is a concentration required?
Yes.
Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership career paths
Choose your educational leadership concentration
Students in the program are required to choose either K-12 Leadership or Higher Education Leadership as their focus. This ensures your degree plan contains courses specifically tailored to your desired career path.
Apply to the educational leadership doctoral program
To be eligible for consideration into the program, you must:
- meet SFA's graduate school requirements.
- achieve a 3.5 GPA or higher on all completed graduate coursework.
- and hold a completed master's degree from accredited higher institution.
Ready? Complete the graduate school application and submit the program application by March 15.
New cohorts begin classes in the summer!
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