Online Doctor of Educational Leadership (Ed.D.)

An EdD in Educational Leadership online program is a professional doctorate designed to prepare candidates for hands-on leadership in educational settings. The online doctorate in education leadership program is typically intended for experienced educators interested in making a career pivot to education administration or leadership. You’ll build on your existing knowledge base to prepare for new challenges—like leading teams of educators, developing academic programs, and implementing change within schools. You’ll explore topics such as:

• Leadership styles, principles, and models
• Organizational decision making
• Program development, delivery, and assessment
• Teaching and leading adult learners
• Leadership in higher education
• Special education assessment and evaluation

Earning an EdD in Educational Leadership online requires applied professional research, so it is similar to a PhD, but there are differences. Unlike a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), which primarily focuses on original research, a doctorate in educational leadership program covers how to use research to solve real-world problems in your school or organization. In University of the Cumberlands' online EdD in Educational Leadership program, you’ll also study the research and writing skills you need to craft an original dissertation investigating a topic of professional interest.

Because many candidates for this degree are working educators, doctorate in educational leadership programs are often available online. An online EdD in Educational Leadership program typically features the same curriculum as a traditional, on-campus program. The difference is that you’ll enjoy the flexibility to study on a schedule that works for you.

Each course lasts eight weeks, called a bi-term. There are two bi-terms per semester, and three semesters per year (fall, spring, and summer). Many classes are asynchronous, meaning there is no set login time; you can work on schoolwork whenever you find time. Cumberlands provides free rental textbooks to online students as part of its One Price Promise.

With a doctorate in educational leadership, you can prepare to make a difference in roles that call for an advanced degree and leadership expertise. For example, as more students seek college degrees, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that postsecondary administrator jobs will continue to grow over the next decade.

Other doctorate holders may go on to teach in postsecondary education, preparing future generations of teachers and educational leaders. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, jobs for postsecondary education teachers should grow at a rate of 8 percent over the next decade, faster than the average for all occupations. 

Students that complete the Ed.S Certification Program prior to transferring to the Ed.D program would be prepared for roles in educational administration at the elementary, middle, and high school levels. Students that complete the Ed.D program would be prepared to serve as a University Administrator, Instructional Coordinator, Educational Development Specialist, or in other leadership roles.

With your Ed.D. in educational leadership, you could be well on your way to this and other rewarding career paths.

For many candidates, earning a doctorate in educational leadership online is a worthwhile investment for the following reasons:

• Career advancement opportunities. For roles such as postsecondary administrator, employers often prefer candidates with a doctorate. In addition, earning your EdD will equip you with the advanced leadership, administration, and research skills you need to stand out in your field.
• Higher earnings. With an EdD, you may qualify for higher-paying career opportunities. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, school principals earned a median annual salary of $98,490 in 2021. Postsecondary administrators earned $96,910 in the same year. 
• The chance to make a difference. Many education professionals want to do more to serve their students, colleagues, and communities. Earning an online EdD in Educational Leadership could be the perfect way to prepare for opportunities with greater responsibility and the chance to make a lasting difference.
• A flexible learning format. Many students appreciate the convenience of an online doctorate in education leadership as they pursue their while juggling life’s other responsibilities. If you plan to keep working in education or another field while pursuing your doctorate, consider educational leadership doctoral programs online.