Best 16 Doctorates in Educational Leadership Programs in 2021

The Ph.D. in Educational Leadership program at the University of Pennsylvania Graduate School of Education is made for working professionals. Students meet on campus one weekend a month as well as for one week during the summer. The rest of the program is online through collaborative platforms that are interactive. Participants come from private, public, rural, suburban, and urban environments, allowing everyone to learn from one another.

The University of Missouri offers a Doctor of Education (Ed.D) in Educational Leadership in an innovative state-wide program. This means that the program is delivered at locations throughout the state, allowing educational leaders to keep their current positions while studying in the program. The four partner locations include Missouri State University, Northwest Missouri State University, Southeast Missouri State University, and University of Central Missouri.

Choose from two concentration areas when enrolling in the Ph.D. in Educational Leadership program offered by the Clemson University College of Education. These are P-12 and Higher Education. The P-12 area offers certification in building and district level areas. The faculty is nationally recognized and students study both practical and theoretical knowledge. Students engage in both coursework and out-of-class engagement.

Blended delivery methods are used in the Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership program at Montana State University. Distance learning and face-to-face meetings are both used. Students who complete this degree requirement will meet the necessary requirements for the Montana Class III Administrative license with a Superintendent endorsement. Courses can be chosen according to interests and the desired career path. The program trains both principals in a 30 credit degree program and Superintendents in a 15 credit certificate.

The University of Iowa offers a Ph.D. in Educational Policy and Leadership Studies with a focus in Educational Leadership. This particular program does not result in a licensure or endorsement, but does prepare students for a variety of leadership positions in both private and public schools. The program consists of 90-semester hours and focuses on leadership, research, and policy.

The PhD program in Educational Leadership, Research, and Policy at the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs is designed to meet the professional and personal needs of leaders in school districts, higher education institutions, the military, business, state agencies, and other non-profit organizations. This innovative cohort-based program combines challenging coursework with collaborative faculty-student research labs to prepare students for successful completion of a dissertation and professional application of leadership, research, and policy knowledge and skills.

The Doctoral program in Educational Leadership at Portland State University offers the chance to learn in both in-person and online course offerings. Geared toward working professionals, all students in the program will choose a specialization area that reflects their career goals. Everyone who finishes the program will be qualified to work in a variety of educational settings from pre-K to career in public or private settings.

The Ed.D. in Educational Leadership at Texas A&M University Kingsville, is a professional degree. Courses in the program emphasize leadership in education through educational theory, research, policy, innovations, and philosophy. The program consists of 60 hours, with 42 of those being required coursework and the rest can be chosen from areas that support professional goals of the student.

There are many facets to the Doctor of Education Leadership (Ed.L.D.) program offered through the Harvard Graduate School of Education. It is a practice-based program that delivers leaders in all levels of education, from pre-k through high school. The curriculum brings in resources from other departments at the school, including the Harvard Business School and the Harvard Kennedy School. The third year of the program also includes a 10-month residency.

The Doctor of Education (Ed.D) in Educational Leadership offered at Kansas State University can be tailored to each student’s needs. This is dictated by a student’s interests, goals, and previous expertise. For any student who does not already have a district level superintendent endorsement, that license requirement can be met with this program. This program is geared toward developing leaders who have a broad understanding of many aspects of education.

Virginia State University offers an EdD program designed for those looking for a career in pre-k-12th grade public schools. Coursework is designed to meet the needs of busy professionals, and can be completed within three years, with additional time needed for dissertation preparation. They offer an online and face-to-face option.

The Educational Leadership doctoral program at DePaul University is the 4th largest in the nation. With excellent program outcomes, 99% of graduates of the program were continuing their education or employed within six months. Coursework includes six core courses, an elective, five research courses, five concentration courses, and two dissertation courses. Anyone aiming for superintendent licensure also must complete an internship.

The University of Maine offers an Ed.D. in Educational Leadership. The program is meant for educators with experience who are ready to take their career to the next level. The faculty is nationally recognized and has expertise in many areas, including rural educational leadership. This course of study is offered through the College of Education and Human Development.

An Ed.D. in Educational Leadership, Administration, and Policy is available from Fordham University-New York. The program consists of 50 credits and is meant for those seeking careers in k-12 education. It is available at the Lincoln Center, Bronx, and Westchester campuses or online. There are four core areas explored in this program, educational leadership and organizational change, policy and advocacy, engaging and transforming schools, districts, and communities, and leading teaching and learning.

Learn through both online class and face-to-face classes when enrolled in the Ed.D. of Educational Leadership at Florida Southern College. The education program at this school has a rich history. Those who choose the Ed.D. of Educational Leadership will have a K-12 focus. The experienced staff offers an engaged learning experience and a dissertation is required.

(photo courtesy of Saint Louis University)

Students who wish to enroll in the Educational Leadership, Ph.D. program at Saint Louis University must have a master’s in education, leadership, or other related field. The course selection in the program will correspond to the student’s professional goals. Fieldwork and research opportunities are available and an internship is required for anyone who is aiming for superintendent certification.