Skip to main content

How to Earn a Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership Online: From Admission to Job Prospects

The demand for organizational leadership continues to grow across various sectors, including education, business, government and nonprofit organizations. With the advanced skills and knowledge gained from the online Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) in Educational Leadership programs from St. Thomas University (STU), graduates can enter these industries to influence policy, drive organizational change and lead ethically.

Online programs offer virtual instruction and flexible learning schedules that make higher education increasingly accessible, allowing professionals to grow without having to pause their careers. Learn how STU’s online Ed.D. in Educational Leadership programs prepare graduates for advanced roles, the advantages of online learning, and how to apply and start the next stage of your career.

What Is an Ed.D. in Educational Leadership?

An Ed.D. in educational leadership is a professional doctorate that focuses on applying research to practical leadership and organizational challenges. This degree joins leadership, ethics and research methods to equip students to lead change, influence educational policy or manage institutions across various sectors.

A Ph.D. in education is a theory and academia-focused doctorate, and a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree trains students in business management, finance and quantitative models. Compared to these respective academic and applied degrees, an Ed.D. focuses on applied knowledge and practical solutions for organizational challenges while also prioritizing ethical leadership, human-centered practices and value-based strategies.

Ed.D. Degree Specializations

St. Thomas University’s interdisciplinary curriculum builds core skills in ethics, policy and leadership that adapt to various professional contexts. Graduates work in a wide range of industries, such as K-12 leadership, higher education administration, organizational leadership and policy reform. STU’s online Ed.D. specialization options include:

  • Administration: Students gain leadership skills for corporate, nonprofit, government and education settings. Courses cover performance management, consulting, public policy development and crisis leadership.
  • Digital Instruction and Distance Learning: This track equips students to lead effective online education programs. Coursework focuses on e-learning best practices and pedagogy, instructional design, multimedia programming, curriculum development, and the evolving needs of students and organizations.
  • Sports Administration: Graduates with this specialization are prepared for careers in professional, collegiate or youth sports organizations. This track offers courses in intercollegiate athletic governance, legal aspects of sports, and event and facility management operations.

Who It’s For

An Ed.D. in educational leadership benefits mid- to senior-level professionals who are ready to lead within their organizations or sectors. Students typically have several years of experience in education, healthcare, public administration, nonprofit leadership or corporate training. Many graduates aim to oversee curriculum design, influence policy and change, direct professional development, or manage large-scale initiatives.

Key Benefits of Earning Your Ed.D. Online

Earning an Ed.D. online offers flexible academic environments with opportunities for supported and collaborative learning. These programs are designed to meet the needs of working professionals, encouraging students to develop as leaders while balancing their work, family and other responsibilities.

Flexibility for Working Professionals

Online Ed.D. programs offer a mix of asynchronous coursework, including readings, assignments and group discussions, accessible with just an internet connection. This structure allows students to study on their own schedule, without needing to relocate or commute to class. By eliminating travel and associated costs, online programs reduce time and financial strain, making advanced education more accessible. This flexibility accommodates working professionals or students with other obligations while maintaining a rigorous academic standard.

Virtual Faculty Mentorship and Peer Collaboration

STU’s online Ed.D. program emphasizes peer engagement and faculty mentorship. Students participate in discussions, group projects and other collaborative coursework, often creating academic and professional connections. Faculty members bring professional experience and insights to virtual classrooms, providing one-on-one guidance to support student growth throughout their doctoral journey.

What Will You Learn in an Online Ed.D. in Educational Leadership Program?

The core curriculum in STU’s online Ed.D. in Educational Leadership programs combines theory, applied learning and specialized tracks to prepare professionals for complex leadership roles. Courses focus on topics such as:

  • Leadership for crisis and change
  • Ethics and accountability
  • Issues in Ed Leadership
  • Global and cross-cultural relations
  • Public policy leadership

In addition to the core curriculum, students also complete research courses on qualitative and quantitative methods, as well as courses specific to their specialization track. For instance, students in the Sports Administration track complete coursework on athletic governance, while Digital Instruction students learn about multimedia design and instructional models.

Dissertation

The Ed.D. in Educational Leadership culminates in a dissertation or action research project. Students work closely with the faculty chair to develop a detailed research plan that lays the groundwork for producing evidence-based and actionable solutions to a defined organizational problem. Rather than abstract theory, the dissertation emphasizes applied learning and leadership in practice. The dissertation concludes with an online formal presentation and defense before the student’s committee.

Learning Outcomes

This program helps graduates develop skills such as critical analysis, strategic thinking, and communication through academic challenges and collaborative experiences. Aligning with STU’s values, students grow into ethical leaders who promote the success of others and lead with intention. At the program’s conclusion, graduates satisfy these competencies and learning outcomes:

  • Respond to changing organizational needs
  • Manage and lead private corporations, public organizations, educational institutions and nonprofit agencies
  • Practice ethical leadership in change and crisis management
  • Develop and manage public policy
  • Apply critical analysis and problem-solving to education-related issues
  • Adopt team-based strategies for teaching to maximize learner performance and achievement

How to Apply

Applying to the online Ed.D. in Educational Leadership programs at STU is a straightforward process. Applicants must meet specific academic standards and submit materials that demonstrate their readiness for doctoral studies.

Applicants should have a master’s degree in a related field, such as education, public administration, healthcare or business, with a minimum GPA of 3.0. Include unofficial transcripts when you complete a free online application, and request official transcripts from previous institutions.

STU offers multiple start dates throughout the year to accommodate different schedules, and each term cycle has set deadlines for application, documentation, registration and tuition payment. Speak to an admissions counselor to clarify application requirements and deadlines.

Tips For a Strong Application

A strong application demonstrates your readiness for doctoral study and highlights how your experience, goals and values align with STU’s Ed.D. programs. In addition to meeting academic requirements, your materials should present how your previous professional or academic experiences have prepared you for higher education and shaped your long-term goals.

Inside the Online Ed.D. Experience at STU

STU’s online Ed.D. in Educational Leadership programs combine academic rigor with supportive online learning environments. Mission-driven education and a focus on ethical leadership inform every aspect of these programs, from curriculum design to faculty mentorship.

The virtual classroom includes video lectures, readings, discussions and live faculty sessions to support online learners. Students benefit from personalized faculty feedback and support to help them stay on track. STU’s virtual library offers access to academic resources, such as scholarly journals and research databases, to support student success throughout the program.

Careers You Can Pursue with an Ed.D. in Educational Leadership

As systems and organizations become more complex, there is a growing demand for professionals who can effectively combine strategy with ethical leadership. An Ed.D. in educational leadership program prepares graduates for roles across various industries and sectors that require individuals who can measurably improve system performance while leading with integrity.

Professionals with an Ed.D. in educational leadership often work in schools, businesses, nonprofits and government agencies. Potential job titles and career paths include:

  • Academic dean
  • Executive director
  • Superintendent
  • Instructional designer
  • Corporate trainer
  • Public school principal
  • Public education policy analyst, administrator, or consultant
  • Director of curriculum
  • Nonprofit director
  • Education researcher
  • Higher education professor or administrator
  • Sports organization administrator

Become a Leader With an Ed.D. in Educational Leadership

An online Ed.D. in educational leadership provides the knowledge and tools to help you lead with impact. With flexible learning, expert faculty and a focus on mission-driven education, graduates of STU’s online Ed.D. in Educational Leadership programs excel as they influence policies, drive organizational excellence and serve their communities.

Take the next step in your education. Explore STU’s Ed.D. in Educational Leadership online programs, reach out for more information or apply today.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to earn an Ed.D. in educational leadership?

The standard timeline for completing the online Ed.D. in Educational Leadership is approximately 40 months, depending on pacing and dissertation progress. Students must complete 60 credit hours and successfully defend their dissertation to earn their doctoral degree.

Can I transfer previous credits?

Applicants with a second master’s degree may transfer up to 18 credit hours from qualifying graduate coursework. Verify the validity of your transfer credits with an admissions counselor.

How much does the program cost?

Tuition for STU’s online Ed.D. in Educational Leadership programs is competitively priced and consistent for both in- and out-of-state students. Visit the tuition section of the Ed.D. program page for current tuition fees and payment options, as well as information regarding financial aid and other resources.

How do I apply?

Visit STU’s online application portal to submit master’s degree transcripts. Select a term to view deadlines and complete your submission. Once you’ve received and accepted an admissions offer, STU’s support team guides you through registration, orientation and preparation for your first term.

Related Articles

Our Commitment to Content Publishing Accuracy

Articles that appear on this website are for information purposes only. The nature of the information in all of the articles is intended to provide accurate and authoritative information in regard to the subject matter covered.

The information contained within this site has been sourced and presented with reasonable care. If there are errors, please contact us by completing the form below.

Timeliness: Note that most articles published on this website remain on the website indefinitely. Only those articles that have been published within the most recent months may be considered timely. We do not remove articles regardless of the date of publication, as many, but not all, of our earlier articles may still have important relevance to some of our visitors. Use appropriate caution in acting on the information of any article.

Report inaccurate article content:

Request More Information

Submit this form, and an Enrollment Specialist will contact you to answer your questions.

  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Or call 855-215-4021

Begin Application Process

Start your application today!
or call 855-215-4021 855-215-4021
for help with any questions you may have.