Online EdD in Executive Educational Leadership

Join a selective cohort of leaders elevating their impact and influence in education with the dynamic online Doctor of Education (EdD) in Executive Educational Leadership degree program at Houston Christian University (HCU).

Whether your goal is to lead educational institutions, earn superintendent certification, or contribute to the field as a scholar-practitioner, our comprehensive online EdD program blends rigorous academic study with practical application, preparing you for advanced leadership roles in both public and private educational settings.

The online EdD program, complemented by periodic on-campus meetings, allows working professionals to pursue doctoral-level education without interrupting their careers. At HCU, we’re dedicated to nurturing transformative leaders to make a lasting impact on education, guided by Christian principles and a commitment to academic inquiry and educational excellence.

Program Highlights

• 63 Credit Doctorate
• Complete in Three Years
• Online and Residential Formats
• Fixed Course Sequence
• Friendly to Working Professionals
• Master’s Degree Required
• Approved Superintendent Preparation Program

EdD in Educational Leadership Requirements

The online doctoral program in Executive Educational Leadership is 63 credit hours and is designed to be completed in three years, including the dissertation phase. The coursework focuses on implementing organizational leadership strategies and addressing the challenges faced by educational institutions, with an option to contribute to superintendent certification preparation in Texas. Credit requirements are:

• Educational Leadership Core (27 credits)
• Research Core (15 credits)
• Superintendent Requirements (21 credits)

Research Core requirements in the online EdD in education leadership program include research methods coursework and applied research in education, culminating in dissertation defense preparation guided by faculty mentors on your committee. You have up to six years to complete the doctoral program.

Courses and Degree Plan

Courses in the online executive doctorate in educational leadership program enhance your expertise, refine your leadership skills, and prepare you to navigate the complex future of educational landscapes through a combination of values-based principles and research-driven decision-making.

Coursework you may take as part of the doctoral program includes classes such as:

Accountability and Measurement for Current Issues in Education
Christian Worldview for Educational Leaders
Cultural Competence for Educational Leaders
Leadership Theory and Applications
Rethinking Education with Emerging Technologies

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Additional Program Requirements and Guidelines

• The program is designed to be completed in three years.
• Candidates are allowed six years to complete the program.
• Students are expected to advance to candidacy and complete all courses and examinations within the period specified by the EdD doctoral unit.
• Each EdD student is expected to enroll into and successfully complete each course.
• The student is expected to maintain at least a 3.0 GPA with no grades below a B in any doctoral courses.
• Students must pass all required examinations within two attempts.
• Students who fail to make satisfactory progress may be officially disqualified upon recommendation of the program faculty and in accordance with established university policies.

Program Benefits and Opportunities

Careers With an Executive Leadership Doctorate in Education

Graduates of our EdD in Executive Educational Leadership program are prepared for the highest echelons of educational leadership and scholarship, including pursuing state certification as a superintendent. Empowered by the guidance of an expanded professional network and research opportunities, you can excel in career pathways, including:

• Adjunct or Full Professor of Educational Leadership
• Chief Academic Officer
• Department Chair
• District Superintendent
• Education Consultant
• Educational Nonprofit Executive Director
• Post-Doc Educational Researcher
• University President or Provost

This advanced degree equips you for roles driving systemic change and broadly influencing the future of education. Salaries for these positions are rewarding, especially in large school districts or prestigious institutions. While salary potential varies based on location, institution size, and specific responsibilities, an EdD in Executive Educational Leadership consistently unlocks opportunities for significant financial advancement in education.

Expert Faculty and Advising

When you begin the online education leadership program, the Chair of the Department of Education Online, Dr. Delesa Franklin, provides your initial academic advisement. As your research and career interests evolve, you benefit from tailored mentorship and participate and collaborate with a supportive cohort. This blend of expert guidance and peer networking prepares you for a significant impact in educational leadership, fostering relationships that extend beyond graduation.

Meet Education Department Faculty.

Admissions Requirements

Requirements for admission to the online EdD in Executive Educational Leadership degree program include the graduate application and any additional materials outlined below or later requested to tell us more about the kind of educator and leader you are. Applicants must have:

• Completed a master’s degree at an accredited college or university.
• Completed at least three (3) full-time professional years at an accredited school, university, or agency.
• Submitted the $35 application processing fee.

Application Process and Components

In addition to these application components, admissions interviews may be conducted. If you have any questions about admission to the online EdD in Executive Education Leadership program, please contact Online Program Admissions.

Provide the following materials for EdD program admission:

• Official transcripts from all previously attended institutions, including the school that awarded your master’s degree. A minimum grade point average is required for courses applied toward a master’s degree.
• Five to seven-page master’s level research paper that was written and graded during the master’s program. The submission must be a research paper covering any topic and should be authored only by the applicant.
• Current résumé/CV
• Official school district, charter, or independent school service record
• Reference information for the following:
  • Two (2) administrators from the school district or agency at a current place of employment (References from university administrators from former places of employment may be accepted. Include an explanation.)
  • One (1) current or former graduate professor (References from alternate administrators may be accepted. Include an explanation.)
• Pay the $35 processing fee online at HC.edu/EdDAppFee or by check or money order to HCU Online Graduate School, Houston Christian University, 7502 Fondren, Houston, TX, 77074.
• Other items may be requested.

If seeking superintendent certification: Applicants seeking a superintendent certification must submit a copy of their Principal Certification issued by the State Board of Educator Certification.

Program Costs and Aid

While our EdD in Executive Educational Leadership is not fully funded, we offer a yearly Guild scholarship and competitive tuition rates that provide excellent value for high-quality education and robust career advancement opportunities. Various financial aid options are available to help support your investment in this transformative degree program.

See tuition information, estimate your cost of attendance, and review financial aid information.