Online and Distance Degrees > Degree Programs > EdD in Educational Leadership

Doctor of Education (EdD) in
Educational Leadership

Online

Program Overview

The University of Alabama offers students and busy professionals the ability to earn a Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership in a fully online format. Upon completion, our graduates are equipped with an expanded skill set to lead their schools and organizations to promote effective and inclusive learning environments.

  • Program Format

    Online
  • Credit Hours

    72
  • Tuition Per Hour

    $440

Equip Yourself for the Highest Level of Educational Leadership

Designed by expert faculty members, this program will provide you the opportunity to develop knowledge and skills needed to function as scholarly, ethical and reflective decision-maker in the areas of executive management, educational leadership and policy. This program is tailored to accommodate your schedule as a full-time working professional.

Our alumni are in leadership positions as assistant principals, principals, supervisors, assistant superintendents, superintendents and state-level personnel as well as serving in district offices, community centers and policy organizations. The degree program is offered in an online format with some synchronous virtual class meetings, which are facilitated by faculty for all to participate in engaging and collaborative discussions.

  • Application DeadlineMarch 1
  • Application Priority DeadlineNovember 3, 2023 for Fall 2024 admission
  • Fees$10 College of Education graduate fee (per credit hour)
  • Required For EntranceMaster's Degree

Curriculum

Courses for the program are offered in an online format that includes required, synchronous weekend meetings and asynchronous learning activities. Students can anticipate completing two courses together with their cohort members each semester, with a commitment of four weekend virtual meetings that include instructional time for each course. Class meeting dates and times will be designated on myBama.

A minimum of 69 credit hours beyond the master’s degree is required for completion of the EdD program. Please note that courses are subject to change.

Depending on coursework prior to admission to the EdD program, prerequisites for more advanced study in educational leadership may be required.

Required Courses

Educational Leadership (AEL) Core

  • AEL 619 Politics of Education
  • AEL 650 Organizational Theory
  • AEL 671 Survey of Instructional Supervision
  • AEL 675 Advanced Organizational Theory
  • AEL 682 Leadership and Organizations

Educational Leadership (AEL) Courses

  • AEL 608 Educ Fin Theory/Pract
  • AEL 611 Superintendency and the Leadership Team
  • AEL 618 Advanced Educational Law
  • AEL 630 School Partnerships
  • AEL 661 Major Issues and Trends in Educational Leadership
  • AEL 664 Educational Policy and the Dynamics of Change
  • AEL 697 Seminar in Educational Leadership

Foundations Courses

  • BEF 681 Ethics and Education
  • BEF 642 Studies Philosophy Education
  • BEF 695 Seminar in Curriculum Leadership

Research Courses

  • BER 630 Qualitative Case Study Research Methods
  • BER 631 Inquiry as Interpretation: Qualitative I
  • BER 660 Evaluation I: Evaluation Theory and Practice
  • BER 661 Evaluation 2: Improvement Science Methodologies

Dissertation

  • AEL 699 Dissertation Research
    • Students are eligible to register after passing the Doctoral Comprehensive Exam.
    • Students must complete a minimum of 12 hours of dissertation research.

 

Admission

Admission to the Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership program requires the following:

  • A master’s degree from a regionally accredited institution 
  • Completed coursework in Special Education and graduate-level Statistics (Quantitative) Research course
  • Current résumé
  • Documented professional experience in teaching and/or leadership
  • Transcripts from all institutions attended
  • Three letters of professional and academic recommendation, including one from a current supervisor
  • An academic or professional writing sample written by the applicant within the last year that provides evidence of the student’s writing ability
  • Statement of purpose that addresses the following:
    • The student’s rationale for applying to the program
    • A statement regarding career/professional goals
    • A statement of how the student’s rationale and career goals are consistent with the purpose of degree program as articulated by the department and program
  • Completed UA Graduate School application

Applicants may be considered for regular admission to a graduate program when they meet the minimum GPA requirement set by the Graduate School: an overall undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale, or a 3.0 average GPA for the last 60 credit hours in a degree program, or a 3.0 or higher GPA in a completed graduate degree program.

This program does not lead to certification or licensure.

EdD Educational Leadership Application:

  • Begin your graduate application through the UA Graduate School
    • For “Program Type” select Distance (Online/Blended/Gadsden)
    • For “Select degree type” use the drop-down menu to select Doctoral
    • For “Select course of study” use the drop-down menu to select Educational Leadership EDD
      • Note: Please ensure that you select the appropriate program name and degree type from the list.
    • For the “Enter your area of focus, if applicable” text box, leave blank or type “None”
    • For “Campus” select Distance Learning 
    • For “Entry Term” select Fall
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Contact Us

Program Information

Hannah Homan
Admissions Representative
800-467-0227
hannahh.bama@ua.edu

Admissions Information

UA Online
800-467-0227
online@ua.edu

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