An online doctoral degree in educational leadership may prepare individuals for leadership roles in educational settings, including post-secondary institutions. In this three to five-year program, students may learn how to develop methods that improve curriculum and instruction processes, manage financial decisions, and manage change in organizations leading to an effective learning culture. The coursework for this program may include research-based core courses including leadership styles, change theory, and financial and legal leadership issues.

Upon completion of the program, students may seek entry to upper-level employment in their chosen field. Doctoral-level graduates may find employment in universities, public school districts, adult education programs, technical colleges, and government education programs.

Program Overview

• Prerequisite: Bachelor’s Degree at minimum
• Program Length: Three to five years to complete
• Post-Grad Options: Employment
• Projected Employment Growth: 10% (2010-2020)*

Program Coursework

The coursework for doctoral-level educational leadership degree programs may integrate research-heavy seminar courses along with core classes. These classes may teach students how to lead and facilitate organizational change, make sound policy decisions, and develop the mission of an organization. Core educational leadership program classes may include the following:

• Leadership Styles and Reflective Practice
• Strategic Planning and Management
• Organizational Theory and Behavior
• Leadership and Applied Ethics
• Administrative and Policy Leadership Issues
• Change Theory and Practices
• Financial and Legal Leadership Issues

Career Options

Graduates of doctoral-level programs may pursue employment in adult education programs, public school districts, community colleges, government education agencies, and non-profit organizations. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects employment opportunities in educational leadership to increase by 10% from 2010-2020.*

Possible careers include:

• Provost
• Education Administrator
• University President
• Operations Director
• District Teacher Development Coordinator

*U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook