EdD in Educational Leadership and Management
Become a transformational leader in education.
Online Doctorate in Education Leadership Degree Overview
This online EdD program educational leadership prepares you for leadership in a comprehensive consideration of education settings inclusive of public and private schools, lower and higher educational settings, and government entities, as well as other private and public organizations.
The EdD program has two specializations:
- TK-12 pathway for those looking to use their experience to succeed in leadership within a school setting.
- Higher education leadership emphasis for those who want to advance in the profession and expand their career options.
Dissertation development is interwoven throughout the program and may be based on your current place of employment with a focus on solving challenging work problems. Alliant offers a unique approach to the dissertation. You’ll begin to envision your topic from your earliest classes and receive support throughout the program from expert faculty and fellow students.
Program Highlights
Unique Specializations
The Ed.D. in Educational Leadership Management program offers tracks for TK-12 and higher education leadership, so whether you’re a school principal, district administrator, experienced teacher, or college administrator, this program will help you reach your education career and organizational leadership goals.
Hands-on Guidance
You will receive support with your dissertation, with planning and idea development starting early and continuing throughout the EdD program in partnership with student peers and the expert leadership of faculty instructors and your Dissertation Chair.
Credential Collaboration
If you have already completed the Alliant Administrative Preliminary Services Credential program, you can reduce the coursework needed for this degree even further, from 46 to 37 credits.
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From Theory to Real-World Educational Leadership
The online EdD in Educational Leadership and Management is for educational practitioners who want to step into—or advance within—a leadership role across schools and organizations. This doctoral program bridges theory and practice, so you have the knowledge and skills needed to lead effectively in present educational institutions.
Build Leadership Skills That Matter
Throughout this program, you’ll develop leadership knowledge grounded in both research and professional experience. As part of your journey to earn an EdD in Educational Leadership and Management, coursework focuses on:
- leadership theories and various leadership styles used in modern educational organizations
- strategic planning and decision-making in complex learning environments
- principles of ethical leadership, law, equity, and human development concepts
- policy and practice, including issues and trends impacting education today
These areas are designed to strengthen the leadership skills and knowledge required to guide teaching and learning, improve systems, and support innovation across educational settings.
Apply Learning in Real-World Contexts
This online Doctor of Education program emphasizes hands-on application. You’ll engage in action research projects that allow you to address real-world challenges within your workplace or community.
You’ll gain experience solving problems tied to:
- Organizational leadership and change
- Equity and access in diverse learning environments
- Program development and evaluation
This approach ensures your graduate degree delivers immediate, real-world value.
Culminate Your Learning with a Dissertation in Practice
The dissertation phase begins after students have successfully completed all required coursework. To support a range of academic goals, research interests, and career aspirations, graduate students may choose from three dissertation models: traditional research dissertation, applied dissertation, or group dissertation.
- Each model offers a distinct approach to scholarly inquiry while providing flexibility in how students conduct and present their research.
- Traditional Research Dissertation
Students independently design and conduct a rigorous research study, producing a scholarly dissertation that reflects established academic standards and contributes to the broader body of knowledge in their field. - Applied Dissertation
Designed for students interested in addressing real-world challenges, the applied dissertation emphasizes the practical application of research in professional settings. Students integrate academic knowledge with industry needs to develop research-informed solutions to relevant problems. - Group Dissertation
The group dissertation provides students with an opportunity to collaborate on a shared research project. This innovative model promotes interdisciplinary collaboration, shared responsibility, and team-based approaches to problem-solving and scholarship. - Together, these dissertation options provide students with the flexibility to pursue research in a format that aligns with their academic interests, professional goals, and desired impact.
Graduates of the doctorate in educational leadership and management program are equipped to pursue leadership positions across a range of educational institutions, including K–12 systems and higher education. Whether your goal is to earn a doctorate for advancement or transition into new opportunities, this online EdD at a regionally accredited graduate school prepares you for success in various leadership pathways.
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Frequently Asked Questions
“In my experience with Alliant it was very clear from the start that there was a commitment to education being the great equalizer—and so, I feel like I got tools through my learning at Alliant that are allowing me to become a better teacher and reach out to everyone in my classrooms.”
Evelyn Serrano | CSOE Alumna