EdD in Educational Leadership and Management
Learn to be a transformational leader in education.
Online Doctorate in Education Leadership Degree Overview
This online EdD program is designed to help you adapt to a dynamic environment while teaching you to manage individuals during difficult periods in their lives. Social and restorative justice are fundamental to the educational leadership program, with an awareness of how such issues impact students in TK-12 through higher education. The educational leadership degree program familiarizes you with the modern digital classroom that integrates technology and media into the everyday learning experience, whether that experience is online or in-person.
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 educational leadership 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 a faculty advisor.
Credential Collaboration
If you have already completed the Alliant Administrative 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 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 in educational leadership, you’ll develop leadership knowledge grounded in both research and professional experience. As part of your journey to earn an edd in educational leadership, coursework in this online doctor of education 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 and skills required to guide teaching and learning, improve systems, and support innovation across educational services.
Apply Learning in Real-World Contexts
This online doctor of education emphasizes hands-on application. You’ll engage in action research projects that allow you to address real-world challenges within your workplace or community.
Across graduate programs in educational leadership and policy, 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
This capstone allows you to:
- Demonstrate advanced leadership knowledge
- Apply knowledge and skills needed in an academic or professional setting
- Create meaningful impact across schools and organizations
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 Ed.D at a regionally accredited graduate school prepares you for success in various leadership pathways.
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“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