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Be a leader in your field with a doctoral degree in education from Nova Southeastern University. Learn how to foster positive change and development in your classroom, school, administration, or organization. Unlike research-heavy Ph.D. programs, this degree is designed for practitioners, giving you a more hands-on approach to educational leadership.
This flexible online program makes it easier for you to earn your doctorate and further your career with no testing requirements for admission and an optional research project in place of a dissertation.
I was looking for a program that was practical and that focused on the application of career skills, as opposed to a strictly theoretical, academic program. I found that here.
Jene Kapela | Doctor of Education in Leadership and Higher Education Leadership
What Can You Do with an Ed.D.?
Go on to have a rewarding career as a(n):
- Teacher
- Administrator
- Curriculum Writer
- Organization Leader
- Nonprofit Leader
- Sports Administrator
Why Earn Your Ed.D. at NSU?
Specialize Your Studies
This doctoral program offers nine concentrations to choose from to tailor your degree to your area of interest. Whether your passions lie in the classroom as educator, outside the classroom as an administrator, or as a leader in an organization, you’ll be able to excel in your career as an expert in your field.
Curriculum and Teaching
Curriculum and TeachingSkillfully provide direction in the development, implementation, and evaluation of curricula and teaching. Offered online.
Curriculum and Teaching
Educational Leadership
Educational LeadershipImprove K-12 schools, districts, and other learning environments through planning and research. Offered online.
Educational Leadership
Higher Education Leadership
Higher Education LeadershipImprove the academic and administrative performance of your higher education institution. Offered online.
Higher Education Leadership
Human Services Administration
Human Services AdministrationGain critical skills in the administration, management, and policy development of human services agencies and programs. Offered online.
Human Services Administration
Instructional Technology and Distance Education
Instructional Technology and Distance EducationTake teaching and learning practices in your organization to the next level with technology. Offered online.
Instructional Technology and Distance Education
Organizational Leadership
Organizational LeadershipDevelop new competencies for leading a successful organization in an increasingly complex world. Offered online.
Organizational Leadership
Reading Education
Reading EducationTransition from practitioner to scholar, applying the latest research in the field of literacy education. Offered online.
Reading Education
Special Education
Special EducationGain critical skills in advocacy, policy development, management, and administration of special education programs. Offered online.
Special Education
Sports Leadership
Sports LeadershipClimb your way to the top of the sports industry ladder by becoming a leader who can tackle sports challenges in a global economy. Offered online.
Sports Leadership
Capstone Options
The Ed.D. program offers two capstone options for completing your education: the Applied Dissertation or the Strategic Research Project (SRP). Both choices are designed to help you formulate tough questions and learn how to
begin answering them as you prepare for educational leadership. You must successfully
complete one of these capstones in order to graduate.
Dissertation Support Services is available to help you with applied dissertations.
As opposed to a traditional dissertation, this ″is a more action-oriented project.
Develop a strategy to examine a problem that could occur in an educational setting,
using a combination of research and discussion with key stakeholders.
The SRP is made up of two six-credit courses to be completed in two semesters after you have finished all of your required courses.
The dissertation includes a detailed, accurate, and cohesive account of a scholarly
investigation designed to answer one or more research questions. This will help you
improve your practice in education and human services.
The dissertation process consists of a total of 12 credits encompassing four major benchmarks.
Learn More About the SRP
Not sure which capstone option is the right choice for you? Check out the FAQs below to see why the Strategic Research Plan may be better than a traditional dissertation.
Q: How long will it take me to complete the SRP?
A: It will take two (2) semesters. You will take two classes: ESRP 9000 in the first
term and ESRP 9001 in the second term
Q: Do I still have to complete a dissertation if I elect the SRP option to earn my
Ed.D.?
A: No.
Q: What happens if I do not pass ESRP 9000 (first SRP class), may I still take ESRP
9001?
A: You must retake and pass ESRP 9000 before registering for ESRP 9001
Q: If I fail ESRP 9000, how many times can I retake it?
A: You are permitted to retake ESRP two times.
Q: If I choose the Applied Dissertation option, can I switch to midstream?
A: Yes; however, the work that you completed for your applied dissertation may not
transfer to your SRP assignments.
Q: Are the grades for SRP Pass/Fail or letter grades?
A: The grades for SRP are P (Pass) and F (Fail).
Q: May I register for SRP on my own, or do I need an advisor to register for me?
A: Similar to the Applied Dissertation track, you must have the assistance of an advisor
to register for SRP, as you must have completed all required coursework and have a
minimum 3.0 GPA at the time of registration.
Q: Am I permitted to take other classes at the same time that I take SRP classes?
A: No, you must complete all of your required courses before taking SRP classes.
Q: Am I permitted to take both SRP classes together?
A: No, you must take ESRP 9000 first, alone and then ESRP 9001 second, alone.
Q: Do I have to choose an SRP chair?
A: No, the professor teaching your ESRP course will guide you through your project.
Q: Will I get the same instructor for both ESRP courses?
A: Not necessarily. Many sections of ESRP will be offered. Registering early is recommended,
as it increases the likelihood of getting the professor you prefer.
Q: Do I have to defend my SRP?
A: You will be responsible for creating a 15–20-minute audio-visual presentation.
Your peers will review and provide several questions; in addition, your faculty member
will also give you questions in preparation to defend your study.
Q: Does the SRP need to be about a topic at a workplace, or can an external problem-solving
topic be examined?
A: Students should use their place of employment to complete the SRP. However, a prior
affiliation may also be utilized as a student must have in-depth working knowledge
of the organization.
Q: Will I need IRB approval?
A: Since you will not implement your study while at NSU, IRB approval is not necessary.
Q: Do I still need to go to Summer Institute if I am electing the SRP option and not
the dissertation option?
A: Yes, the Summer Institute is a requirement of the doctoral program. If you have
not yet earned your Summer Institute credit, you must attend during the 2nd or 3rd
year in the program. The Institute will offer an SRP pathway for students who have
chosen the SRP option.
Q: Will my diploma read any differently if I choose SRP vs Applied Dissertation?
A: No, your diploma will still read the same.
Q: What are the components of ESRP 9000 and ESRP 9001?
A:
Strategic Research Project Components
ESRP 9000 Strategic Research Project I
1. Critical Analysis
2. Define the Problem
3. Research Possible Solutions
4. Select a Solutions
ESRP 9001 Strategic Research Project II
5. Strategies to Accomplish the Selected Solution
6. Evaluation of the Strategies
7. Development of an Action Plan
8. Audio-Visual Presentation of SRP
9. Conclusion
All-But-Dissertation? We can help!
The Doctoral Completion Pathway (DCP) is designed to support Doctor of Education students who have completed all required coursework but need extra support to complete their dissertation. The structured program is delivered online and pairs students with a team of professionals dedicated to your success.
The program is open to both NSU students and students from other universities, but space is limited.
The Summer Institute
Doctoral students are required to attend at least one Summer Institute as part of required coursework. During each day of the institute, students will attend sessions where they will learn valuable skills to help them be successful in the program.
There will also be sessions offered specifically to assist with the understanding and completion of the culminating capstone option (applied dissertation or strategic research project) that all students are required to complete. The sessions offer a unique blend of direct instruction and time for students to ask questions and connect with NSU faculty and engage with fellow students.
The overall goal of the institute is to immerse students in a learning experience that will provide students with the information and tools needed to be a successful Ed.D. student.
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