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The future of education needs a leader with an edge. It needs a bold innovator with the knowledge and passion necessary for bringing large-scale change. It needs you.
Nova Southeastern University helps you move education forward at school, district, or national levels with an Ed.D. in Educational Leadership. Challenge yourself to solve real-world problems through project-based planning and implementation. Master how to advocate for school improvement. Discover ways to boost administrative competencies. Navigate educational trends in a changing world.
Unlike research-heavy Ph.D. programs, an Ed.D. from NSU will give you a more hands-on approach to leading. Our graduates earned their degree in their own time and are currently shaping schools everywhere, as assistant principals and principals, superintendents, school district leaders, and university deans and presidents. Your own path to making a meaningful difference for the students of tomorrow starts today.
Two Capstone Options for Completing Your Education
NSU’s 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.
Who Should Apply
- Practicing superintendents, assistant superintendents, principals, assistant principals, and lead teachers in public and nonpublic K–12 education.
- Individuals with master’s degrees or above in education who are on an administrative track who wish to obtain a doctoral degree and increase their knowledge and skills in education administration and leadership.
- Individuals considering a Ph.D. in educational leadership who want to explore the benefits of an Ed.D. program.
Quick Facts
Ed.D. in Educational Leadership Curriculum
Concentration Area Courses (21 credits)
Credits
Elective Courses (3 credits)
Credits
Summer Institute (1 credit)**
Credits
Applied Dissertation or Strategic Research Project (12 credits)**
Credits
Required Courses (12 credits)
Credits
Quantitative Research Track (6 credits)***
Credits
Qualitative Research Track (6 credits)***
Credits
Research Track for those completing the Strategic Research Project (6 credits)
Credits
*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. For additional information, please visit the website at http://education.nova.edu/summer/
**Students who complete all of their coursework and have registered for all of their dissertation benchmark courses (prospectus, proposal development, proposal, and applied dissertation) within the first three years will be required to register for ADS 8090 - Applied Dissertation Services I in order to receive dissertation services from their committee. Beginning with the fourth year (37th month/10th semester) following initial enrollment, and irrespective of remaining coursework, doctoral students are required to register for ADS 8091 - Applied Dissertation Services II, up to the point of degree completion, in order to receive dissertation services from their committee. Credits earned from ADS 8090 or ADS 8091 do not count toward the minimum credit hour requirement for the Ed.D. degree.
***For students completing the Applied Dissertation, you will select either the Quantitative Research Track or the Qualitative Research Track.
Ed.D. in Educational Leadership Professional Licensure Disclosure (PDF)
Admission Requirements
Ready for the Next Step?
We’re thrilled you’re applying to this Ed.D. program at NSU.
This program opens opportunities in areas of research, academia, and management for those who are ready to advance as well as for individuals considering a career change.
Applications for admission are accepted online and on a rolling basis. No entrance exam is required.
Have the following items ready to submit with your online application:
- $50 application fee
- Transcripts from all schools attended
- Two professional letters of recommendation by two different individuals who can attest to the applicant's ability to succeed in a doctoral program
Success Stories