Online Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership (EdD)

Create systemic change and transform education.

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Why Choose an Online Doctorate of Education in Educational Leadership Degree from Fairfield?

Equity and Social Justice Focus

The curriculum prepares educators for leadership and service through broad intellectual inquiry, the pursuit of social justice, and the cultivation of the whole person.

Low-Residency Program

The two short residencies will provide an in-depth focus on leadership and communication, specific teacher-leadership challenges, and dissemination of ideas and research findings.

Community
Support

Boost your success through individual attention with small class sizes, faculty mentorships, and endless networking opportunities.

Expansive
Network

Leverage the professional network Fairfield has built in the industry as you connect with experts who can help propel your career forward.

Program Specifics

The online EdD in Educational Leadership is a hybrid, low-residency program consisting of asynchronous online courses during the fall and spring semesters and two short, in-person summer residencies. The program is designed for those who have taken on or are looking to take on additional responsibilities to effect change on a greater scale.

Highlights 
Program Goals
Tuition Information
Admission Requirements
How to Apply
Highlights 

• Program Start: Fall (September)
• Schedule: The semester length is 15-weeks for fall and spring and 12-weeks for summer. Students must complete two one-week residencies in the summer terms. In the third year, students write and defend a dissertation.
• Credits: 57
• Completion: 3 years

Program Goals

With a focus on leadership and social justice, the EdD prepares students for service and leadership in a constantly changing world by identifying, examining, understanding, and addressing sources of the systemic bias and racism rooted in our institutions.

• Students will learn to become ethical leaders working toward the well-being of all learners by engaging in decision-making driven by principles, justice, honesty, and respect.
• As a reflective scholar-practitioner, students will learn to use data and co-construct knowledge to address educational challenges. 
• Through a lens of equity and inclusion, students will learn to advocate for social justice and anti-racist policies and practices taking action for transformative change.
• Become an agent of change addressing educational issues through various perspectives within the social, political, and emotional context of communities.

Tuition Information

Tuition for the EdD is $65,835 ($1,155 per credit hour).

Please see the Tuition and Financial Aid page for more information.

Admission Requirements

Applicants must hold a MEd, EdS, or master’s degree in a relevant field with a minimum GPA of 3.0. Additionally, applicants should currently be working in higher education or PK-12.

How to Apply

It’s easy to apply. Here are our requirements:

1. A completed online application.
2. Official transcripts from all previously earned degrees.
3. A non-refundable $65 application fee paid by credit card.
4. Three letters of recommendation from individuals who can speak to leadership experiences and commitment to equity and excellence for all students.
5. A professional resume.
6. A two-page statement of purpose describing their work as a higher ed professional or an educator, including a discussion of leadership activities, professional goals, research interests, and reasons for pursuing a scholar-practitioner doctoral degree at Fairfield University.
7. A product or example (in the form of a sample of work, presentation, project, or proposal) from their teaching or leadership work that shows their efforts to bring about sustained change intended to result in equitable outcomes for all students.

Certificate Options

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Career Outcomes

Earning an online EdD prepares you to advance your career in a rapidly growing field with diverse career opportunities. Benefit from our seasoned and interdisciplinary faculty that emphasize relevant skills centered around industry trends and employer needs that can be applied directly to your career. Fairfield’s vast alumni and industry network aims to set our students up for success beyond graduation.

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Degree Courses

¹ College Factual. Health Professions at Fairfield University. June 2023