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, spring, and summer terms and two short, in-person summer residencies. Students take two courses per term. 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.
- Program Start: Fall (September)
- Priority Deadline: July 15
- 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
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 for the EdD is $65,835 ($1,155 per credit hour).
Please see the Tuition and Financial Aid page for more information.
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.
It’s easy to apply. Here are our requirements:
- A completed online application.
- Official transcripts from all previously earned degrees.
- A non-refundable $65 application fee paid by credit card.
- Three letters of recommendation from individuals who can speak to leadership experiences and commitment to equity and excellence for all students.
- A professional resume.
- 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.
- 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.
Faculty Spotlight
Dr. Robert D. Hannafin serves as the Dean of Fairfield University’s Graduate School of Education and Allied Professions. Prior to joining Fairfield, he was the Dean of the College of Education, Information, and Technology at Long Island University’s Post Campus. Dr. Hannafin’s rich background in higher education and his deep understanding of Jesuit education make him a vital asset to the Fairfield community.
Dr. Anna Cutaia is a seasoned educator and the current Superintendent of Schools in Milford, CT. Dr. Cutaia’s commitment to education extends beyond academia, as demonstrated by her involvement in local organizations such as the Milford Chamber of Commerce and the Milford United Way. With a rich background in educational leadership and a passion for community involvement, she was honored as the Connecticut Parent Teacher Association 2021 Superintendent of the Year.
Dr. Paula Gill Lopez, an Associate Professor and Chair of the Department of Psychological and Educational Consultation at Fairfield University, is an expert in self-care and mindfulness in education. With a rich background as a school psychologist, she now directs the school psychology program and has made significant contributions to dropout and bullying prevention, mentoring, and social-emotional learning.
Dr. Emily R. Smith, Professor of Educational Studies & Teacher Preparation at Fairfield University, focuses on mentoring and faculty development. Since joining Fairfield in 2003, she has worked closely with students pursuing certification and Master’s degrees in English Education. Dr. Smith’s extensive publications include research on effective mentoring, teacher induction, and literature-based discussions.
Degree Courses
Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership for Teacher Leaders
Credits – 57
Inquiry in Action
- A Systems Approach to Innovation & Improvement
- Framing & Critical Analysis of Problems of Practice
- Action Research for Educational Change I
- Action Research for Educational Change II
- Communities of Inquiry: Dissertation in Practice I
- Communities of Inquiry: Dissertation in Practice II
- Dissertation Advising
Foundational Core
- Mission & Values-Based Leadership
- Power, Privilege & Identity in Educational Leadership
- Moral & Ethical Decision-Making
- Leader as Collaborator & Relationship-Builder
- Leadership for Social Justice in Education
- Organizational Change for Social Justice in Education
Teacher Leadership
- Contextualizing Legal and Policy Issues in Education
- Creating a Culture for Continuous Improvement
- Advocacy for Equity & Access
- Leveraging Instructional Design for Equitable Outcomes
- Re-Imagining Technology for Social Action
- Writing for Social Change
Fairfield Mission
Visionary by nature. Jesuit through mission. Transformative by design. The driving force of Fairfield is our mission — to impact the world. It prompts us to ask important questions, to embrace our social responsibilities, and to lead by example. And it’s what has made us a premier institution in the Northeast. Let the mission be part of your journey.
