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.

Certificate Options

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Our Seasoned Practitioners

photo of bob hannafin
Bob Hannafin, PhD

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.  

photo of Dr. Anna Cutaia
Anna Cutaia, EdD

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. 

photo of Paula Gill-Lopez
Paula Gill Lopez, PhD

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.  

Emily Smith, PhD

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. 

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.

Degree Courses

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

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

 

Higher Education Administration

  • Contemporary Issues in Higher Education
  • Assessment, Data Literacy, and Decision Making
  • Legal and Policy Issues in Higher Education
  • Moving from Strategy to Action
  • Student Development and Practices of Student Affairs Administration
  • Teaching, Learning, and Student Engagement

Credits – 57

Fairfield Mission

Visionary by nature.
Jesuit Catholic by origin.
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.

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