Doctor of Education In Leadership
Online Degree ProgramThe Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) in Leadership online degree program is designed for current and emerging leaders looking to lead complex organizations. The content and expectations focus on knowledge skills and dispositions needed by practicing leaders to foster and sustain conditions within organizations that support continuous improvement. The Ed.D. in Leadership curriculum focuses on helping leaders who can facilitate conditions prepare to create organizations that will be effective, adaptable, and competitive.
- Synthesize a broad, integrative knowledge of leadership theories, research, and practice to inform organizational practice.
- Integrate leadership theories to support an organizational culture that results in the success of employees and communities.
- Solve problems of practice using quantitative, qualitative, or action research methods that develop meaningful solutions to improve the success of organizations.
- Evaluate technology resources through the lens of learning theory to improve organizational outcomes.
- Utilize scientific reasoning, assessment metrics, or data to synthesize research or information sources to support successful organizations.
- Synthesize an understanding of responsive leadership practice and social justice to ensure equity in organizations.
- Apply ethical behavior, standards, and decision-making in accordance with the ethical and legal standards of the profession to foster professional knowledge and practice.
Trident offers an Ed.D. Degree Completion program for students who have started a doctoral degree at another institution, but for one reason or another, were unable to complete the program. Students must transfer-in a minimum of 28 doctoral level transfer credits and follow a program of study that focuses on the completion of the Doctoral Study. Learn more about the Ed.D. Degree Completion program.
The Trident Difference
EdActive™ Learning Approach
Students are presented with a question or issue. They do their own research, apply their own experience and present their solution. Feedback and suggestions are received and the student applies the learning to their next task.
Flexibility
With flexible, 100% online classes you can manage your own time to deliver on deadline, with milestones to keep you on track. Faculty is responsive to student needs without daily micro-management.
Affordability
Trident is competitively priced with no application or lab fees. Scholarships and grants are available for those who qualify*.
Accreditation
Trident University International is a member of the American InterContinental University System. The System is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (hlcommission.org), an institutional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
*University grants or scholarships are based on established criteria as published in the University’s Catalog or on its website and are awarded after verification that the conditions of eligibility have been met.
Meet your Doctoral Faculty
Doctoral Faculty teach content courses in the online degree program and serve as committee members for doctoral research projects to support and guide students
Dr. Heidi Linn Smith
Dean
College of Education
Dr. Heidi A. Schmidt
Department Chair
College of Education
Dr. Nicole Frederick
Full-Time Faculty
College of Education
Dr. Kennedy Maranga
Program Chair
College of Education
A Doctoral Study Committee will be assembled when students begin their research. Each committee consists of three faculty members, one of whom serves as chair of the committee. The chairperson and the committee members will be responsible for guiding the student during the research process.
View all facultyEd.D Online Degree Program Milestones
There are several milestones in the development of your doctoral study. Here is a brief overview of milestones. For complete details refer to the E.d.D. Program Flyer or call 1-800-375-9878.
- 1Complete Core, Research, and Concentration Coursework
- 2Develop Prospectus
- 3Draft a Doctoral Study Proposal
- 4Obtain IRB Approval
- 5Defend the Doctoral Study Project
Online Degree Program Overview
The College of Education provides quality programs that develop professionals and leaders committed to the improvement of educational systems and practices to support and serve diverse student populations. Our 52-semester credits hour degree curriculum requires students to demonstrate their ability to effectively apply expertise and prior experience to the practice of educational leadership in their area of specialization.
You will complete 52 semester hours. Students with a completed Master’s of Education degree are eligible for up to 8 transfer credits, subject to approval.
The Doctor of Education degree program accepts up to 28 semester credits of transfer coursework from regionally accredited doctoral or masters granting institutions (a maximum of 8 credits of transfer coursework may be accepted from a completed Masters in a related field); subject to approval by the Program Director.
See the Trident University Catalog for full descriptions of all program course offerings.
EdD students must complete all requirements in one of the available concentrations. The student will complete 12 semester hours of specialized coursework in an area of the student’s choice in addition to the Ed.D. core courses.
- PK-12 Leadership Concentration
- This concentration is intended for students currently holding leadership positions, or aspiring to earn a leadership position in elementary and secondary education settings. - Higher Education Concentration
- This concentration is intended for students currently holding leadership positions, or aspiring to earn a leadership position in a post-secondary education setting. - Instructional Design
- This concentration is intended for students currently holding leadership positions, or aspiring to earn a leadership position in a military or civilian training program as an instructional systems specialist or instructional designer.
Tuition cost for the Ph.D. program:
| Tuition Type | Per Credit Cost | Total Tuition Cost* |
|---|---|---|
| Standard | $761.25 | $39,585 |
| Retired Military / Veteran / And Their Immediate Family Members** | $685 | $35,620 |
| Military & Immediate Family Members / Department of Defense Federal Civilian Employees** | $656.25 | $32,125 |
*Total Tuition Cost displayed is based on the total number of credits required for the program and may very based on transfer credit applied. Does not include cost of dissertation continuation courses, the number of which vary based on dissertation completion date.
**Tuition per credit represented with applicable military grant applied Other fees may apply and are subject to change without advance notice.
Frequently Asked Questions
The online Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) in Leadership is a post-Master’s professional practice degree program designed for the working professional. The content and expectations focus on knowledge, skills, and dispositions needed by practicing leaders to foster and sustain conditions within organizations that support continuous improvement.
The Ed.D. in Leadership curriculum focuses on helping leaders prepare to create organizations that will be effective, adaptable, and competitive.
The Ed.D. in Leadership degree program offers the following concentrations: PK-12 leadership, higher education, and instructional design.
Trident’s Doctor of Education (Ed.D.)in Leadership degree program requires a total of 52 semester hours. This includes 4 core courses (16 credits), 3 research courses (12 credits), 3 dissertation courses (12 credits) and 12 credits from concentration and elective courses. You may be eligible to transfer-in up to 8 credits from a completed Master’s of Education degree . Additional credits for consideration may include credits from a professional certificate, diploma, or a military occupation or ranking. Trident accepts up to 28 transfer credits toward the completion of an Ed.D. degree program. *
*Transfer credit is evaluated on an individual basis. Not all credits are eligible to transfer. See the University Catalog for transfer credit policies.
You can begin your education at Trident now. Classes at Trident begin monthly. Completion of the applications and admissions processes will depend on how quickly you begin.
Speak to an Admissions Advisor over the phone (1-800-579-3197) or request information online.
Once you have completed the online request, you may hear from an advisor within 24 hours to discuss the next steps toward starting your degree program.
Trident offers flexible courses in a curriculum tailored to skills and training utilized in the field of education today. In addition, it was developed for working adults. Trident goes the extra mile to evaluate military training and traditional academic credit to maximize potential credit transfer. We also offer several non-traditional ways to earn academic credits that can accelerate your ability to meet graduation requirements. Degree candidates can pursue an education degree online, allowing the flexibility to study on their own schedules.
Ways to Save
Scholarships & Grants
Trident offers an assortment of scholarships and grants to help make college more affordable for our students.*
*University grants or scholarships are based on established criteria as published in the University’s Catalog or on its website and are awarded after verification that the conditions of eligibility have been met.
Credits for Prior Learning
Trident may award doctoral credit for professional experience in the discipline. Students may submit an experiential portfolio for assessment to the appropriate Doctoral Studies Director. The request can be submitted during the admissions process using the Doctoral PLA Request Form. For questions or assistance contact an Admissions Advisor at doctoraladmissions@trident.edu.**
**Transfer credit is evaluated on an individual basis. Not all credits are eligible to transfer. See the University Catalog for transfer credit policies.
