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Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) in Leadership for Organizations | Online Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) in Leadership for Organizations | Online Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) in Leadership for Organizations | Online

Advance your career with an online Ed.D. program designed for working professionals. Advance your career with an online Ed.D. program designed for working professionals. Advance your career with an online Ed.D. program designed for working professionals.

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No GRE required

• Streamlined Application  — No GRE required. Choose from three annual start dates.
• Flexible Schedule  — The same rigorous curriculum and faculty as our on-campus program. Keep working while you study with live online classes and self-paced coursework.
• Career Advancement  — Prepare to lead with on-campus immersions, personalized career coaching, and full access to our alumni network. Earn your Ed.D. online in as few as 36 months.

Learn to Improve Organizations and Communities Through Leadership

The online Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) in Leadership for Organizations from University of Dayton’s School of Education and Health Sciences (SEHS) prepares you to  influence change in organizations and the greater community through service-based leadership.

The program’s  emphasis on research, collaboration, social justice and applied practice  will prepare you to lead mission-driven organizations to success and positive change in emerging contexts. With the service-based leadership expertise you gain in the program, you’ll graduate ready to manage and enact change in 21st-century  school and education systems, healthcare organizations, nonprofits, government agencies , and more.

The online Ed.D. program consists of 60 credits and can be completed in 36 months.

The final deadline for the September 2024 cohort is June 24, 2024.

Ed.D. Curriculum

Designed to enable you to gain real-world skills and apply them to your current role, the  60-credit  online Ed.D. in Leadership for Organizations curriculum includes a  dissertation-in-practice  and  two in-person immersion s . With the support of faculty, you will work on your dissertation from day one of the program, allowing you to tailor your experience as you master course material.

Two Immersions

both in person in Dayton, Ohio

Dissertation-in-Practice

with support from expert faculty

Four Areas of Study

including Leadership and Communities

Following the University of Dayton’s Marianist tradition of service through leadership, the curriculum will prepare you to  lead purposeful organizational change through four curricular components :

Promotion of social justice and diversity

Learning through inquiry, research and application

Using critical reflection in daily decision-making

Building community in organizations

Coursework in the program incorporates the following four areas of study:  Research, Assessment and Program Evaluation, Foundations and Contexts, Leadership and Communities, and Dissertation-in-Practice .

On-Campus Immersions On-Campus Immersions On-Campus Immersions

You will  meet with classmates and professors during two immersions   while in the program.  The immersions will take place in person on campus in Dayton, Ohio. One immersion will take place at the end of year one and the other will take place at the end of year three. These experiences offer you the opportunity to further collaborate with knowledgeable professionals, work on your dissertation and build on the connections you have made online. You will  meet with classmates and professors during two immersions   while in the program.  The immersions will take place in person on campus in Dayton, Ohio. One immersion will take place at the end of year one and the other will take place at the end of year three. These experiences offer you the opportunity to further collaborate with knowledgeable professionals, work on your dissertation and build on the connections you have made online. You will  meet with classmates and professors during two immersions   while in the program.  The immersions will take place in person on campus in Dayton, Ohio. One immersion will take place at the end of year one and the other will take place at the end of year three. These experiences offer you the opportunity to further collaborate with knowledgeable professionals, work on your dissertation and build on the connections you have made online.

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The ed.d. dissertation.

Starting in the first term, you will create a dissertation-in-practice, and you will continue to work on it throughout your time in the program. In the dissertation, you will conduct in-depth, independent research in an area that interests you and aligns with your career goals.

This will be an original action research study that balances attention to empirical research and direct application of new knowledge and findings.  You may choose a dissertation topic pertaining to your current organization and begin implementing what you learn right away  in addition to planning long-term organizational goals.

Expert Dayton SEHS faculty  will offer continuous support throughout the dissertation process, and collaboration with classmates in  research affinity groups  will help you refine your ideas. At the second immersion, you will present a culminating dissertation and receive feedback from professors and peers.

The University of Dayton online Ed.D. admission committee seeks passionate individuals who are interested in improving organizations and society in their careers. Successful applicants possess a deep interest in learning systems, are skilled communicators and desire to further the missions of their organizations through equity and social justice.

All applicants to the Ed.D. program must hold a master’s degree.

The program offers three start dates per year, in September, January and May.  Learn more about our application requirements on the  Admission and Financial Aid Overview page.

Take the next step in your career and influence change in your organization. Take the next step in your career and influence change in your organization. Take the next step in your career and influence change in your organization.

Earn your Ed.D. in University of Dayton’s online program Earn your Ed.D. in University of Dayton’s online program Earn your Ed.D. in University of Dayton’s online program

Earn Your Ed.D. Online

As an early adopter of online education, the University of Dayton provides online students with advanced learning technology and an interface that re-creates the classroom learning experience.

As an online Ed.D. student, you will:

Attend  weekly, live-streaming classes  featuring HD video and small breakout rooms.

Access coursework through a  mobile-friendly and interactive  online classroom.

Connect with faculty and classmates using  social tools  in the virtual campus.

Be able to  share screens, collaboratively edit documents  and conduct polls and surveys.

Graduates of the online Ed.D. program will be prepared to pursue leadership positions related to K–12 education, nonprofits, medical centers and health organizations, government agencies, and private companies.

Ed.D. graduates may pursue careers as:  

• City and local government officials
• Public policy leaders
• Postsecondary education administrators
• Health services executives
• Nonprofit and charitable organizers

The program will prepare you with the ability to do the following in various organizational roles:

• Provide leadership in organizations and the communities they serve.
• Develop educational programs in organizations.
• Collaboratively design and implement policy.
• Assess learning and evaluate programs.
• Lead change and improvement efforts.

Why Earn an Ed.D.?

Earning an Ed.D. can prepare you with the additional training and education that is in  increasingly high demand in organizations across sectors . Projected employment growth in postsecondary education will allow Ed.D. graduates to pursue administrative or organizational careers in growing college and university systems. The healthcare sector is also increasingly in need of organizational professionals as it expands.

As an Ed.D. degree holder, you can pursue careers in some of today’s fastest-growing sectors and have an impact on pressing 21st-century issues.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics:

Postsecondary teaching jobs

are expected to grow by 12% between 2020 and 2030. 1

Medical and health service

management jobs are expected to grow by 32% between 2020 and 2030. 2

As a graduate of Dayton’s online Ed.D. in Leadership for Organizations program, you will have the deep understanding of organizational systems and practical experience to  truly influence change where it is needed  in your organization and community.

1 Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor,  Occupational Outlook Handbook , Postsecondary Teachers (visited September 21, 2021 ). arrow_upward Return to footnote reference 2 Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor,  Occupational Outlook Handbook , Medical and Health Services Managers (visited September 21, 2021 ). arrow_upward Return to footnote reference

Make a difference as an organizational professional. Make a difference as an organizational professional. Make a difference as an organizational professional.

Learn more about earning your Ed.D. online with the University of Dayton today. Learn more about earning your Ed.D. online with the University of Dayton today. Learn more about earning your Ed.D. online with the University of Dayton today.

College of Professional Studies

Northeastern University’s online Doctor of Education program provides experienced adult learners, working professionals, and scholar-practitioners from diverse backgrounds and perspectives with the practical knowledge and experience they need to transform the learning landscape. Students gain innovative approaches to create authentic change in their communities. The program was selected as the Carnegie Project on the Education Doctorate's Program of the Year for 2022-2023.

The Doctor of Education program is designed to be completed in three to four years of study—following a fast-paced quarter system in lieu of a traditional semester format. Students choose from five concentrations to create a curriculum that matches personal and professional interests. The program's dissertation in practice process will begin at the onset of your coursework as you identify your problem of practice and develop an action plan—incorporating cycles of data collection and analysis, collaboration, change work, and reflection—culminating in the dissemination of your action research findings. Our students come from diverse disciplines and professions, seeking more than just a degree. You'll gain a practical education that translates to your everyday working environment.

While all EdD courses can be completed online (except for hybrid courses in Seattle and Charlotte), annual in-person two-day residencies are held on campus. Residencies focus on networking and tools for career success and allow you to connect with faculty and fellow scholars to share knowledge and experience. You'll attend residencies* in your first and second years of the program at one of our campuses in Boston, Charlotte, or Seattle.

The Northeastern Doctor of Education degree is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE) and was selected as Program of the Year by the Carnegie Project on the Education Doctorate Program for 2022-2023.

*Please note: International students enrolling in the online EdD program will be provided with an option to complete the residency through online participation in interactive sessions with fellow scholars offered during the residency period.

More Details

Unique features.

• You will choose one of five concentrations—higher education administration, innovative teaching and learning, transformative school leadership, workplace learning, and integrative studies—to focus your studies and further customize your curriculum.
• You'll begin dissertation in practice work at the onset of your program. You'll select a compelling educational/organizational challenge and will be assigned a faculty advisor to support your research throughout the program.
• All coursework is online—providing flexibility for working professionals. Your residencies will be fulfilled in person*, at one of our campuses in Boston, Charlotte, or Seattle.
• You'll learn alongside faculty practitioners—engaging with respected leaders who contribute to the field as authors, journal editors, school board members, bloggers, and podcasters.

*In-person participation in the residency is also available for international students.

Concentrations

• Higher Education Administration: The higher education administration concentration provides an opportunity for experienced higher education professionals to expand their previous understanding of practices within all sectors of postsecondary education—and also advance their professional practice by developing and deepening their understanding of the roles of colleges and universities in our society. Sectors examined include community colleges, four-year colleges, for-profit institutions, and research universities.
• Innovative Teaching and Learning: The innovative teaching and learning concentration focuses on transforming education through innovation, justice, and policy, by providing engaging opportunities for current and aspiring teaching and learning specialists working in various education spaces. The concentration focuses on teaching and learning both inside and outside the bounds of P-20 schools and focuses on developing and leading innovative curricula as well as professional development.
• Transformative School Leadership: The transformative school leadership concentration provides innovative opportunities for experienced education professionals who are current and aspiring leaders of early childhood centers, public or private schools, or school districts. The concentration prepares students to lead and transform educational spaces and be equipped to shape the needs of education in K-12, higher education, organizational contexts, and beyond.
• Workplace Learning: The workplace learning concentration helps professionals gain a deeper understanding of, recognize, and influence real-life social inequalities faced by marginalized populations in the workplace. Courses allow students to advance their professional practice by developing and deepening their knowledge of workplace learning, organizational dynamics, learning strategy, and ethics.
• Integrative Studies: The integrative studies concentration provides an opportunity for students to design a program of study that fits their own professional goals and includes the required foundation and research courses, concentration courses from any EdD concentration, and electives from the Doctor of Education or Doctor of Law and Policy programs.

Program Objectives

Northeastern's Doctor of Education program is designed for experienced professionals interested in deepening their understanding of education, organizational development, and leadership. Throughout the program, students examine various approaches to critical, practice-based issues, learn research methods, and conduct a doctoral research study that investigates a compelling educational or organizational challenge.

2022-2023 Doctor of Education Program of the Year

The Carnegie Project on the Education Doctorate selected Northeastern's EdD program as the 2022-2023 Program of the Year, noting the “redesigned Dissertation in Practice Curriculum and the adoption of action research as its guiding methodology …” The committee praised “the program’s efforts to move beyond the typical five-chapter dissertation and engage scholarly practitioners in the acquisition of skills to realize meaningful change in their local contexts, emphasizing social justice.”

Testimonials

– sara ewell, phd, assistant dean, graduate school of education, – frawn morgan, current student, doctor of education, – aaron b., program graduate, looking for something different.

A graduate degree or certificate from Northeastern—a top-ranked university—can accelerate your career through rigorous academic coursework and hands-on professional experience in the area of your interest. Apply now—and take your career to the next level.

Program Costs

Finance Your Education We offer a variety of resources, including scholarships and assistantships.

How to Apply Learn more about the application process and requirements.

Requirements

• Online application
• Academic transcripts: Official undergraduate and graduate degree documentation
• Describe the problem of practice
• Explain why you want to investigate it
• Provide a strong rationale for the significance of the problem
• Minimum work experience: Three years in a related field
• Professional resumé: Must summarize work and education history, include an outline of your educational/academic skills with examples such as research and teaching experience, affiliations, publications, certifications, presentations, and other professional skills.
• Faculty recommendation: Must be from a faculty member in your previous graduate program who can attest to your readiness for doctoral work. If you are no longer acquainted with a faculty member, please choose a professional who can speak of your academic capabilities to engage in doctoral-level research and writing. Recommendations should be presented as a letter attached to the general recommendation form.
• Two professional recommendations: Must be from individuals who have either academic or professional knowledge of your capabilities, a supervisor, mentor, or colleague. It is preferred that one letter of recommendation come from your current employer and/or supervisor. Recommendations should be presented as a letter attached to the general recommendation form.
• Proof of English language proficiency: ONLY for students for whom English is not their primary language.

Are You an International Student? Find out what additional documents are required to apply.

Admissions Details Learn more about the College of Professional Studies admissions process, policies, and required materials.

Admissions Dates

Our admissions process operates on a rolling basis; however, we do recommend the application guidelines below to ensure you can begin during your desired start term:

Domestic Application Guidelines

International Application Guidelines *

*International deadlines are only applicable if the program is F1 compliant.

Industry-aligned courses for in-demand careers.

For 100+ years, we’ve designed our programs with one thing in mind—your success. Explore the current program requirements and course descriptions, all designed to meet today’s industry needs and must-have skills.

View curriculum

The core of the mission of the program is to allow educators to remain in the places they work, focus on a problem of practice, and through experiential learning and site-specific research opportunities in the program, make an immediate impact in their professional environments. The program explicitly integrates research and practice for professionals so they develop the requisite skills for conceiving, designing, conducting, and producing original site-based research in order to effect ethical change related to real-life problems of practice.

Our Faculty

Northeastern University faculty represents a broad cross-section of professional practices and fields, including finance, education, biomedical science, management, and the U.S. military. They serve as mentors and advisors and collaborate alongside you to solve the most pressing global challenges facing established and emerging markets.

Joseph McNabb, PhD

Cherese Childers-McKee, PhD

By enrolling in Northeastern, you’ll gain access to students at 13 campus locations, 300,000+ alumni, and 3,000 employer partners worldwide. Our global university system provides students unique opportunities to think locally and act globally while serving as a platform for scaling ideas, talent, and solutions.

Below is a look at where our Education & Learning alumni work, the positions they hold, and the skills they bring to their organization.

Where They Work

• Boston Public Schools
• Chicago Public Schools
• NYC Department of Education
• Lockheed Martin
• Veterans Affairs
• Johns Hopkins
• Columbia University

What They Do

• Media Consultant
• College President
• Chief Information Officer
• Instructional Designer
• Diversity Officer
• Founder-CEO
• VP of Student Services
• Community Services Director

What They're Skilled At

• Experiential Learning
• Team Building
• International Education
• Change Agency
• Entrepreneurship
• Urban Education
• Strategic Management
• Student Engagement

Learn more about Northeastern Alumni on  Linkedin .

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Non-Credit Certificate Program in Project Management: Strategy Essentials

Enhance your career with our project management certificate as you advance your leadership and strategic skill sets.

Upcoming Events

Project Management: Strategy Essentials...

Apr 10, 2024 • Online

At a Glance

Learn the technical and interpersonal skills necessary to master project management theory and best practices.

In order to offer a richer student experience, maximize program knowledge and offer our project management expertise to a greater audience, the University of Chicago Professional Education has merged its Essentials of Project Management and Project Management Strategy certificates into a robust, new program, Strategy Essentials of Project Management.

The Strategy Essentials of Project Management Certificate introduces students to the technical and interpersonal skills necessary to master the theory and practice of project management. Students will gain direct experience using appropriate tools and techniques to enhance their understanding of the strategic, leadership, human resources, and operational aspects of project management to successfully execute a project from initiation through completion.

Designed For

Designed for project managers who need to rethink internal processes to drive more successful project outcomes or professionals interested in gaining the skills needed to lead within their industries.

Professional impact of a Project Management certificate

The number of project management jobs is growing at an exponential rate, and trained project managers can excel in any organization or industry. Anyone who has participated in a project team knows that successful project delivery is a combination of science and art for project execution to meet its objectives on time and on-budget. This series of project management courses prepares you to embrace these challenges head-on by addressing real organizational needs, giving you knowledge that will enhance your ability to grow and contribute to any organization.

After completing the program, you will be able to: 

• Inhabit your role as a project leader by applying quantitative skills to inform good decision-making at every stage
• Deploy the “soft skills” inherent in successful project execution such as communication, interpersonal relationships, and problem-solving
• Use technology to facilitate communication and stakeholder management
• Deepen your understanding of the strategic, leadership, human resources, and operational aspects of project management
• Manage the expectations of the project stakeholder
• Manage risk at both project and organizational levels
• Successfully link project planning with corporate strategy
• Manage portfolios while juggling priorities, clients, and budgets
• Recognize and implement recovery techniques when necessary

Advance Your Skills With Our Results-driven, Interactive Classes

Gain in-demand project management training and level up your career with practical courses taught by expert instructors with serious industry knowledge.

Who Should Pursue UChicago's Project Management Certificate?

The online project management certificate program is open to participants of varying professional backgrounds. However, industry professionals who demonstrate five years of experience in a managing role or capacity in project management can receive a waiver for the first core course.

According to a 2020 report by the Project Management Institute , 51% of organizations require project management professionals to have a certification for their role.

The Interpersonal Touch

In addition to rigorous training in the techniques, tools, and practical concerns inherent to the successful execution of projects, students in the project management certificate will learn the interpersonal skills often overlooked in foundational project management programs. Successfully conducted project management requires tactical communication, collaboration, and conflict resolution. Our online Project Management courses train students to meet and embrace challenging team dynamics to guide a project smoothly to conclusion.

Participants in the project management certificate include:

• Experienced project managers and project coordinators responsible for project design and implementation
• Project managers responsible for process-centric projects
• Program managers who are responsible for multiple projects
• IT managers, supervisors, or project leaders responsible for business analysis and project implementation
• Business managers/supervisors, project sponsors, and other managers responsible for project success

I was amazed at the program's ability to cater to a breadth of project management professionals. The instructors find ways to challenge everyone—and I learned just as much from my classmates, fellow project managers from unique industries and backgrounds. I was promoted to Manager of Project Management at my firm only a few months after receiving my certificate. Kurtis Hardy, Project Management Strategy Certificate Recipient

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Dissertation Presentation in the Doctoral Program in Educational Leadership for Social Justice

Join us for a dissertation presentation by Courtney Reim on Monday, April 8, from 2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Courtney E. Reim examined what Association Montessori Internationale (AMI) certified Montessori teachers for students ages 3-6 years in the United States reported regarding scientific observation as a disposition and as a disposition in action to better understand teachers' application. Employing a national survey and case study her research concluded that:

• Teachers' applications of scientific observation for assessment were prevalent with some degree of predefined aims and objectives;
• School system challenges existed for developing and sustaining scientific observation procedures;
• C ollegial dissemination occurred between teachers when time and organizational constraints permitted;
• Teachers  understood the importance of scientific observation for assessment, but not all aspects were evident in their practice.

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Jeff Walls wins early-career award

For the second time in as many years, Washington State University College of Education faculty member Jeff Walls has been recognized with an early-career award.

This time, Walls, an assistant professor of educational leadership, is being honored as co-recipient of the Emerging Scholar Award from the American Educational Research Association (AERA) Division A.

The award is given by the division in recognition of a pre-tenure scholar who is in the first five years of their career and has made outstanding contributions to the field of leadership, administration, or organizational theory.

Last year, Walls received the Emerging Scholar Award from the Journal of Professional Capital and Community.

“The supportive colleagues at WSU and collaborators around the country were really helpful for me in receiving this award,” he said. “Having colleagues who are amazing researchers, know the value of research, and make space for early career faculty members to pursue their research interests is what really made this possible.”

The award is considered one of the most esteemed honors for pre-tenure scholars, recognizing those who have made outstanding contributions to the field of leadership, administration, or organizational theory early in their academic careers.

“The College of Education at WSU does a stellar job of making sure that early career faculty members have the time and resources needed to develop a research agenda and pursue the lines of inquiry they are passionate about,” Walls said.

Walls will officially receive the award at AERA’s annual meeting this April in Philadelphia.

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