Ed.D. Educational Leadership

Ed.D. in Educational Leadership
Ed.D. in Educational Leadership

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Special Note: The GRE test has been waived for the 2024 application cycle (Summer and Fall 2024 start).  

  • Application requirements: Online application, transcripts, minimum GPA of 3.0 (undergraduate)/ minimum GPA of 3.6 (graduate), proof of English language proficiency, GRE/MAT scores (waived for 2024 application cycle), two letters of recommendation, and a personal statement.
  • International students: Please visit this page for information regarding transcript evaluation requirements.
  • Deadline(s): January 15 for Fall or Summer semester start. The application and all supporting materials are due by the listed deadline.
  • Course Requirements: 20 courses (60 credits)
  • Typical Course Load: Fall (2 courses), Spring (2 courses), Summer (1-2 courses)
  • Time to Completion:  4-5 years depending on course loads
  • Alumni Current Positions: Graduates work as K-12 school administrators, heads of community organization/institution, researchers and leaders in a government agencies, Professors of Educational Leadership, educational researchers, and educational policy analysts.

The doctorate of Educational Leadership program is designed to provide candidates with several avenues of study to enable them to reach their career goals, whether that be as a top K-12 school administrator, the head of a community organization or institution, a researcher investigating the best practices in the field or a leader in a government agency.  

The doctoral program allows for a variety of paths so that students can work toward their Ed.D. and their Superintendent Certification or Principal Certification simultaneously. Students collaborate with their faculty advisor to build the program of studies that best meets their needs and are supported along the way to make sure they have the research skills to complete their dissertation. 

Doctoral students complete 60 credits (post master’s) in such areas as organizational leadership, school-community relations, school law and ethics, Special Education law, policy and politics in public education, data-based decision-making and curriculum design. Full-time and part-time options are available and most classes are held in the late afternoon and evening for the convenience of working professionals. 

Lehigh’s innovative faculty include leaders with years of experience as school administrators and teachers as well as professors who are at the forefront of research on best practices in education. Students benefit, not just from faculty expertise, but also in learning from each other about issues and strategies in the field. 

Those seeking to apply should complete an online application and submit official undergraduate and graduate transcripts. A minimum grade point average of 3.0 is required for undergraduate work and 3.6 for graduate work. 

They should also provide their GRE or MAT test scores from within the last five years, two letters of recommendation, with at least one from a faculty member of an accredited academic institution, an acknowledgement of understanding of the College of Education policy on clearances and a personal statement on their career objectives and work experience.  

The deadline to apply is Jan. 15 for a summer or fall semester start. 

"Challenging discussions on relevant topics paired with the opportunity to work with stellar local educators and professors make the Educational Leadership program an incredibly valuable experience."

Elizabeth Babbin, Ed.D, Educational Leadership '18