Online and Distance Degrees > Degree Programs > EdD in Educational Leadership

Doctor of Education (EdD) in
Educational Leadership

Online

Program Overview

The University of Alabama offers students and busy professionals the ability to earn a Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership in a fully online format. Upon completion, our graduates are equipped with an expanded skill set to lead their schools and organizations to promote effective and inclusive learning environments.

Program Format
Online
Credit Hours
72
Tuition Per Hour
$440

Equip Yourself for the Highest Level of Educational Leadership

Designed by expert faculty members, this program will provide you the opportunity to develop knowledge and skills needed to function as scholarly, ethical and reflective decision-maker in the areas of executive management, educational leadership and policy. This program is tailored to accommodate your schedule as a full-time working professional.

Our alumni are in leadership positions as assistant principals, principals, supervisors, assistant superintendents, superintendents and state-level personnel as well as serving in district offices, community centers and policy organizations. The degree program is offered in an online format with some synchronous virtual class meetings, which are facilitated by faculty for all to participate in engaging and collaborative discussions.

Application DeadlineMarch 1
Application Priority DeadlineNovember 3, 2023 for Fall 2024 admission
Fees$10 College of Education graduate fee (per credit hour)
Required For EntranceMaster's Degree

Curriculum

Courses for the program are offered in an online format that includes required, synchronous weekend meetings and asynchronous learning activities. Students can anticipate completing two courses together with their cohort members each semester, with a commitment of four weekend virtual meetings that include instructional time for each course. Class meeting dates and times will be designated on myBama.

A minimum of 69 credit hours beyond the master’s degree is required for completion of the EdD program. Please note that courses are subject to change.

Depending on coursework prior to admission to the EdD program, prerequisites for more advanced study in educational leadership may be required.

Required Courses

Educational Leadership (AEL) Core

AEL 619 Politics of Education
AEL 650 Organizational Theory
AEL 671 Survey of Instructional Supervision
AEL 675 Advanced Organizational Theory
AEL 682 Leadership and Organizations

Educational Leadership (AEL) Courses

AEL 608 Educ Fin Theory/Pract
AEL 611 Superintendency and the Leadership Team
AEL 618 Advanced Educational Law
AEL 630 School Partnerships
AEL 661 Major Issues and Trends in Educational Leadership
AEL 664 Educational Policy and the Dynamics of Change
AEL 697 Seminar in Educational Leadership

Foundations Courses

BEF 681 Ethics and Education
BEF 642 Studies Philosophy Education
BEF 695 Seminar in Curriculum Leadership

Research Courses

BER 630 Qualitative Case Study Research Methods
BER 631 Inquiry as Interpretation: Qualitative I
BER 660 Evaluation I: Evaluation Theory and Practice
BER 661 Evaluation 2: Improvement Science Methodologies

Dissertation

AEL 699 Dissertation Research
- Students are eligible to register after passing the Doctoral Comprehensive Exam.
- Students must complete a minimum of 12 hours of dissertation research.

Admission

In addition to the minimum Graduate School admission requirements, to be considered for regular admission an application must include:

Official transcripts indicating an earned Master’s degree from a regionally accredited institution.
Three letters of professional and academic reference, including one from a current supervisor.
A statement of purpose which addresses the following: (a) the student’s rationale for applying to the program; (b) a statement regarding career/professional goals; and (c) a statement of how the student’s rationale and career goals are consistent with the purpose of degree program as articulated by the Department and Program.

An academic or professional writing sample written by the applicant within the last year that provides evidence of the student’s writing ability.
Documented professional experience in teaching and/or leadership.
An updated resume.
Completed coursework in Special Education and a Graduate Level Statistics Research Course.

Find more information and to learn about restrictions related to this degree program that may exist regarding licensure in the state in which you reside.