Dr. Heidi Smith, Dean of the College of Education
Ed.D. Educational Leadership
A Degree Designed for Current and Emerging Leaders
Are you currently in a leadership position in a traditional or nontraditional education environment or do you aspire to earn one? Consider our online Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) degree program to help you reach your goals and make an impact with an online Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) degree.
The Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) degree program is designed for current and emerging leaders who are ready to take the next step in their professional development. The College of Education is widely respected for producing an exceptional network of educators and scholars.
Every aspect of our doctoral program takes place online, ensuring flexibility for adult students. Our program will allow you to:
- Learn to positively transform educational settings through exceptional leadership.
- Apply both the most current and time-honored theories and models that contribute to positive organizational culture.
- Strategically build relations and coalitions to improve the quality of education.
- Combine research and professional practice knowledge to develop best practices and influence policy.
- Be a member of a vibrant and engaged community of energetic online scholars.
- Learn from committed faculty members who will provide assistance and insight as you complete your coursework and research.
Seamlessly blend life, learning, and leading with our affordable 100% online doctoral programs.
Structure
Trident University International is 100% online and offers a variety of doctoral program lengths—enabling students to adjust completion time to fit their own schedules. There are no in-person attendance requirements. Keep living, keep working, start learning. Learn More
Transfer Credit
Trident extends a generous policy regarding required credits. Our programs are focused and efficient regarding required credits and your total required credits may be reduced based on potential transfer credits from other accredited institutions*; we may also consider awarding potential credits for prior learning.
Individualized Support
You will be aligned with a doctoral faculty member who will provide individualized guidance during the research phase of the program. A Student Success Advisor will be assigned to you for personal assistance with administrative matters throughout your enrollment.
Inspiration
Trident has an extensive and involved alumni network that can be a key resource for you throughout the program. Learn More
Institutionally Accredited
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. Learn More
*Transfer credit is evaluated on an individual basis. Not all credits are eligible to transfer. See the University Catalog for transfer credit policies.
Are you an All But Dissertation (ABD) student?
Were you unable to complete your doctoral program at another university? 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 a minimum of 28 doctoral level transfer credits and follow a program of study that focuses on the completion of the Doctoral Study.
Our degree program is designed to help you take your skills and leadership to the next level.
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Program Overview – What Students Can Expect
The Ed.D. in Educational Leadership is a post-masters professional practice degree, designed for the working professional, both in traditional and non-traditional educational environments who are looking to lead complex learning organizations. These leaders include individuals who currently hold or are seeking leadership positions within colleges and universities, educators in non-traditional K–12 environments, and professionals in various non-profit and government settings. Our 52-semester credit hours 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.
See the Trident University International Catalog for full descriptions of all program course offerings.
Prepare to take the lead in our virtual classrooms and in your career. If you are ready to take this important next step, apply online now. The documents specified below are required for all Ed.D. applicants:
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 or Education 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 of Education program); subject to approval by the Program Director.
See the Trident University Catalog for full descriptions of all concentration 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 core courses listed above.
- PK-12 Leadership Concentration - This concentration is intended for students currently holding leadership positions, or aspiring to obtain 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 obtain a leadership position in a post-secondary education setting.
- Instructional Design - This concentration is intended for students currently holding leadership positions, or aspiring to obtain a leadership position in a military or civilian training program as an instructional systems specialist or instructional designer.
The Ed.D. Degree Completion program is designed to help students who started a doctoral program at another institution, but for one reason or another, were unable to complete their program and are seeking another university where they can complete their program.
Students must transfer a minimum of 28 doctoral level transfer credits and follow a program of study that focuses on the completion of the Doctoral Study.
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. One member of the committee may be external to Trident and a practitioner in the field with an earned doctorate. The chairperson and the committee members will be responsible for guiding the student during the research process.
Pursuant to Federal law and regulations, Institutional Review Board (IRB) approval is required for research involving human subjects. Accordingly, prior to conducting research involving human subjects, including the collecting and analyzing of data, the proposed study must be reviewed and approved by the Trident IRB.
Tuition cost for the Ed.D. program:
| tuition type | per credit | per course | per year* |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard | $761.25 | $3,045 | $12,180 |
| Retired Military / Veteran / And Their Immediate Family Members** | $685 | $2,740 | $10,960 |
| Military & Immediate Family Members / Department of Defense Federal Civilian Employees** | $656.25 | $2,625 | $10,500 |
| Active Duty, National Guard and Reserve U.S Military Service Members** | $656.25 | $2,625 | $10,500 |
*Assumes no transfer credits and that student enrolls in an average of 16 credits per year. Does not include cost of any applicable doctoral study continuation courses. **Tuition per credit represented with applicable military grant applied.
University Fees:
- Books and Supplies: $0
- Course Materials: $0
- Diploma Copy: $30 (optional)
- Food, Housing, and Transportation: N/A
- Graduation Fee: $150
- Official Transcript: $10
- Other Expedited Shipping Fees: varies based on region
- Payment Plan Set-up: $35-$55 (non-refundable)
- Student ID Card: $10 (optional)
- Technology Fee: $0
- Other fees may apply and are subject to change without advance notice.
Seeking more information on the cost of attending Trident University? Visit Trident’s Financial Aid Resources page where you will find financial aid tools including Trident’s Net Price Calculator and Shopping Sheet, a guide to assist in early financial planning for college.
Want to save time & money on your degree? Receive credit for eligible past experience with Trident Fastrac. Click here to learn more.
This business program is programmatically accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP). Review our Student Achievement and Program Data
