Home DOCTORAL PROGRAMS Ed.D. Educational Leadership

Developing Scholar-Practitioners and Innovative Leaders Dr. Heidi Smith, Dean of the College of Education

Our online Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) degree program is designed for current and emerging leaders in both traditional and nontraditional education environments.

Next Session Starts on January 9, 2023 Apply Today

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—choose from 3, 4, or 5 year plans–with attentive support no matter which you choose. There are no in-person attendance requirements. Keep living, keep working, start learning.

Inspiration

Trident has an extensive and involved alumni network that can be a key resource for you throughout the program.

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.

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.

Individualized Support

You will be aligned with a Department Chair 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.

Affordable

Trident is competitively priced. There is no application fee, no lab fees.

*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.

Academia

“You can feel the passion from the instructors.” – Lois S., Alumna. Read what Trident graduates are saying about their academic programs.

Meet Your Ed.D. Faculty

Each faculty member strives to produce high-level academic research, leading their fields in global discussion, while attentively mentoring our students.

Rankings, Resources, & News

Trident is committed to developing a passionate, connected learning community that helps students achieve their academic and professional goals.

Discover the Trident Difference

Explore

Six degree programs, highly-qualified and devoted professors, program and research flexibility.

Be Inspired

Our highly structured programs, consistent support, and compassionate commitment mean you stay on top of your goals and complete your program in a timely manner.

Change Your World

Follow your passion project, connect with like-minded peers, apply your knowledge to further your career, and change your world for the better!

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.

Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership brochure

Admissions Requirements

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:

Core Courses

You will complete 28 semester credit hours of core and research courses, 12 semester credit hours of concentration courses, and 12 semester credit hours of doctoral study courses.

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 Catalog for full descriptions of all program course offerings.

Concentrations

In addition to required core courses, you will engage in 12 semester credit hours of concentration courses to complete the plan.

Higher Education – This concentration is intended for students currently holding leadership positions, or aspiring to obtain a leadership position in a post-secondary education setting as academic program administrators, campus administrators, and student affairs or student services professionals.
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.
PK-12 – This concentration is intended for students currently holding leadership positions, or aspiring to obtain a leadership position in elementary and secondary education settings as educator leaders, principals, vice principals, superintendents, and other administrative leaders.

Degree Completion (All But Dissertation)

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.

Learn more about the Ed.D. Degree Completion program.

Doctoral Study and Committee

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.

Ed.D. Program Handbook

IRB Application

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 and Fees

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
Bounced Check Fee: $30
Course Materials: $0
Diploma Copy: $30 (optional)
Food, Housing, and Transportation: N/A
Graduation Fee: $150
Official Transcript: $10 (rush fee $35)
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.

Get Started Today – Apply Now!

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