8 Online Programs For Earning Your Ed.D. In Leadership (With Tips)

Professionals who spend a long period in the workforce may have an interest in returning to school. Earning a Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) degree is one way to further your education in an applicable way. If you’re interested in organizational leadership, you might consider earning your Ed.D. in leadership. In this article, we define the degree, provide a list of eight different online Ed.D. programs for you to explore, and offer a few tips for earning this degree.

What is an Ed.D. in leadership?

An Ed.D. in leadership is a research-based doctorate for experienced professionals with an interest in education. Typically, these professionals have experience in education or a related field. This degree is best suited for professionals who want to expand their understanding, develop research skills, and reflect on how they can improve their practices in the workplace. With an acute focus on leadership, this doctoral degree teaches students about the theories and strategies of effective management and organizational change.

This degree has a broad focus compared to other Ed.D. programs and provides graduates with an opportunity to apply their skills in a variety of professional settings once they graduate. The courses and research in this degree can teach graduates how to set large-scale goals and reach those objectives by empowering individuals and institutions to thrive. Here are a few other things students may learn about while earning their Ed.D. in leadership:

• Leadership theory

• Ethical leadership

• Diversity within organizations

• Assessment of employees

• Strategies for evaluating an organization

• Conflict management strategies

• Facilitation of organizational change

• Development of creative and innovative solutions

• Advocacy in the workplace

• Entrepreneurship

8 online programs for an Ed.D. in organizational leadership

If you’re interested in earning your Ed.D. in organizational leadership or another closely related field, you can complete an online program. These programs provide useful resources, empowering students to earn their degrees from wherever they call home. An online Ed.D. program can provide unique opportunities to learn at your own pace. Here are eight different online programs you can pursue to earn an Ed.D. in organizational leadership:

1. Vanderbilt University

Vanderbilt University offers an online Ed.D. in leadership and learning in organizations, which requires applicants to have at least three years of experience in a leadership role before applying. This degree focuses on systemic change by connecting theory and practice. When you earn this degree online, you’re expected to attend weekly online classes, write a capstone research project, and attend a few on-campus meetings throughout the year. The three academic areas that this degree focuses on include leadership and organizational development, data and analytics, and learning and design.

2. University of Southern California

The University of Southern California (USC) offers a Doctor of Education in organizational change and leadership a well-versed online program based on the themes of leadership, problem-solving, and reflection. The goals of this program are to explore workplace learning, examine and test strategies for organizational learning, and learn how to develop and implement effective systems for change. The majority of this program takes place online, with an annual immersion weekend held on campus. The main assignment for this program is a dissertation-style capstone.

3. Marymount University

If you want to study at Marymount University, you can apply for their online Ed.D. in educational leadership and organizational innovation. This university focuses on online learning and provides complete online access to students in the program. Some courses you can take while in this program include:

• Leading an Organization: Theory, Practice and Reflection

• Ethical Leadership and Social Justice

• Transformative Leadership: Leading Organizational Change

• Approaches to Research Methods

4. University of Dayton

The University of Dayton offers an Ed.D. in leadership for organizations. This program prepares students to influence their organizations by suggesting and implementing necessary changes. This program focuses on service-based leadership and strives to equip students to continue their work in mission-driven organizations. Students can complete this program in 36 months and can enter a wide variety of industries after this program.

5. Grand Canyon University

Grand Canyon University offers an Ed.D. in organizational leadership and development. This program is best for people who want to lead an organization from the executive level. You can take this course online or in person during the evenings. There are six main themes of the degree program, including:

• Leadership

• Change

• Culture

• Scholarship and research

• Globalization and worldview

• Organizational development

6. University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign offers an Ed.D. in education policy, organization, and leadership, which covers a wide range of organizational topics. The university offers a few different concentrations for students to choose from, which makes this program diverse and customizable. They even offer different degrees in this same subject area, so if you’re considering earning a Ph.D. or another type of advanced degree, you may be able to earn this through the University of Illinois.

7. New York University

New York University (NYU) is a prestigious school that offers an online Ed.D. in leadership and innovation. This program is specifically for professionals who want to continue working while they study to earn this degree. The purpose of the program is to prepare students to be catalysts for change within their organizations and existing roles. Despite being online, this program uses technology that allows students to connect through a virtual residency, which encourages collaboration and increases connectivity.

8. Wilmington University

Wilmington University offers an online Ed.D. program in organizational leadership, learning, and innovation. This program encourages students to be lifelong learners who strive to improve their performance regularly and prompt innovation within their workplaces. Wilmington University’s program combines theory, practice, and research to create a well-rounded learning experience for students.

Tips for earning your Ed.D.

Earning an advanced degree can be a challenging process that leads to great benefits. If you’re interested in earning an Ed.D. through an online program, there are a few things to consider. Here are some tips for earning your Ed.D.:

• Use your resources: When you’re embedded in a program at a specific university, it’s important to use the resources provided to you. This can improve your learning experience and equip you for success in your assessments.

• Connect with others: Despite attending classes online, this is a great opportunity to connect with others, like other students, professors, or professionals in your field. You can grow your professional network as you discuss what you’re learning with your peers at your university.

• Research what you’re passionate about: When you begin to prepare for your final project, it’s important to choose a topic you’re passionate about, whether it’s a capstone or a dissertation. This can help keep you motivated and invested in your work as you conduct research.

I hope you find this article helpful.