Higher education administrators

Doctorate of Education in Educational Leadership with a Concentration in Higher Education Administration Online

Prepare to help shape the future of higher education with this highly specialized online program from A-State.

Next Apply Date: 5/1/25
Next Class Start Date: 5/27/25
Apply Now
Next Apply Date: 5/1/25
Next Class Start Date: 5/27/25

Program Overview

Future higher ed administrators start here

This Ed.D. in Educational Leadership – Higher Education Administration online program gives educators the essential tools for successful institutional leadership, including an in-depth understanding of organizational theory, assessment and accreditation, finance, policy and law, and more.

No GRE is required for admission into this accessible, 100% online program, which is designed for working educators. In this program, students will become immersed in educational practices that combine theory with research, then utilize that expertise to develop solutions to contemporary issues in higher ed administration.

While completing the program’s coursework, students will conduct a thorough research project and collaborate with faculty one-on-one as part of their dissertation. Dissertation studies begin early in the program and culminate with students presenting and defending their completed dissertation via A-State Online technology.

Students will have the full support of highly qualified faculty and staff throughout the program. The Ed.D. online program is taught by current and former higher education administrators and leadership faculty with a wealth of knowledge and experience. Additionally, students will have continuing support from dissertation mentors, online writing lab staff and a statistics expert to assist with their doctoral studies.

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Prepare for expanded career opportunities, including:

  • Academic Dean
  • Provost
  • College/University President
  • Chief Learning (Academic) Officer
Prepare for expanded career opportunities, including:+
  • Academic Dean
  • Provost
  • College/University President
  • Chief Learning (Academic) Officer
+

Also available:

A-State offers a variety of post-graduate programs in a convenient online format. Explore our full range of online post-graduate programs.

Total Tuition: $24,627*
Program Duration: As few as 40 months
Credit Hours 51*
Apply Now

Need More Information?

Call 866-621-8096

Call 866-621-8096

Tuition

Our Ed.D. is an affordable way to advance your career

The Ed.D. in Educational Leadership – Higher Education Administration online program offers the same affordable, pay-by-the-course tuition for all U.S. residents. All fees are included. Tuition may be subject to change on a yearly basis.

Tuition breakdown:

Per Credit Hour: $477
Total Tuition: $24,627*

Calendar

Important dates to know before you get started

Our Ed.D. in Educational Leadership – Higher Education Administration is designed to be flexible and convenient for working educators. Students can choose from three start dates per year and can continue the required courses consecutively.

Please note Summer 1 and Summer 2 terms are 5 weeks in duration for this program.

View full calendar  + 

TermProgram Start DateApplication DeadlineDocument DeadlineRegistration DeadlinePayment DueLast Class Day
Spring 11/13/2512/1/2412/1/241/9/251/10/252/28/25
Summer 15/27/255/1/255/22/255/22/256/13/256/27/25

Now enrolling:

Next Apply Date 5/1/25
Start Class 5/27/25

Have questions or need more information about A‑State online programs?

Ready to take the next step toward earning your degree online from A-State?

Apply Now

Admissions

Here's what you'll need to enroll

Students who are interested in our Ed.D. in Educational Leadership – Higher Education Administration online program must have earned at least a master's degree from an accredited institution.

The Arkansas State Doctorate of Education in Educational Leadership is a highly competitive and limited class size program. Admission is not guaranteed even if your file is complete. Applications are evaluated based on a holistic approach including, but not limited to, leadership indicators, research papers, original work, publications, personal statement, academic readiness, work experience, and professional goals/aspirations

Admission Requirements:

  • Online application
  • Master's degree
  • GPA of 3.0
View all admission requirements +

  • A master's degree with a GPA of 3.0 or higher. Note: To be considered for the Ed.D. program, you must already have at least a master's. If you are currently completing your master's, the conferred degree must show on your transcript prior to the document submission deadline.
  • A professional resume.
  • Two references who can speak to your ability to matriculate into this doctoral program and complete a dissertation.

Application Submission Requirements

  • Complete online application and submit a nonrefundable $50 fee.
  • Send official master’s transcript sent from the registrar of the college/university attended. Official transcripts are sealed transcripts sent from the granting institution.
  • Submit a professional resume.
  • Submit two Recommendation Forms from references who can speak to your ability to matriculate into this doctoral program and complete a dissertation.
  • Write a two-page letter of interest describing how you are a good fit for the Ed.D. program.
  • Submit one of the following scholarly papers (properly cited). The Education field uses APA Style (7th edition) to cite work but we will accept another style if properly cited.
    • Two-page personal philosophy of leadership citing three sources or references.

    • OR

    • Research paper demonstrating ability to write at the post-graduate level (properly cited).

    Submit all documents to:

    A-State Online
    P.O. Box 2520
    State University, AR 72467

    Fax: 870-972-3548
    Email: [email protected]

DOCTORAL PROGRAM SUPPORT

From the first course to graduation, students have A-State’s full support. Our experienced faculty will teach, mentor and collaborate with you as you progress throughout the doctoral program.

Courses

Check out the Ed.D. in Educational Leadership - Higher Ed Admin online

Students in the Ed.D. in Educational Leadership online program must complete a total of 51 credit hours. Required coursework includes pre-doctoral core (6 hours of 5000 or 6000 graduate courses and ELFN 6773 Introduction to Statistics) which may be waived depending on pre-doctoral graduate coursework completed prior to enrollment, doctoral leadership core (24 credit hours), and doctoral leadership and dissertation core (27 credit hours).

Students must complete the following courses. The pre-doctoral courses include 6 hours of 5000 or 6000 graduate courses and Introduction to Statistics. Introduction to Statistics must be taken during the first semester of enrollment, if not taken within 6 years of enrollment in the program and if not completed with a B or better.

Visit the Course Registration page to view the course schedule for this degree.

Expand All

Students who do not have at least 39 hours of approved graduate level coursework may be required to complete 9 hours of sub-core courses consisting of 5000-6000 level courses in their second term. One of those courses must be ELFN 6773: Introduction to Statistics if student has not taken a statistics course within the past six years with a grade of B or higher. If a student has not taken a statistics course, this will be required in the first term to ensure that students are well equipped for doctoral-level research and methods courses. 

Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
An introductory course in methods and techniques of research, and the statistical treatment and interpretation of research data.
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
An examination of the theoretical assertions and empirical knowledge claims regarding the behavior of organizations with emphasis on implications of recent developments for leadership practice. Prerequisite: Admission to doctoral program.
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
The course explores course re assessment programs and research that informs planning and results in measurable improvements for students. The course will also explore how assessment can align programs with the goals and values of the institution, while satisfying accreditation requirements.
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
This course familiarizes students with statutory and case law that have implications for higher education administrators and policy makers with emphasis on such areas as employment, including affirmative action, dismissal, contracts, tenure, civil rights, due process, and student rights.
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
This course is designed to introduce students to the academic study of leadership on university campuses. It is designed to examine organizational theory, models, polices, governance and management processes, and leadership perspectives and theory.
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
The purpose of this course is to broaden knowledge of higher education institutions as dynamic systems within continually changing contexts.
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
This course will introduce students to concepts, theories, and fiscal practices of higher education budget and finance, and will offer numerous opportunities for students to analyze, test, and get feedback on their financial decision-making and the impact on higher education.
Duration: 14 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 1
Supervised development and composition of the dissertation prospectus.
Duration: 14 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 1
Dissertation II Chapter One
Duration: 14 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 1
Supervised composition of the dissertation literature review
Duration: 14 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 1
Approval of the literature review
Duration: 14 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 2
Supervised Composition of the dissertation methodology
Duration: 14 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Supervised data collection for the dissertation
Duration: 14 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Supervised data analysis and composition of the dissertation results.
Duration: 14 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Supervised composition of the dissertation conclusions.
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
The course is designed to focus on pedagogy, design, professional communication, and language and culture, challenging students to analyze teaching practices to ensure better alignment with discipline, personality, and context.
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
An advanced study of the methodology of research including quantitative and non-quantitative procedures.
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
A study of inferential statistics utilizing parametric and nonparametric procedures. Prerequisite: ELFN 6773 or equivalent.
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
This course examines educational ideas, concepts, and issues as it describes the social, political and economic issues and trends related to schools in a pluralistic society. Prerequisite: admission to doctoral program.
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
A study of research designs and statistical techniques to provide students with the opportunity to relate, integrate, and synthesize evaluation processes. Study will focus on theories and practices of curriculum and environmental and educative roles of instruction. Prerequisites: ELFN 7773, ELFN 7783, and admission to doctoral program.
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Study of the theoretical, conceptual and methodological aspects of research and evaluation methods derived from traditions of ethnographic and ethnomethodological inquiry. Prerequisites: ELFN 6773, ELFN 7773 and ELFN 7783, and admission to doctoral program.

*Applicants who have not previously earned an Ed.S. degree or do not have 39 hours of graduate-level coursework may be required to complete additional graduate-level coursework before beginning doctoral-level coursework. The Ed.D. program does not lead to licensure.

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