What to Expect From an Online Ed.D. Program

In an era when educational institutions are expected to address complex challenges, including rising student needs, evolving accreditation standards and increasing demands for accountability, strong leadership is essential. Professionals who pursue the Doctorate of Education in Educational Leadership – Higher Education Administration or the Doctorate of Education in Educational Leadership from Arkansas State University (A-State) gain a strategic edge.  

These advanced programs help experienced educators expand their influence and prepare for executive-level roles in both K–12 and postsecondary settings. By earning an advanced degree, graduates give themselves a leg up in their careers. 

Leadership and Policy Analysis 

Educational leaders navigate shifting policy landscapes. Whether managing compliance in a school district or steering strategic planning at a university, the ability to assess and develop policy is critical. To do so, these professionals must be keenly familiar with data analysis. 

Data is not just a metric – it’s the foundation for decisions that can shape student success. Today’s educational leaders must be able to interpret and act on data to drive outcomes, from increasing retention rates to closing achievement gaps. In an interview with EdSurge, Assistant Superintendent Becky Mathison notes that “Data can help inform many instructional strategies, which is especially important in the current age where schools are asked to do more and more. […] In terms of quantitative data, having something that’s normed is invaluable. It allows for comparing a student’s growth over time and also noting their achievements against benchmarks.” 

However important, collecting data may seem like an extra burden for the already busy school leaders. The key here is efficiency – learning how to recognize what sort of data is valuable and what isn’t. As part of A-State’s Ed.D. programs, courses like Implementing Organizational Change in Higher Education and Educational Leadership Practices prepare students to lead through a lens of continuous, data-informed improvement. 

Valuable Credentials for Educational Leaders 

Future administrators face a rapidly evolving educational landscape shaped by demographic shifts, emerging technologies, workforce demands and rising expectations for inclusivity and access. To navigate this complexity, leaders must be prepared to rethink legacy systems and embrace forward-looking strategies. As Forbes emphasizes, institutions need leaders who can drive innovation, lead diverse teams and foster cultures of continuous improvement. 

Leaders must inspire transformation while keeping student needs at the forefront. The position requires a focus on equity, access and student-centered outcomes. That kind of leadership doesn’t come from experience alone. It’s cultivated through advanced, intentional preparation.  

Arkansas State’s online Ed.D. programs deliver that foundation, helping educational professionals step into leadership roles with the vision and capabilities to shape the future. Through courses such as Advanced Organizational Theory & Inquiry and Organizational Development in Education (P-12), students analyze how institutions operate, how change takes root and how to lead with emotional intelligence and ethical clarity.  

Impact on Career Growth 

Earning a higher degree in education can have several positive impacts in one’s career. Postsecondary education administrators earn a median salary of $167,270, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, with potential for even higher earnings in senior executive roles. Leadership positions in K–12 systems also offer significant career growth, especially for those prepared to lead innovation and reform. 

But professionals who pursue an Ed.D. are often seeking more than a promotion: they’re aiming for impact. The future of education depends on leaders who think boldly and act intentionally. They want to shape curriculum, drive institutional performance and create equitable opportunities for learners.  

Whether advancing policy, building inclusive campuses or redesigning learning environments, professionals with a Doctorate of Education from Arkansas State University are prepared to lead with clarity and purpose. Both of A-State’s online programs, Doctorate of Education in Educational Leadership – Higher Education Administration and Doctorate of Education in Educational Leadership, support that ambition by emphasizing decision-making, strategic communication and evidence-based planning. 

Learn more about Arkansas State’s online Doctorate of Education in Educational Leadership – Higher Education Administration and Doctorate of Education in Educational Leadership programs.