Program Overview
Future higher ed administrators start here
Prepare to help shape the future of higher education with the Ed.D. in Educational Leadership – Higher Education Administration online program from A-State. This highly specialized 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.




Arkansas State University is accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP), formerly known as the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE), 1140 19th Street, NW, Suite 400, Washington, D.C. 20036. Phone: 202-223-0077.
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.
Prepare for expanded career opportunities, including:
- Academic Dean
- Provost
- College/University President
- Chief Learning (Academic) Officer
*Applicants who previously earned an Ed.S. degree do not need to take the pre-doctoral 9-credit-hour leveling coursework. These applicants will satisfy the Ed.D. academic requirements with 51 credit hours. The Ed.D. program does not lead to licensure.
Doctoral Program Support
From the first course to the final dissertation, students have A–State's full support. Our experienced faculty will teach, mentor and collaborate with you as you progress throughout the doctoral program.
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. Tuition includes all administrative fees.


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.
Next Start & Application Due Dates:


Term | Length | Course Begin | Course End | Application Deadline | Document Deadline | Registration Deadline | Payment Deadline | Last Day to Withdraw |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Summer 2023 | 5 wk | 05/30/2023 | 06/30/2023 | 05/01/2023 | 05/01/2023 | 05/25/2023 | 05/26/2023 | 06/16/2023 |
Fall 2023 | 7 wk | 08/21/2023 | 10/06/2023 | 08/01/2023 | 08/01/2023 | 08/17/2023 | 08/18/2023 | 09/22/2023 |
Admissions
Here’s what you will 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.
- Complete online application and submit a nonrefundable $50 fee
- Official transcript(s) sent from the registrar of the college/university attended. Official transcripts are sealed transcripts sent from the sending institution.
- Have a master's GPA of 3.0 or higher.**
**(Please note, you must have completed at least your Masters degree already in order to be eligible for consideration into the Ed.D. program. If you are currently completing your Master, you will need to have the degree conferred on your transcript prior to document submission deadline in order for it to be considered in your application)
- 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 (6th edition) to cite work but we will accept another style if properly cited.
- Two-page personal philosophy of leadership citing three sources or references
- Research paper demonstrating ability to write at the post-graduate level (properly cited).
Submit all documents to:
A-State OnlineP.O. Box 2520
State University, AR 72467
Fax: 870-972-3548
Email: [email protected]
For Non-US Postal Mail Overnight Delivery Only:
Academic Partnershipsc/o Central Receiving
2713 Pawnee St.
Jonesboro, AR 72401
Courses
Check out the Ed.D. in Educational Leadership ‐ Higher Ed Admin online coursework
Students in the Ed.D. in Educational Leadership online program must complete a total of 60 credit hours. Required coursework includes pre-doctoral core (6 hours of 5000 or 6000 graduate courses and ELFN 6773 Introduction to Statistics), 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.
Students must complete the following courses. Doctoral sub-core courses are required only for students who did not previously earn an Ed.S. degree. All students are required to take and pass the Comprehensive Leadership Core exam after completing the first 12 doctoral core courses. Students may take the test twice, if needed.
Doctoral Sub-Core:
Students who do not have an Ed.S. degree are required to take 9 hours of sub-core courses to start the program, including ELFN 6773 and 6 hours of 5000 or 6000 graduate courses.
ELFN 6773: Introduction to Statistics and Research
Duration: 7 weeks | Credit Hours: 3
An introductory course in methods and techniques of research, and the statistical treatment and interpretation of research data.
Doctoral Leadership Core:
ELAD 8043: Advanced Organizational Theory & Inquiry
Duration: 7 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.
HIED 8203: Higher Education Assessment & Accreditation
Duration: 7 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.
HIED 8253: Higher Education Policy & Law
Duration: 7 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.
HIED 8313: Higher Education Leadership
Duration: 7 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, policies, governance and management processes, and leadership perspectives and theory.
HIED 8333: Implementing Organizational Change in Higher Education
Duration: 7 weeks | Credit Hours: 3
The purpose of this course is to broaden knowledge of higher education institutions as dynamic systems within continually changing contexts.
HIED 8343: Higher Education Finance
Duration: 7 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.
Doctoral Research and Dissertation Core:
ELAD 8501: Dissertation I Prospectus
Duration: 14 weeks | Credit Hours: 1
Supervised development and composition of the dissertation prospectus.
ELAD 8511: Dissertation II Chapter One
Duration: 14 weeks | Credit Hours: 1
Supervised composition of the dissertation introduction
ELAD 8521: Dissertation III Chapter Two
Duration: 14 weeks | Credit Hours: 1
Supervised composition of the dissertation literature review
ELAD 8531: Dissertation IV Chapter Two Approval
Duration: 14 weeks | Credit Hours: 1
Approval of the literature review.
ELAD 8532: Dissertation V Chapter 3
Duration: 14 weeks | Credit Hours: 2
Supervised Composition of the dissertation methodology.
ELAD 8613: Dissertation VI Chapter 4 Data Collection
Duration: 14 weeks | Credit Hours: 3
Supervised data collection for the dissertation
ELAD 8623: Dissertation VII Chapter 4 Data Analysis
Duration: 14 weeks | Credit Hours: 3
Supervised data analysis and composition of the dissertation results.
ELAD 8633: Dissertation VIII Chapter 5
Duration: 14 weeks | Credit Hours: 3
Supervised composition of the dissertation conclusions.
HIED 8213: Teaching in Higher Education
Duration: 7 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.
ELFN 7773: Advanced Educational Research
Duration: 7 weeks | Credit Hours: 3
An advanced study of the methodology of research including quantitative and non-quantitative procedures.
ELFN 7783: Advanced Educational Statistics
Duration: 7 weeks | Credit Hours: 3
A study of inferential statistics utilizing parametric and nonparametric procedures. Prerequisite: ELFN 6773 or equivalent.
ELFN 8763: Socio Cultural Issues of Education
Duration: 7 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.
ELFN 8773: Educational Research & Evaluation
Duration: 7 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.
ELFN 8783: Qualitative Research & Evaluation
Duration: 7 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.