Online and Distance Learning

An educational leadership and administration PhD is a very useful qualification if you want to progress in a career in school or college management.

These PhD programs (and variants such as an educational management and administration PhD programs) are designed to enhance your expertise and career potential in school and college administration. 

Most people who choose to specialize in this subject are already licensed teachers or school administrators wishing to further their career in administration.  Indeed, a doctorate in this subject is required for principal or superintendent licensure in several states of the US.

This page provides information on what is studied and where you can study such programs online. It mainly provides links to schools with online programs.  If you want an on-campus program, check the information using the navigation links for On Campus Programs and On Campus Universities.

Finding the schools and educational leadership and administration programs you want

If you want to browse PhD programs in educational leadership and administration (or doctoral programs in educational management and administration, or other related area) use the search form or the list of schools below.

• University of Phoenix Online
  • Doctor of Education / Educational Leadership
  • Doctor of Education in Ed. Leadership / Educational Technology

• Capella University
  • EdD - Educational Leadership and Management
  • EdS - Leadership in Educational Administration
  • PhD - Counselor Education and Supervision
  • PhD - Leadership in Educational Administration

• Grand Canyon University
  • Ed. D. in Organizational Leadership with an Emphasis in Behavioral Health
  • Ed. D. in Organizational Leadership with an Emphasis in Effective Schools
  • Ed. D. in Organizational Leadership with an Emphasis in Higher Education Leadership
  • Ed. D. in Organizational Leadership with an Emphasis in Instructional Leadership

• Walden University
  • Ed.S. in Administrator Leadership for Teaching and Learning
  • Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) - Higher Education Leadership
  • Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) - Administrator Leadership for Teaching and Learning
  • Ph.D. in Education - Adult Education Leadership
  • Ph.D. in Education - Community College Leadership
  • Ph.D. in Education - K-12 Education Leadership

• The University of the Rockies Online
  
  • Doctor of Psychology - Educational Leadership Specialization

For schools in Canada

Click here for a page that links to campus universities and campus colleges in Canada. It also provides some advice on choosing a suitable campus.

Click here and then enter your Canadian postal code to search for Canadian college or university campuses.

What can you expect with the programs?

An online educational leadership and administration doctoral program is designed for teachers who are interested in a career as a principal or educational administrator.

A typical program might include some the taught courses included in the masters.  But doctoral programs also include a substantial thesis, which usually enables you to concentrate on an area of study and research relevant to your career and interests in educational administration and leadership.  Programs might also include a residential period. 

Graduates of a PhD in educational leadership and administration are equipped to pursue a career as a principal of a elementary, middle, or secondary school; academic dean; department chair; or other administrative and leadership position.

In the United States, the annual income with either a campus or an online educational administration degree is around $85,000 for elementary school principals to nearly $100,000 for school superintendants. 

For more information 

Related pages:

• Educational leadership doctorate - for leadership careers in higher education, adult education, community college and K-12 education.
• Education management PhD - for senior careers in the operation of educational organizations.
• Education administration PhD - for careers in educational administration, supervision, leadership, and school development.

For more information

Use this link to find programs and schools near you.

Use the search facility on this site to find more educational leadership and administration programs.

Remember to compare the admission requirements and course content of several schools before you choose a program.

Campus Programs

For those students who feel that online learning and distance education is not for them, the web site also has a section on campus programs. 

You can also search for a program or a school near you.