Shape the Future as an Education Innovator in Higher Education

Rockhurst University’s online Ed.D. in Education and Leadership program’s Higher Education concentration is your doctoral pathway to a career as an educator and leader. With this two-year online degree, you will have the credentials to qualify for university faculty roles and become an innovator and changemaker in the higher education arena.

In this program, you will deepen your knowledge of historical and modern educational frameworks and the key issues shaping today’s educational landscape and draw upon learning theory to implement best practices.

Comprehensive course offerings in the following areas focus on the essential skills leaders need to make a tangible impact in higher education:

  • Educational systems and policy
  • Teaching, learning and curriculum
  • Applied research

The Higher Education online Ed.D. is cohort-based to foster success and to help you build your network and connect with other leaders in your field.

  • This program is 100% online, so you can continue to work while you earn your doctorate.
  • A doctoral research capstone project at the end of the program synthesizes your studies into a publishable article and poster presentation.
  • A graduate DEI certificate is available at no additional cost.
Admission Requirements
  • Master’s degree in any field OR completion of 33 graduate credits
  • 3.0 GPA  
  • 2 Letters of recommendation (professional) 
  • Personal statement 
  • Research statement
  • Resume 
  • Transcripts from all universities attended  
    (Evaluations for international transcripts are required. WES and others are accepted.)
  • 2 years program length
    Flexible and accessible program
    can be completed in 2 years
  • committed to change and innovation
    Committed to change and innovation
    for communities and causes
  • capstone project
    One research capstone project
    no dissertation required
Program Features
  • 45 credit hours
  • $800 per credit hour
  • 6 semesters/2 years
  • 2 start dates per year
  • DEI certificate option available
Program Themes

Educational Systems and Policy
Deepen your knowledge of historical and modern educational frameworks and the key issues shaping today’s higher education landscape.

Teaching, Learning, and Curriculum
Draw upon learning theory to implement best practices in curriculum design, program assessment, and outcome measures.

Applied Research
Use vital tools to conduct quantitative and qualitative research to solve problems in your practice.

State Authorization

Residents in all 50 states are eligible to apply to Rockhurst’s online Ed.D. in Education and Leadership program.

Accreditation

Rockhurst University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. The School of Education is accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation. Business courses are accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business.