Doctor of Education, EDD

100% Online. Personalized Support. Transformational Leadership.

DEGREE:

Doctor of Education (Ed.D.)

DELIVERY:

100% Online

LOCATION:

Online

TIME REQUIRED:

Approximately 3 Years

Course Requirements

The Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) at Morehead State University prepares experienced professionals to lead meaningful change in education, organizations and communities. Designed for working professionals, this 100% online program combines rigorous academic study with practical application, allowing students to advance their careers while maintaining personal and professional commitments.

With personalized faculty support, dedicated advising and flexible coursework, the Ed.D. provides a supportive pathway to earning a terminal degree in approximately three years.

With 100% online coursework, rolling admissions and no application fee, the Ed.D. program offers a convenient and affordable pathway for working professionals seeking to advance their education and leadership skills.

SPECIALIZATIONS

Choose Your Specialization

Tailor your doctoral experience to your professional goals through specialized areas of study. Students develop advanced leadership, research and problem-solving skills while focusing on issues most relevant to their careers and communities.

The Adult and Higher Education Leadership option prepares scholar-leaders to shape the future of adult and postsecondary education through research, innovation, and ethical leadership.

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Learn more about administration for career and technical education programs, including problem-solving, legal and ethical issues, facilities development, and research methodology.

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The Educational Technology Leadership specialization offers problem-solving, planning, research methodology, program evaluation, and advanced multimedia design courses.

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The Exceptional Child Leadership specialization offers problem-solving, planning, research methodology, measurement techniques, special education programs and instruction, and legal and ethical issues in education.

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The P-12 Administrative Leadership specialization offers problem-solving, planning, research methodology, school superintendent, and district management.

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Why Choose MSU's Ed.D.?

100% Online Flexibility

Complete your doctoral degree entirely online through convenient 16-week courses designed to fit the schedules of working professionals.

Personalized Support

Receive individualized attention from faculty mentors and advisors who are committed to your academic and professional success.

Streamlined Transfer Process

MSU works closely with prospective students to evaluate prior graduate coursework and support a smooth transition into the program when applicable.

Rolling Admissions

Apply when the time is right for you. The Ed.D. program offers rolling admissions to provide additional flexibility for prospective students.

No Application Fee

Take the next step without the added cost of an application fee.

Apply to Graduate School

Invest in your future—apply to graduate school at Morehead State University today. With affordable tuition, flexible programs, and career-focused degrees, there’s never been a better time to take the next step.

Apply now

Dissertation and Applied Research

The Ed.D. program prepares students to investigate complex challenges and develop evidence-based solutions that create positive change in professional settings.

Research topics may include:

Educational leadership
Student success and retention
Teaching and learning
Organizational leadership
Workforce development
Community and regional impact
Policy and practice improvements

Collaborative Dissertation Opportunities

Students may have opportunities to engage in collaborative research experiences while completing dissertation requirements. Additional details are available through the program coordinator.

What You Can Do With an Ed.D.?

Graduates of the Ed.D. program are prepared for leadership roles across educational, nonprofit, governmental and organizational settings.

Potential career paths include:

Superintendent
Principal
District Administrator
Higher Education Administrator
Director of Student Success
Organizational Leader
Workforce Development Leader
Nonprofit Executive
Policy and Program Administrator
Instructional Leader

Admission Information

Ready to Apply?

The Doctor of Education program offers:

100% Online Delivery
Rolling Admissions
No Graduate School Application Fee
Personalized Advising
Multiple Specialization Options

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Requirements

Complete graduate application.
Letter of introduction/interest stating professional goals, leadership style, and educational philosophy.
Documentation of a master's degree from an institution accredited by a nationally recognized accreditation body. Must include official transcripts of all graduate work completed.
Score reports or GRE, MAT, or GMAT scores, including GRE Writing scores or on-demand writing samples (optional).
For international and ESL students, an appropriate TOEFL score or its equivalent.
Resume or vita (3-page maximum) documenting professional/leadership or educational technology, instructional design and training experience.
Three completed Ed.D. Candidate Recommendation letters. At least three professional references from persons in a position to evaluate the applicant's potential for success in a doctoral program, at least one to be completed by an immediate or up-line supervisor familiar with the candidate's leadership ability, or (for Ed. Tech strand) professional familiar with candidate's use of technology, instructional design, and training; others to be completed by professional colleagues or university faculty.

Applicants should use the letter of introduction to reflect their desire to be involved in a doctoral program designed to create practitioner-scholars. The letter should state professional goals and experiences related to the Ed.D. track to which the applicant is applying. The letter should include leadership and educational philosophy, focusing on the appropriate Ed.D. track.

Adult and Higher Education Leadership Track - To be completed by professional colleagues or university faculty familiar with the candidate's leadership ability. At least one letter should discuss leadership ability specific to the applicant's interests as expressed in the letter of introduction/intent.
Career & Technical Education - To be completed by professional colleagues or university faculty familiar with the candidate's leadership ability. At least one letter should discuss leadership ability specific to the applicant's interests as expressed in the letter of introduction/intent.
Educational Technology Leadership Track - At least one to be completed by a professional familiar with the candidate's use of technology, instructional design, and training; others to be completed by professional colleagues or university faculty familiar with the candidate's leadership ability.
Exceptional Child - At least one to be completed by an immediate or up-line supervisor; others to be completed by professional colleagues or university faculty familiar with the candidate's leadership ability.
P-12 Administrative Leadership Track - At least one to be completed by an immediate or up-line supervisor; others to be completed by professional colleagues or university faculty familiar with the candidate's leadership ability.

The resume will be holistically evaluated to determine how the person's past educational and work experiences have established a basis for the continued development of higher-level leadership skills.

Individual and group interviews will be conducted with a minimum of two Ed.D. faculty members. Applicants may be interviewed via audio/video technology solutions. A holistic evaluation will be made of the applicant during the interviews considering dispositions, personal leadership philosophy, evidence of ability to improve student achievement using effective student-centered teaching/learning practices, communication skills, use of best practices, and integrated use of technology. These dispositions, stated beliefs, and records of behaviors will be holistically scored to reflect leadership ability and potential as well as an assessment of the candidate's prospective success in the Ed.D. program.