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I have, or will complete, a master's degree.
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World's first university certified by The Charter For Compassion

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Nationally Ranked University by U.S. News & World Report

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Join Our Mission to Serve Others

Our mission is more than words on paper. We live it. We share it. We take pride in it. As an online Spalding University student, we invite you to take our mission to serve others with you out into the world.

Spalding University is a diverse community of learners dedicated to meeting the needs of the times in the tradition of the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth through quality undergraduate and graduate liberal and professional studies, grounded in spiritual values, with emphasis on service and the promotion of peace and justice.

Spalding University Mission Statement

Why Spalding For Your Online EdD?

Diverse. Inclusive. Compassionate.

Join our diverse community of people who are fundamentally different from one another but have the same goals to learn, grow and carry forth the tradition of serving others with a compassionate spirit.

Service to Others

Dive into the many opportunities we offer to serve others and do good.

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Compassion in Action

Become a part of the world’s first institution certified as a Compassionate University.

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Dr. Andre L. Tompkins
"Despite my rigorous work schedule, I was able to maintain balance. I never missed a family dinner or a special moment with my children. The program’s flexibility allowed me to prioritize what matters most, without compromising my professional or academic goals."

Dr. Andre L. Tompkins, EdD Graduate & Texas Resident

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Dr. Zenas Rainey
"The EdD is a transformative program that challenges and keeps you engaged every step of the way."

Dr. Zenas Rainey, EdD Graduate & Virginia Resident

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Rev. Dr. Febin Barose
"The program was thorough, rigorous, and yet rewarding. The classes were thoughtfully designed, and the faculty were incredibly supportive and knowledgeable."

Rev. Dr. Febin Barose, EdD Graduate & California Resident

100%
Online

2
years to graduate

3
Intakes per year

28%
pay increase from Master's to Doctorate

Why I Chose Spalding 

Pursuing a degree while balancing a career in graduate education can feel daunting. I needed a program that would sharpen my research and analytical skills—Spalding stood out. Its long history of producing transformative leaders and the military-friendly structure made it a clear choice.

The Doctor of Education in Organizational Leadership (EdD) program’s efficiency, which uses less than 24 months of G.I. Bill benefits, sealed the deal. It was an investment in my future that paid off almost immediately.

 

Community & Support 

One of the things I cherished most about Spalding was the sense of community. My professors and cohort made every step of this journey manageable. Despite my rigorous work schedule, I was able to maintain balance. I never missed a family dinner or a special moment with my children. The program’s flexibility allowed me to prioritize what matters most, without compromising my professional or academic goals.

 

Rapid Career Growth 

When I graduated with my EdD from Spalding University, I never imagined how quickly my career would accelerate. Within months, I was promoted to serve as the Manpower Branch Chief for the U.S. Army Medical Center of Excellence at Ft. Sam Houston, TX.

In this role, I oversee the staffing and workforce strategy for U.S. Army Medical Graduate Education—akin to managing a school district’s educational effectiveness through appropriate teacher-to-student ratios and strategic decision-making that drive organizational success. 

 

Achieving Success 

Today, with my research accepted for journal publication, I reflect on the incredible foundation Spalding provided me. I fulfilled my parents' dream of higher education while creating a legacy of resilience and achievement for my children. Spalding University didn’t just give me a degree—it became my launchpad to a career I’m proud of and a life filled with purpose. 

If you’re ready to lead, grow and leave your own legacy, Spalding is where your journey should begin.

Dr. Andre L. Tompkins, EdD Graduate & Texas Resident

The Spalding University online Doctor of Education in Leadership (EdD) program has been an incredible asset in my academic journey. The EdD is a transformative program that challenges and keeps you engaged every step of the way. The professors are experts in their fields, supportive, encouraging, and genuinely invested in your success.

The collaborative nature of the EdD program, combined with a forward-thinking curriculum tailored to current industry needs, allowed me to bridge classroom knowledge with practical solutions in the workplace. This program's flexibility allowed me to further my education and professional development without sacrificing other crucial aspects of my life. The greatest convenience proved to be the supportive online platform which empowered me to reach my academic aspirations and maintain a reasonable work-life balance.

The EdD program's well-rounded approach enhanced my technical skills and honed my critical thinking and leadership skills, unveiling new possibilities for growth. Dr. Kristen Harris's analogy of the doctoral degree in education as "not just a terminal degree; it is a terminal, similar to an airport, propelling people toward uncharted territories brimming with knowledge and potential" rings true.

The online EdD program was instrumental in pursuing my passion and reaching my academic goals. It allowed me to connect with a diverse group of individuals from different geographic locations and varying perspectives. Thank you, Spalding University.

Dr. Zenas Rainey, EdD Graduate & Virginia Resident

I currently serve as the Director of Mission and Ministry at Mater Dolorosa Passionist Retreat Center in Sierra Madre, California. I recently achieved a significant milestone in my academic and professional journey by completing my EdD at Spalding University.

I pursued an EdD at Spalding to enhance my leadership skills and transform my understanding and application of leadership. The role of the church and its leadership, as I've come to realize, encompasses more than faith and rituals. In the Gospel, Jesus invites leaders to focus on the holistic development of individuals. I aimed to integrate this vision into my role as a priest-leader, equipped with education, knowledge, and leadership skills. My goal was to cultivate a mindset open to learning and adaptation and to help others develop the same mindset for change and growth. I can say with great confidence and contentment that I made the right choice to achieve my vision and goal.

The program was thorough, rigorous, and yet rewarding. The classes were thoughtfully designed, and the faculty were incredibly supportive and knowledgeable. The advantage of an interdisciplinary EdD program is that you get to focus on your field of leadership with critical thinking and a scientific approach. The research opportunities allowed me to explore my interests deeply. During my EdD journey, I never felt like an island or alone. EdD program director Dr. Thomas Malewitz, other instructors and non-teaching faculties, and librarians were accommodating and accompanied by their continuous support, kindness, and compassion. They all wanted us to bring the best out of us. What was most encouraging was the incredible peer support. Our class represented diverse professional leadership backgrounds: educators, medical professionals, nurses, social workers, marketing trainers, clergy, CEOs, managers, etc. This diversity made my world bigger and gave me different perspectives on the issues discussed. We academically, emotionally, and psychologically supported each other and shared our viewpoints professionally and respectfully. We often reminded each other that we were together. We have become good friends.

Personally and professionally, the EdD program at Spalding helped me develop my skills as a social scientist, including critical thinking in identifying, analyzing, and reporting any social problem. It has also improved how I think and read, my writing skills, and my communication. It made me realize that to be successful, you need a combination of hard work, patience, vision, persistence, and support. The journey is not smooth, but keeping going is the key. You will grow in belonging to a community of scholars and leaders. Scholars rely on the support of the research community, peers, mentors, instructors, and reviewers.

I want to borrow the words of one of my EdD instructors, Dr. Kristen Harris, who said that the doctorate is not a terminal degree but a terminal, as in an airport. You have another flight to take to other destinations and possibilities. This EdD gave me the skills, knowledge, experience, and confidence to excel in my leadership and professional field. It taught me to observe, evaluate, decide, and act effectively and systematically. And there is more to it, and the best is yet to behold.

I believe that the Doctorate Program in Leadership offered by Spalding University will help me to "meet the needs of the time (Spalding University Mission Statement)" and prepare me, as I envision myself to be a helper and guide to serve God's people and their needs in an effective, a healthy and holistic way. 

Rev. Dr. Febin Barose, EdD Graduate & California Resident

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