Interdisciplinary. Diverse. Transformative.
Amplify your influence to create sustainable change. Across all industries and roles, Spalding University’s online Doctor of Education in Organizational Leadership (EdD) equips you to lead more strategically and ethically.
Gain a fresh perspective on how to be a transformative leader in our collaborative, interdisciplinary, and globally conscious program. Intensive courses are delivered one at a time, allowing you to earn your terminal degree while continuing to work full-time and graduate in under two years.
Through our accredited online EdD program, you will stand out as an exemplary practitioner of ethical organizational leadership, an extraordinary team builder, a systems thinker and a driver of change and innovation in a global economy.
100%
online study, with no residencies
2
years to complete courses & graduate
20-25
hours of effort expected each week
28%
pay increase from Master's to Doctorate*
* (Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics)
-
- Master’s degree from an accredited college or university
- 3.0 GPA
- Resume
- 2-3 Letters of recommendation
- Critique of a journal article
- Official transcripts from all schools
- Interview
- No GRE required
-
-
-
- Master’s degree from an accredited college or university
- 3.0 GPA
- Resume
- 2-3 Letters of recommendation
- Critique of a journal article
- Official transcripts from all schools
- Interview
- No GRE required
Apply Today
Next Application Deadline:
- Fall 2025:
July 31, 2025
Next Start Date:
- Fall 2025:
August 25, 2025
Access Full Curriculum
We’re here to answer your questions. Simply fill in your information and an advisor will reach out to you soon.
-
This course examines effective, ethical, creative and transformative ways of implementing organizational and community change. Students learn how a leader can drive and shape an organization to embrace, foster and promote individual and collective innovation. Further, students explore skills and strategies to systematize operations and confirm digital access and appropriate infrastructure for an organization to thrive in a global marketplace. In addition, through written and other forms of assessment, students demonstrate accountability in the mindful use and application of transformative processes, just as students learn strategic planning, the importance of team building and the significance of creating partnerships. Students also analyze a case study to identify and articulate the underlying leadership problem(s).
-
-
-
This course examines effective, ethical, creative and transformative ways of implementing organizational and community change. Students learn how a leader can drive and shape an organization to embrace, foster and promote individual and collective innovation. Further, students explore skills and strategies to systematize operations and confirm digital access and appropriate infrastructure for an organization to thrive in a global marketplace. In addition, through written and other forms of assessment, students demonstrate accountability in the mindful use and application of transformative processes, just as students learn strategic planning, the importance of team building and the significance of creating partnerships. Students also analyze a case study to identify and articulate the underlying leadership problem(s).
The Doctoral Capstone Advantage
The capstone project at Spalding University is academically rigorous and directly beneficial to your professional goals. Unlike the broader scope of a traditional dissertation, the capstone project is structured into five key phases: literature review, methodologies, context/history/problem-to-be-solved, empirical findings, and analysis. This streamlined approach allows you to produce a potentially publishable piece of research more efficiently, with greater focus and precision.
01
Focused for Leaders
Evolve your leadership approach with applied research that can be directly implemented in your workplace, providing immediate benefits.
02
Supportive Mentorship
Unlock your potential with personalized writing help, expert faculty mentoring, and integrated coursework designed to elevate your capstone project.
03
Interdisciplinary Workshop
Join our annual workshop to connect with peers in programs like psychology, social work, and healthcare to get doctoral resources and templates strengthen your research.
04
Findings & Defense
Complete 50-70 pages of research and defend it during a 20-minute presentation detailing your process and findings.
What Can I Do with a Doctor of Education in Leadership?
From the classroom to the boardroom, leadership skills are valuable in every industry. Online EdD graduates carry out our mission to serve others in a variety of roles, organizations and disciplines.
Educational Leadership
Improve teaching and learning outcomes for students, educators and communities. Educational leadership roles may include:
- Administrator such as principal, department leader, dean, provost
- Curriculum specialist
- Education consultant
- Policy advocate
- Superintendent
Business Leadership
Influence and elevate success in a variety of organizational settings. Leadership roles in the business sector may include:
- Executive leader
- Consultant
- Human resources director
- Thought leader
- Vice president of learning & development
Nonprofit & Public Leadership
Make a bigger difference as you improve the quality of life for individuals and communities. Leadership roles in the nonprofit and public sectors may include:
- Community relations director
- Government official
- Grant writer/manager
- Policy advisor
- Public health educator
EdD vs. PhD: What is the Difference?
For leaders passionate about education, there are two main doctoral degrees to consider: a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) or Doctor of Education (EdD). While both are significant academic achievements, they differ in emphasis, methodology and career outcomes.
The chart below outlines distinctions between each program.
EdD | PhD in Education | |
---|---|---|
Program Objectives | Applied & practical | Research & theoretical |
Students | 3-6 years | 4-7 years |
Learned Outcomes | Addresses practical problems, often applied in real-world settings | Contributes original research to the theoretical understanding |
Resources | Leadership roles in all fields including education, business or consulting | Academia, research or specialized fields within education |
If you don’t find the answers to your questions here, contact your enrollment advisor and schedule a time to talk that’s convenient for you.
A Doctor of Education (EdD) is a prestigious academic credential that equips current and future leaders with advanced knowledge and expertise. It emphasizes the practical application of theory and research to address real-world challenges.
Yes, this program is 100% online and designed for dedicated working professionals. Plan to allocate 20-25 hours each week to stay on track with coursework and projects.
An EdD emphasizes applied research and practical educational leadership skills, making it more universally applicable in industries like business, education, nonprofit organizations, social work, public health and more.
A PhD focuses on theoretical research and making scholarly contributions in academia and specialized fields in education.
No, you will complete a capstone research study.
While both are extensive and rigorous, your capstone focuses on applying your research to practical challenges instead of purely theoretical research like a traditional dissertation.
Our online EdD in Organizational Leadership program costs $840 per credit hour, for a total program investment of $50,400 (plus applicable fees).
Financial aid is available to our online students.
Check out our blog

