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Earn Your EdD in 2 Years

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Complete the form below to access your program guide, which includes:

  • Detailed course descriptions
  • Admission requirements
  • Advisor availability calendar
  • Capstone project details

I have, or will complete, a master's degree.
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Fully Online & Flexible
100% online EdD with no residency and with no GRE required.

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Accelerated Courses
Focus on one course at a time and graduate in two years.

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Capstone Research Study
Analyze, write and defend original research related to your passion.

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*

Fast Facts

Learn More About Our Online Two-Year EdD Program

  • 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

Curriculum Snapshot

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).

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.

EdD Student Testimonials

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.

 

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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 
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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 
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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

 

Why Spalding For Your Online EdD?

Diverse. Inclusive. Compassionate.

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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.

Frequently Asked Questions

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.

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World's first university certified by The Charter For Compassion

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EdD Enrollment Support

Complete the form and get instant access to your program guide. An enrollment advisor will also connect with you to learn more about your goals and share how Spalding can help you reach them.

  • Admission Requirements
  • Curriculum Details
  • Clinical Placement
  • Enrollment Support
  • Financial Aid
  • Tuition Cost
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