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All Master's & Doctoral Programs
EdD

Educational Leadership

Format & Location

Online, Low Residency

School/College

School of Education & Human Development
Video Poster

Start Dates

Fall (September)

Application Deadline

Priority: July 15

Completion

36 months

Schedule

Part-Time

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Attend a Virtual Information Session Check for Upcoming Dates

Fairfield University's Doctorate in Education (EdD) in Educational Leadership is a three-year online, low-residency program with a focus on educational leadership. Students can choose between two tracks: the Teacher Leader track or the Higher Education Administration track.

What You'll Learn and Do

Pursue the Teacher Leader Track.

The Teacher Leader track is tailored for certified, experienced educators who already have taken on, or seek to take on, expanded roles and responsibilities in their grade-level teams, departments, schools, or districts. This track aims to influence teaching and learning practices on a greater scale.

Pursue the Higher Education Administration Track.

The Higher Education Administration track prepares professionals working in higher education to advocate for equity and the well-being of their student communities. This track equips leaders for roles across postsecondary settings, such as student affairs, institutional advancement, admissions, marketing, and communications.

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Course Requirements

EdD in Educational Leadership

54 credits

Contact Us

Graduate Admission
gradadmis@fairfield.edu
(203) 254-4184

Doctorate in Education (EdD) in Educational Leadership students attending a summer workshop on dissertations.

Dissertations & Capstones

At Fairfield, the EdD program shapes leaders grounded in Jesuit values, walking alongside the marginalized and serving humanity. This commitment shines through in the rich, varied dissertation topics of our graduates, each offering a unique and powerful perspective on educational leadership.

Learn From Industry Experts

Fairfield’s award-winning faculty have deep expertise in educational leadership. Many are also contributors of the most respected publications in the industry. You’ll benefit from their firsthand insights and guidance on the way to your doctorate of educational leadership.

View All Faculty

Robert D. Hannafin
Robert D. Hannafin
Professor of Educational Studies and Teacher Preparation, Education
George (Tony) Peffer
Director, Doctoral Program (EdD) in Educational Leadership
Emily Smith
Emily Smith
Professor, Senior Director of the Center for Academic Excellence | Co-Director and Advisor, Minor in Educational Studies, Curriculum | Director of Faculty Mentoring

Admission Information

Applicants to the Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership must hold a MEd, EdS, or master's degree in a relevant field with a minimum GPA of 3.0. Applicants should currently be working in either higher education or PK-12.

Priority Deadline: July 15 for fall admission. Candidates may be considered past the deadline if space permits.  

Career Outlook

Through Fairfield’s EdD program, you’ll develop the skills that can be directly applied to your current of future career as an educational leader.

Employment Opportunities

Examples of employment opportunities for a doctorate in educational leadership degree holders include:

  • Leadership at the school, district, state, and national levels
  • Higher Education Vice President
  • Tenure-track Education and Education Leadership Faculty
  • Educational Administrators
  • Deans

The educational leadership faculty are incredible; working professionals with current, first-hand experience in the field. Students in my cohort are supportive and collaborative which definitely helped me survive and thrive. The challenging content in this program has led to personal and professional growth."

– Jill Feltus

Student Learning Objectives

Ethical Leaders

Ethical leaders who engage in decision-making driven by principles, justice, honesty, and respect and work toward the well-being of all learners and the greater school community.

Reflective Scholar- Practitioners

Critically reflective scholar-practitioners who use data and co-construct knowledge to address educational challenges and opportunities to improve teaching and learning for all students.

Advocates for Social Justice

 Advocates for social justice and anti-racist policies and practices who take action as leaders with and for students, families, communities, and organizations for transformative change.

Compassionate Relationship-Builders

Compassionate relationship-builders who inspire, serve, and lead within learning communities and build capacity to improve educational opportunities for all.

Organizational Collaborators

Organizational collaborators who forge partnerships that will inspire and motivate key community stakeholders to transform learning experiences for all students.

Agents of Change

Change agents who address educational issues through multiple perspectives within the social, political, and emotional context of communities.

News & Career Resources

Featured

Image of a group of smiling people poses together in front of a colorful banner.

First EdD Candidates Graduate

The first 14 students in the School of Education and Human Development's Doctorate in Educational Leadership (EdD) program have successfully finished the program and defended their dissertations.

Student and teacher interaction in classroom

Why We Need Teacher Leaders in K-12 Now More than Ever

Two people walking through the SEHD

School of Education and Human Development Programs Top Forbes and College Factual Rankings

More News

Frequently Asked Questions

Applicants will be required to provide:

  • The online application and appropriate application fees
  • Official transcripts from all previously earned degrees
  • Three letters of recommendation from individuals who can speak to leadership experiences and commitment to equity and excellence for all students
  • A professional resume
  • A two-page statement of purpose in which the applicant describes their work as a higher education professional or an educator, including a discussion of leadership activities, professional goals, research interests, and reasons for pursuing a scholar-practitioner doctoral degree at Fairfield University
  • A product or example (in the form of a sample of work, presentation, project, or proposal) from their teaching or leadership work that shows their efforts to bring about sustained change intended to result in equitable outcomes for all students

The Jesuit Education Teacher Leader Scholarship is for new students admitted who are also teachers at Jesuit high schools. The scholarship applies $1,000 towards tuition in the first semester. For more information please contact Program Director Bob Hannafin.

Applicants may transfer up to nine credits into the EdD program with approval from the director.

The EdD in Educational Leadership is a low residency program and cannot support international students seeking an I-20, which is needed to receive an F1 student visa.

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