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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

32 months

Schedule

Part-Time

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Attend a Virtual Information Session Check for Upcoming Dates

Lead change that matters and finish your doctorate in 32 months.

Fairfield’s EdD in Educational Leadership prepares working educators and higher education professionals to lead meaningful change through online learning, summer residencies, and a practice-based dissertation. Rooted in Fairfield’s Jesuit mission, the program emphasizes evidence, purpose, and justice.

Why Fairfield’s EdD

Finish in 32 months.

Many education doctorates take three to four years or longer. Fairfield's program is built so working professionals can finish in 32 months. The program is part-time with a sequenced curriculum that builds the dissertation as you proceed, rather than waiting to the end.

Online flexibility, in-person connection.

Coursework is online and designed to foster community and collaboration. Each summer of your second and third years, a 3-day on-campus residency brings your cohort together for seminars, networking and research workshops with faculty.

A cohort that becomes your network.

You'll move through the program with the same group of education professionals. Your classmates bring different settings and perspectives, and they become a lasting network that that includes your cohort and the extensive Fairfield's EdD alumni.

Lead evidence-based, mission-driven change.

The curriculum focuses on using data to drive improvement, leading from clear values, and creating meaningful change in education. It reflects Fairfield's Jesuit commitment to forming leaders who serve others.

Residency

During their second and third years, students take part in an in-person summer residency. This immersive experience fosters community and includes engaging seminars, opportunities to connect with peers, and dedicated workshops to develop dissertation topics alongside faculty and fellow students.

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Find Out More

Course Requirements

EdD in Educational Leadership

Contact Us

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

Define Your Future

Admissions

From your first admission conversation to graduation and beyond, you’ll find support at every turn. The Fairfield University student support network is dedicated to meeting your needs. You’ll receive personal, academic, and financial guidance as you complete your Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership.

Meet Your Graduate Admission Counselor

Admission Requirements

Tuition and Financial Aid

Credits: 54

Cost per Credit: $1,195

Estimated Tuition: $64,530

Estimated tuition does not include fees or annual cost-per-credit increases. Figures are based on the 2026-27 rate.

Tuition & Costs

Financial Aid

Additional Financial Resources

The SEHD Advantage

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Accelerate Your Career and Make Change Happen As A Leader

Choose the track that best aligns with your professional goals.

The Teacher Leader track is designed for experienced educators looking to take on expanded leadership roles and influence teaching and learning across schools and districts.

The Higher Education Administration track prepares professionals for leadership roles across areas such as student affairs, admissions, finance, advancement, marketing, and communications.

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A CPED member program

Fairfield is a member of the Carnegie Project on the Education Doctorate (CPED). CPED is a national group of more than 100 schools of education working to strengthen the EdD as the professional doctorate for practitioners. Membership means the program follows CPED's framework for practice-based doctoral preparation. It also gives students access to CPED's national network, conferences, and resources.

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

Your Dissertation in Practice

Turn research into real-world impact. Fairfield’s dissertation in practice challenges you to investigate a problem within an organization and develop evidence-based solutions that can create meaningful change. You’ll begin shaping your topic in your first year and typically defend your dissertation within the 32-month program. View sample dissertations:

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
Rob Schnieders
Rob Schnieders
Vice President, Strategic Initiatives and Chief of Staff to the President | Interim Director, EdD in Education Leadership
Emily Smith
Emily Smith
Professor, Department of Psychological & Educational Consultation | Director, Center for Academic Excellence

Every course challenged me to rethink how we design systems, communicate with students, and remove barriers to success. What stood out was how meaningfully the coursework shaped my approach to leadership."

- Kristen Smith, EdD'26

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Career Outlook

Through Fairfield's EdD program, you'll develop leadership skills that can be immediately applied to your current role while preparing you for future opportunities in educational leadership. Graduates consistently report that the program has helped them advance their careers and achieve their professional goals.

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, EdD'26

Accreditation Information

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 Meaningful Change

Leaders who advocate for meaningful change and take action with and for students, families, communities, and organizations to create lasting impact.

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.

Latest EdD in Educational Leadership News

Featured

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Leaning Into Learning

Fairfield’s Doctorate in Educational Leadership (EdD) is a can-do degree for the working professional.

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Doctorate in Educational Leadership Students Present Research at Annual Symposium

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

More News

Sometimes, we talk ourselves out of what we think is insurmountable, but [at Fairfield] the professors are here to help you. They want you to succeed, and you learn to chip away at the work you need to do.”

– Meghan Troy, EdD’26

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.

All EdD students complete a dissertation focused on a problem, challenge, or opportunity in educational leadership, informed by scholarly literature and independent research. Students begin working with a Dissertation Chair in during their second year, with additional committee members joining in this third year.

Students typically present their dissertation proposal in late March or early April of year two and complete their dissertation during year three.

Students receive guidance from their Dissertation Chair and Committee throughout the research and writing process. Additional University resources include the Graduate Student Success Coach, the DiMenna-Nyselius Library, which provides support with research, literature reviews, APA style, and citation management, and the University Writing Center, which offers support throughout the writing process.

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