Doctor of Education in Leadership
Earn your Ed.D. degree through hybrid or fully online classes.
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Become a Transformative Education Leader
Designed for working professionals, the Doctor of Education in Leadership at Concordia University Irvine is an excellent choice for leaders who want to make meaningful change in education, educational administration, or any organization. The Ed.D. Leadership curriculum offers practical instruction in leadership so you can guide organizations toward improvement and effectiveness. Through your study of theory and applied research, you’ll come to embody the knowledge, character, and skills needed to be a catalyst for change.
The Doctor of Education in Leadership allows you to belong to a small cohort. This group gives you the opportunity to interact with and learn from faculty and your peers. To enhance your understanding of policy, law, and culture that affect learning organizations, educational trips are embedded within the curriculum. When it comes to the dissertation process, you’ll get an individualized learning plan and be guided by senior faculty. Graduate students choose from three areas of specialization:
- Educational Administration
- Organizational Change
- Access, Intervention, and Student Success
The online version of the program is designed for students who live farther away from campus. You’ll have both synchronous and asynchronous classes. You’ll also have the option to choose a hybrid or online format. Most students opt for hybrid, which allows you to take both in-person classes and real-time video courses.
On Campus and Online
Courses are offered in a hybrid or fully online format.
46 Units
Complete your program in 3 years.
$1,110/Unit
Financial aid is available to those who qualify.
Getting Started
Concordia’s Ed.D. programs emphasize the study of leadership theories and practice in educational settings. Throughout the program, you’ll develop analytical skills by examining schools and other learning organizations as complex systems – focusing on understanding the factors influencing their success.
Next Start
August 31, 2026
Upcoming Starts
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Fall 2 2026 October 26, 2026
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Spring 1 2027 January 11, 2027
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Spring 2 2027 March 8, 2027
Curriculum
Core Curriculum (Sample Courses):
- EDD701 – Leadership for Whole System Reform
- EDD702 – Building Capacity for Learning and Continuous Improvement
- EDD703 – Policy, Law, and Practice in Dynamic Settings
- EDD704 – Global Leadership and Communication
- OR EDD705 – Intercultural Leadership and Communication
View the Concordia University Irvine Online Catalog for full Program Learning Outcomes, course listings, and GLO Alignment.
Upon completion of your Doctor of Education in Leadership, you’ll be able to:
- Analyze and apply concepts and skills necessary to create, lead, and manage learning organizations.
- Initiate, assemble, arrange, and reformulate ideas, concepts, designs, and methods through a research project in your field of interest.
- Analyze and apply standards of ethics informed by Christian teachings as you fulfill one of your vocations as a servant leader.
- Communicate with empathy, honesty, and vulnerability to foster connections and encourage collaboration – while striving for a balance between confidence and humility, promoting respect and responsibility in interactions.
- Establish reflective behaviors and principles that are self-aware, nonreactive, and motivated to honor the heart of God.
- Deepen understandings across cultures and contexts, engaging in honorable conversations, partnerships, and initiatives across diverse communities.
Clear Administrative Services Credential
Through a partnership with the School for Learning and Leadership at the Orange County Department of Education, Concordia University Irvine provides graduates of its Preliminary Administrative Services Credential (PASC) program with a seamless pathway to earning the Clear Administrative Services Credential (CASC).
Graduates who have secured an administrative position are eligible to enroll in OCDE’s Clear Administrative Services Credential Program, where they receive individualized coaching and professional learning designed to support their continued growth as educational leaders. Upon successful completion of all program requirements, candidates are recommended for the Clear Administrative Services Credential.
To begin the enrollment process, graduates should contact the Orange County Department of Education’s Clear Administrative Services Credential Program and identify themselves as graduates of the Concordia University Irvine School of Education.
As a benefit of this partnership, current students and alumni of Concordia University Irvine are eligible for a preferred tuition rate when enrolling in OCDE’s Clear Administrative Services Credential Program, reinforcing our shared commitment to supporting the continued growth of educational leaders.
Katy Ramezani, Ed.D.
Executive Director
[email protected]
714-647-2592
Kate Crawford, M. Ed.
Program Administrator
[email protected]
714-966-4314
“Flipped” Learning Sessions
The program utilizes a “flipped” classroom, instructional approach to learning. As such, each student is expected to complete assignments (i.e., video lessons, assigned readings, critiques of scholarly articles, etc.) in preparation to engage in discussions or activities with fellow cohort members and their instructor during real-time learning sessions and discussion board posts. Learning session activities vary and promote a learner-centered model that engages students in active learning, highly differentiated instruction, collaboration, higher-order thinking and problem-solving.
Integrated Dissertation
The integrated dissertation track is designed to immerse doctoral students in research from the beginning through completion of the program. Starting the dissertation process at the beginning of the program allows and encourages students to integrate — when appropriate — their coursework topics with dissertation seminar discussions, as they progress through the dissertation track process. The track consists of five distinctive phases: Search for Researchable Problems, Scholarly Writing and Research Methods, Comprehensive Dissertation Proposal, Dissertation Research, and Degree Completion.
The Dissertation Experience
You will collaborate in small groups with a faculty member to select a researchable problem that is interesting, significant, ethical, and manageable. In subsequent terms, you will work individually with your respective dissertation chair, focusing attention on scholarly writing skills and research methods specific to your dissertation proposal.
Once a dissertation committee has been designated, you complete the proposal and then begin data collection and analysis. Research benchmarks are integrated across the curriculum to ensure that you have an appropriate foundation to build upon concepts, theories, and research in preparation for dissertation research. The dissertation committee stays with you until the completion of your dissertation.
Ed.D. Specializations
Educational Administration
The Educational Administration specialization is designed to enhance your leadership knowledge and skills. You’ll better understand how to manage both human and fiscal resources — and in a way that supports learning for all students. The content within the educational administration specialization aligns your degree with the eight leadership competencies for the State of California’s Clear Administrative Services Credential.
Access, Intervention, and Student Success
With the Access, Intervention, and Student Success specialization, you’ll be prepared to lead and support teachers who do this work day in and day out. You’ll develop programming, manage resources and budgets, stay up to date on compliance, and even advocate for the teachers and students you believe in.
Access, Intervention, and Student Success leaders help make education accessible to many students — irrespective of gifts or learning disabilities and physical/cognitive ability. In 2021-22 — the most recent data available — 7.3 million students in K-12 public schools reported a disability. That’s 15% of the total student population.2
Tuition and Fees
At Concordia, we understand that investing in your education is a significant decision. That’s why we offer a variety of scholarships and financial aid options to help make your academic journey more affordable. View tuition costs and fees.
Lutheran Educator Discount
At Concordia, we understand that investing in your education is a significant decision. That’s why we offer a variety of scholarships and financial aid options to help make your academic journey For applicants currently serving as a teacher or administrator in a Lutheran school, Concordia offers a 10% discount on tuition when you pursue a degree through Concordia University Irvine’s School of Education. Candidates for this special discount simply need to submit a signed letter from their school administrator verifying employment along with all application materials.
CUI Alumni Loyalty Discount
For applicants who have earned a degree from Concordia University Irvine, the university offers a 10% discount on tuition when you pursue an additional degree or program through our School of Education. Candidates for this special discount simply need to inform the Admissions Office of your eligibility when applying for admissions.*
*Students receiving Concordia Faculty/Staff Waiver, Graduate Assistants, and Scholarship Athletes cannot combine with tuition discounts.
Admission Requirements
View the Graduate Application page for full details on application and admission requirements.
Expand Your Perspectives
The Ed.D. program embeds educational trips within the curriculum to enhance student understanding of how policy, law, and culture affect learning organizations. These trips also offer students and faculty the opportunity to build a sense of community and camaraderie within the cohort.
The required Washington, D.C., trip is taken during the summer semester of your first year enrolled in the program. The optional trip to the People’s Republic of China is offered your second year during summer semester.
Education Trips Costs and Requirements
The Ed.D. program includes educational trips that enhance student understanding of policy, law, and practice to effect change in dynamic and diverse educational settings while building a sense of community among students and faculty.
- Ed.D. Required Washington D.C. trip: Costs vary, but average approximately $2,000 plus airfare.
- Ed.D. Optional People’s Republic of China trip: Costs vary, but average approximately $4,000.
Note: Costs are an estimate. Actual costs depend on market fluctuations of currency rates and actual costs
Washington, D.C. Trip
EDD 706: Policy, Law, and Practice in Dynamic Settings
Travel to Washington, D.C., and meet with government officials to discuss standards, policies, and entities that presently guide decisions at the national, state, district, and school levels and how political aspects impact education policy.
International Trip
EDD 704: Global Leadership and Communication
Students may choose to participate in EDD 704, an optional international travel course that provides an opportunity to study leadership, organizations, systems, and culture in a global setting. Students who do not select the international travel course will complete an alternative course option as part of their program.
During the experience, candidates engage with colleagues, leaders, and community members in the host country. They examine policies, practices, and leadership approaches across different cultural, social, and institutional settings and consider how relevant insights may be thoughtfully applied within their own professional and organizational contexts.
Travel destinations vary from year to year. Previous destinations have included China, South Korea, Japan, Singapore, and Cambodia, and future experiences may also include countries outside of Asia. The 2026 international experience is scheduled for Japan from June 19 through June 30, 2026, and travel to New Zealand is tentatively being considered for 2027.
Information Sessions
Attend an Information Session online to learn more about our program, the application process, financial aid, payment plans, and more.
Academic Career Outcomes
The need for postsecondary education administrators should gradually grow. It’s projected that over 15,000 administrators will be needed from 2023 to 2033 to replace those who move into different roles or retire.1 Earning an Ed.D. Leadership means you’ve positioned yourself for further advancement in education.
Whether you’ve settled on working in higher education or the schooling that precedes it, you could excel at being:
- College president
- College provost
- Dean
- K-12 school leader/principal
- Professor
- Superintendent
Nonacademic Career Outcomes
The need for top executives is strong, as jobs are projected to grow 6% from 2023 to 2033.1
That’s over 340,000 open roles projected each year in that timeframe.1 In fact, corporate settings will need chief executives to oversee and manage strategy, budgets, and departments, such as finance or information technology.1
If your career path isn’t heading toward academia, some other options you could explore include:
- Chief executive
- Education policy analyst
- Human resources director
- Instructional designer
- Nonprofit director
- Training and development manager
Networking Opportunities
As a graduate student at Concordia, you’ll become part of a vibrant community of over 25,000 alumni and over 3,500 peers, fostering meaningful connections that support both personal and professional growth. Our dedicated faculty and staff are committed to helping you discover and develop your callings through mentorship and collaboration.
Located in Irvine — home to more than 900 tech companies and a hub for innovation — students benefit from proximity to leading industries in life sciences and information technology. One-third of all Fortune 500 companies have a presence in Irvine, offering abundant opportunities for internships, mentorships, and career advancement.
Irvine’s strategic position in Southern California provides access to a dynamic business ecosystem, making it an ideal place to build your professional network. Whether you’re attending on-campus events or engaging with our online community, Concordia offers the resources and support to help you thrive in your various vocations.
Explore Financial Aid
Reduce your tuition costs with financial aid — with help from a team that wants to make your time at Concordia as affordable as possible.
Meet Our Faculty
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Cari Chittick
Director of Lutheran Teaching Programs and LCMS Placement, Professor of…
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Kathy Mueller
Administrative Assistant to the Dean/Assistant Director of Events and Partnerships
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Sandra Mercier
Director, MAEd Learning, Design, and Technology & Curriculum & Instruction
FAQs
What does Ed.D. mean in education?
Ed.D. is short for Doctor of Education. It’s a terminal degree that helps develop you as a leader in the education field.
As you look into doctoral programs, you may also discover that there are PhDs — or Doctors of Philosophy — as well. An Ed.D. program focuses on practical application and problem-solving, while a PhD program emphasizes the development of new educational theory and knowledge through original research.
What is a Doctor of Education in Leadership?
An Ed.D. in leadership is a specific type of doctoral degree. Many Doctor of Education programs have specialties, like educational technology, K-12 education, or education policy.
Concordia offers a Doctor of Education in Leadership, and in addition to that, you can specialize even more. Choose from one of three tracks: Educational Administration, Organizational Change, or Special Education.
Is an Ed.D. degree prestigious?
Many people will say that earning any type of doctoral degree is prestigious, as it takes many years of education to reach that goal. In the education field, Ed.D. programs — like a Doctor of Education in Leadership — are highly respected.
How long does it take to get a doctorate in educational leadership?
To determine the length of time it takes to earn a Doctor of Education in Leadership degree, you’ll need to compare programs at colleges. In 2023, a survey reported that for all doctorate degrees, it could take an average of four to eight years to complete.3
The Ed.D. programs at Concordia have been designed to be completed in just three years. With a shorter program, it means you’re able to reach your goals faster and advance your career sooner.
Can you teach with an Ed.D. degree?
While teaching is an option with your Doctor of Education, many people earn Ed.D. degrees to move into leadership positions, like a principal, administrator, or superintendent. You could even choose to work outside of academia, as a director or an executive at an organization.
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Sources
1U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, on the internet, at:
- https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/postsecondary-education-administrators.htm (viewed Nov. 13, 2024),
- https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/top-executives.htm (viewed Nov. 14, 2024).
2Pew Research Center, What federal education data shows about students with disabilities in the U.S., on the internet, at:
- https://www.pewresearch.org/short-reads/2023/07/24/what-federal-education-data-shows-about-students-with-disabilities-in-the-us/ (viewed Nov. 14, 2024).
3Education Data Initiative, Average Cost of a Doctorate Degree, on the internet, at:
- https://educationdata.org/average-cost-of-a-doctorate-degree (viewed Nov. 13, 2024).
Cited projections may not reflect local and/or short-term economic or job conditions and do not guarantee actual job growth.