Ed.D. in Educational Leadership Degree

Why Study Educational Leadership at ORU?

ORU’s Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) in Educational Leadership empowers experienced educators to lead with vision, integrity, and purpose. Rooted in ORU’s mission of Whole Person Education, this Spirit-empowered program equips you to address complex challenges and create meaningful change in educational settings.

Through a rigorous research and dissertation process, you’ll explore a real-world problem of practice, applying leadership theory and evidence-based strategies to transform schools, universities, and communities.

Students personalize their studies through one of four concentrations:

Higher Education Administration
Higher Education Teaching
Christian School Administration
Public School Administration

Designed for working professionals, this program can be completed in as little as three years, preparing you to become a research-informed, visionary leader who advances education locally and globally.

Begin your Ed.D. journey in Educational Leadership at ORU today!

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Flexible Study Options

ON CAMPUS

Experience hands-on learning, face-to-face interaction, and vibrant community life at our main campus.

ORU FLEX

Join live, scheduled classes online with real-time interaction and a structured learning environment.

ONLINE

Access coursework anytime, anywhere—perfect for self-paced learning and flexible schedules.

When you serve, you have to be careful not to exhaust the people at the expense of actually serving them. At ORU, we focus so much on meeting the needs of those we serve and leaving them better than we found them.

Gabe Frohlich

California

CONCENTRATIONS

Higher Education Administration

This concentration prepares leaders to guide colleges and universities with excellence, vision, and integrity. Coursework focuses on organizational leadership, policy development, strategic planning, and student success in higher education settings.

Higher Education Teaching

Designed for educators passionate about the college classroom, this concentration strengthens instructional expertise and pedagogical theory for adult learners. Students explore curriculum design, assessment, online learning, and faith integration in higher education teaching.

Christian School Administration

Focused on faith-based leadership, this concentration develops administrators who integrate biblical principles with sound educational practices. Candidates learn about spiritual leadership, school governance, budgeting, and creating Christ-centered learning environments that nurture the whole student. Upon completion of the program, graduates have the opportunity to apply for certification. Applicants must complete the program, all key assessments and benchmarks included in the program, and pass the designated certification exams required by the state of Oklahoma. Because Oklahoma participates in the NASDTEC Interstate Agreement, candidates are eligible to transfer their teaching certificate to other member states, pending that state’s specific requirements.

Public School Administration

This concentration equips current and aspiring administrators to lead public schools and districts with professionalism and purpose. The program emphasizes data-driven decision-making, instructional leadership, school law, and community engagement within various educational systems. Upon completion of the program, graduates have the opportunity to apply for certification. Applicants must complete the program, all key assessments and benchmarks included in the program, and pass the designated certification exams required by the state of Oklahoma. Because Oklahoma participates in the NASDTEC Interstate Agreement, candidates are eligible to transfer their teaching certificate to other member states, pending that state’s specific requirements.

Educational Leadership Courses Offered

As an ORU doctoral candidate in educational leadership, you’ll gain expertise in key areas of the field, including:

Philosophy of Education
Effective Leadership
Organizational Change & Strategic Planning
Scholarship & Transformation

Effective Communication
Dissertation Research & Writing Seminar
Plus, specialty courses aligned to your concentration

Degree Path

View your Degree Path For Educational Leadership

Tuition and Scholarships

The College of Education offers 50% off tuition for anyone employed full-time at a Christian school or an Oklahoma public school for up to 6 semesters. Explore our graduate financial aid page to discover scholarship opportunities designed to support your education journey.

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Careers with an Educational Leadership degree

Doctorate in Educational Careers Example Image

As an ORU doctoral student in educational leadership, you'll be prepared for impactful roles such as a/an:

K-12 School Superintendent
School District Administrator
Christian or Private School Head of School
College or University Faculty Member
University Administrator (e.g., Dean, Provost, VP of Academic Affairs)

Executive Director of Schools
Chief Education Officer
Educational Consultant
Director of Student Services or Enrollment Management
Dean of Students

Program Features

Classes are taught in a hybrid, modular format consisting of 2½ days of face-to-face sessions, Thursday evening through Saturday afternoon, accompanied by online pre- and post-assignments. There is also the option to participate remotely in a live class via Zoom or by viewing the Zoom recording of a class on your own schedule.

Fall sessions are held in September, October, and November; spring sessions are held in January, February, March, and April. This 54-hour, non-cohort, program is designed to be completed in a minimum of three years, including dissertation. Admission is continuous, with program entry at any point in the fall or spring.

This program emphasizes practice over theory, integrating practical post-assignments that directly connect coursework to your professional setting. Each project is designed to address real-world challenges in your workplace, allowing you to apply research, leadership, and problem-solving skills in meaningful, hands-on ways.

You’ll learn from highly qualified faculty who bring extensive experience as educators, administrators, and researchers, and who genuinely care about your personal and professional success. Through Spirit-empowered teaching and mentorship, they model the heart of transformational leadership, guiding you to grow in both excellence and purpose.

The dissertation process is thoughtfully integrated into your coursework through four research classes that guide you step by step in developing your study. By the end of these courses, you will have completed the first three chapters, known as the Defense of Proposal, before conducting your research and writing the final two chapters. With 60% of your dissertation completed during your classes, you can move efficiently toward completion and earn your doctoral degree in as little as three years.

The College of Education is nationally accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) and by the Oklahoma Office of Educational Quality and Accountability (OEQA). It is a member of the American Association of Colleges of Teacher Education (AACTE).

MEET YOUR FACULTY

ORU’s educational leadership faculty are experienced educators and administrators in K–12 and higher education. With expertise in curriculum, policy, administration, and faith-based education, they’re committed to mentoring students to lead with vision, integrity, and make a meaningful impact in education worldwide.

Get to know your faculty

Doctor of Education inEducational Leadership

Why Study Educational Leadership at ORU?