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:
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!
Experience hands-on learning, face-to-face interaction, and vibrant community life
at our main campus. Join live, scheduled classes online with real-time interaction and a structured learning
environment. Access coursework anytime, anywhere—perfect for self-paced learning and flexible schedules.
Flexible Study Options
ON CAMPUS
ORU FLEX
ONLINE
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.
California
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. 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. 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 certificate
to other member states, pending that state’s specific requirements. 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 certificate to other member states,
pending that state’s specific requirements.
CONCENTRATIONS
Higher Education Administration
Higher Education Teaching
Christian School Administration
Public School 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.
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.
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 certificate
to other member states, pending that state’s specific requirements.
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 certificate to other member states,
pending that state’s specific requirements.
As an ORU doctoral candidate in educational leadership, you’ll gain expertise in key areas of the field, including:
Degree Path
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.
Tuition and Scholarships
As an ORU doctoral student in educational leadership, you'll be prepared for impactful roles as a/an:
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. Fall sessions are held in September, October, and November; spring sessions are held
in January, February, and March. 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. 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).
Program Features
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.
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.
MEET YOUR FACULTY
