Online Ed.D. in Educational Administration

Become a leader in educational administration
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of educational administration professionals is expected to grow 4 percent by 2028. A doctor of education degree in educational administration is a practitioner’s degree. Those who complete an Ed.D. in educational administration often go on to become district-level leaders, practically applying the theory, research and other knowledge they learn in the classroom to improving the educational systems — and educators — around them.
An educational administration professional’s duties might include:
- Providing district-level leadership
- Managing various district operations
- Advocating for school funding that meets the needs of institutions, teachers and students
- Supervising and developing district and building administrators
- Providing teaching and learning leadership
What careers are available for someone with an Ed.D. in educational administration?
KU’s Ed.D. in educational administration supports a wide range of career opportunities for leadership positions within a PK-12 school district. Students who complete KU’s doctorate degree in educational administration achieve a doctor of education in educational administration and also satisfy requirements for district-level administrative licensure endorsement. This can lead to careers in both school district leadership and educational institution leadership that cover a variety of professional titles.

Is the Ed.D. in educational administration right for you?
The doctor of education (Ed.D.) program in educational administration at KU is a degree in educational leadership and policy with an emphasis in district-level educational administration, ideal for working educators looking to advance into a district-level leadership roles. The program is open to individuals who hold valid teaching credentials. Though initial teaching licensure is a prerequisite for some administrative positions (usually in public schools), it is not a universal requirement.
Graduate students learn from expert scholars and practitioners as well as fellow classmates, who bring diverse experiences to the classroom. The program stresses fundamental knowledge and educational policy development necessary for effective leadership.
The KU School of Education and Human Sciences is ranked one of the 20 best public education schools in the nation by U.S. News & World Report and is accredited under the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE) Standards through the CAEP Accreditation System.
How is this program structured?
The doctoral degree in educational administration at the University of Kansas consists of coursework, including research skills, a field experience, and a dissertation. The program can be completed within three to four years. This cohort-model program satisfies the requirements for the district-level administrative licensure endorsement in Kansas, as well as the requirements needed to complete a doctoral degree.

Flexible
- Courses online for working educational professionals
- Cohort model
- Dual programming—earn a doctorate degree and satisfy requirements for district-level licensure
Quality
- Credentialed, experienced faculty
- KU School of Education recognized as one of the top 20 public education schools in the nation by U.S. News & World Report
- Legacy of preparing quality education leaders, and commitment to the KC metro area
- Program member of the University Council for Educational Administration
Useful
- Focus on educational leadership and policy
- Strong networking opportunities through cohort structure and program alumni
- Learn it today, use it tomorrow