Doctor of Educational Leadership (Ed.D.)

Prepare to lead schools and districts through systemic improvement. This focus area equips you to become a superintendent, principal, or district-level administrator, with deep expertise in curriculum, assessment, instructional leadership, and educational equity. Projects and your dissertation will be tied to real PK–12 issues such as student achievement, family engagement, equity in access, and policy implementation.

Explore leadership at the college or university level, with emphasis on organizational strategy, governance, student success, and policy. This track prepares you for senior roles such as dean, provost, or program director, as well as positions in academic affairs, student affairs, or institutional effectiveness. Your dissertation work will address pressing challenges in higher education such as retention, equity, and institutional change.

Yes. Rider’s Ed.D. program was developed using the Carnegie Project on the Education Doctorate (CPED) framework, and we remain an active member of the Carnegie Project on the Education Doctorate. Our curriculum reflects CPED’s commitment to preparing scholarly practitioners who can lead change and improve practice in educational settings.

Most students complete the Doctor of Educational Leadership (Ed.D.) in about three years. You’ll spend two years taking courses and one year focused on your dissertation research and writing.

The program is designed to fit into your busy schedule through a hybrid format. You’ll complete much of your coursework with asynchronous online classes, come to campus for Saturday sessions (three each fall and spring semester), and connect in person with your peers and faculty during an intensive summer residency (eight days in July).

To apply to Rider’s Ed.D. program, you’ll need to complete the application form and provide official transcripts from all colleges and universities you’ve attended. A master’s degree from an accredited institution is required, along with a current résumé, two letters of recommendation, and a personal statement that explains your goals and interest in the program. Once your materials are reviewed, you’ll also be invited to an interview as part of the admission process.

At Rider, we know big goals are best achieved step by step. That’s why our stackable programs let you start with a graduate certificate in your area of interest. The credits you earn roll into a related master’s degree, so you’re gaining recognized credentials and moving forward at the same time. Once you finish the master’s, you’ll be ready to continue on to the Doctor of Educational Leadership (Ed.D.) in PK-12 or higher education leadership. Learn more about Rider’s stackable graduate programs. 

Please refer to the Office of Financial Aid website for graduate tuition and fees. You may qualify for federal loans, assistantships, or campus employment opportunities through Rider’s Office of Financial Aid. Rider also offers a 20% tuition discount to eligible employees and members of partner organizations, including schools, districts, government agencies, nonprofits, and industry. Check with your employer or union for possible tuition assistance as well.