Accelerated Doctor of EducationCollege of Arts and Sciences
Rooted in Values. Designed for Working Professionals.
The Accelerated Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership (EdD) program at Edgewood University is designed for experienced educators, instructional designers, and leaders who aspire to apply research to real-world challenges and drive innovation in curriculum and digital learning. In a world where education is rapidly evolving, this accelerated, fully online program equips you with advanced research, leadership, and strategic planning skills to meet the challenges of modern teaching and learning environments. Guided by expert faculty, you’ll engage in doctoral-level coursework, independent research, and assignments that connect theory and meaningful practice.
Students who pursue an EdD are typically mid to senior career professionals in education or related fields. They are master’s prepared professionals with years of experience who want to lead transformational change, improve systems, and turn research into impact. Guided by Dominican values since our founding in 1927, Edgewood University has been developing compassionate, forward-thinking leaders and innovators who elevate learning and organizational excellence.
Through one of two pathways, you’ll develop specialized expertise while earning a doctoral degree that strengthens your ability to lead with confidence, influence educational systems, and advance your career with purpose.
Curriculum Studies and Learning Sciences
This pathway prepares educators to lead innovation in curriculum design, assessment, and instructional practice. You’ll develop advanced expertise in creating effective, inclusive learning experiences for students in both online and hybrid settings. Through coursework, research, and applied projects, you’ll strengthen your ability to evaluate programs, design meaningful curricula, and guide educational excellence.
Career Paths:
- Curriculum Director
- Director of Teaching and Learning
- Educational Consultant
- Higher Education Faculty
- Senior Instructional Designer
Online Learning and Education Technology
This pathway equips educators and leaders to design, implement, and improve technology-driven learning experiences in virtual, hybrid, and technology-rich environments. You’ll gain advanced insight into digital learning tools, instructional design, and program evaluation. Through applied coursework and research, you’ll strengthen your ability to create engaging, effective, and equitable online learning opportunities for diverse learners.
Career Paths:
- Educational Researcher
- Higher Education Faculty
- Instructional Designer
- Online Program Director
Global
Virtual
45
January 20, 2026
6
7
24
Program Accreditation
Edgewood University is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
Program Overview
Designed for working professionals, the accelerated EdD program offers a fully online format that balances academic rigor with flexibility and can be completed in as few as 24 months. With guidance from dedicated faculty, graduates emerge prepared to be the transformational leader they’ve always aspired to be, creating meaningful impact in their organizations and communities. Blending coursework, applied research, and dissertation development, this streamlined format is designed to help doctoral students achieve their goals efficiently without compromising quality or depth of learning.
Common Course Requirements
All students complete these 12 core courses designed to build advanced expertise in curriculum development, assessment, leadership, and applied research. You’ll then select one concentration to customize your program. Each concentration includes three courses.
| Course # | Description | Credit Hours |
| EDU 817 | Academic Writing in Education | 3 |
| EDU 820 | Quantitative Foundations | 3 |
| EDU 823 | Qualitative Foundations | 3 |
| EDU 826 | Curriculum and Learning Design | 3 |
| EDU 829 | Inclusive Leadership in Education | 3 |
| EDU 832 | Strategic Decisions and Marketing | 3 |
| EDU 835 | Evaluative Education Programs | 3 |
Applied Doctoral Research Course Requirements
This course sequence guides students through their dissertation, from developing the research question to defending findings. The process is broken into manageable steps, with each course skillfully designed to help you conduct comprehensive research that addresses real-world challenges in education and leadership.
| Course # | Description | Credit Hours |
| EDU 900 | Action Research | 3 |
| EDU 901 | Doctoral Research Proposal – I | 3 |
| EDU 902 | Doctoral Research Proposal – II | 3 |
| EDU 903 | Doctoral Research: Defense I | 3 |
| EDU 905 | Doctoral Research: Defense II | 3 |
Faculty Spotlight
SOtteAllen@edgewood.edu
kcoller@edgewood.edu
Dissertation Journey:
Guided, Practical, Achievable
Your dissertation is the capstone of the EdD experience. This is your opportunity to explore a research focus you’re passionate about and apply what you’ve learned to make a real impact. Although dissertations can feel intimidating, the EdD program at Edgewood University is designed to make this scholarly project manageable and purposeful. With guidance from experienced faculty and a supportive community, you’ll work with your dissertation chair and committee to complete the project in clear, achievable steps. By the time you defend your dissertation, you’ll have earned your doctorate while creating a professional contribution you can be immensely proud of.
