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A Learning Community Exclusively for Central Texas Leaders

Develop your teachers to become scholar-practitioners who drive progress and elevate workplace culture by facilitating conditions to create effective, adaptive and innovative environments. ACU’s Ed.D. programs equip teachers to serve others by providing opportunities to focus on practice and professional engagement to excel in strategic leadership, human organization, and collaboration to develop meaningful change as they tackle the unique needs of their classrooms.
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Develop your teachers to become scholar-practitioners who drive progress and elevate workplace culture by facilitating conditions to create effective, adaptive and innovative environments. ACU’s Ed.D. programs equip teachers to serve others by providing opportunities to focus on practice and professional engagement to excel in strategic leadership, human organization, and collaboration to develop meaningful change as they tackle the unique needs of their classrooms.

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ACU knows every student’s journey is unique and we believe everyone can be successful, given the right tools and support. Whether you are hoping to advance in your current field or change to an entirely new one, furthering your education is the first step towards that change. Supported by a faculty of Christian scholars, we prepare undergraduate and graduate students for service and leadership in both their personal and professional lives.

One of America’s Best Colleges

Newsweek 2023

ACU was named one of America’s Top Online Colleges for 2024 by Newsweek. Additionally, U.S. News & World Report ranked ACU in the top 50 nationally in undergraduate teaching and research. Combine this educational excellence with the flexibility of an online format and it’s easy to understand why earning your degree from ACU Online makes sense.

Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership

doctor of education

Develop the principals and superintendents your school needs.

ACU’s and ESC Region 13’s online program for educators offers rigorous learning at a pace that allows you to maintain work and personal commitments. Combining convenience and quality, our fully-online courses last for seven weeks and are offered in six sessions per year. Coursework for the Ed.D. can be completed in approximately three years.

Program Description

Students will strengthen and expand their skills through research-based courses via ACU’s online Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) in Educational Leadership. Our program offers comprehensive courses related to essential topics such as, effective communication, learning instruction and innovation, data management, policy in K-12 education. Delving into critical themes related to the cultural, political and social issues influencing educational leadership today, students will design and implement initiatives that can be seamlessly integrated into their curriculum or school environment without pausing their current job or family obligations.

Program Format

Consisting of a total of 60 credit hours, the online Ed.D. in Educational Leadership is divided into three key parts. Foundational courses enhance K-12 leadership skills (18 credit hours). A concentration that translates these skills to a particular field to better understand how to empower school staff (15 credit hours). And research courses that uncover new perspectives to best prepare students to lead in an area of specialization (24 credit hours, including 12 focused on dissertation completion).

Focused on creating changemakers in your school district, this degree is ideal for those looking to advance their careers toward greater competence and professional development. Candidates are not required to hold current positions in these roles but must possess certification as a principal or superintendent. Concentrations for the Ed.D. in Educational Leadership include:

  • Principal Leadership
  • School Superintendent

Doctor of Education in Organizational Leadership

Learn with your peers in ACU’s ESC Region 13 Ed.D. cohort.

Become a scholar-practitioner who directs progress and overhauls workplace culture by conducting and applying your own research. ACU’s online Ed.D. in Organizational Leadership equips you to serve others by providing you with opportunities to enhance your gifts and talents through reflective practice to find meaning and purpose in your work. 

Program Description

Connect transactional and transformational leadership styles through ACU’s online Doctor of Education in Organizational Leadership program to make a difference in your school and community. Strengthen and expand your skills through a research-based focus on important issues, while understanding how communication, connection, and diversity uplift and inform your organization’s culture and strategy. Tackle the latest challenges while pursuing the next level of your professional journey.

ACU’s program is organized around five core competencies: personal development, positive leadership development, collaboration and communication, organizational assessment, and organizational culture. Upon completing the Doctor of Education in Organizational Leadership program, you will know how to lead with purpose, while fostering growth in your vocation.

Program Format

Consisting of 60 credit hours, the online Ed.D. in Organizational Leadership is divided into three key parts. Foundational courses enhance your unique leadership skills (24 credit hours). A concentration translates these skills to your particular field to empower your staff (15 credit hours). And research courses prepare you to lead in your area of specialization (21 credit hours, including 12 focused on dissertation completion).

Or select from ACU’s other concentration areas to fit your career aspirations:

  • Positive Leadership
  • Learning with Emerging Technologies
  • Conflict Management
  • Higher Education
  • Healthcare Administration

Program Cost

ACU offers a special discount to reduce tuition costs for current educators in ESC Region 13 who are seeking to earn their doctoral degrees and enhance their professional careers.

Regular PriceRegular Price
with Advanced Standing		Region 13 DiscountRegion 13 Discount
with Advanced Standing
Credit Hours60456045
Cost Per Credit Hour$767$767$652$652
Resource Fee$200$200$200$200
Dissertation Fees$3,600$3,600$3,600$3,600
Total Cost$53,620$41,115$46,717$35,938

Advanced Standing Available:

Additionally, students who have completed a Principal or Superintendent Certification may be eligible to reduce the cost of their degree by qualifying for “Advanced Standing” to automatically gain up to 15 credit hours toward their Ed.D. – a savings of $11,350. Other financial aid may apply. Please speak with an admissions advisor to learn more.*

*Total tuition may vary depending on a number of factors, including the number of dissertation hours required to complete the dissertation or other course fees.

WHY GET AN ONLINE DEGREE FROM ACU?

For the fifth year in a row, ACU is the highest-ranking university in Texas in the U.S. News & World Report “Programs to Look For” benchmarks focused on student success – placing in five of eight categories this year. Combine this educational excellence with the flexibility of an online format and it’s easy to understand why earning your degree from ACU Online makes sense. Whether you’re married and juggling work and kids, or a single professional meeting the demands of a growing career, ACU Online can fit into your busy life.

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