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All Master's & Doctoral Programs
EdD

Educational Leadership

Format & Location

Online, Low Residency

School/College

School of Education & Human Development
A woman talking to her peer in a caring manner.

Start Dates

Fall (September)

Application Deadline

Rolling Admission

Completion

36 months

Schedule

Part-Time

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Attend a Virtual Information Session Check for Upcoming Dates

Fairfield University's Doctorate in Education (EdD) in Educational Leadership is a three-year online, low-residency program with a focus on educational leadership. Students can choose between two tracks: the Teacher Leader track or the Higher Education Administration track.

What You'll Learn and Do

Pursue the Teacher Leader Track.

The Teacher Leader track is tailored for certified, experienced educators who already have taken on, or seek to take on, expanded roles and responsibilities in their grade-level teams, departments, schools, or districts. This track aims to influence teaching and learning practices on a greater scale.

Pursue the Higher Education Administration Track.

The Higher Education Administration track prepares professionals working in higher education to advocate for equity and the well-being of their student communities. This track equips leaders for roles across postsecondary settings, such as student affairs, institutional advancement, admissions, marketing, and communications.

Find Out More

Course Requirements

EdD in Educational Leadership

54 credits

Contact Us

Graduate Admission
gradadmis@fairfield.edu
(203) 254-4184

Learn From Industry Experts

Fairfield’s award-winning faculty have deep expertise in educational leadership. Many are also contributors of the most respected publications in the industry. You’ll benefit from their firsthand insights and guidance on the way to your doctorate of educational leadership.

View All Faculty

Robert D. Hannafin
Robert D. Hannafin
Professor of Educational Studies and Teacher Preparation, Education

Admission Information

Applicants to the Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership must hold a MEd, EdS, or master's degree in a relevant field with a minimum GPA of 3.0. Applicants should currently be working in either higher education or PK-12.

The educational leadership faculty are incredible; working professionals with current, first-hand experience in the field. Students in my cohort are supportive and collaborative which definitely helped me survive and thrive. The challenging content in this program has led to personal and professional growth.

- Jill Feltus

Student Learning Objectives

Ethical Leaders

Ethical leaders who engage in decision-making driven by principles, justice, honesty, and respect and work toward the well-being of all learners and the greater school community.

Reflective Scholar- Practitioners

Critically reflective scholar-practitioners who use data and co-construct knowledge to address educational challenges and opportunities to improve teaching and learning for all students.

Advocates for Social Justice

 Advocates for social justice and anti-racist policies and practices who take action as leaders with and for students, families, communities, and organizations for transformative change.

Compassionate Relationship-Builders

Compassionate relationship-builders who inspire, serve, and lead within learning communities and build capacity to improve educational opportunities for all.

Organizational Collaborators

Organizational collaborators who forge partnerships that will inspire and motivate key community stakeholders to transform learning experiences for all students.

Agents of Change

Change agents who address educational issues through multiple perspectives within the social, political, and emotional context of communities.

News & Career Resources

Featured

A group of graduates processes down the aisle at commencement, dressed in traditional caps and gowns, filled with pride.

Fairfield University Celebrates Its First Graduating Class of EdD Candidates

This spring, Fairfield University’s School of Education and Human Development (SEHD) proudly graduated its first cohort of Doctorate in Educational Leadership (EdD) candidates — a major achievement for the program and the students who completed it.

Student and teacher interaction in classroom

Why We Need Teacher Leaders in K-12 Now More than Ever

Two people walking through the SEHD

School of Education and Human Development Programs Top Forbes and College Factual Rankings

More News

Frequently Asked Questions

Applicants will be required to provide:

  • The online application and appropriate application fees
  • Official transcripts from all previously earned degrees
  • Three letters of recommendation from individuals who can speak to leadership experiences and commitment to equity and excellence for all students
  • A professional resume
  • A two-page statement of purpose in which the applicant describes their work as a higher education professional or an educator, including a discussion of leadership activities, professional goals, research interests, and reasons for pursuing a scholar-practitioner doctoral degree at Fairfield University
  • A product or example (in the form of a sample of work, presentation, project, or proposal) from their teaching or leadership work that shows their efforts to bring about sustained change intended to result in equitable outcomes for all students

The Jesuit Education Teacher Leader Scholarship is for new students admitted who are also teachers at Jesuit high schools. The scholarship applies $1,000 towards tuition in the first semester. For more information please contact Program Director Bob Hannafin.

Applicants may transfer up to nine credits into the EdD program with approval from the director.

The EdD in Educational Leadership is a low residency program and cannot support international students seeking an I-20, which is needed to receive an F1 student visa.

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