PhD in Educational Leadership and Administration (PhD)

Tuition is Note: Tuition and fees are subject to change without prior notice. Please contact the Student Accounts Office for questions or information on current tuition, fees, room, board, and other rates..

This is an online Doctor of Education (EdD) program focused on Educational Leadership. It combines academic study with practical application and educational research to prepare students to address current issues and challenges in education. The program offers five specialization strands to tailor studies to specific professional paths in Pre-K-12 and higher education.

Focus areas include Instructional Leadership: Coaching and Mentoring, Leadership in Educational Administration: Superintendent Endorsement (EdD), Advanced Standing: Leadership in Educational Administration for Principal Endorsed, Advanced Standing: Leadership in Educational Administration for Superintendent Endorsed, Leadership in Higher Education Administration.

The program requires 60 credit hours, distributed across coursework, an internship, and a final dissertation defense. Advanced standing options require 30 credit hours.

Graduates are qualified for roles such as instructional coordinator, postsecondary faculty member, provost, and superintendent.

Applicants must hold a master’s degree from a regionally accredited institution. Required application materials include a graduate application, official transcripts, at least two references, a curriculum vitae or resume, a personal statement, and completion of an interview and writing sample. Specific endorsements or employment may be required for advanced standing strands.

The programme totals about 60 credit hours. This is an online program designed for working professionals, with an estimated program length of 3-6 years. For international students, tuition is below the median for US programmes. The institution admits about 85% of applicants.

Aurora University, located in Aurora, Illinois, traces its roots to 1893 and now offers a broad range of undergraduate and graduate programs with a focus on student-centered learning and community engagement. The university emphasizes personalized education, with faculty mentors guiding students through applied learning experiences across disciplines. Aurora supports a campus culture that blends academic rigor with practical training to prepare students for professional success and civic contribution.

Programs at Aurora University are designed to combine theory with real-world experience through internships, service learning, and capstone projects. Small class sizes foster close faculty-student interaction and individualized support, while campus resources assist with academic advising, career planning, and personal development. International students receive help navigating admissions, visas, and integration into campus life, enabling a smoother transition to study in the United States.

The university encourages participation in community service and extracurricular activities that develop leadership and interpersonal skills. With a commitment to inclusive education and career readiness, Aurora University equips students to enter diverse workplaces or continue to graduate study. For international applicants seeking a supportive, hands-on environment in the American Midwest, Aurora University offers a practical setting for academic and professional growth.