The College of Education and Behavioral Sciences
Education
Online

Innovative. Flexible. Affordable.

Eastern's EdD in Educational Leadership and Innovation prepares faith-driven, equity-minded leaders to transform educational systems through visionary, ethical, and research-informed practice. Designed for PK-12 educators and education specialists, this fully online program offers two specialized tracks—School Leadership and Educational Psychology—to equip graduates as self-aware change agents committed to justice and holistic student development.

Program Details:

  • Location: 100% Online
  • Delivery: Self-paced online coursework with occasional optional virtual course meeting sessions
  • Length: 3 Years, 48 Credits
  • Start Term: August 
  • Cost: $450/credit tuition + $30/credit fees for 2025-2026
  • Financial Aid: Discover our military benefits and federal financial aid options that may be available to you.

Academic Excellence. Supportive Community.

  • PREPARATION FOR ADVANCEMENT: The EdD equips experienced educators—teachers, counselors, school psychologists, and administrators—to advance into senior leadership roles and drive systemic innovation.
  • PRACTICE-BASED RESEARCH: Students apply action research and real-world inquiry to address pressing challenges in their own educational contexts.
  • ONLINE AND FLEXIBLE: Designed for working professionals, Eastern’s fully online LifeFlex format offers asynchronous (self-paced) coursework with occasional optional virtual course meeting sessions for meaningful engagement.
  • 2 SPECIALIZED TRACKS: Students choose between the PK-12 School Leadership or Educational Psychology tracks, gaining expertise tailored to their professional goals.
  • CONNECTED TO A NATIONAL NETWORK: As a member of the Carnegie Project on the Education Doctorate (CPED), Eastern’s EdD program is part of a prestigious network of institutions committed to reimagining the EdD as a rigorous, relevant degree for scholarly practitioners. Students benefit from a vibrant community of educators, researchers, and thought leaders shaping the future of educational leadership.
  • COHORT MODEL COMMUNITY: Students progress through the program with a supportive cohort, fostering collaboration, accountability, and shared growth.
  • FAITH-INFORMED LEADERSHIP: Grounded in Eastern’s Christian worldview, the program develops educational leaders who pursue justice, equity, and ethical decision-making.
“We’re thrilled to offer a doctoral program that supports our students’ growth as educational leaders—rigorous in its academics, grounded in purpose, and designed to empower them to make meaningful, lasting change in their schools and communities.”

Dr. Sarah Anne Eckert, Chair of Graduate Education 

Ranked Among Top 5 Most Affordable Programs

The EdD in Educational Leadership and Innovation was ranked among the Top 5 Most Affordable EdD programs in the nation by eddprograms.org. We're proud to balance affordability with academic excellence and a reputation for equipping transformative educators. 

Careers

Common careers include: 

  • Instructional Leader or Academic Dean
  • Director of Student Services or Special Programs
  • School Counselor or School Psychologist in Leadership Roles
  • Educational Consultant or Program Evaluator
  • Nonprofit or Community Education Leader
  • Educational Policy Advisor or Analyst
  • Higher Education Administrator (e.g., Director of Student Success, Dean of Education)
  • Professional Development or Teacher Induction Coordinator
  • Action Researcher or Data and Assessment Specialist