St. Davids, PA: Eastern University is excited to announce the launch of its new 100% online Doctor of Education (EdD) in Educational Leadership and Innovation, beginning in Fall 2026. This fully online program is designed to prepare equity-minded, faith-inspired leaders to transform educational systems through visionary, ethical, and research-informed practice.
The EdD in Educational Leadership and Innovation is designed for PK-12 educators and education specialists and offers two specialized tracks, School Leadership and Educational Psychology, tailored to the unique goals of each student. Whether you’re a teacher, counselor, school psychologist, or administrator, this practice-oriented doctoral program empowers you to become a transformative change agent committed to social justice and holistic student development.
“Our current M.Ed. students in Education, School Counseling, and School Psychology have been asking for a way to take the next step in their careers with Eastern. 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.”
Designed with working professionals in mind, the EdD is delivered through self-paced online coursework and can be completed in three years. Students begin in August and move through the program in a cohort model that fosters peer support and shared growth. Upon graduation, career paths may include instructional leadership, educational policy advising, educational consulting, higher education administration, program evaluation, and more.
Reflecting Eastern's commitment to excellence in education that is also affordable, the new program will be astonishingly affordable, with tuition costs at only $450 per credit and a total cost of only $23,040 for the entire degree for 2026-2027.
“At Eastern, we believe that educational leadership should be rooted in both academic excellence and ethical responsibility. This new EdD program reflects our commitment to developing innovative leaders who will shape the future of education with integrity, vision, and compassion.”
As a proud member of the Carnegie Project on the Education Doctorate (CPED), Eastern joins a national network of institutions reimagining the EdD as a rigorous and relevant degree for scholarly practitioners. Students will benefit from engaging in action research that addresses real-world challenges in their own schools and communities, all within the context of a program grounded in Christian values.
Learn more about the EdD in Educational Leadership and Innovation.
About Eastern University
Eastern University is a Christian university enrolling approximately 9,000 students in its undergraduate, graduate, and seminary programs. The university’s main campus is located in St. Davids, PA, with many programs available online. Eastern’s core values of faith, reason, and justice are woven into all of its educational programs. For more information visit eastern.edu or contact Ally Rosario, Director of Marketing & Communications: ally.rosario@eastern.edu.