Online EdD Programs in K-12 Leadership and Administration (PK-12 Leadership)

Updated: March 27, 2024

K-12 education encompasses a vast range of teaching strategies and pedagogical approaches, from early childhood instruction to college prep. To ensure the best learning outcomes for students in these formative years, elementary, middle, and high schools need leaders who understand the challenges in serving diverse student bodies, and can implement innovative curriculums that reflect the changing educational landscape. There are currently 78 online Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) programs with a specialization in K-12 Leadership and Administration.

Online EdD programs in K-12 Leadership help prepare education professionals to become effective administrators in a variety of primary and secondary school settings. Graduates come away with the advanced theoretical knowledge and organizational management skills they need to oversee running a successful educational institution or program. Upon earning their degree, students might pursue careers as principals, superintendents, instructional coaches, program directors, private school executives, or any number of related positions in the field of K-12 leadership and administration.

Note: The process for becoming a school administrator varies by state, and some positions, such as principal or superintendent, may require specific licensure or credentialing. See the Career Paths section below for more information about pursuing careers in this field and the related licensing requirements.

This page includes a comprehensive list of online EdD programs with a concentration or emphasis in K-12 or PreK-12 educational leadership. Students interested in the field may also want to check out our broader Online EdD in Education Administration page for more programs that can prepare students for leadership roles in primary schools. Those looking to focus on a specific subject area (e.g., STEM, reading), or who are specifically interested in teacher leadership as opposed to educational administration, should visit our Online EdD in Curriculum and Instruction page.

Featured Online EdD Programs for K-12 Leadership and Administration
Grand Canyon University
Online Doctor of Education in Organizational Leadership with an Emphasis in K-12 Leadership
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Arizona State University
Online Doctor of Education (Ed.D) in Leadership & Innovation with a Pathway in PreKindergarten-Grade 12 Change Leadership
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University of West Alabama
Online Ed.D. Rural Education with a Concentration in Teacher Leader
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Aurora University
Online Doctor of Education (EdD) with a Specialization in Instructional Leadership: Coaching and Mentoring
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Marymount University
Online Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership and Organizational Innovation
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Spalding University
Online Doctorate of Education (EdD) in Leadership
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Curriculum for Online EdD Programs in K-12 Leadership

There are a variety of online EdD programs in K-12 Leadership for students to choose from, each with its own unique curriculum and requirements. While some programs focus on kindergarten through 12th grade as a whole, or even preschool through 12th (P-12), others break it up by grades, concentrating on just elementary or high school, for example. Additionally, it is important to note that while certain programs offer a curriculum dedicated solely to K-12 leadership, others offer K-12 as a specialization option within a more general EdD in Organizational or Educational Leadership program. Example programs include:

  • Online Doctor of Education in K-12 Administration
  • Online Doctor of Education with a Specialization in P-12 Administrative Leadership
  • Online Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership – K-12 Leadership in Urban School Settings Concentration
  • Online Doctor of Education in P-20 and Community Leadership with a Specialization in pK-12 Leadership
  • Online Doctorate in Education with Concentrations in Elementary Education or Middle Grades Education

Note: For students interested in pursuing an EdD in Special Education, please refer to our Online EdD Programs in Special Education page for more information.

In general, online EdD programs in K-12 Leadership require anywhere from 40 to 70 course credits, and take three to five years of study to complete. The curriculum in these programs is typically comprised of core coursework, specialization courses, electives, and dissertation research. Core courses tend to focus on advanced theories and principles fundamental to K-12 administration, as well as quantitative and qualitative research methods applicable in educational settings.

While course titles and content will vary by program, here are some examples of topics typically covered in K-12 Leadership core coursework:

  • Principles of Educational Leadership: A study of how administrators can improve instruction and promote learning through proper organizational management, collaboration with teachers and faculty, and building environments that encourage academic success.
  • Legal Issues in School Administration: This course examines the various laws that govern how a school can and should function, from teaching conditions and physical safety standards to student rights and acceptable disciplinary actions.
  • Curriculum Theory: Students explore historical and modern approaches to shaping educational curricula, closely analyzing their three major components: the intended outcomes, what is taught, and the manner of implementation.
  • Educational Measurement, Assessment, and Evaluation: In this course, students look at the various methods, tools, and tests used to analyze learning progress and gather information for data-driven instruction and lesson planning.

After these foundational courses, students generally begin more specialized coursework, exploring specific issues in K-12 leadership and school administration. Actual courses depend largely on program focus; however, below are some examples of potential specialization topics students might encounter:

  • Technology in K-12 Education: In this course, students examine the growing role of technology and digital learning content in K-12 classrooms, and how lessons can benefit from emerging trends such as coding, robotics, gamification, and augmented and virtual reality.
  • School Resource Management: This course outlines philosophies and best practices for evaluating and maximizing resources in an educational setting, from fiscal planning and building maintenance to learning materials and personnel management.
  • Education Policy and Reform: Students examine state and federal policies surrounding issues such as class size, teacher pay, curricular content, standardized testing, and graduation requirements, as well as how to enact systemic change in public education.
  • Teaching Diverse Populations: Strategies for recognizing and addressing educational inequalities based on racial, cultural, or socioeconomic factors, and how to help close the achievement gap among minority or low-income students.

Most online EdD programs in K-12 Leadership round out their curriculum by allowing students to choose elective courses in their particular area of interest. Electives give students an opportunity to explore specific professional skills or focus areas that directly relate to their chosen career path. These might be courses offered by the same department as the EdD program, or courses from an outside department approved by program faculty. Here are two examples of electives that might interest K-12 Leadership students:

  • Professional Development Design: In this course, future educational administrators learn how to design and implement engaging professional development programs that motivate teachers and keep them up to date on current instructional standards and strategies.
  • Serving Students with Special Needs: How to create positive learning environments for students with mental, physical, or learning disabilities, exploring proven teaching strategies for special education, and the particular challenges that come with managing this type of classroom.

The final component in most EdD programs is completion of a dissertation. Students typically work on this extensive research project throughout their doctoral studies, identifying a specific issue facing modern leadership in K-12 schools, and developing a solution under the guidance of a dissertation advisor. In order to successfully graduate from the program and earn their degree, students generally must submit their dissertation research, results, and analysis in document form, then defend the proposal in front of a committee of faculty members. Most EdD programs include courses specifically related to dissertation development, as well as grant credit hours for the independent study involved in the process.

To learn more about EdD dissertations and related research requirements, check out our Dissertations and Doctoral Capstone Projects resource page. For further information about applying to online EdD programs, please refer to our Admission Requirements for Online EdD Programs page.

Career Paths for Graduates of EdD Programs in K-12 Leadership and Administration

Graduates of online EdD programs in K-12 Leadership typically pursue organizational management positions in elementary, middle, or high schools. Their career options may vary slightly based on their professional background, licensure, and the particular focus of their doctoral program. As noted above, many educational administration positions require a specific license or certification that varies by state. While EdD programs can help prepare students with the knowledge and skills they need to pass state licensing exams, most do not automatically culminate in licensure, which means graduates will need to complete any necessary tests or other requirements on their own after earning their degree.

It is also important to note that a doctorate is typically not required to pursue licensing as a principal. In most cases, the minimum requirement for this position is a master’s degree or a graduate certificate. However, earning an EdD can help aspiring school administrators gain the knowledge and experience they need to excel in these roles, and may be necessary for those looking to advance into district-wide positions, such as superintendent.

To help students learn more about potential career paths in the field, here are a few examples of positions one might pursue with an EdD in K-12 Leadership:

  • Principal: Elementary, middle, and high school principals manage all staff and operations at their institutions, from developing and implementing curriculum to evaluating teacher performance, and even disciplining students. They are responsible for the overall safety and success of their student body, as well as keeping the school in line with all district, state, and federal standards, and making sure teachers have the resources they need to do their job.
  • Superintendent: These administrators oversee groups of public schools, most often making top decisions and serving as the public face for an entire school district. They report to the local elected school board, helping to set and achieve academic goals throughout the district, and supervising all major program, spending, and staff decisions at the schools under their purview.
  • Special Education Director: These educators plan and manage specialized learning programs for students with mental or physical disabilities. Their responsibilities typically include overseeing all educational and assistance services for special needs students and associated staff, as well as assessing the effectiveness of these programs and implementing changes as needed. They might work at a particular school, for an entire district, or at a separate facility dedicated to this type of education.
  • Charter School Executive Director: Charter schools are semi-autonomous institutions that operate outside of the state school system, but still receive public funding, and are open to all students without charging tuition (unlike private schools). They can have a number of different management structures, but typically rely on an executive director or CEO to oversee organizational strategy, guide senior leadership, and drive the vision outlined in the school or network’s charter.

Online Ed.D. Programs in K-12 Leadership and Administration

The following schools are sorted by state for easy reference; however, most online EdD programs accept students from other states as well. For out-of-state programs, students should confirm with an admissions advisor that the program accepts students from their state of residence before applying.

FILTER ONLINE PROGRAMS BY STATE:

Alabama

Samford University

(Birmingham)
Accreditation: SACSCOC, CAEP
Department: Orlean Beeson School of Education
Programs:

Arizona

Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Department: Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College
Programs:

Grand Canyon University

(Phoenix)
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Department: College of Doctoral Studies
Programs:

Arkansas

Arkansas State University

(Jonesboro)
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission, CAEP
Department: College of Education & Behavioral Science
Programs:

California

Accreditation: WSCUC
Department: School of Education
Programs:
Accreditation: WSCUC
Department: Kremen School of Education & Human Development
Programs:

National University

(La Jolla)
Accreditation: WSCUC
Department: Sanford College of Education
Programs:

University of Southern California

(Los Angeles)
Accreditation: WSCUC, CAEP
Department: Rossier School of Education
Programs:

Connecticut

Accreditation: NECHE, CAEP
Department: Farrington College of Education & Human Development
Programs:

District of Columbia

Accreditation: MSCHE, CAEP
Department: The Graduate School of Education and Human Development
Programs:

Florida

Nova Southeastern University

(Fort Lauderdale)
Accreditation: SACSCOC, CAEP
Department: Abraham S. Fischler College of Education
Programs:

Saint Leo University

(Saint Leo)
Accreditation: SACSCOC
Department: College of Education & Social Services
Programs:

Georgia

Brenau University

(Gainesville)
Accreditation: SACSCOC
Department: College of Education
Programs:
Accreditation: SACSCOC, CAEP
Department: College of Education
Programs:
Accreditation: SACSCOC
Department: College of Education
Programs:

Idaho

Idaho State University

(Moscow)
Accreditation: NWCCU, CAEP
Department: College of Education
Programs:

Northwest Nazarene University

(Nampa)
Accreditation: NWCCU,CAEP
Department: Department of Education
Programs:

Illinois

Aurora University

(Aurora)
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Department: School of Education
Programs:

Concordia University - Chicago

(River Forest)
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission, CAEP
Department: College of Graduate Studies
Programs:
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission, CAEP
Department: College of Education
Programs:
Accreditation: WSCUC
Department: Educational Psychology & Technology Department
Programs:

Indiana

Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission, CAEP
Department: Pott College of Science, Engineering, and Education
Programs:

Iowa

Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Department: College of Education
Programs:

Kansas

Southwestern College

(Wichita)
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission, CAEP
Department: Professional Studies
Programs:

Kentucky

Morehead State University

(Morehead)
Accreditation: SACSCOC, CAEP
Department: College of Education
Programs:

Murray State University

(Murray)
Accreditation: SACSCOC, CAEP
Department: College of Education and Human Services
Programs:

Maryland

Accreditation: MSCHE, CAEP
Department: College of Education
Programs:
Accreditation: MSCHE
Department: School of Education
Programs:

Massachusetts

Accreditation: NECHE
Department: Graduate College
Programs:
Accreditation: NECHE
Department: College of Professional Studies
Programs:
Accreditation: NECHE
Department: College of Education
Programs:

Michigan

Andrews University

(Berrien Springs)
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission, CAEP
Department: School of Education
Programs:

Central Michigan University

(Mount Pleasant)
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission, CAEP
Department: College of Education & Human Services - Department of Educational Leadership
Programs:

Minnesota

Bethel University

(St. Paul)
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Department: Graduate School
Programs:

Minnesota State University Moorhead

(Moorhead)
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission, CAEP
Department: College of Education & Human Services - Department of Leadership & Learning
Programs:

University of St. Thomas, Minnesota

(Minneapolis)
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Department: School of Education
Programs:

Winona State University

(Winona)
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Department: College of Education
Programs:

Mississippi

Accreditation: SACSCOC, CAEP
Department: School of Education
Programs:

William Carey University

(Hattiesburg)
Accreditation: SACSCOC, NCATE
Department: School of Education
Programs:

Missouri

Evangel University

(Springfield)
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Department: College of Adult and Graduate Studies
Programs:
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission, CAEP
Department: College of Education and Human Services
Programs:
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission, CAEP
Department: School of Education
Programs:

Nebraska

Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission, CAEP
Department: Department of Educational Administration
Programs:

New Jersey

Accreditation: MSCHE, CAEP
Department: College of Education
Programs:

New York

Accreditation: MSCHE
Department: Graduate School of Education
Programs:

North Carolina

Accreditation: SACSCOC, CAEP
Department: Reich College of Education
Programs:

North Dakota

Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Department: Liffrig Family School of Education and Behavioral Sciences
Programs:
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission, CAEP
Department: College of Education and Human Development
Programs:

Ohio

Franklin University

(Columbus)
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission, CAEP
Department: International Institute For Innovative Instruction
Programs:

University of Cincinnati

(Cincinnati)
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission, CAEP
Department: School of Education
Programs:
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission, CAEP
Department: College of Education
Programs:

Oregon

George Fox University

(Newberg)
Accreditation: NWCCU
Department: School of Education
Programs:

Pennsylvania

Accreditation: MSCHE
Department: School of Education
Programs:
Accreditation: MSCHE, CAEP
Department: School of Education
Programs:

Gratz College

(Melrose Park)
Accreditation: MSCHE
Department: Graduate Programs
Programs:

Gwynedd Mercy University

(Gwynedd Valley)
Accreditation: MSCHE
Department: School of Graduate & Professional Studies
Programs:

Pennsylvania Western University

(California)
Accreditation: MSCHE, CAEP
Department: PennWest Global Online
Programs:

Point Park University

(Pittsburgh)
Accreditation: MSCHE
Department: School of Education
Programs:

Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania

(Slippery Rock)
Accreditation: MSCHE, CAEP
Department: College of Education
Programs:

Wilkes University

(Wilkes-Barre)
Accreditation: MSCHE
Department: School of Education
Programs:

South Carolina

Accreditation: SACSCOC, CAEP
Department: College of Education
Programs:

Tennessee

Accreditation: SACSCOC, CAEP
Department: Eriksson College of Education
Programs:

East Tennessee State University

(Johnson City)
Accreditation: SACSCOC, CAEP
Department: Department of Educational Leadership and Policy Analysis
Programs:
Accreditation: SACSCOC, CAEP
Department: College of Graduate Studies
Programs:

Trevecca Nazarene University

(Nashville)
Accreditation: SACSCOC, CAEP
Department: School of Education
Programs:

Union University

(Jackson)
Accreditation: SACSCOC, CAEP
Department: School of Education
Programs:

Texas

Texas A&M University, Commerce

(Commerce)
Accreditation: SACSCOC
Department: Department of Educational Leadership
Programs:
Accreditation: SACSCOC, CAEP
Department: College of Education
Programs:
Accreditation: SACSCOC
Department: College of Education
Programs:

West Texas A&M University

(Canyon)
Accreditation: SACSCOC
Department: College of Education and Social Sciences
Programs:

Virginia

Regent University

(Virginia Beach)
Accreditation: SACSCOC, TEAC
Department: School of Education
Programs:
Accreditation: SACSCOC, CAEP
Department: School of Education
Programs:

Wisconsin

Alverno College

(Milwaukee)
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Department: School of Education
Programs:

Wyoming

Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission, NCATE
Department: College of Education - School of Counseling, Leadership, Advocacy, and Design
Programs: