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Online Doctorate in Education and Leadership (Ed.D.)

Shape the future as an education innovator

In just two years, you can earn your doctorate in education and leadership in one of four specialized concentrations: Higher Education, Health Care Education, K-12 Leadership and Organizational Leadership. Rockhurst University’s online Ed.D. in Education and Leadership program is entirely online and cohort-based. This learning environment helps you build your network and connect with other leaders in your field of practice. Graduate certificates are available for each concentration at no additional charge, increasing your degree’s value.

Strategic coursework in educational systems and policy, curriculum development, instructional practices, and applied research deepen your knowledge of today’s modern educational landscape, and a doctoral capstone crowns the program. Within this framework, alongside leadership and change management skills, you can champion diverse causes to make a tangible impact on educational practices in your community.

Guided by Jesuit values of quality learning, ethical leadership and service, Rockhurst’s online Ed.D. program prepares you as an innovative educator to shape the next generation of learners.

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    Higher Learning Commission Logo

    HLC accredited
    Higher Learning Commission

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    Regional University Midwest Icon

    #1 Regional University in Kansas City
    U.S. News & World Report

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    Carnegie Foundation logo

    Carnegie Foundation
    For the Advancement of Teaching

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    CPED logo

    CPED Member
    Carnegie Project on the Education Doctorate

Get Started Now

Download your guide to learn more about this program, including:

  •  Admission requirements
  •  Program features
  •  Curriculum details
  •  Tuition costs

I have or will have a BSN as required for Rockhurst University’s online programs.
I have or will have a bachelor’s degree as required for Rockhurst University’s hybrid ABSN program, and reside in one of the following states: IA, ID, KS, MO, NE.
I have or will have a master's degree as required for Rockhurst University’s online post-graduate program.
I have or will have a MSN as required for Rockhurst University’s online programs.

Step 1 of 2

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Higher education professor with Ed.D. degree
Online Ed.D. in Higher Education
Online Ed.D. in Education and Leadership - Higher Education

Transition your career and become an educator at the university level with skills in curriculum design, higher education systems, and modern technologies.

  •  2 years to complete
  •  1 capstone project - no dissertation required
  • Master’s degree in any field OR completion of 33 graduate credits
  • 3.0 GPA  
  • 2 letters of recommendation (professional) 
  • Personal statement
  • Research statement
  • Resume 
  • Transcripts from all universities attended  
    (Evaluations for international transcripts are required. WES and others are accepted.)
  • 45 credit hours
  • $816 per credit hour
  • 6 semesters/2 years
  • 2 start dates per year
  • DEI Certificate option available
  •  Summer 2025 start date: May 27, 2025
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Young professional man showing leadership in an organization
Online Ed.D. in Organizational Leadership
Online Ed.D. in Education and Leadership - Organizational Leadership

Build a career as a strategic and ethical leader with an influential voice in your industry and inspire others to create meaningful change in your organization.

  •  2 years to complete
  •  1 capstone project - no dissertation required
  • Master’s degree in any field OR completion of 33 graduate credits
  • 3.0 GPA  
  • 2 letters of recommendation (professional) 
  • Personal statement
  • Research statement
  • Resume 
  • Transcripts from all universities attended  
    (Evaluations for international transcripts are required. WES and others are accepted.)
  • 45 credit hours
  • $816 per credit hour
  • 6 semesters/2 years
  • 2 start dates per year
  • DEI Certificate option available
  • 100% online
  •  Summer 2025 start date: May 27, 2025
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Ed. D. graduate showing leadership skills in K-12 school environment
Online Ed.D. in K-12 Leadership
Online Ed.D. in Education and Leadership - K-12 Leadership

Develop your leadership, advocacy and decision-making skills to bring a modern approach to your community’s primary and secondary educational systems.

  •  2 years to complete
  •  1 capstone project - no dissertation required
  • Master’s degree in any field OR completion of 33 graduate credits
  • 3.0 GPA  
  • 2 letters of recommendation (professional) 
  • Personal statement
  • Research statement
  • Resume 
  • Transcripts from all universities attended (Evaluations for international transcripts are required. WES and others are accepted.)
  • 45 credit hours
  • $816 per credit hour
  • 6 semesters/2 years
  • 2 start dates per year
  • DEI or STEAM certificate options available
  •  Summer 2025 start date: May 27, 2025
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Healthcare leader with Ed.D. degree using skills in career
Online Ed.D. in Health Care Education
Online Ed.D. in Education and Leadership - Health Care Education

Leverage your professional health care experience to address the educator shortage and prepare a new generation of health care practitioners in your field.

  •  2 years to complete
  •  1 capstone project - no dissertation required
  • Master’s degree in any field OR completion of 33 graduate credits
  • 3.0 GPA  
  • 2 letters of recommendation (professional) 
  • Personal statement
  • Research statement
  • Resume 
  • Transcripts from all universities attended  
    (Evaluations for international transcripts are required. WES and others are accepted.)
  • 45 credit hours
  • $816 per credit hour
  • 6 semesters/2 years
  • 2 start dates per year
  • DEI or Medical Spanish certificate options available
  •  Summer 2025 start date: May 27, 2025

Why Rockhurst University Online?

At Rockhurst University, we focus on learning, leadership, and service in the Jesuit tradition while welcoming students of all faiths. The Jesuit tradition in higher education is more than 450 years old, and Rockhurst University has been part of this heritage since 1910. Our online Ed.D. programs prepare you as an innovative educator to shape the next generation of learners. 

Our Ed.D. in Education and Leadership programs are unique in offering students the flexibility of completing a capstone project rather than a dissertation. Students are able to showcase their expertise in their field or area of interest through applied research. 

Rockhurst University School of Education is a member of the Carnegie Project on the Education Doctorate, which is the knowledge forum on the EdD. It has a membership of over 100 schools of education in the United States, Canada, and New Zealand working collaboratively to improve professional preparation in education at the highest level.

Completing one of Rockhurst’s online Ed.D. programs in Higher Education, Health Care Education, K-12 Leadership or Organizational Leadership will equip you with competitive skills, knowledge and the expertise required to lead or teach at the highest levels in your field.

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Student Support

A dedicated enrollment adviser can answer your questions and guide you through the application process. Begin by filling out a form and starting the conversation.

Your adviser can help with:

  • Admission Requirements
  • Curriculum Details
  • Clinical Placement Support
  • Enrollment Support
  • Financial Aid
  • Tuition Cost
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Andy Mangiaguerra
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Georgia Mourtokokis
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Kerry Fleeger
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