EdD Leadership Higher Education track

a doctorate student and a professor wear regalia and smile.

Track Details: Higher Education

Prepare to drive institutional change and innovation in colleges and universities with Fairleigh Dickinson University’s Ed.D. in Leadership—Higher Education track. This program is crafted for current and aspiring professionals who want to address systemic challenges, serve diverse student populations, and advance inclusive practices across the postsecondary landscape. Through coursework in social justice, sustainability, data analytics, and academic program assessment, you will gain the skills to improve institutional effectiveness, foster enrollment and retention, and lead collaborative teams and campus initiatives. The flexible online format and dedicated faculty mentors help you balance your doctorate with your career, building expertise in strategic leadership, partnership development, and organizational transformation.

Program Details

Start Date: Available in Spring and Fall sessions. See upcoming sessions here.
Estimated Program Length: 2-3 Years
Course Length: 8 Weeks
Credit Hours per Course: 3
Credit Hours for Program: 45
Accreditation: MSCHE
Tuition: Click here to view tuition rates for this program

What program are you interested in?

Ed.D. in Healthcare Education Leadership, Ed.D. in Leadershi,p Ed.D. in Preschool-12th Grade Leadershi,p Master of Administrative Scienc,e Master of Arts in Animation Master of Fine Arts in Animation Master of Public Administration/Master of Public Health, Master of Public Health, Master of Science in Cyber and Homeland Security Administration Master of Social Work, Master of Sport Management MBA.

Career Opportunities in Higher Education

You will be prepared for influential leadership roles such as:

Dean or Associate Dean
Director of Student Success or Student Affairs
Chief Diversity Officer
Higher Education Consultant
Policy Analyst
Enrollment Manager
Academic Program Director
Institutional Researcher
Professor of Higher Education

As a doctoral student, you’ll engage in data-driven problem solving, applied research, and hands-on experiences—empowering you to lead positive, sustainable change in higher education institutions and the communities they serve.

Higher Education Track Courses

All Ed.D. in Leadership students will complete the same five (5) Common Research Required Sequence courses (15 credits) and the same five (5) Common Leadership Required Sequence courses (15 credits). These courses are listed above under the heading Common Courses for all Ed.D. in Leadership Students. The remaining five (5) program Content Sequence courses for this track are listed below.

Higher Education Content Sequence (15 credits)
Course Number	Title	Credits
Required
EDUC 8651	History of Higher Education	3
Electives
EDUC 8600	Advanced Studies in Higher Education	3
EDUC 8652	Database Management and Reporting in Education	3
EDUC 8654	Innovation and Technology in Higher Education	3
EDUC 8656	Enrollment Management	3
EDUC 8657	Community and Workforce Development	3
EDUC 8658	Educational Policy and Advocacy	3
EDUC 8659	Data Analytics and Visualizations in Higher Education	3
EDUC 8661	Program Assessment and Evaluation	3
*EDUC 8662	Introduction to Quantitative Inquiry	3
EDUC 8666	Diversity, Equity, and Social Justice in Education	3
*EDUC 8669	Introduction to Qualitative Inquiry	3
EDUC 8670	Introduction to Critical Race Theory	3
EDUC 8673	Leading with Social and Emotional Learning in Mind	3
EDUC 8675	Developing Critically Conscious Educators	3
EDUC 8677	Coalition-Building and Communicating Strategies for Authentic Stakeholder Partnership	3
EDUC 8678	Culturally Responsive Curriculum Development	3
EDUC 8665	Dissertation Maintenance (as needed)	0

*Option if not taken as part of the required research sequence

How to Get Started on Your Ed.D. in Leadership Degree

Ready to take the next step towards your degree? Apply now or use the form to request more information. You can also visit our Frequently Asked Questions page. Apply Now.