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  • Hybrid Philadelphia Doctorate in Educational Leadership & Management (EdD)

    Philadelphia, PA Campus

    Drexel University’s hybrid EdD in Educational Leadership and Management teaches you to navigate and lead in today’s ever-changing educational landscape. Become a change agent for your organization through a mix of foundational leadership and research courses, paired with diverse concentration options to tailor your degree to your career goals. The program’s hybrid format combines face-to-face learning at our Philadelphia campus with online learning, making the program convenient for working professionals. 

    Ready to take the next step? Apply for Fall 2026 term by the priority deadline, May 1, 2026, to receive priority application review. Learn more.

    What is an EdD degree?

    If your goal is to work in hands-on administrative leadership roles, an EdD is a great option. Unlike a PhD, which tends to be more research-intensive and designed for those interested in faculty positions, an EdD has a practical focus and looks at real-world applications of your studies. This degree is a good fit for those working in K-12 and higher education, nonprofits, government entities, and corporations that serve the educational community.

    EdD Philadelphia Program Features

    • Courses are aimed to develop your personal leadership growth
    • Core courses are taught in-person at Drexel’s main campus in Philadelphia, while concentration courses are completed online
      • Terms with 2 core courses: Friday and Saturday in person, once a month
      • Terms with 1 core course + 1 concentration course: Friday OR Saturday in person, once a month
      • Dissertation stage: No in-person requirement (all coursework is online)
    • Choose from a variety of concentration options to fit the program to your interests
    • Cohorted program gives you opportunities to network and interact with a community of students that learn and grow with each other
    • First year students benefit from our Mentoring and Coaching Program (MAC). The program provides guidance and support to students as they navigate their coursework and opportunities to expand their networks and gather career advice.

    5 Reasons You Should Earn an EdD in Educational Leadership and Management

    Hear from Program Director Deanna Hill, JD, PhD, as she shares how this program can help you lead change, advance your career, and make a lasting impact in the field of education.

    Mentoring and Coaching Program

    Elevate your EdD journey with our EdD Mentoring and Coaching (MAC) program. In your first year, get matched with an experienced MAC alumnus who shares similar career interests. They offer invaluable guidance, helping you navigate coursework and adjust to doctoral life. Benefit from their insights, build networks, and gather career advice. Beyond the first year, forge lasting connections with your MAC for continuous support throughout your program.

    For questions about the program and how to become a MAC or, if you are a new student wishing to be paired with a MAC, please contact edd@drexel.edu

    Priority Application Deadline

    Drexel University offers a priority deadline for the online EdD in Educational Leadership and Management. Applications submitted by the priority deadline will receive priority review by the committee, and accepted students will receive an earlier decision. The priority deadline for Fall 2026 is May 1, 2026.

    Applications are still accepted up until the regular deadline for the term. The regular deadline for Fall 2026 is July 1, 2026.

    CPED Program of the year

    Drexel’s EdD in Educational Leadership and Management received the prestigious Carnegie Project on the Education Doctorate (CPED) Program of the Year Award in 2019, a distinction that recognizes programs demonstrating excellence, innovation, and impact.

    Concentration Options

    • Creativity and Innovation
      • Option A: Creativity and Innovation
        Provides an in-depth understanding of creativity, enhanced communication, and creative problem-solving; and explores how these may be applied to practical situations in the workplace.
      • Option B: Mind, Brain, Learning, and Innovation
        Looks at advancements in technology and research related to the human learning process and how this informs pedagogical practices across learning formats.
    • Educational Administration (with Pennsylvania Principal Certification)
      Equips emerging school leaders with the tools to navigate the intricate landscape of educational leadership, including data-driven decision-making, identifying gaps in teaching and learning, and championing evidence-based practices with focus on improving learning outcomes for all students. The heart of the program lies in the internship component. As a student, you’ll assume leadership roles under the guidance of an experienced principal mentor. This hands-on experience bridges theory and practice, preparing you for the dynamic realities of school leadership.
    • Educational Administration (with Pennsylvania Superintendent Letter of Eligibility)
      Equips visionary leaders with the skills, knowledge, and experience necessary to navigate the complexities of organizational management, transformational change, and adaptive leadership in K-12 education. Responsible for overseeing every aspect of a school district, superintendents lead instructional innovation, fiscal management, policy implementation, and community engagement while reporting directly to the Board of Education. This concentration provides real-world leadership training through dynamic coursework, expert faculty mentorship, and an intensive, year-long internship that immerses students in the day-to-day responsibilities of a superintendent. From crisis management and budget oversight to policy advocacy and stakeholder communication, students gain hands-on experience that prepares them to lead with confidence.
    • Education Policy
      Engages with policies and policy issues that have an impact on education, those working in it, and those served by it. Includes a heavy emphasis on the roles of ethics and ethical decision-making in policy development.
    • Higher Education Leadership
      • Option A: Administration, Leadership, & Assessment
        Examines the historical growth and advancement of colleges and universities in the U.S. with a look at the impact of variables such as the law, politics, and power structures.
      • Option B: Administration, Student Success, & Innovation
        Explores the connection between strategic enrollment management and institutional planning and sustainability with an examination of the student lifecycle from recruitment to the student experience to graduation.
    • Human Resource Development
      Produces 21st century leaders with the competencies and capabilities to facilitate workplace learning, performance, and change in any organizational setting.
    • Learning Technologies
      Teaches the skills needed to solve the technological learning challenges facing schools and businesses. Includes a focus on areas such as instructional design, performance support, virtual communities, learning in participatory culture, and e-learning leadership.
    • Nursing Education
      Prepares registered nurses to assume faculty positions while providing a robust interdisciplinary education between Drexel's School of Education and the College of Nursing and Health Professions. Those who wish to pursue this concentration must have an RN license.
    • Special Education Law and Process
      Equips educators, administrators, and advocates with essential legal knowledge and collaborative skills to support students with disabilities. Through an in-depth exploration of special education laws, court cases, and advocacy strategies, students gain practical expertise applicable in schools, family support services, and community-based work, empowering them to drive meaningful change by fostering legally sound, school-family-community partnerships that meet the diverse needs of all learners.
    • Special Education Leadership
      Students are prepared to take on supervisory roles within the education system after gaining the unique leadership knowledge and skills needed to successfully direct programs within special education. Graduates are equipped with the advanced skills, knowledge, and competencies to head programs that meet the needs of students at risk for and with disabilities in a variety of environments.

    Alumni Spotlight

    Learn about Dr. Brandon Wallace’s journey in educational leadership and how the EdD in Education Leadership and Management prepared him for success as a professor and a father.

    Hear from Dr. Erik Pederson as he shares his story about his experience as a student in the EdD in Educational Leadership and Management program. Dr. Pederson talks about working with students from all types of industries and how the program has prepared him for success in his career and how he earned his Superintendent Letter of Eligibility through the program.

    Archived Webinars

    Why Should You Take a Hybrid Program in Philadelphia?

    Drexel’s hybrid EdD program in Philadelphia gives you the best of both worlds. Your concentration courses are completely online, giving you the flexibility Drexel’s online classes are known for. Your core classes are taught in-person at Drexel’s main Philadelphia campus, giving you the ability to collaborate and learn with your classmates face-to-face. Taking courses on Drexel’s campus also means you have easy access to a host of Drexel on-campus facilities, like the Hagerty Library, the Writing Center, and the Student Recreation Center. You will have online access to these resources as well.

    How to Apply to the Philadelphia Hybrid Doctorate in Education Program

    To apply to Drexel’s hybrid EdD in Philadelphia, you need both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree from a regionally accredited institution. Your master’s degree should be in education (or another appropriate field), and you should have a master’s GPA of at least 3.5. Your résumé should also indicate at least three years of relevant work experience.

    In addition to these academic requirements, you will need to submit a completed application, official transcripts, letters of recommendation, a resume, and writing requirements. For a full list of application materials, please visit the Admissions Criteria page.

    Additional EdD Program Options


    State restrictions may apply to some programs.

    Curriculum

    This program is organized into four 10-week quarters per year (as opposed to the traditional two semester system) which means you can take more courses in a shorter time period. One semester credit is equivalent to 1.5 quarter credits.

    Core Courses
    EDUC 750 Introduction to Doctoral Study in Education 3.0
    EDUC 800 Educational Leadership & Change 3.0
    EDUC 801 Creative Strategies For Educational Leaders 3.0
    EDUC 845 Transformative Leadership: Finding One's Source 3.0
    EEDD 888 Educational Leadership for Equity and Social Justice 3.0
    Research Courses
    EDUC 803 Educational Research Design I 3.0
    EDUC 810 Educational Research Design II 3.0
    EDUC 815 Writing for Research, Publication and Funding in Education 3.0
    EDUC 818 Applied Research Study 3.0
    EDUC 835 Quantitative Research Methods and Data Analysis 4.0
    EDUC 836 Qualitative Research Methods and Data Analysis 4.0
    EDUC 837 Advanced Qualitative Methods and Data Analysis 3.0
    EDUC 880 Doctoral Seminar 1.5
    Program Elective
    Select 3.0 credits from the 500+ level from the list below: * 3.0
    Any CRTV (Creativity Studies)
    Any EDAM (Educational Administration)
    Any EDGI (Education, Global & International Education)
    Any EDCR (Education Core)
    Any EDUC (Teacher Education)
    Any EHRD (Education Human Resource Development)
    Any EDLT (Education Learning Technologies)
    Any EDPO (Education Policy)
    Any EDHE (Higher Education)
    Any EDEX (Special Education)
    Any ELL (E-Learning Leadership)
    Any NURS (Nursing)
    Any SCL (Sport Coaching Leadership)
    Concentration Courses
    Select from the concentration options listed below: 12.0-21.0
    Doctoral Dissertation Courses **
    Proposal Writing Seminar (optional, if needed) *** 0.0-15.5
    EDUC 881
    Doctoral Seminar (EdD)
    EDUC 899
    Proposal Writing Seminar
    Doctoral Dissertation 5.0-95.0
    EDUC 997
    Doctoral Dissertation
    Total Credits 59.5-174.0
    Creativity and Innovation Concentration A: Creativity and Innovation 12.0
    Students will take 4 courses from the list below based on their plan of study:
    CRTV 501
    Foundations in Creativity
    CRTV 502
    Tools and Techniques in Creativity
    CRTV 503
    Creativity in the Workplace
    CRTV 615
    Neuroscience, Creativity and Innovation
    CRTV 630
    Global Perspectives on Creativity
    Total Credits 12.0
    Creativity and Innovation Concentration B: Mind, Brain, Learning & Innovation *
    CRTV 600 Mind, Brain and Learning 3.0
    CRTV 604 Neurodiversity in Education and Workforce 3.0
    CRTV 608 Neuropedagogy and Assessment 3.0
    CRTV 615 Neuroscience, Creativity and Innovation 3.0
    Total Credits 12.0
    Educational Administration Concentration: Pennsylvania Superintendent Certification *
    EDAM 817 Curriculum Models 3.0
    EDAM 820 School Superintendency 3.0
    EDAM 824 Parents and Schools 3.0
    EDAM 827 School Superintendent's Internship: Curriculum Models 1.0
    EDAM 828 School Superintendent's Internship: Parents and Schools 1.0
    EDAM 829 School Superintendent's Internship: Budget and Finance 1.0
    EDAM 830 School Superintendent's Internship: Human Resource Development 1.0
    EDEX 712 Instructional & Curriculum Leadership in Special Education 3.0
    Total Credits 16.0
    Educational Administration Concentration: Principal Certification *
    EDAM 705 School Law and Politics 3.0
    EDAM 710 School Finance and Facilities 3.0
    EDAM 712 School and Community Partnerships and Relations 3.0
    EDAM 714 Instructional and Curriculum Leadership 3.0
    EDAM 715 School Principal Internship: Technology 1.5
    EDAM 716 School Principal Internship: Finance 1.5
    EDAM 717 School Principal Internship: Leadership 1.5
    EDAM 718 School Principal Internship: Relations 1.5
    EDAM 729 Technology and AI for School Leadership 3.0
    Total Credits 21.0
    Education Policy Concentration
    Students will take 4 courses from the list below based on their plan of study: 12.0
    EDPO 622
    Foundations of Education Policy
    EDPO 624
    The Shaping of American Education Policy: Global Forces, Interest Groups, and Politics
    EDPO 628
    American Educational Policy and U.S. Competitiveness
    or EDGI 604
    Quantitative Literacy: Interpreting and reporting data for educational policy and research
    EDPO 632
    Ethics in Educational Policy Making
    EDPO 636
    Access & Equity in Educational Policy Making
    Total Credits 12.0
    Global and International Education Concentration
    Students will take 4 courses from the list below based on their plan of study: 12.0
    EDGI 506
    Comparative Higher Education Systems
    EDGI 510
    Culture, Society & Education in Comparative Perspective
    or EDGI 552
    Gender, Education, and International Organizations
    EDGI 522
    Education for Global Citizenship, Sustainability, and Social Justice
    EDGI 550
    Educating for Peace, Social Justice, and Human Rights
    Total Credits 12.0
    Higher Education Leadership Concentration A: Administration, Leadership & Assessment *
    Students will take 4 courses from the list below based on their plan of study: 12.0
    CRTV 608
    Neuropedagogy and Assessment
    EDGI 506
    Comparative Higher Education Systems
    EDHE 501
    Foundations of Higher Education and Governance
    EDHE 531
    Legal Issues & Ethics in Higher Education
    EDHE 541
    Institutional Assessment, Accreditation and Effectiveness
    Total Credits 12.0
    Higher Education Leadership Concentration B: Administration, Student Success & Innovation *
    CRTV 615 Neuroscience, Creativity and Innovation 3.0
    EDHE 521 Student Development Theory and Application 3.0
    EDHE 661 Critical Issues & Risk Management in Student Affairs 3.0
    EDHE 665 Student Success: Learning and Innovative Support Services 3.0
    Total Credits 12.0
    Human Resource Development Concentration *
    Students will take 4 courses from the list below based on their plan of study: 12.0
    EHRD 500
    Foundations of Human Resources Development
    EHRD 602
    Coaching and Mentoring for Sustainable Learning
    EHRD 611
    Organization Development and Change
    EHRD 612
    Strategic Human Resource Development
    EHRD 660
    Principles of Adult Learning
    Total Credits 12.0
    Learning Technologies Concentration
    Students will take 4 courses from the list below based on their plan of study: 12.0
    EDLT 503
    The Learning Sciences
    EDLT 504
    Learning Engineering
    EDLT 543
    Play & Learning in a Participatory Culture
    or EDLT 591
    Learning Analytics: Lenses on students, teaching, and curriculum enactment
    EDLT 551
    Instructional Design Methods
    Total Credits 12.0
    Nursing Education Concentration
    Students will take 4 courses from the list below based on their plan of study: 12.0
    NURS 591
    Foundations of Healthcare Education
    NURS 606
    Curriculum Design for Higher Level Cognition
    NURS 613
    The Role and Responsibility of the Nurse Educator
    or NURS 616
    Teaching Methods in Nursing Education
    NURS 615
    Assessment, Measurement and Evaluation
    Total Credits 12.0
    Special Education Law and Process Concentration (Non-Certification)
    EDEX 600 Family, School and Community Engagement in Special Education 3.0
    EDEX 601 Special Education Advocacy 3.0
    EDEX 602 Special Education Dispute Resolution and Skills Training 3.0
    EDEX 710 School Law & Policy in Special Education 3.0
    Total Credits 12.0
    Special Education Leadership Concentration (Pennsylvania Supervisor of Special Education Certification) *
    EDEX 710 School Law & Policy in Special Education 3.0
    EDEX 712 Instructional & Curriculum Leadership in Special Education 3.0
    EDEX 714 Development, Supervision, & Support: Special Education Leadership 3.0
    EDEX 716 Organization & Administration of Special Education 3.0
    EDEX 721 Supervisor of Special Education Internship: Special Education Leadership 1.0
    EDEX 722 Supervisor of Special Education Internship: Instructional Leadership 1.0
    EDEX 723 Supervisor of Special Education Internship: Collaboration & Personnel 1.0
    EDEX 724 Supervisor of Special Education Internship: Finance & Management 1.0
    Total Credits 16.0
    Special Education Leadership Concentration (Non-Certification Track)
    EDEX 710 School Law & Policy in Special Education 3.0
    EDEX 712 Instructional & Curriculum Leadership in Special Education 3.0
    EDEX 714 Development, Supervision, & Support: Special Education Leadership 3.0
    EDEX 716 Organization & Administration of Special Education 3.0
    Total Credits 12.0

    View Course Descriptions

    Admissions Criteria

    • Bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution
    • Master's degree in Education (or another appropriate field) from a regionally accredited institution
      • Master's GPA of 3.5 or above
    • 3 years of work experience relevant to your professional goals
    • Nursing Education concentration only: Current, unrestricted United States RN license

    Required Documents

    With multiple ways to submit documents, Drexel makes it easy to complete your application. Learn more by visiting our Completing Your Application Guide.

    • A completed application
    • Official transcripts from all universities or colleges and other post-secondary educational institutions attended (including trade schools), verifying completion of your bachelor's and master's degrees
    • Three professional letters of recommendation
    • Resume
    • Nursing Education concentration only: Copy of your United States RN license
    • Additional requirements for International Students

    Writing Requirements

    Personal Essay

    • Discuss your professional goals and aspirations, including how your current skills, along with your study of educational leadership, will support the attainment of these goals. (300 words maximum)

    Problem of Practice

    • In the Drexel EdD program, you'll identify a problem of practice that becomes central to your dissertation research. While the final dissertation topic and document evolve over time, generally, our students arrive with one or more ideas for a problem of practice they have an interest in studying.
    • In this essay, please identify and describe a problem of practice relevant to your current (or a former) professional practice. (750 words maximum)
    • Describe the significance of this problem to the organization.
    • Based on your present understanding of the problem, discuss the potential underlying causes and contributing factors that have created the current challenges.
    • What questions could be explored to learn more about the problem that may help to create potential solutions.

    Writing Sample

    • Provide a solo-authored academic paper from prior coursework or journal article that cites from peer reviewed articles and demonstrates your academic writing abilities. (5-30 pages)
    • If no prior academic papers are available, please create one on a topic of your choice. (5-8 pages)
    • Alternatively, you may provide a writing sample where you are the solo author—this may be a work-based report that evidences your critical thinking and writing skills.

    Supplemental Documents

    The application process is designed to highlight emerging leaders who can display experience leading teams and groups, strategic planning, and research and development. To make your application more competitive, you're encouraged but not required to submit two or more of the following:

    • A detailed statement discussing your sustained leadership activities
    • A detailed statement discussing your creative activities or products
    • A detailed statement discussing your significant research activities or publications

    Drexel University Employee Applicants

    The EdD program only accepts 5 benefit-eligible employees per academic year. Once the application submission cycle is closed, all employee applications will be reviewed and decisions will be made at that time with offers being extended to the top five competitive applications. The Drexel University employee application deadline for Fall 2026 is July 15, 2026.

    Tuition

    The tuition rate for the academic year 2025-2026 is $1525 per credit.

    For the academic year 2025-2026, students enrolled in an online graduate academic program will be charged a graduate online program fee of $125 per year.

    • This program is eligible for Financial Aid
    • Additional part-time program fee of $140 per quarter
    • 30% tuition savings available for:
      • Military members serving on active duty or with the National Guard or reserves, veterans, and military dependents
      • Full-time faculty and staff employed at community colleges and their immediate family members
      • Employees and members of Drexel University Online partner organizations and immediate family members
      • Alumni of Drexel University’s School of Education and College of Nursing & Health Professions master’s degree programs
    • When receiving special tuition plans with Drexel University Online, you may not combine them with other tuition benefits that may be available from Drexel University
    • Students being readmitted to Drexel University must contact applyDUonline@drexel.edu within the first two weeks of the term to request tuition savings for which they qualify

    Academic Calendar

    2025-2026 Academic Year

    Term

    Classes Begin

    Classes End

    Exams Begin

    Exams End

    Fall 2025

    September 22, 2025

    December 6, 2025

    December 8, 2025

    December 13, 2025

    Winter 2026

    January 5, 2026

    March 14, 2026

    March 16, 2026

    March 21, 2026

    Spring 2026

    March 30, 2026

    June 6, 2026

    June 8, 2026

    June 13, 2026

    Summer 2026

    June 22, 2026

    August 29, 2026

    August 31, 2026

    September 5, 2026

     

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