Community College Leadership PhD

Why ODU for Community College Leadership?

Do you aspire to a leadership role in the community college setting? Are committed to its mission and philosophy? Our PhD in Community College Leadership is designed for dedicated professionals like you!

Come study with us to earn your doctoral degree from a university classified by the Carnegie Classification as an R1 “very high research activity” institution, placing it among the top 5% of four-year research institutions in the U.S.

In this program, you'll gain expertise in workforce development, academic transfer programs, improving student success, and understanding the community college's role in promoting economic mobility for students and economic development for local communities.

Upon completion, you will earn a Doctor of Philosophy in Community College Leadership. You'll be equipped to serve in key leadership positions at community colleges nationwide, driving success and innovation in post-secondary education.

Join us and become a leader in the community college landscape!

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Join a Community of Leadership

This online program is accessible and cost-effective, attracting students from across the nation. Developed with input from current community college leaders, our curriculum includes a 15-hour graduate certificate that stacks into the PhD program.

While the program offers the convenience of online learning, you'll also develop relationships with faculty who are national leaders as you complete your dissertation and build a supportive network through our one-week summer institute.

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Program Overview

Minimum

54 Credit Hours

Includes the opportunity for internships, independent studies, and work-based learning experiences

Prior course work in community college leadership is not required, as students come from a variety of disciplines. For those that do not have past quantitative course experience, we offer an asynchronous and synchronous introductory course that prepares you for your statistic course and research.

First- and second-year students in this doctoral program must come to ODU's main campus in June for one week of intensive coursework and preparation for the dissertation process.

View Course Descriptions in the Graduate Catalog

Attend class online on a regular schedule and access course materials online from any location. All courses follow ODU's regular academic calendar.

This program offers the opportunity for an internship/experiential learning course. First and second-year students in this doctoral program come to ODU's main campus one week during summer for a summer institute that includes coursework, networking with colleagues, and working on their dissertation.

Minimum

54 Credit Hours

Includes the opportunity for internships, independent studies, and work-based learning experiences

First- and second-year students in this doctoral program must come to ODU's main campus in June for one week of intensive coursework and preparation for the dissertation process.

View Course Descriptions in the Graduate Catalog

Attend class online on a regular schedule and access course materials online from any location. All courses follow ODU's regular academic calendar.

Cost & Aid

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Calculating Cost

In-state Virginia Residents

$620 per credit hour*

Out-of-state Students

$642 per credit hour

Rates are effective Fall 2024 and subject to change.
* In-state rate assumes residency requirements are met.

Explore ODUGlobal Cost & Aid

The newest class of graduates through ODUGlobal celebrated commencement in May 2024.

Scholarships & Aid

Scholarship Opportunities for Online Students

At ODUGlobal, we offer a variety of scholarships to support and empower you in achieving your academic and career goals, making quality education accessible wherever you are.

Learn more about our scholarships

Careers in Community College Leadership

The program is designed for those currently working in community colleges who want to increase knowledge and leadership opportunities in areas such as:

Leadership
Administration
Workforce Development
Policy Development
Leading Learning

Education Administrators, Postsecondary

Growth

2.9%

Median Salary

$102,610

Instructional Coordinators

Growth

1.8%

Median Salary

$74,620

Education Teachers, Postsecondary

Growth

3.3%

Median Salary

$73,240

What do our students say?

The faculty here are outstanding, and they're very knowledgeable. They also understand that we're working adults...It's high expectations but with high support.

Peter Anderson '17

Community College Leadership

ODUGlobal Graduate Admissions Team

Elaine Ross, Assistant Director of Graduate and International Admissions

Contact us at globalgradadmit@odu.edu about admission requirements, deadlines, or anything else you need to know about the application process!

Angel Baker

Applications Coordinator

globalgradadmit@odu.edu

Angela Schlender

Applications Coordinator

globalgradadmit@odu.edu

Ready to Apply?

Admission to this program is in addition to general admission to the university.

GRE is not required
This program has a rolling admissions deadline. We recommend completing your application by the following dates based on your starting term:
- To start in Summer: March 30
- To start in Fall: July 30
- To start in Spring: November 30

Learn more about how to apply to the Community College Leadership PhD program on the department's website.

Want to get started now?

You may be able to take up to four courses (12 credit hours) as a non-degree graduate student, before you are accepted into a specific degree program.

Please contact us to discuss this option with an expert advisor.

Apply Now

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Community College Leadership Online

Why ODU for Community College Leadership?