Community College Leadership Online

  • Doctor of Philosophy
  • Darden College of Education & Professional Studies
  • Department of Educational Leadership & Workforce Development

Program Overview

  • 54 credit hours, including dissertation
  • Rolling admissions
  • In-person Summer Institute (Norfolk, VA) during the first week of June
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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.

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.

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. 

While the program offers the convenience of online learning, you'll also benefit from developing relationships with faculty who are national leaders, completing your dissertation, and building a supportive network through our one-week summer institute.

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!

Want to learn more? Contact us!

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  • Required Courses

    • 54 credit hours, including 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.

  • Online Learning Environment

    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.

  • 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.

  • 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

Meet Your Team

You'll have a dedicated academic advisor for this program.

Contact us if you have questions about admission requirements, transferring credits, or application deadlines.

Ready to get started?

  • How 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.