Why ODU for Educational Leadership?

In ODU's online educational leadership program, we prepare professionals to provide leadership in a wide variety of educational settings.

Our program has a strong social justice core. Our graduates are ready to produce meaningful change in educational organizations. You will learn how to use research, theory, and your own professional expertise to advance organizational change in your current workplace.

This accelerated, executive style doctoral program is cohort based. You will complete courses throughout the program with the same group of peers. A cohort model allows our students to build an intensive professional learning community as they discuss and research educational problems of practice and policy.

The cohort model also means that your course schedule is set from the beginning of the program, making it easier for professionals working full time to plan ahead.

ODU's Darden College of Education and Professional Development is a UCEA Associate Member, www.ucea.org. Our faculty have received prestigious awards and grants, such as Dr. Karen Sanzo receiving the UCEA Master Professor award and Dr. Rachel White receiving a Spencer Foundation grant.

When you graduate, you will earn a PhD in Education with a concentration in Educational Leadership.

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If you are interested in pursuing an undergraduate degree, we can provide a free unofficial evaluation of your domestic transcript(s).





Transform Your Career with ODUGlobal

At ODUGlobal, our programs empower future educational leaders to make a difference in their communities. Our graduates are stepping into leadership roles, ready to make a difference with passion and purpose. With ODUGlobal’s support, you too can achieve your professional dreams and contribute to the transformation of education.

Play 2024 Commencement image of a woman walking to the stage to receive her diploma with a smile

Program Information

Total
60 credit hours total
  • 48 credit hours of coursework
  • 12 credit hours (minimum) of dissertation work

Participate in live, regularly scheduled online class meetings and access course materials online from any location.

To help our students complete this program while working full time, these classes meet in the evening once a week. All courses follow ODU's academic calendar.

Total
60 credit hours total
  • 48 credit hours of coursework
  • 12 credit hours (minimum) of dissertation work

Participate in live, regularly scheduled online class meetings and access course materials online from any location.

To help our students complete this program while working full time, these classes meet in the evening once a week. All courses follow ODU's academic calendar.

Cost & Aid

Smiling woman in professional attire smiles in a casual office setting
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.
Scholarship & 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 Educational Leadership

This doctoral program is designed to prepare PK-12 educational leaders for a wide variety of professional positions in administration and supervision, higher education, and state and national policy making arenas. Possible careers include:

  • Assistant principal
  • Principal
  • Superintendent
  • Policy maker
  • Higher education faculty

This is not a licensure program. It is designed for educational leaders who are already working full-time in PK-12 schools and divisions.

Education and Childcare Administrators, Preschool and Daycare
Growth
-2.1%
Median Salary
$54,290
Directors, Religious Activities and Education
Growth
2.2%
Median Salary
$50,140
Instructional Coordinators
Growth
1.8%
Median Salary
$74,620

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
Angel Baker
Applications Coordinator
globalgradadmit@odu.edu
Angela Schlender
Angela Schlender
Applications Coordinator
globalgradadmit@odu.edu

Ready to Apply?

In addition to meeting ODU graduate admission requirements, qualified applicants will be invited to participate in an online interview. GRE is not required. Full application requirements can be found in ODU's graduate catalog.

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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