Doctorate
Doctor of Education (EdD)
The Doctor of Education (EdD) in Educational Leadership prepares experienced professionals to lead change across schools, organizations, and communities. Through applied research, strategic leadership development, and a focus on equity, students gain the skills to drive meaningful, system-level impact.
Dig Deeper Into the program
Explore curriculum, dissertation structure, and program format to see how the EdD prepares leaders to solve real-world challenges in education and organizational settings.
Graduate programs at College of Saint Mary are coed.
Degrees Offered
- Doctorate
- Post-Master’s Certificate also offered
Start Terms
- Fall
Program Format
- Online
Credit Hours & Timeline
- Total credits required: 51
- Typical completion time: 3 years (5 year option also available)
The EdD in Educational Leadership prepares you to lead with strategy, insight and purpose. Coursework connects directly to real challenges in higher education, with a dissertation embedded throughout so you can apply what you learn in real time.
- Organizational Leadership & Change
Leadership theory, systems thinking, and change strategies - Data-Driven Decision Making
Use data to inform policy, planning, and outcomes - Equity, Policy, and Ethics in Education
Focus on access, equity, and ethical leadership decisions - Dissertation in Practice
Applied research solving real organizational challenges
- Completed application for College of Saint Mary’s Ed.D. program
- Official transcripts from institution/s accredited to award master’s degree/s
- Cumulative master’s level GPA of at least 3.0
- Resumé
- Cover page
- Please introduce yourself and explain your motivation for pursuing your doctorate degree with specific emphasis on your academic and professional goals for the program.
- Scholarly writing sample
- Option 1: Submit a scholarly writing sample from within the past three years.
- Option 2: If you do not have a recent scholarly writing sample available, please respond to a provided prompt on social presence in online learning. The writing prompt can be found here.
Applications open July 1 for the upcoming academic year. The application deadline is June 30. CSM follows a rolling admission process, reviewing applications as they are received. We encourage students to apply early for priority consideration.
The Post-Master’s Certificate in Adult Learning and Instruction is built from the first year of CSM’s EdD in Educational Leadership, allowing students to gain immediate, graduate-level credentials while exploring a path toward doctoral study.
Students who complete the certificate can seamlessly transition into the EdD program, applying their coursework toward the doctoral degree and continuing their leadership journey.
Tuition & Fees
Pursuing a graduate degree is a significant investment in your professional future. At CSM, we are committed to transparency around tuition and total program cost so you can plan with confidence. Our team will walk you through expenses, payment timelines, and financing options to help you make an informed decision about your next step.
If you currently work for a Catholic school, ask about our Catholic Educator discount.
Your Roadmap to Admission
From application to enrollment, we guide you through each step with clarity and personal support so you can focus on what matters most and take the next step toward your future.
Why Students Choose CSM
Designed for Working Professionals
A flexible, cohort-based structure allows students to balance career, life, and doctoral study.
Applied, Real-World Focus
Coursework and research are grounded in solving actual challenges within your organization or community.
Supportive Cohort Model
Progress through the program with a group of peers, building strong professional connections and support.
Mission-Driven Leadership Development
Grounded in Mercy values, the program prepares leaders to serve ethically and lead with purpose.
EdD Fast Facts
100% Online
Flexible Program
Delivery
Designed for working professionals balancing career, life, and doctoral study.
3 Years
Accelerated Doctoral
Timeline
Complete your EdD in a structured, cohort-based three-year program.
1 cohort
Collaborative Learning
Model
Progress alongside peers, building strong professional connections and support.
Educational Leadership Career
An EdD prepares you for leadership roles with a focus on applied research and real-world problem solving. Graduates are equipped to lead programs, improve outcomes and drive organizational change. Common roles of our graduates, include:
- Program Director
- Academic Dean
- Director of Student Affairs
- Clinical Education Coordinator
- Director of Training and Development
- Healthcare Administrator
Accreditation
The Assurance of Accreditation
The assurance of regional accreditation means that our degrees have been evaluated for their outcomes — including how well they prepare you to meet the needs of your employers, yourself and our global society. College of Saint Mary is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission.
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Wherever you’re starting from, we’ll help you build a future with confidence.
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