Online Doctor of Education – Higher Education Leadership Program Guide

The Maryville online doctor of education – higher education leadership explores modern faculty-administration dynamics to mold collaborative thought leaders with an expert perspective on social, political, and business leadership in education. Our innovative EdD program can provide you with the big-picture understanding to improve efficacy, delivery, and outcomes for students through reflective decision-making.

Maryville’s online Doctor of Education in Higher Education Leadership can provide you with the leadership abilities and perspective to meet the challenges of today — and tomorrow. Study strategic change and planning, legal and policy issues, and research methods. Gain an expert understanding of the contemporary student experience, enrollment and development, and changing faculty roles. Use critical analysis, competitive context, and outcomes and assessment to help institutions evolve with technology and marketplace standards and improve the learning experience. Conduct practice-based research to help guide critical decisions. Learn to apply developmental and organizational theory in real-world situations to respond to the higher ed challenges of today — and tomorrow.

Start your journey

At a glance

Graduate in as few as 32 months

100% online format

Receive personal mentorship from a faculty advisor

Option to attend Summer Residency (virtual)

Complete your dissertation simultaneously with your coursework

Cohort learning model provides added support

Coursework focused specifically on higher education

Full library access and integrated writing assistance

Curriculum

You can complete the online doctor of education – higher education leadership in as few as 32 months of year-round study. The entirety of the program, including two research residencies to be fulfilled online or on-campus, can be completed in eight semesters and is a 48-credit program. Unlike other doctorate programs, your dissertation is completed simultaneously with your coursework.

Core Courses

  • EDHL 750 Reflective Leadership Practice & Inquiry
  • EDHL 751 The College Student Experience
  • EDHL 752 Leadership in Higher Education
  • EDHL 753 Educational Research Methods
  • EDHL 753 Educational Research Methods
  • EDHL 754 The Competitive Context of Higher Education
  • EDHL 755 Research Residency I
  • EDHL 756 The Academic Community
  • EDHL 757 Organizational Leadership in Higher Education
  • EDHL 758 Understanding Data & Analysis
  • EDHL 759 Strategic Change & Innovation
  • EDHL 760 Research Residency II
  • EDHL 700 EDHL 730-EDHL 738
  • EDHL 761 Performance and Accountability
  • EDHL 762 Leading in a Complex Environment
  • EDHL 763 Dissertation Research and Writing
  • EDHL 764 Portfolio and Final Dissertation Defense
  • EDHL 790 Dissertation Proposal
  • EDHL 791 Dissertation Defense

To ensure the best possible educational experience for our students, we may update our curriculum to reflect emerging and changing employer and industry demands.

Get full course descriptions

Admission requirements

  • Master’s degree from a regionally accredited institution
  • Minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale for master’s transcripts
  • Minimum of three years experience in the field of higher education or demonstrated professional leadership experience transferable to higher education
  • Submission of the following:
    • Master’s transcripts

Explore our additional resources to help guide your admission journey.

Accreditation and rankings

Money's Best Colleges 2020 Logo
Military Friendly Schools 2023-2024 logo

Named an “Apple Distinguished School” for 2021-2024

Ranked a “Best National University” for 2022 by U.S. News & World Report

Why Maryville Online?

We’ve been progressively challenging the norms of higher education for nearly 150 years. We started as one of the first universities to educate women. Today, we continue to push the boundaries and prepare students like you for a digital world. At Maryville, we understand what it takes to step beyond your comfort zone.

Maryville University is a nationally ranked private college recognized for comprehensive and innovative education focused on student learning, outcomes, and success — both online and on campus. We’re located just 22 miles from downtown St. Louis.

Enhance your skills. Broaden your career.

Top 4 skills you can develop:

  • Practice-based research
  • Reflective leadership practice
  • Academic leadership strategies
  • Data analysis

Top 4 careers you can pursue:

  • College/university president
  • Academic dean
  • Admissions director
  • Provost

Start your journey today

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