Skip to main content
College of Education

Educational Leadership

Let’s see you succeed in our doctoral program, designed to prepare scholar-practitioners and inquiry-driven leaders through a supportive cohort model.

Related programs
Two women looking at each other, smiling, sitting down, working on an assignment.
Degree
  • Doctor of Education
Location
  • Online
Type of Instruction
  • Online
Length

60 Credit Hours

Rise to Greater in Educational Leadership

The online Doctorate in Educational Leadership is designed for educators aspiring to leadership roles in K-12 settings and beyond. Our cohort model fosters a strong sense of community and connection, with built-in support every step of the way—from coursework through the dissertation process.

Students are encouraged to pursue research in their area of interest and select their own dissertation advisor. Along the way, they engage with policy makers, collaborate across institutions, and develop as well-rounded, inquiry-driven leaders.

Graduates are well-prepared for advancement into leadership positions in schools, districts, education service centers, consulting, and community organizations. The program’s strong foundation in research and theory also equips them with the qualifications to apply for faculty roles in higher education.

Enter Alt Text
Students learn how to lead at SHSU

Pursue Your Excellence in Education

Prepare to lead with confidence across educational settings, from schools and districts to service centers and community organizations. With a focus on K-12 education, our program strengthens your expertise in research, communication, and leadership, empowering you to become an impactful, inquiry-driven practitioner.

  • Become a Leader-Scholar

    This doctorate program prepares leader-scholars to effectively guide educational organizations. Gain skills necessary to support professional development for instructional improvement, apply evidence-based practices in educational research and program evaluation through research design and interpretation; and advocate for sound policies that support the success of all students.

  • Build Marketable Skills

    Build marketable skills that can be utilized across a variety of positions. Learn to effectively collect, analyze, and interpret data through the lens of theories and practice. Defend research findings to practitioners and researchers, honing research, written communication, and oral communication skills. Become adept at synthesizing empirical literature, design, conduct, and share independent research, building skills as both a collaborative and independent administrator.

  • A Range of Cognates

    While the cohort moves collectively through the Leadership Core and Research required courses, the cognates (electives) are chosen at will, dependent on student interests and goals. Choose from Executive Leadership for Superintendents, Human Resource Management, District Business and Financial Management, and Superintendent Practicum. Additional TEA requirements are needed to obtain a Texas Principal or Superintendent certification.

Man in suit talking to another man

Find Your Future Career

Build your career as an educational leader in schools, school districts, education service centers, and educational consulting or community organizations.

Professor speaking to the camera in a classroom style class, with her hands opened.

Expert Faculty

Our faculty have extensive experience in the field and are committed to your success.

Become a Bearkat

Ready to learn how SHSU can help you or to start your application today? Our Admissions team is here to help. Call 936-339-0148