EdD in Educational Leadership
Doctor of Education
Navigate today’s complex educational challenges with the in-depth knowledge needed to ask the right questions – and to act on the answers. Capella’s online Doctor of Education, Educational Leadership specialization can help you grow as an innovative leader and informed decision maker. The curriculum explores the knowledge, skills and habits of mind that characterize effective leadership across P-12 schools, higher education and corporate or government educational settings. Discover ways to lead your school or organization through policy changes and other educational issues while creating a culture of learning. Available in FlexPath and GuidedPath formats, the program emphasizes inquiry, systems thinking and continuous improvement.
At a glance
- Online
- 5 Core courses
- 5 Specialization courses
- 6 Doctoral project courses
- 0 Max transfer credits
- FlexPath available
With Capella Tuition Cap, you won't pay more than $32,000* in tuition costs for your degree.
*Eligibility rules and exclusions apply. Connect with us for details.
Explore educational leadership courses
- This program requires a total of 32 program points in FlexPath or a total of 64 quarter credits in GuidedPath
- You’ll need to complete five core courses, five specialization courses and six doctoral project courses
Try FlexPath for yourself
In our FlexPath Trial Course, you will explore online self-paced learning, experience the courseroom and view a sample assessment.
What you'll learn
The EdD in Educational Leadership is designed to prepare practicing professionals to pursue leadership roles in colleges, universities, and P–12 schools, as well as corporate, governmental, and non-governmental education organizations.
On successful completion of this program, you should be able to:
- Apply professional knowledge base and leadership theory to organizational learning and innovation.
- Promote a culture of inclusion and belonging.
- Communicate effectively.
- Evaluate data and evidence to assess organizations and problems of practice.
- Use systems thinking and needs analysis tools to evaluate and frame problems of practice.
- Lead evidence-based and collaborative inquiry and research cycles to address problems of practice.
- Practice change management strategies and leadership skills that support stakeholder commitment and organizational learning.
- Practice and promote habits of mind to lead people and organizations.
How much does the Doctor of Education (EdD) cost?
The total cost of your degree will depend on your learning format, academic performance and other factors. See FlexPath and GuidedPath cost information below.
A self-paced learning format that helps put you in control. Take courses at your own speed and move on to the next course whenever you’re ready.
- Enroll in one or two core courses at a time and complete as many as you can in 12 weeks
- 2 Capella quarter credits = 1 program point
- Set your own deadlines, no courseroom discussions
- Pay a flat tuition fee per 12-week billing session
- $3,400 per 12-week billing session
- $175 resource kit
- 32 total program points
- 0 max transfer points
OTHER COSTS
Resource kit
$175 Per 12-week billing session
Coursework phase only; includes eBooks, textbooks, interactive media, software, course packs, articles, test kits, and other instructional materials
Resource kit
$175
Per 12-week billing session
Coursework phase only; includes eBooks, textbooks, interactive media, software, course packs, articles, test kits, and other instructional materials
Application fee
$0 no application fee
Application fee
$0
no application fee
Total Tuition Cap
Capella Tuition Cap
$32,000 Total tuition
- Pay no more than $32,000 in total tuition for your degree*
- Applies to both GuidedPath and FlexPath learning formats
- Available to all students who start now through January 12, 2026
*Eligibility rules apply. Books, course materials, supplies, equipment and other fees apply. Travel expenses for residency, practicum, etc., are not covered by the tuition cap.
Capella Tuition Cap
What is the Capella Tuition Cap?$32,000
Total tuition
- Pay no more than $32,000 in total tuition for your degree*
- Applies to both GuidedPath and FlexPath learning formats
- Available to all students who start now through January 12, 2026
*Eligibility rules apply. Books, course materials, supplies, equipment and other fees apply. Travel expenses for residency, practicum, etc., are not covered by the tuition cap.
GuidedPath
A more structured learning format with an active peer community and faculty guidance. We’ll set the schedule, you meet the deadlines.
- Based on the quarter system; 1–2 courses per 10-week quarter
- 1 semester credit = 1.5 quarter credits
- Weekly assignments and courseroom discussions
- Pay for what you take, price varies by courseload or term
$790 per credit, 64 coursework credits, 0 max transfer credits
Tuition breakdown
Program Phases
OTHER COSTS
Resource kit
$175 Per quarter
Coursework phase only; includes eBooks, textbooks, interactive media, software, course packs, articles, test kits, and other instructional materials
Resource kit
$175
Per quarter
Coursework phase only; includes eBooks, textbooks, interactive media, software, course packs, articles, test kits, and other instructional materials
Application fee
$0 no application fee
Application fee
$0
no application fee
Total Tuition Cap
Capella Tuition Cap
$32,000 Total tuition
- Pay no more than $32,000 in total tuition for your degree*
- Applies to both GuidedPath and FlexPath learning formats
- Available to all students who start now through January 12, 2026
*Eligibility rules apply. Books, course materials, supplies, equipment and other fees apply. Travel expenses for residency, practicum, etc., are not covered by the tuition cap.
Capella Tuition Cap
What is the Capella Tuition Cap?$32,000
Total tuition
- Pay no more than $32,000 in total tuition for your degree*
- Applies to both GuidedPath and FlexPath learning formats
- Available to all students who start now through January 12, 2026
*Eligibility rules apply. Books, course materials, supplies, equipment and other fees apply. Travel expenses for residency, practicum, etc., are not covered by the tuition cap.
Tuition and program length are unique to you
Your total tuition and program length depend on a variety of factors:
- Academic performance
- Complexity of your capstone
- Number of quarters spent working on capstone
- Prior coursework
- Scholarships and finances
- Unexpected life events
- School/work/life balance
- Employer and/or military benefits
About cost scenarios
The cost scenarios below are examples based on general program pricing and 2025–26 Capella tuition rates and assume the average number of transfer credits a student brings into the program. Pacing and pricing information is current as of Jan. 6, 2025. These rates are the same nationwide and may change depending on factors affecting program length and price. You are responsible for paying your own travel costs related to residencies, including plane, hotel and food expenses.
To discuss whether the specialization you’re interested in has additional factors that may affect program cost and length, contact a Capella enrollment specialist.
Cost scenarios
| Estimated cost of completion, assuming continuous enrollment |
|
|---|---|
| Coursework: $790/credit 14 quarters |
$50,650.00 |
| Subtotal
|
$50,650.00 |
| Est. Savings with Capella Tuition Cap*
|
$-18,650.00 |
| Est. subtotal with Capella Tuition Cap*
|
$32,000.00 |
| Resource Kit: $175 14 quarters |
$2,450.00 |
| Application fee: $0 no application fee |
$0 |
|
Est. Total with Capella Tuition Cap* 14 quarters |
$34,450.00 |
*Eligibility rules and exclusions apply. Connect with us for details. Capella Tuition Cap is available to students who start now through January 12, 2026.
Get the details
Connect with an enrollment specialist to further discuss the cost of the program and explore your eligibility for scholarships and discounts.
Are there scholarships available for doctoral degrees?
Your education is an investment in your future that’s within your reach. There are more ways to save than you might think.
Capella is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Accreditation and recognitions provide assurance that we meet standards for quality of faculty, curriculum, learner services, and fiscal stability. See all our accreditations and recognitions.
What are the EdD admission requirements?
Applicants must provide the following information for admission to Capella programs and specializations:
- A master’s degree from an institution accredited by an agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, or from an internationally recognized institution
- Your official master’s transcripts, with a minimum grade point average of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale
- A valid, government-issued form of photo identification
GRE and GMAT are not required for admission.
FlexPath admission requirements
Applicants for our FlexPath self-paced learning option must also meet the following criteria:
- The recommended minimum GPA is 3.0, although those with lower GPAs may be considered if providing additional documentation for review.
Transition to FlexPath: Applicants whose GPA is below the FlexPath admission threshold may be considered once they successfully complete at least two GuidedPath courses (or eight credits, whichever is greater) with a minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA.
International Student Requirements
If you completed your most recent academic coursework, degree, or credential at an institution outside the United States, regardless of your citizenship or where you currently live, you are considered an international applicant.
In addition to the above admission requirements, you will need to submit these materials:
- Minimum score on acceptable test for proof of English proficiency
- Transcript evaluation
Learn more about international student admissions.
What support does Capella offer online students?
Our programs are designed to meet the unique needs of doctoral students. We’ve structured the experience in manageable pieces that build on one another to help you earn your doctorate. You’ll have support from faculty, staff, and online resources along the way.
Articles and resources
Expand your perspective on academic and career topics with articles and resources from Capella University.
10 ways to demonstrate leadership at work
Being a leader doesn’t always mean managing a team of people.
Education program guide
Get details on the education programs at Capella University, including learning formats, financing options and more.
Funding your next degree
This six-step plan can help budget for the next stage in your educational journey.
What can you do with a EdD in Educational Leadership degree?
Your education can help you reach your professional and personal goals. Here are some of the jobs and employment settings to explore with an EdD in Educational Leadership.
Related job titles to explore*
- Dean of education
- Dean of students
- Director of admissions
- Vice president of academic affairs/provost
Employment settings to explore*
- Colleges, universities and professional schools
- Community colleges
- Elementary and secondary schools
- General medical and surgical hospitals
- Search, detection, navigation, guidance, aeronautical and nautical system and instrument manufacturing
*These are examples intended to serve as a general guide. Some positions may prefer or even require previous experience, licensure, certifications, and/or other designations along with a degree. Because many factors determine what position an individual may attain, Capella cannot guarantee that a graduate will secure any specific job title, a promotion, salary increase, or other career outcome. We encourage you to research requirements for your job target and career goals.