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Leadership in Educational Administration
Doctor of Philosophy in Education
Prepare to take on a leadership role with an online PhD in Education, Leadership in Educational Administration from Capella University. Choose a concentration in school or district leadership. The curriculum focuses on the research, leadership, management, and problem-solving skills needed for principals and superintendents in today’s competitive K-12 environment. Upon completion of this program, you’ll be ready to pursue licensure as a K-12 principal or superintendent.
Note: This specialization does not lead to license, endorsement, or other professional credential. Teachers are advised to contact their school district to determine whether a program may qualify for salary advancement. For more information, see the Licensure section for this program.
Classes start February 7
Use the code WINTER to waive the $50 application fee.
At a Glance
- Online & in-person
- 6 Core courses
- 8 Specialization courses
- 3 Elective courses
- 3 Virtual Residencies
- Comprehensive exam
- Dissertation
Reduce your tuition by $5,000
Enroll in a qualified program and apply for a $5K Capella Progress Reward, a scholarship to help fund your doctoral degree. Eligibility rules and exclusions apply. Connect with us for details.
Applicants must provide the following information for admission to Capella programs and specializations:
- 3 years licensed teaching experience
- 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.
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.
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
$745 per credit, 77 coursework credits, 8 max transfer credits
Tuition breakdown
Program Phases
Comprehensive exam
$2,235 Per quarter
Comprehensive exam
$2,235
Per quarter
Dissertation
$2,235 Per quarter
Dissertation
$2,235
Per quarter
Fees
Resource kit fee
$175 Per quarter
Coursework phase only; includes eBooks, textbooks, interactive media, software, course packs, articles, test kits, and other instructional materials
Resource kit fee
$175
Per quarter
Coursework phase only; includes eBooks, textbooks, interactive media, software, course packs, articles, test kits, and other instructional materials
Application fee
$50 One-time fee
Application fee
$50
One-time fee
Tuition and program length are unique to you
Your total tuition and program length depend on a variety of factors:
- The program specialization you choose
- Scholarships and finances
- Prior coursework
- Transfer credits
- Employer and/or military benefits
- Number of quarters spent working on dissertation
- Complexity of your dissertation
- Academic performance
- School/work/life balance
- Unexpected life events
About cost scenarios
The cost scenarios below are examples based on general program pricing and 2021–22 Capella tuition rates, and assume the average number of transfer credits a student brings into the program. Pacing information is current as of January 1, 2021. These rates are the same nationwide and may change depending on factors affecting program length and price.
To discuss whether the specialization you’re interested in has additional factors that may affect program cost and length, contact a Capella enrollment counselor.
Cost scenarios
Completes dissertation in 4 quartersComplete each milestone at the pace of the fastest 25% of students |
|
|---|---|
| Coursework: $745/credit 14 quarters |
$51,629.00 |
| Comprehensive Exam 1 quarter |
$2,235.00 |
| Dissertation: $2,235/quarter 4 quarters |
$8,940.00 |
| Subtotal
|
$62,804.00 |
| Est. Scholarship Savings*
|
$-5,000.00 |
| Est. Subtotal with Scholarship Savings*
|
$57,804.00 |
| Resource kit fee: $175 14 quarters |
$2,450.00 |
| Application fee: $50 one-time fee |
$50.00 |
|
Est. Total with Scholarship Savings* 19 quarters |
$60,304.00 |
Completes dissertation in 6 quartersComplete each milestone at the pace of the median 50% of students |
|
|---|---|
| Coursework: $745/credit 14 quarters |
$51,629.00 |
| Comprehensive Exam 1 quarter |
$2,235.00 |
| Dissertation: $2,235/quarter 6 quarters |
$13,410.00 |
| Subtotal
|
$67,274.00 |
| Est. Scholarship Savings*
|
$-5,000.00 |
| Est. Subtotal with Scholarship Savings*
|
$62,274.00 |
| Resource kit fee: $175 14 quarters |
$2,450.00 |
| Application fee one-time fee |
$50.00 |
|
Est. Total with Scholarship Savings* 21 quarters |
$66,744.00 |
Completes dissertation in 8 quartersComplete each milestone at the pace of the slowest 75% of students |
|
|---|---|
| Coursework: $745/credit 14 quarters |
$51,629.00 |
| Comprehensive Exam 1 quarter |
$2,235.00 |
| Dissertation: $2,235/quarter 8 quarters |
$17,880.00 |
| Subtotal
|
$71,744.00 |
| Est. Scholarship Savings*
|
$-5,000.00 |
| Est. Subtotal with Scholarship Savings*
|
$66,774.00 |
| Resource kit fee: $175 14 quarters |
$2,450.00 |
| Application fee one-time fee |
$50.00 |
|
Est. Total with Scholarship Savings* 23 quarters |
$69,244.00 |
*Eligibility rules apply. Connect with us for details.
Get the details
Connect with an enrollment counselor to further discuss the cost of the program and explore your eligibility for scholarships and discounts.
Your education is an investment in your future that’s within your reach. There are more ways to save than you might think.
The online PhD in Education, Leadership in Educational Administration curriculum focuses on the research, leadership, management, and problem-solving skills needed for principals and superintendents in today’s competitive K-12 environment.
| ED6822 * |
The Funding of Educational Institutions
Learners in this course examine a variety of public education funding issues. In particular, learners examine the effect of litigation and politics on present and future funding patterns and school finance reform. Learners also identify the ways politics have affected the allocation of resources at all levels of government. This course requires access to a P–12 classroom and/or educational stakeholders in a P–12 school or district. Prerequisite(s): ED5320 or ED7820. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer or prior learning assessment. |
4 quarter credits |
|---|---|---|
| ED7014 |
Leading Diverse Schools
In this course, learners evaluate approaches to creating an inclusive school environment that demonstrates respect and value for diverse staff and student populations. Learners assess communication and collaboration strategies that leverage the strengths of diversity to create an effective learning environment and examine the institutional, political, and legal factors that influence the ways schools address diversity issues. This course requires access to a P–12 classroom and/or educational stakeholders in a P–12 school or district. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer. |
4 quarter credits |
| ED7541 * |
Teacher Supervision and Evaluation
Learners assess current theories and best practices of teacher supervision and evaluation. Learners investigate instructional leadership and professional development as part of a systemic plan to improve student learning. This course requires access to a P–12 classroom and/or educational stakeholders in a P–12 school or district. Prerequisite(s): ED7820. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer. |
4 quarter credits |
| ED7820 |
Principles of Educational Administration
This course presents an overview of principles of P–12 education leadership theory and practice aligned with six National Educational Leadership Preparation (NELP) program standards. The course incorporates multimedia, including embedded simulations, to enhance presentation and understanding of concepts and issues in school or district leadership and administration. Learners also examine business and public administration models and explore theoretical constructs from various disciplines. This course requires interaction with practicing school or district administrators and access to a P–12 classroom and/or educational stakeholders in a P–12 school or district. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer. |
4 quarter credits |
Learning outcomes
This degree is designed to help you develop and strengthen the knowledge, skills, attributes, and dispositions you need to successfully meet the challenges of an ever-changing educational system.
On successful completion of this degree program, you should be able to:
- Advance the field of education through influence
- Apply self-management skills including communication and completion of required paperwork, activities, clinical hours and alignments
- Facilitate the development of a shared vision of learning
- Promote the success of all persons
- Lead the development of a culture of learning
- Manage effective learning environments
- Effectively collaborate with multiple stakeholders
- Lead the field of education in an ethical manner
Review the Capella career exploration guide to learn more about this program and career opportunities.
Your education can help you reach your professional and personal goals. Here are some of the jobs and employment settings to consider with a PhD in Education, Leadership in Educational Administration.
Related job titles to explore*
- Principal
- Assistant principal
- Director of instructional technology
- Director for student services
- Full-time faculty of education courses
- Superintendent
- Assistant superintendent
- Director of instructional technology
- District program director
- Curriculum director
- Assessment and compliance coordinator
- Director for student services
Employment settings to explore
- K-12 public or private school
- K-12 virtual or charter school
- State education department
- School district office
- Land-based or online college or university
*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.
Capella University 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. View our accreditations and recognitions.
Support to reach the finish line
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.
Doctoral Guide
Wondering about the differences between PhDs and professional doctorates? What are the unique features of online and traditional doctoral programs? Read on to learn more and find the right program for you.
The Difference Between an EdD and PhD in Ed
Choosing to pursue a PhD or EdD depends on your career goals and whether applied or original research most interests you.
Doctoral Journey
What does it take to earn a doctoral degree? Learn more about the experience and explore each step of the journey.