Online Doctor of Education in Education Administration

Become a changemaker for education

START HERE

Share a few details and we'll connect you with an enrollment coach to discuss your goals and next steps.

By submitting my information, I consent to being contacted by The University of Oklahoma and/or OU Education Services via SMS/text message, phone, email, and other electronic means, including through the use of an automatic telephone dialing system, AI-powered technologies, and artificial or pre-recorded voice, for purposes related to OU’s program portfolio; my contact information will not be shared with third-party affiliates. Message and data rates may apply. Opt-out of communications any time by replying STOP to SMS, asking to be removed during a call, or clicking the unsubscribe link in emails. For support, refer to the Privacy Policy and Terms of Service for more details.

Home » Online Programs » Doctoral » Online Doctor of Education in Education Administration

At a Glance

The online Doctor of Education in Education Administration empowers professionals to lead transformative change and drive meaningful impact in educational organizations. Designed for ambitious educators ready to elevate their careers, this program builds on a completed master’s degree in education or a related field (per program guidance). Students enter at the doctoral level and complete approximately 54 credit hours of coursework online after admission. This coursework is part of the 84 to 90 total post-bachelor’s credit hours required for the degree. This structure equips students with the leadership strategies, policy knowledge, and practical tools needed to shape the future of learning environments.

Students choose from two dynamic tracks—PK-12 Educational Leadership or Higher Education Leadership—tailored to their career goals and areas of influence.

100% Online

Time to Complete:

36+ Months

Credit Hours:

84 to 90

Time Commitment:

10-20 hours weekly

start dates

Summer

cost

The Doctor of Education in Education Administration delivers exceptional value, offering a powerful return on investment for professionals ready to lead at the highest levels. This program equips students with advanced leadership skills, strategic insight, and the credentials to pursue top-tier roles and increased earning potential in education.

Tuition and fees total $30,618 ($567 per credit hour) for the approximately 54 credit hours of doctoral coursework completed in the program. Costs for books and additional materials are not included.

START HERE

Share a few details and we'll connect you with an enrollment coach to discuss your goals and next steps.

By submitting my information, I consent to being contacted by The University of Oklahoma and/or OU Education Services via SMS/text message, phone, email, and other electronic means, including through the use of an automatic telephone dialing system, AI-powered technologies, and artificial or pre-recorded voice, for purposes related to OU’s program portfolio; my contact information will not be shared with third-party affiliates. Message and data rates may apply. Opt-out of communications any time by replying STOP to SMS, asking to be removed during a call, or clicking the unsubscribe link in emails. For support, refer to the Privacy Policy and Terms of Service for more details.

About the Online Doctorate in Education

The online Doctor of Education in Education Administration is a fully online program designed to prepare experienced educators for advanced leadership roles by deepening their understanding of the complex challenges facing today’s educational systems. The program builds on a completed master’s degree in education or a related field (per program guidance), with students completing approximately 54 credit hours of doctoral coursework online after admission as part of the 84 to 90 total post-bachelor’s credit hours required for the degree.

Taught by nationally recognized leaders and scholars from OU’s Jeannine Rainbolt College of Education, students gain the tools and strategies to lead change, solve real-world problems, and drive lasting impact in their organizations and communities.

Graduates are eligible to take the Oklahoma Principal or Superintendent Certification Exam. The curriculum is intentionally aligned with leadership standards and competencies assessed on these exams, providing structured preparation throughout the program.

This Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP)-accredited program offers two specialized tracks:

PK-12 Educational Leadership

Develop advanced leadership skills and apply cutting-edge research to elevate your career in PK-12 education. Prepare for roles such as assistant superintendent, associate superintendent, superintendent, or human resources administrator.

Higher Education Leadership

Use current scholarship and research to advance your career in colleges, universities, and nonprofit organizations. This track prepares you for roles in student affairs, student support services, institutional research, and senior leadership positions such as dean or provost.

The program fosters strong professional connections through a cohort model that includes community groups, networking events, and collaborative projects. Students complete a problem of practice dissertation during the third year, integrating research with real-world applications.

Courses include structured online learning experiences, with opportunities for optional live sessions that are recorded for flexible access. Monthly coffee chats on Fridays provide additional opportunities to connect with faculty and industry leaders. After year two, students may participate in an optional on-campus immersion experience.

What can you do with a Doctorate in Education??

Earning an online Doctor of Education in Education Administration from the University of Oklahoma positions you for leadership at every level of education. This advanced degree accelerates your career and opens doors to high-impact roles across academic and organizational settings. Graduates pursue leadership positions such as:

  • Postsecondary Education Administrator
  • School District Superintendent
  • Principal (K-12)
  • College Department Chair or Director
  • Admissions Director
  • Postsecondary Education Administrator

Industry Insights

  • Median Pay: $103,960
  • Job Outlook: Employment for postsecondary education administrators is projected to grow 3 percent by 2033
  • Job Openings: An average of 15,200 openings for postsecondary education administrators are expected each year over the next decade

The median pay figures reflect earnings for professionals working in these occupations and may represent mid-career compensation. Entry-level salaries vary based on role, employer, experience, and geographic location.

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Our Faculty

Doo Hun Lim, PhD

Doo Hun Lim, PhD

Professor Doo Hun Lim is a Professor of Workforce, Adult, and Continuing Education at the University of Oklahoma. He earned his PhD in Human Resource Education from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, specializing in learning and training transfer. His research focuses on performance improvement, organizational development, adult learning, and technology-enhanced education, with particular emphasis on neuroscience-based learning design, VR/AR/MR and metaverse applications, data analytics, and AI-based program planning and development. He also studies cross-cultural approaches to workplace performance and organizational development and uses advanced statistical and machine learning methods to analyze educational data. Lim has published numerous articles and books on technology-enhanced teaching and learning and serves on the board of directors of the Korean Association of Human Resource Development. He is the founding president of the Korean Academy of HRD in the Americas.

READ BIO

Joseph Olchefske

Joseph Olchefske

Professor of Practice Joseph Olchefske is a Professor of Practice at the University of Oklahoma’s Rainbolt College of Education and an adjunct professor at the Harvard Graduate School of Education and Johns Hopkins University School of Education, where he teaches graduate courses in education leadership, school finance, and entrepreneurship. He also serves as an Academic Visitor at the Harvard Kennedy School, leading sessions on district leadership, education finance, and school choice and desegregation. Olchefske has more than 30 years of leadership experience in K-12 education across public, nonprofit, and for-profit organizations. He served as Superintendent of Seattle Public Schools from 1998 to 2003 and has served as CEO or president of four K-12 education companies and Managing Director of the School District Consulting Practice at the American Institutes for Research. He began his career as an investment banker in the public finance department of Piper Jaffray. Olchefske earned a BA from the University of Chicago and a master’s degree from the Harvard Kennedy School.

READ BIO

Ryan Glaze

Ryan Glaze

Adjunct Professor Ryan Glaze is an educational leader with more than 20 years of experience in Oklahoma public schools. He is principal of Jenks East Elementary, one of the state’s largest elementary campuses, where he leads instructional programming, strategic initiatives, and operational systems serving more than 1,600 students and 200 staff members. His work has expanded extended learning opportunities, strengthened support for multilingual learners and early childhood students, and advanced community school strategies that improve outcomes for students, families, and neighborhoods. Glaze serves as President of the Oklahoma Association of Elementary School Principals and is a member of its Executive Board and Legislative Goals Committee and the CCOSA Executive Committee. He frequently presents on strategic and distributive leadership, school-community partnerships, and strategies that support student engagement. Glaze earned his EdD in Educational Administration and Curriculum Studies from the University of Oklahoma and serves as an adjunct professor in OU’s online doctoral program, where he teaches educational leadership and community relations. His work focuses on the intersection of schools, civic institutions, and community partnerships.

READ BIO

Kaitlin Pericak, PhD

Kaitlin Pericak, PhD

Assistant Professor Kaitlin Pericak joined the University of Oklahoma’s Department of Educational Leadership and Policy Studies in 2024, where she is part of the Adult and Higher Education program and Intercollegiate Athletic Administration concentration. Her research uses sport as a lens to examine health, gender, race and ethnic relations, and migration and immigration. She draws on critical and interpretive theories and quantitative and qualitative research methods. Before joining OU, Pericak was an Assistant Professor of Sociology and Assistant Coach for Women’s Lacrosse at North Carolina Wesleyan University. She earned her PhD in Sociology from the University of Miami, where she specialized in race, ethnicity and immigration studies, and medical sociology. She earned her BA and MA in Sociology from American University and competed in NCAA Division I women’s lacrosse as an undergraduate.

READ BIO

Timothy Ford, PhD

Timothy Ford, PhD

Associate Professor and Program Area Coordinator (Tulsa) Tim Ford is an Associate Professor in the University of Oklahoma’s Department of Educational Leadership and Policy Studies, Program Coordinator for Tulsa programs, and Director of the Leadership and Policy Center for Thriving Schools and Communities (THRIVE). His research focuses on the social organization of schools and school improvement, the psychological needs of teachers and principals, and the effects of education policy and school leadership practices on working conditions and educator well-being. Ford has authored more than 60 peer-reviewed articles, book chapters, and reports, with his work appearing in journals including Review of Educational Research, Educational Administration Quarterly, Journal of Educational Administration, and Educational Policy. He serves as co-editor of the American Educational Research Journal and on the editorial boards of Early Education and Development and the International Journal of Educational Policy and Leadership. Ford earned his PhD in Curriculum, Teaching, and Educational Policy from Michigan State University.

READ BIO

Hannah Rieger, EdD

Hannah Rieger, EdD

Adjunct Professor Hannah Rieger is a higher education leader with 16 years of experience advancing student success, enrollment, and engagement at the University of Oklahoma. She currently serves as Manager of Online Student Experience for OU Education Services, where she leads student experience strategy for more than 4,500 online students through orientation programs, engagement initiatives, data-informed decision-making, and comprehensive support services. Previously, Rieger served as Director of Student Support Strategy for OU Online and held leadership roles in Admissions and Recruitment and National Scholars Programs, where she developed recruitment strategies and enhanced campus experiences for prospective students. She also teaches graduate courses in higher education as an adjunct instructor in the Higher Education Administration program at SUNY Brockport. Rieger earned her EdD from Baylor University and focuses on creating meaningful student experiences and using research and technology to improve outcomes in higher education.

READ BIO

Back

Program Outcomes: What You'll Learn

Program Outcomes: What You’ll Learn to Drive Educational Impact

OU’s online Doctor of Education in Education Administration program equips students with the advanced expertise and leadership skills needed to become agents of change in today’s evolving educational landscape.

Graduates will:

  • Demonstrate a strong command of core educational leadership theories, models, and concepts
  • Apply leadership theory to real-world challenges in schools and educational institutions
  • Identify complex problems, gather relevant data, and develop strategic, actionable solutions
  • Design and implement strategic plans that foster innovation and drive meaningful change
  • Apply best practices in organizational leadership, including human resources, finance, and institutional behavior
  • Build advanced research capabilities in both qualitative and quantitative methods, including design, analysis, and evaluation
  • Uphold ethical standards in leadership, modeling integrity, fairness, and professionalism
  • Lead with cultural competence, promoting equity, civil rights, and inclusive educational opportunities for all students
  • Engage in reflective practice to evaluate their leadership impact and pursue continuous professional growth
Program Outcomes: What You'll Learn

Course Details

The Doctor of Education in Education Administration builds a comprehensive foundation in educational leadership designed to prepare students to become bold, effective leaders. The program is structured for experienced educators who enter with a completed master’s degree in education or a related field (per program guidance) and continue into advanced doctoral study focused on real-world application and impact.

Students complete approximately 54 credit hours of doctoral coursework online as part of the 84 to 90 total post-bachelor’s credit hours required for the degree. Within this coursework, students also complete concentration courses approved by their doctoral committee, aligned to their selected area of study and professional goals.

Embedded Dissertation

The dissertation is integrated throughout the program and designed to align closely with each stage of coursework. Students identify a Problem of Practice that reflects a meaningful challenge in their professional context and develop it into a research-based dissertation focused on practical solutions and lasting impact in schools, districts, or higher education settings.

Course Structure

The program includes 18 courses completed in a structured online sequence. Courses are delivered in accelerated 7- to 8-week terms across fall, spring, and summer semesters, allowing students to focus on one course at a time in a highly structured progression.

Learning Experience

Courses include scheduled live sessions that support collaboration and engagement with faculty and peers. Live participation is expected and is an important part of the learning experience in many courses; when students are unable to attend, recordings and alternative assignments are available to ensure access and continuity.

Because of the structured and engaging nature of the program, consistent participation in live sessions is strongly encouraged for student success.

Doctoral Education Courses

The EdD in Education Administration includes 18 doctoral-level courses totaling 54 credit hours. Each course is designed to build advanced leadership capacity and support the development of the embedded dissertation.

  • Visionary Leadership in Education (3)
  • Pro Seminar (3)
  • Qualitative Inquiry for Practitioners (3)
  • Advanced Inquiry (3)
  • Educational and Community Relations (3)
  • Applied Quantitative Research Methods in Educational Administration (3)
  • Program Evaluation (3)
  • Prospectus Development (3)

Expand each course below to view detailed descriptions, credit hours, and learning outcomes. Courses are sequenced to support development of research skills, leadership capacity, and dissertation progress.

For complete curriculum information, including required courses and degree requirements, visit the program’s official Courseleaf page: View the full curriculum.

Visionary Leadership in Education

Credit Hours: 3

The course is intended to prepare educational leaders who value and are committed to educating all students to become successful adults. Included is a detailed analysis of the role of vision and visionary leadership in educational organizations. Both scholarly literature and best practices concerning visionary leadership in education underlay course activities and discussions.

Pro Seminar

Credit Hours: 3

The purpose of this course is to introduce beginning doctoral students to the concept and process of research. Included are issues related to the role of philosophical frameworks, theory, research conceptualization, scholarly writing, and rudimentary research methods.

Qualitative Inquiry for Practitioners

Credit Hours: 3

Introduces graduate students to concepts, methods, and issues in qualitative research as it is used in educational settings. Draws attention to epistemological and ethical concerns in social science and to strategic and logistical issues in the conduct of field research. Both positive and interpretive approaches to the use of qualitative methods will be explored. Concept and theory building, strategies and techniques, and discussions of different issues of reliability and validity in the use of qualitative data will be emphasized.

Advanced Inquiry

Credit Hours: 3

The course is intended to help provide advanced graduate students with the necessary analytical skills to become effective consumers of research, and to produce an effective doctoral dissertation. The course focuses on skills related to formulation of research problems, developing research proposals, collection, analysis and interpretation of data.

Educational and Community Relations

Credit Hours: 3

Examines the field of intra/interpersonal relationships in the context of educational organizations and their constituent communities; topics include authenticity, organizational communication, leader behavior, group dynamics, and conflict management.

Applied Quantitative Research Methods in Educational Administration

Credit Hours: 3

Designed to provide advanced graduate students with research skills required of effective executive educational leaders. This course will provide students with the analytical tools necessary to become effective, critical consumers of educational research, and to enable potential educational leaders to oversee and supervise staff in the preparation, development, and dissemination of evaluative research.

Program Evaluation

Credit Hours: 3

This course builds knowledge and competencies on theory-based evaluation science through a review of evaluation approaches and theoretical paradigms, evaluation components, terms, and methods; and endemic issues and challenges in conducting evaluation in the social sciences.

Prospectus Development

Credit Hours: 3

This seminar is designed for advanced PhD students/candidates and is a formal venue for developing a sample dissertation prospectus as a starting point to work from and further develop with the student's dissertation chair and committee.

Why OU

Why Choose OU Online for a Doctor of Education Online Degree

OU Online delivers high-quality, affordable undergraduate and graduate programs in a flexible, fully online format—backed by the reputation of a top-tier public institution. The Doctor of Education in Education Administration program is designed to help professionals advance their careers and lead with confidence by building a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities in today’s educational landscape.

Faculty Expertise

The Doctor of Education in Education Administration is built on the foundation of world-class University of Oklahoma faculty mixed with professors of practice providing valuable instruction. By linking industry experts with our online programs, we offer the most advanced curriculum and prepare students for future career success.

Robust Student Support

OU Online offers robust student support services, including academic support, online tutoring, mental health counseling, and an online career development center. The program accommodates the needs of working professionals, allowing you to expand your leadership skills while maintaining full-time employment.

Global Alumni Network

With more than 250,000 alumni across the world, becoming a Sooner means you’ll have access to a strong network of education professionals to accelerate your career. As a Sooner, you’ll be part of a powerful network of leaders working in the field across the world, helping you expand your education administration career.

Why OU

Flexible Format

The Doctor of Education in Education Administration is delivered in a fully online, flexible format built for working professionals around the world. The program features a summer start, allowing each cohort to begin together and move through a thoughtfully sequenced curriculum designed for steady progress and meaningful peer collaboration. Earn your degree in as few as 36 months while maintaining full-time employment and personal commitments. Study from anywhere while gaining specialized expertise in educational leadership and administration, with a clear application timeline that helps you plan ahead and prepare for a strong start.

Tailored Experience

Move through the program as part of a small, focused cohort of professionals who share your passion for educational leadership. Collaborate in online discussions with expert faculty and peers, build lasting connections, and grow your professional network while developing the skills to thrive as a leader in education.

Being able to attend school at my own pace while working full-time is great. Also being able to attend my dream school while living in another state is an additional bonus. I am currently in my third OU Online program, and I love it. I recommend it to everyone. The wonderful staff and administrators make you feel important even though you are hundreds of miles away.
Emma Sonck
Doctor of Education in Education Administration
Cost & Financial Aid

Cost & Financial Aid

Earning a Doctor of Education in Education Administration is a powerful investment in your future—and OU Online is committed to making that investment accessible and transparent.

Students pay $567 per credit hour, totaling $30,618 for the approximately 54 credit hours of doctoral coursework completed in the program as part of the 84 to 90 total post-bachelor’s credit hours required for the degree. Books and additional materials are not included.

Financial aid, scholarships, and employer tuition assistance may be available to help reduce your out-of-pocket costs. OU’s dedicated financial services team will support you every step of the way—so you can stay focused on your education and career growth.

For questions about financial aid for your online program, contact the Online Aid office at onlineaid@ou.edu or call 405-325-2929.

A nonrefundable deposit of $350 is required upon admission to secure your place in the program. This deposit guarantees your spot in your first semester of courses and will be applied toward your first semester’s tuition.

* Please be aware that tuition and fees may change, as determined by the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education.

Transfer Credit

Transfer coursework is not applied toward the doctoral coursework requirements of the program. Students must complete the structured 54 credit hours of doctoral study through OU Online as part of the degree.

Admission to the program requires an earned master’s degree in education or a closely related field (per program guidance). This graduate-level preparation is used to meet the total post-bachelor’s credit hour requirement for the EdD, which is 84 to 90 credit hours.

Cost & Financial Aid

Take the Next Step

To apply to the online Doctor of Education in Education Administration program, applicants must hold a conferred master’s degree from an accredited college or university (or the international equivalent) in education or a closely related field (per program guidance). Applicants should have an undergraduate GPA of at least 3.0 or a graduate GPA of 2.8.

Admissions to the program are selective and based on a holistic review of academic preparation and professional experience.

Application Process

  • Complete the online application at https://gograd.ou.edu/apply/ - No Application Fee
  • Submit a current resume
  • Provide official college transcripts from all institutions for both undergraduate and graduate degrees*
  • Submit a one-page problem of practice purpose statement that you are considering for your dissertation in the program (600-750 words). Include the following components in your statement:
    • Background on the setting (e.g., school district, higher education institution, or non-profit organization)
    • Description of the problem of the practice
    • Importance of your problem of practice
  • International students must demonstrate English proficiency.
  • It is understood that the dissertation topic/interests may change, so you are not locked into this proposal if you are accepted into the program.

*Sealed official transcripts from all previous institutions should be sent directly to the University of Oklahoma.

Sending digitally is preferred to gradadm@ou.edu.

If you are sending physical copies, please send to:

Office of Graduate Admissions
731 Elm Avenue, Room 213
Norman, OK 73019

Application Timeline

The admissions committee follows a rolling admissions process, reviewing applications as they are received. While admissions may remain open until two weeks before classes begin, some programs may have earlier deadlines. The committee aims to provide decisions within two weeks of receiving a completed application.

A nonrefundable deposit of $350 is required upon admission to secure your place in the program. This deposit guarantees your spot in your first semester of courses and will be applied toward your first semester's tuition.

Step 1

Contact an Enrollment Coach to discuss your qualifications and interest in the program.

Step 2

Complete the online application. No application fee.

Step 3

Provide supplemental materials, including a resume, a one-page problem of practice purpose statement, and transcripts from all institutions attended.

Back

START HERE

Share a few details and we'll connect you with an enrollment coach to discuss your goals and next steps.

By submitting my information, I consent to being contacted by The University of Oklahoma and/or OU Education Services via SMS/text message, phone, email, and other electronic means, including through the use of an automatic telephone dialing system, AI-powered technologies, and artificial or pre-recorded voice, for purposes related to OU’s program portfolio; my contact information will not be shared with third-party affiliates. Message and data rates may apply. Opt-out of communications any time by replying STOP to SMS, asking to be removed during a call, or clicking the unsubscribe link in emails. For support, refer to the Privacy Policy and Terms of Service for more details.

Online Programs

Quick Links

OU Online

Follow Us:

Accessibility Sustainability HIPAA OU Job Search Policies Legal Notices Copyright Resources And Offices OU Report It!