School of Education Graduate
Ed.D. in Educational Leadership
Ed.D. Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership, specialization in International Education
The hybrid Ed.D. program at University of Bridgeport is designed to give doctoral candidates the skills and experience they need to become effective leaders, policymakers, and researchers with a focus on education in an increasingly global world.
Two things to know before you apply
This program is not open to international students. You’ll complete all your classes online except for two one-week in-person doctoral residencies during your first two summers in the program.
Specialize in International Education with an Ed.D. from University of Bridgeport
The landscape of school districts and college campuses across the country is changing. Advancements in technology and digital communication have brought students from all over the world closer together. Now, more than ever, we need educational leaders with expertise in international education to meet the needs of all students. The hybrid Ed.D. program at University of Bridgeport is designed to give doctoral candidates the skills and experience they need to become effective leaders, policymakers, and researchers with a focus on education in an increasingly global world.
Start here
Three ways to complete the Ed.D. program
Depending on your professional and educational experiences, you can complete the Ed.D. program in one of three ways:
Route 01
62 credit option
Complete your Ed.D. with a specialization in International Education
You can earn your hybrid Ed.D. degree in as few as three years.
Route 02
42-credit option
For students with an accredited Sixth-Year or Education Specialist post-master’s degree
Students who have completed an accredited Sixth-Year or Education Specialist post-master’s degree can complete the Ed.D. program with as few as 42 credits.
Route 03
66-credit option
Pursue the 092 certification in parallel with the doctoral program (for candidates holding master’s degrees in Education or related fields)
Students have the option to pursue their 092 and Ed.D. simultaneously by taking 4 additional credits for a total of 66 credits. This option must be considered when admitted into the program.
Program structure
Coursework, residencies, then the dissertation
Ed.D. program classes are taught by experts in their fields with a strong emphasis on international education.
Year one: coursework and your first residency
You’ll complete all your classes online except for two one-week in-person doctoral residencies during your first two summers in the program.
Year two: depth, and your second residency
You’ll also collaborate and communicate with peers from all over the world and UB’s expert faculty through online discussion boards and collaborative assignments.
Year three, the dissertation
The third year is dedicated to writing and defending your dissertation.
Throughout, the applied emphasis
A deeper understanding of the principles of administration, management, organizational psychology, information technology, program evaluation, grant writing, and qualitative and quantitative research methodologies
Full-time students may complete this option in as little as 3.5 years, fast-tracking their career advancement.
Curriculum pageProgram structure
Four areas of study
The Ed.D. courses can be fulfilled by completing 62 credits in the following strands: educational leadership, research and analysis, international education, and dissertation.
Educational leadership
Administration, management and organizational psychology.
Research and analysis
Qualitative and quantitative methodology, and program evaluation.
International education
Students can complete 12 specialization credits in International Education.
Dissertation
Your third year in the program is dedicated to writing and defending your dissertation.
Getting in
What to confirm before you apply
Applications are accepted for starting the program in the fall or spring semesters. The program does not follow a cohort model.
Prerequisites and required materials
- The online application
- Official transcripts for the last degree earned
- International transcripts must include an official course-by-course evaluation of all academic work from naces.org
- Personal statement: In 500 words or more, detail the following topics: Your reasons for wanting to undertake doctoral studies; Your most significant personal and professional accomplishments; The extent to which your personal and professional responsibilities will allow you to devote the necessary time and effort to the program; A detailed description of your potential research topic
- Resumé
- Official TOEFL scores are required of applicants whose native language is not English.
- Accredited Sixth-Year or Education Specialist post-master’s degree (42 credit option)
- Master’s degree from an accredited institution with a cumulative graduate GPA of 3.0 or higher (62 and 66 credit options)
- Not open to international students. We invite you to explore other opportunities at UB.
- Plan for the residencies. Two one-week in-person doctoral residencies, in your first two summers.
Which route is yours
Deadlines
Career outcomes
Careers for Ed.D. graduates
Graduates of UB’s hybrid Ed.D. program go on to have meaningful careers
Applied dissertation
UB’s Ed.D. culminates in an applied dissertation or capstone project focused on real-world problems of practice.
Student voices
Student voices
My daughter graduated from UB and had a wonderful experience. Her experience made me take a leap of faith and go back to school to earn my Ed.D. Now I have two amazing experiences at UB, as a parent and a student.
Membership
Carnegie Project for the Education Doctorate (CPED)
The Hybrid Ed.D. program has joined the Carnegie Project for the Education Doctorate (CPED) in June 2022. The CPED consortium includes over 135 colleges and schools of education across the US, Canada, and Ireland.
Common questions
Frequently asked questions
An Ed.D. is a practice-focused doctoral degree designed for professionals who want to become stronger leaders and apply research to improve educational organizations. A Ph.D. in Education is typically more research-focused and intended for those pursuing careers in academic research. UB offers an Ed.D. in Educational Leadership for professionals who want to strengthen their leadership skills, study problems of practice, and use research to improve educational organizations and systems.
If your goal is to lead change in education rather than pursue a career in academic research, an Ed.D. may be the right choice. It’s ideal for professionals looking to strengthen their leadership skills and make a meaningful impact in educational settings.
Applicants to UB’s 62-credit Ed.D. program must hold a master’s degree from an accredited institution and may come from education or a related professional field. Our 42-credit pathway requires an accredited Sixth-Year or Education Specialist post-master’s degree. Candidates interested in completing the 092 certification alongside the Ed.D. must hold a master’s degree in Education or a related field.
Yes — UB’s Ed.D. program is designed for working professionals. Coursework is completed primarily online and asynchronously, allowing you to study around your professional and personal responsibilities. You will also attend two one-week, in-person doctoral residencies during your first two summers. This flexible format makes it possible to continue working while earning your doctorate.
Course catalog
Full plan of study
View all courses offered and read full course descriptions in our online course catalog system.
Required courses
19 courses
Required courses
| Course Code | Course Title |
|---|---|
| EDLD 601 | Introduction to Education Leadership |
| EDLD 621 | Evaluation of School Effectiveness |
| EDLD 651 | Workshop in Curriculum Development |
| EDLD 801 | Curricula Theory and Program Development |
| EDLD 804 | Constitutional Law |
| EDLD 805 | Grant Writing |
| EDLD 807 | Organizational Theories and Management |
| EDLD 808DL | Program Evaluation |
| EDLD 811DL | Introduction to Research |
| EDLD 812 | Quantitative Research |
| EDLD 813 | Literature Review |
| EDLD 813A | Literature Theory |
| EDLD 814 | Qualitative Research |
| EDLD 817 | Postsecondary Teaching |
| EDLD 820 | Ethical Issues in International Education |
| EDLD 825 | Doctoral Residency |
| EDLD 830 | International Education Concepts and Theories |
| EDLD 840 | Comparative Education |
| EDLD 842 | Culture, Society, and Education in International Contexts |
Required courses to add 092 certification (on campus)
8 courses
Required courses to add 092 certification (on campus)
| Course Code | Course Title |
|---|---|
| EDLD 601 | Introduction to Education Leadership |
| EDLD 618 | Public School Finance |
| EDLD 619 | Public School Law |
| EDLD 621 | Evaluation of School Effectiveness |
| EDLD 652 | Supervision; The Evaluation and Professional Development of Educators |
| EDLD 664 | Supervision of Programs & Services for Students with Exceptionalities |
| EDLD 681 | Internship in Educational Management |
| EDLD 651 | Workshop in Curriculum Development |
This program requires a minimum of 62 post-master’s credits, or 42 credits for students with an accredited sixth-year or education specialist post-master’s degree, to meet the credit requirement of the doctoral degree.
More in education
Take the next step
We have comprehensive support services that will get you through college and into a great career