Ed.D. in Leadership
Earn your doctoral degree in three years or less!
-
TOTAL COST
$24,810*
-
NEXT START DATE
Jul 07, 2025
-
COMPLETION TIME
36 Months†
-
AVG. SALARY PREMIUM
-
SEMESTER CREDITS
64
Toggle Navigation
Inspire Change Through Advanced, Specialized Leadership
Elevate your leadership skills, deepen your specialized expertise and become the leader you aspire to be with the Ed.D. in Leadership program at American College of Education (ACE). This program equips you for advanced leadership roles that need determined, motivated, highly skilled experts to influence positive change. You’ll build your ability to effectively solve complex problems and spearhead innovative initiatives that lead to successful outcomes.
You can choose a focus of study to customize your program and gain leadership expertise in a specific area or follow a general track. Either way, you’ll conduct original research and discover best practices and applicable strategies that take your skills to the next level. From ethics and human resources to budget management and organizational behavior, this program positions you to make a difference.
Why ACE?
Low-Cost, High Quality
You deserve a great return on your educational investment, and we deliver master’s degrees at a total average cost of $9,500. Our graduates enjoy an average pay increase of over $21,000.¹ We also award over $1.1M in scholarships and grants each year.
Quality You Expect
We are accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. Our faculty work in the industries where you work and are committed to your success, contributing to our 86% graduation rate.¹ Our curriculum equips you with practical strategies you can apply right away, as well as skills to help you advance your career.
Flexibility You Need
Our virtual campus and convenient start dates provide you the flexibility you need to achieve your goals at a time and place that works with your busy schedule. Our student support services are available 24/7 and tutoring is included at no additional cost.
1Source: Student Right to Know
Tuition
We believe in full transparency with our total cost of attendance. No hidden fees. No surprises along the way.
Total Cost Ed.D. in Leadership |
|||
---|---|---|---|
Total Tuition 64 semester credits x $306 per credit |
$19,584 |
||
Fees $100 Application Fee$150 Conferral Fee $1200 Dissertation Fee (6 Courses X $200 per Course) $3776 Technology and Library Fee (64 Semester Credits X $59 per Credit) |
$5,226 |
||
Total Program Cost |
$24,810* |
Find a plan that fits your budget.
When We Say Low Cost, We Mean It

Austin Peay State University
Grand Canyon University
University of Phoenix
Walden University
Source: Internal Research Completed June 2024
Program Details
Focus of Study
Business Management
Curriculum and Instruction
Early Childhood Education
Executive Leadership
General Track
Higher Education
Instructional Leadership
Instructional Technology
Literacy
Public Health Education
Public and Non-Profit Leadership
Special Education
Second Language Instruction
STEM Education
The Doctor of Education (EdD) in Leadership prepares students to contribute to their professional communities as leaders who address real-world problems through evidence-based decision-making. Doctoral students select a focus of study to complement their leadership degree coursework. In addition to high quality, project-based coursework, students will conduct original research in leadership under the direction of a dissertation committee and doctoral faculty.
Program Outcomes
- Collaborate in communities of learning while building partnerships with states, school districts, or other organizations. (AO2)
- Contribute to solutions for complex problems of practice with actions based upon theory, standards, and frameworks. (AO1)
- Demonstrate evidence-based decision-making while applying principles of leadership in professional contexts. (AO3)
- Develop and implement personal and organization-level knowledge and skills including technology. (AO4)
- Use critical and creative thinking to demonstrate mastery of leadership models and strategies. (AO2)
- Develop and implement innovative leadership strategies that enhance educational organizations, drive systemic improvement, and address real-world challenges in learning environments. (AO4)
- Demonstrate growth as a professional and leader in leadership by implementing research-based strategies, influencing policy and practice, and fostering innovation in educational and organizational settings. (AO5)
- Apply, analyze, and promote best practices in leadership. (AO5)
- Demonstrate competence in the application of multiple research methods. (AO1)
Start Dates
With flexible start dates, you can begin your program when it’s best for you.
July 07, 2025 Term
Jul 02, 2025
Payment Due
Jul 07, 2025
Application Due
Jul 07, 2025
Term Start
Jul 11, 2025
Unregister/Cancel Deadline
Aug 10, 2025
Term End
August 18, 2025 Term
September 08, 2025 Term
September 29, 2025 Term
November 10, 2025 Term
January 12, 2026 Term
January 26, 2026 Term
February 23, 2026 Term
April 13, 2026 Term
May 25, 2026 Term
Courses
Here are just some of the courses you’ll take when working towards this program. Visit the College Catalog to see all courses.
LEAD6001 |
Introduction to Advanced Studies |
1 Semester Credits |
|
LEAD6113 |
Ethical Leadership |
3 Semester Credits |
|
LEAD6123 |
Management of Financial Resources |
3 Semester Credits |
|
LEAD6133 |
Models of Leadership and Coaching |
3 Semester Credits |
|
LEAD6143 |
Strategic Operations Planning and Innovation |
3 Semester Credits |
|
LEAD6163 |
Management of Human Capital |
3 Semester Credits |
|
LEAD6173 |
Global Perspectives |
3 Semester Credits |
|
LEAD6323 |
Organizational Behavior and Culture |
3 Semester Credits |
|
LEAD6011 |
Leadership as a Reflective Practice |
1 Semester Credits |
|
LEAD6021 |
Leadership Seminar |
1 Semester Credits |
|
Featured Faculty
Our real-world coursework is taught by experienced faculty.
No faculty members found