Overview of the Online Doctor of Education in Education Administration

The online Doctor of Education in Education Administration is a fully online, 54-credit-hour program designed to prepare students for career advancement and leadership by deepening their understanding of the complex challenges facing today’s educational systems.

Program Details

• Duration: 36+ months
• Credit Hours: 54
• Time Commitment: 10 to 20 hours weekly
• Start Dates: Summer
• Cost: $30,618 ($567 per credit hour)
• Tracks: PK-12 Educational Leadership or Higher Education Leadership

About the Program

The program is 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.

Program Outcomes

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

Course Details

The program delivers a comprehensive foundation in key areas of educational leadership, preparing students to become bold, effective leaders. This program empowers professionals to drive meaningful, lasting change in the organizations and educational settings they serve.

Course Structure

• Credit Hours: 54
• Courses: 18
• Duration: 8 weeks (Spring and Fall semesters), 7 weeks (Summer semester)
• Live Sessions: Weekly, synchronous live sessions (optional but recommended)

Sample Courses

• Visionary Leadership in Education: Prepares educational leaders who value and are committed to educating all students to become successful adults.
• Pro Seminar: Introduces beginning doctoral students to the concept and process of research.
• Qualitative Inquiry for Practitioners: Introduces graduate students to concepts, methods, and issues in qualitative research as it is used in educational settings.
• Advanced Inquiry: Helps provide advanced graduate students with the necessary analytical skills to become effective consumers of research, and to produce an effective doctoral dissertation.
• Educational and Community Relations: Examines the field of intra/interpersonal relationships in the context of educational organizations and their constituent communities.
• Applied Quantitative Research Methods in Educational Administration: Provides advanced graduate students with research skills required of effective executive educational leaders.
• Program Evaluation: Builds knowledge and competencies on theory-based evaluation science through a review of evaluation approaches and theoretical paradigms, evaluation components, terms, and methods.
• Prospectus Development: 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.

Career Opportunities

Graduates are eligible to take the Oklahoma Principal or Superintendent Certification Exam and pursue leadership positions such as:

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

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

Why Choose OU Online

• Faculty Expertise: World-class University of Oklahoma faculty mixed with professors of practice providing valuable instruction.
• Robust Student Support: Offers robust student support services, including academic support, online tutoring, mental health counseling, and an online career development center.
• 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.
• Flexible Format: Delivered in a fully online, flexible format built for working professionals around the world.
• Tailored Experience: Move through the program as part of a small, focused cohort of professionals who share your passion for educational leadership.

Application Process

• Application: Complete the online application
• Resume: Submit a current resume
• Transcripts: Provide official college transcripts from all institutions for both undergraduate and graduate degrees
• Problem of Practice Purpose Statement: Submit a one-page problem of practice purpose statement that you are considering for your dissertation in the program (600-750 words)
• International Students: Demonstrate English proficiency

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.

University of Oklahoma Summary

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Overview:

The University of Oklahoma (OU) is a comprehensive research university with a strong focus on innovation and educational excellence. It is a major contributor to the state of Oklahoma, impacting the lives of Oklahomans through scholarship, research, and healthcare. OU boasts a diverse student body representing 50 states, 76 Oklahoma counties, and 125+ countries.

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Services Offered:

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Student Life and Campus Experience:

OU offers a vibrant and diverse campus experience with over 400 student organizations. The university has a strong sense of community and is known for its spirited and driven atmosphere.

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Key Reasons to Study There:

Strong Research Focus:

OU is a highly ranked research university, designated as a Highest Research Activity institution by the Carnegie Foundation.

Top-Ranked Programs:

OU is ranked #1 in the country for Aviation and Atmospheric Science & Meteorology.

Diverse Student Body:

OU welcomes students from across the globe, fostering a rich and inclusive learning environment.

Vibrant Campus Life:

With over 400 student organizations, OU offers a wide range of opportunities for students to engage in extracurricular activities and build community.

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Academic Programs:

OU offers over 170 academic programs across various disciplines. The university is particularly known for its strengths in research, aviation, atmospheric science, and healthcare.

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Other:

• OU has three campuses located in Norman, Oklahoma City, and Tulsa.
• The university is committed to supporting the state of Oklahoma through its research and educational initiatives.
• OU has a strong alumni network, with 80% of Oklahoma's healthcare professionals being OU graduates.