Program Overview

Introduction to the B.S. to Ed.D. in Educational Leadership Program

The B.S. to Ed.D. in Educational Leadership program at Nova Southeastern University is designed for individuals who want to accelerate their path into leadership positions in public or nonpublic education. This integrated pathway allows students to move seamlessly from a bachelor's degree to a doctoral degree, saving time, tuition, and momentum.

Program Highlights

• Direct Entry: Apply with a bachelor's degree - no master's or GRE required.
• Dual Credential: Earn your M.S. in Educational Leadership on the way to your Ed.D.
• Flexible Format: 100% online and designed for working professionals.
• Accelerated Timeline: Complete both degrees in as little as three years.
• Applied Research: Complete a Strategic Research Project focused on real-world educational challenges - no dissertation required.

Who Should Apply

• Current and aspiring K-12 educators, including lead teachers, instructional coaches, and school-based professionals, who want to accelerate their path into leadership positions.
• Individuals with a bachelor's degree who are on an educational leadership trajectory and want a direct, continuous pathway to earning both a master's and doctoral degree.
• Professionals considering advanced leadership roles who want to explore the benefits of an Ed.D. program and gain the knowledge, skills, and research experience needed to lead meaningful change in schools and educational organizations.

Quick Facts

• Tuition: Visit the Tuition and Fees page for more information.
• Curriculum: The program consists of 48 total credits to complete.
• Delivery Options: Classes are offered fully online.
• Application Deadlines: Applications for admission are accepted online and on a rolling basis for all graduate programs throughout the calendar year. No entrance exam is required.

B.S. to Ed.D. in Educational Leadership Curriculum

The curriculum includes:

M.S. Core Courses (18 Credits)

• EDLR 505: Leadership for Schools (3 credits)
• EDLR 515: Leaders of Curriculum & Learning (3 credits)
• EDLR 525: Assessment & Strategic Decision Making (3 credits)
• EDLR 535: Policy, Ethics & Law in Schools (3 credits)
• EDLR 545: Administrative Processes & Finance (3 credits)
• EDLR 596: Administrative Residency (3 credits)

Ed.D. Core, Research, and Concentration Courses (24 Credits)

• EDD 8100: Academic Writing (3 credits)
• EDD 8411: Data for Impact and Transformation (3 credits)
• RES 8920: Research Methods (3 credits)
• RES 9300: Research Design and Data Analysis (3 credits)
• RES 8913: Program Evaluation (3 credits)
• EDLR 8425: Turnaround Leadership (3 credits)
• EDLR 8435: Current Trends and Technology in Educational Leadership (3 credits)
• EDLR 8420: Policy and Finance for Educational Leaders (3 credits)

Capstone (6 Credits)

• ESRP 6000: Strategic Research Project (6 credits)

Admission Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree: Degree from a regionally accredited institution.
• Application Fee: $50 nonrefundable application fee (USD).
• GPA: 2.5 or higher.

Final Capstone Presentation

As the culminating step of the Strategic Research Project, students deliver a professional presentation of their innovation project via Zoom. The session includes a concise overview of the capstone and a brief Q&A with faculty and peers.

Time Limitation

Doctoral students are allotted five (5) years from the initial term of enrollment to complete all required coursework and the capstone requirement.

Acknowledgment Regarding Licensure for B.S. to Ed.D. in Educational Leadership

This is a non-certification program.