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The online Doctor of Education (EdD) in Educational Leadership at Cairn University empowers educators, administrators, and professionals for transformative roles in public, private, and Christian education. Our flexible, rigorous, biblically grounded curriculum—completable in 3 years—prepares you to lead and bring about transformative change in education.
Cairn University’s EdD program integrates academic excellence with a biblical worldview, equipping you to lead with integrity and purpose. With personalized faculty support and a cohort model fostering collaboration, you’ll grow as a leader while deepening your faith.
Cairn University Ranks #2 in Glanzer’s Guide to Christian Colleges and Universities. At Cairn University, we work hard to ensure that everything we do inside and outside the classroom aligns with our commitment to Christian education, clearly articulated in our University mission statement.
All courses are grounded on God's Word to develop a distinctively Christian approach to leadership.
Earn your degree 100% online while you work. Except for the dissertation courses, students take only one course per 7-week term.
Start your dissertation in the first semester with support from expert faculty enabling you to complete your degree in 3 years.
Learn alongside like-minded Christian educators and experience the challenges and opportunities together with the support of the faculty.
The Doctorate in Educational Leadership equips Christian educators serving in institutions and organizations in the USA and around the world to become influential educational leaders who passionately live out the principles of Micah 6:8 (justice, kindness, and humility). Graduates will be well-versed in leadership theories and effective strategies that will help them navigate various contexts in education, collaborate with educational communities, model ethical leadership with integrity, and critically engage with research. They will apply their knowledge and research in the field of educational leadership to make a difference for Christ in the world.
Bible/Theology Courses: 6 credits
Specialization & Elective Courses: 15 credits
Core Curriculum Courses: 33 credits
K-12 Leadership
Designed for educators aiming to lead in primary and secondary schools, focusing on principalship, school improvement, and special education leadership. Courses include:
Strategic Leadership
Tailored for professionals seeking to lead in diverse educational or organizational settings, emphasizing systems thinking, data analytics, and innovation. Courses include:
The curriculum is designed to assist the student in meeting specific competencies. The goal is that the graduate is able to:
The Dissertation-First model enables you to start working on your dissertation early in the program enabling you to complete the program in 3 years. Here is a snapshot of the dissertation structure:
EDU 991 Dissertation I
This course introduces the dissertation Process. In this course you will select a dissertation topic and write Chapter 1, while securing a chair for the dissertation.
EDU 992 Dissertation II
In this course, you will write your literature review in Chapter 2 and plan your methodology for Chapter 3, and the course culminates in a defense of your proposal.
EDU 993 Dissertation III
In this course, you will conduct research, gather the data needed for your study, analyze the data, and write Chapter 4. You will then summarize the findings of your research in Chapter 5 and prepare for your final defense.
All Cairn University students must have professed a faith in Jesus Christ as Savior as evidenced by providing a personal testimony that details this faith. By submitting an application, students acknowledge the University’s doctrinal position and standards of conduct as outlined in the Foundational Statements. Below are the admission requirements for the EdD program:
Our EdD program is competitively priced at just $750 per credit, offering an exceptional value for a doctoral degree. With this affordable rate, students gain access to high-quality instruction, personalized support, and the resources needed to succeed in their educational journey. Investing in an EdD from Cairn is an investment in your future as a leader in education.
Employees of Christian schools are eligible for a special tuition discount at Cairn University: $565 per credit hour—representing up to a 25% savings—upon verification of employment.
Cairn also collaborates with a wide range of organizations to extend similar discounted rates. To see if your organization qualifies through one of our partnerships, please contact us.
Additional information on scholarships, grants, and loans is available from this page.
Graduates of Cairn University’s Doctor of Education (EdD) in Educational Leadership program are equipped with a Christ-centered, biblically grounded education to lead with integrity in diverse educational settings. The program prepares you to serve Christ in every sphere of life, with career outcomes including:
K–12 Leadership Roles:
Superintendent: Oversee school districts, implementing policies with a biblical worldview.
Principal or Assistant Principal: Lead schools with a focus on academic excellence and spiritual growth.
Curriculum Director: Design biblically integrated curricula to shape student learning.
Instructional Coordinator: Enhance teaching practices with faith-based leadership.
Higher Education Administration:
Provost or Dean: Guide academic programs in colleges or universities, rooted in Christian principles.
Student Affairs Director: Foster student development through discipleship and support.
Program Director: Oversee specialized academic programs with a biblical perspective.
Christian Education Leadership:
Christian School Administrator: Lead private or Christian schools, emphasizing biblical integrity.
Ministry-Based Education Roles: Serve in church or parachurch organizations, discipling through education.
Consulting and Policy:
Educational Consultant: Advise schools or organizations on leadership and curriculum with a faith-driven approach.
Policy Analyst: Influence educational policy with a biblical worldview.
Cairn University is regionally accredited by Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE).
Cairn University participates in the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements.
Additional Accreditation Information is available from this page.
“The LORD has helped me to positively impact several schools with the knowledge acquired from Cairn. I love seeing change taking place in schools and the lives of students as the school leaders, principals, and teachers get a better understanding of quality Christian education.”
– Oludipe O.
Our program is grounded on God’s Word and courses are designed to foster student learning and engagement through faculty-led instruction, research-driven activities, active learning, and meaningful peer and faculty interactions.
All courses, except the dissertation courses, are organized into seven units and delivered over 7-week terms. Each unit comprises 5–7 modular activities, including readings, reading reflections, instructional videos from Cairn faculty, an active learning activity, a weekly application project, and a component of the course research project. Additionally, students and faculty meet biweekly in live sessions to review specific unit learning objectives and engage with peers and faculty.
Faculty actively engage throughout the week by guiding course activities, facilitating asynchronous forum discussions and biweekly live sessions, grading student work, and providing detailed feedback. Online students receive prioritized technology support, with additional resources available from the Masland Library and the Writing Lab.
The program is fully online, allowing you to complete course activities at your convenience throughout the week. Core courses include biweekly live sessions led by the instructor to review specific unit learning objectives and connect with peers in your cohort. If you cannot attend a live session, a recording will be provided.
The program offers flexibility for working professionals, enabling you to balance your studies with career and personal commitments. It includes three semesters annually, with two courses per semester. Excluding dissertation courses, all courses are delivered in 7-week terms, allowing you to focus on one course at a time. Please refer to the Degree Completion Plan for more details.
Cairn accepts up to six credits of post-master’s coursework. Students with prior Bible training may also receive three credits of advanced standing in Bible, allowing for a total of up to nine credits toward the program.
Yes, you can begin the EdD program in October, January, March, June, or July. Keep in mind that starting outside of the traditional Fall term will extend your overall program slightly beyond the standard three years and follow a unique schedule distinct from the Fall cohorts.
In essence, you’ll join the inaugural cohort but follow an adjusted timeline for your dissertation phases. You’ll enroll in courses scheduled for your entry term, followed by Dissertation I in your first Fall semester, Dissertation II in your second Fall semester, and Dissertation III in your third Fall semester.
Interested in our Doctor of Education (EdD) in Educational Leadership degree? Complete this form to connect with an admissions advisor for personalized guidance on schedules, costs, and application steps. We’re here to help you take the next step!
