• Articulate and apply leadership theories and models across a wide range of diverse educational settings at local, state, national, and international levels
• Collaborate with the educational community by employing effective teambuilding and conflict resolution strategies
• Model Christ-like leadership through personal integrity, fairness, accountability, cultural responsiveness, and ethical/legal decision-making
• Navigate challenging cultural and situational contexts as an educational leader firmly rooted in Biblical truths and a Biblical worldview
• Utilize research-based strategies to lead systematic change initiatives in educational settings
• Critically read, analyze, and synthesize educational research
• Design and conduct high-quality research that contributes new knowledge to the field of leadership, culminating in the writing of a doctoral dissertation

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:

• • EDL 741 Principalship PK-12
  • EDL 742 Data Analysis and School Improvement for Educational Leaders
  • EDL 743 Financial and Business Management
  • EDL 744 School Law
  • EDL 745 Organizational Theory and Team Building
  • SPE 644 Issues in Special Education for Leaders

Strategic Leadership

Tailored for professionals seeking to lead in diverse educational or organizational settings, emphasizing systems thinking, data analytics, and innovation. Courses include:

• • BUS 628 Leading in Complex Environments
  • BUS 753 Systems Thinking
  • BUS 781 Advanced Data Analytics
  • EDL 745 Organizational Theory and Team Building
  • ORL 603 Organizational Culture and Change
  • ORL 722 Cultivating Organizational Creativity and Innovation
  • ORL 753 Strategic Thinking, Planning, and Decision Making

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 Online has been approved to participate in the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (NC-SARA), which regionally oversees postsecondary online education.

Additional Accreditation Information

• Application: Submit the Application for Admission along with the $25 non-refundable fee. Apply today using code EDD2025 and we will waive the fee. 
• Transcripts: Submit official academic transcript(s) for all conferred degrees. Request transcripts to be sent to Cairn through the application portal.
• Master’s Degree: Applicants are required to have a completed master’s degree of at least 30 credits from an accredited institution with a GPA of 3.00. The master’s degree does not necessarily have to be in education or a related field.
• Personal Testimony: Describe your conversion to Christ, spiritual growth, and church involvement. (minimum 500 words)
• Statement of Purpose: Describe your reasons for pursuing graduate studies in this field as well as identifying your desired specialization for advisor (minimum 500 words).
• References: Submit two non-family references, either professional, academic, or ministry based references.
• Substantive Writing Sample: Applicants must submit a substantive writing sample (1,500–2,500 words) that demonstrates critical thinking, scholarly engagement, and professional communication skills. This can be an original response to an academic prompt or a previously completed academic paper completed within a prior degree.
• Interview: As part of the application process, applicants will participate in an interview with EdD faculty members to discuss their professional goals, research interests, and readiness for doctoral-level study. This is an opportunity to engage with faculty, ask questions about the program, and share how Cairn University’s EdD aligns with your aspirations.