Doctor of Education (EdD) in Educational Leadership | Online
3
Years to Complete
54
Credit Hours
$750
Cost Per Credit
Transform Education Through Your Leadership and Faith
Our online Doctor of Education (EdD) in Educational Leadership equips you with the necessary tools to be a transformative leader in education, but this isn’t the only aspect you value in an education. You also earn your EdD at a Christian university. Whether you’re an experienced teacher, administrator, or education professional in the public or private education system, this 54-credit program is designed to equip you with the skills, knowledge, and faith-driven perspective needed to lead effectively in today’s complex educational landscape.
Program Highlights
Quality Credits at Reduced Cost
Our EdD is designed as a 54-credit program, meaning you can complete it in as little as three years, and at a competitive rate of $750/per credit, you will earn your degree at an affordable and time-saving rate while still receiving the highest quality education.
Flexibility at Your Pace
Your time matters. At Cairn, you will earn your EdD in a timeline that works for you while still getting the most out of your educational experience. Our cohort model will allow you to learn in a flexible environment that doesn’t compromise on academic excellence.
Christ-Centered Without Compromise
On top of the basics every institution should provide for an EdD, we take it a step further. Cairn’s mission statement applies to the EdD just as it would for any other program. So instead of earning any degree, earn an EdD from a Christian university that will set you apart as an individual, an educator, and a leader.
Unique Early Dissertation Support
Beginning from the first semester, you will work on your dissertation. You will be provided with a plethora of resources, mentored by faculty who care, and supported in forming a research topic that showcases your passion and expertise. This early-dissertation start allows you to work on your degree at your pace while giving you the tools and resources to put forth your best work.
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Get an inside look at our EdD Program
Choose from two distinct specializations and start your dissertation early with a streamlined model designed to integrate your research into the program from the start.
Chose from the two specializations we offer to customize your degree!
Specialization: K-12 Leadership
- 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
Specialization: Strategic Leadership
- 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
The early-dissertation start allows you to work on your degree at your pace while giving you the tools and resources to put forth your best work. Here is a snapshot of the dissertation structure:
EDU 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 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 Dissertation III
In this course, you will conduct research, gather the data needed for your study, and analyze the data. Finally, you’ll write Chapter 4.
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What Our Students Have To Say
Oludipe Olusegun
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."
Featured Faculty
Stacey Bose
Dean, Professor, School of Education; Acting Chair, MS in Education
Dr. Stacey Bose has been involved in public, private, and international education for over 25 years both in the United States and abroad in the countries of South Korea, Brazil, Panama, and Ecuador. She is certified in the State of Pennsylvania as an elementary teacher, reading specialist, and K-12 principal. Dr. Bose has served in a variety of educational roles over the years prior to entering the field of higher education full-time. These roles include elementary teacher, reading specialist, K-12 curriculum and instruction coordinator, assistant principal, accreditation consultant, and adjunct professor. Before joining the faculty at Cairn University, Dr. Bose spent four years in the School of Education at Liberty University. In addition to teaching undergraduate and graduate courses residentially and online at Liberty University, Dr. Bose held the positions of director of the reading specialist program and director of accreditation.
John Furrow
Chair, MS in Educational Leadership and Administration; Faculty, School of Education
Dr. John Furrow has been in education since 1987, including over 25 years in administration. In addition to serving in a variety of teaching and administration roles in K–12 Christian schools, he has also been a guest speaker at numerous ACSI events and a team leader for ACSI accreditation visits. Currently, he is a member of the ACSI Southeast Accreditation Commission.
His wife, Beverley ’86, is an NILD Educational Therapist. Together, they have three children: Lindsay, Caleb, and Joshua.
Frequently Asked Questions
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.
While there are no specific discounted rates or scholarships for the EdD—similar to most doctoral programs—we’re here to help you explore external funding options, employer tuition reimbursement programs, and federal student loans. Contact our Student Financial Services department for guidance by emailing [email protected].
The program is designed with a comprehensive pedagogy for student learning and faculty engagement, including faculty-led instruction, research-embedded activities, active learning strategies, and meaningful interactions among peers and between students and faculty.
You can complete the EdD program in as little as three years, depending on the schedule you set for yourself. The program is designed to provide flexibility for working professionals, allowing you to balance your studies with career and personal commitments. Whether you choose to accelerate your timeline or take a more measured approach, you’ll be supported every step of the way by our dedicated faculty and staff.
Most of your time in your courses will be asynchronous, allowing you to log in according to your schedule. However, a few synchronous online sessions require you to attend at a specific time.
Cairn accepts up to six credits of post-masters coursework. We can award three credits of advanced standing in Bible for students who have previous Bible training.
While we recognize the value of your professional experience, our competitive per-credit rate means prior work experience cannot be transferred for credit at Cairn. This policy allows us to maintain the integrity of the program and ensure all students engage fully with the rigorous curriculum designed to prepare you for leadership and innovation in the field of education.
You can view the application and enrollment requirements here.
