Doctor of Education (EdD)

If you’re ready to take on the most challenging leadership roles in K-12 or higher education, the Doctor of Education will help you achieve those goals in as few as three years through our online, accelerated program designed for busy working professionals like you.

Grounded in a practical, rigorous, cutting-edge curriculum, our EdD program is designed to address the diverse needs of today’s most effective academic leaders. You’ll interact with seasoned administrators and leading education researchers who will provide the techniques, strategies, and knowledge you need to be an effective, dynamic leader. Our unique program allows you to begin your dissertation early in your studies, providing opportunities for more support from faculty and colleagues. Take your education career to the top.

Take the First Step

Get in touch with any questions or submit a simple application for admission.
After you're admitted to the university as a candidate for graduate studies, we will assist you every step of the way toward acceptance into your academic program so you can enroll and begin your classes!

At a Glance

$99,700
Average salary for a public school principal at all grade levels

Program Length

3 years

Formats

  • Online
  • 2-week residencies during the summer at our main campus in Bismarck, ND

Tuition per Credit

$775

Next Start Date:

The Doctor of Educational Leadership cohorts begin every odd year, with early start options on even years. Applications are accepted anytime. We encourage educators to apply early; the cohort generally fills a year in advance.

Apply

Is This the Degree For Me?

Who It’s For

  • Educators and administrators in K-12 or higher education who want to move into leadership roles

Career Paths

  • Superintendent
  • School Administrator
  • Provost
  • Dean
  • University Professor
  • University Senior Leader
  • Director of Curriculum & Instruction

What You’ll Learn

  • Gain hands-on experience while working with expert faculty and experienced, practicing teachers and administrators.
  • Learn how to partner with fellow educators, parents, policymakers, and communities to provide safe and effective learning environments.
  • Understand how to lead school districts and higher education institutions to deliver programs that prepare future generations to succeed personally, professionally, and publicly.
  • Create learning environments that prepare students for careers involving non-routine, analytic, and interactive skills.
  • Develop a robust professional network while learning within a community of peers.

For me, it was a challenge that helped me to know I still could offer education more and that I was ready for the next adventure in my professional life. 

Jeff Fastnacht
Jeff Fastnacht, EdD Graduate Superintendent of Bismarck Public Schools

Accreditations

  • Education Standards and Practices Board

    The graduate programs in Education at the University of Mary are accredited by the state of North Dakota’s Education Standards and Practices Board (ESPB). The graduate Education programs meet all Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) Advanced standards.

Program Details

Program Information

Please visit our catalog for admission requirements and a full list of our courses.

Your first step is to get in touch with any questions or submit a simple application for admission. After acceptance to the University as a candidate for graduate studies, we will assist you every step of the way toward acceptance into your academic program so you can enroll and begin your classes!

If you are serving or have served our country, we sincerely thank you. Our military services office is here to work closely with active duty, retired, reserve, and eligible family members qualified for military benefits. Learn how we can help you with the application process and review the benefits you have earned.

For a full list of fees, visit our Tuition and Fees page.

The University of Mary is committed to putting your educational goals within reach. Learn what scholarships you qualify for.

We welcome students from various backgrounds, including transfer students from regionally accredited colleges and universities and those with military or career and work experience. 

How do I show my previous college, military, or work experience?

  • Official transcripts (if applicable) from a regionally accredited institution with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.75 should be submitted directly to the Office of Admissions.

    • Did you graduate from the University of Mary? Then we’ll get your Mary transcript for you!
    • At most other schools, you can request transcripts by going to the National Student Clearinghouse or by contacting the registrar’s office. 
      • Have your transcripts sent to:
        Office of Admissions
        University of Mary
        7500 University Drive
        Bismarck, ND 58504
      • Or request to send electronic transcripts to registrar@umary.edu.
  • Students with previous career or work experience can earn credits for prior learning.
    • You can choose to test for prior learning credits — we convert your test scores into college credit.
    • You can request a portfolio review for prior learning credits. You’ll assemble documentation to show your experience, which will be reviewed and evaluated by an experienced faculty member.
  • Military experience can count towards a degree.
WHAT WILL I NEED TO APPLY?
  • All of our programs require you to fill out the general application form in addition to submitting the application fee and your transcripts.
  • Any program-specific requirements you’ll need to submit in addition to the items listed above can be found in our catalog.

At the University of Mary, we review every application on an individual basis, ensuring that the materials you submit are evaluated with care and attention. Reach out to us if you have any questions in filling out your application.

Get Started Today

Apply Online