Ph.D. in Educational Leadership

Learn More About LU

Campus Type
Apt., P.O. Box, or don't see your address?

By submitting contact information through this form, I agree that Liberty University and its affiliates may call and/or text me about its offerings by any phone number I have provided and may provide in the future, including any wireless number, using automated technology.

Message and data rates may apply. For additional information, text HELP to 49595 or 49596. You may opt-out at any time by sending STOP to 49595 or 49596. Visit for Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy.

OR

15 colleges and schools

350+ degrees on-campus

600+ degrees online

20 NCAA Div. 1 Sports

Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Educational Leadership

Overview
What You Will Study
Careers
Benefits
Military

Increase Your Leadership Skills and Develop New Theories with Liberty’s Ph.D. in Educational Leadership

An organization without sound leadership is like a ship without a rudder. With advanced training in educational leadership and research, Liberty University’s 100% online Ph.D. in Educational Leadership degree program will help you gain valuable communication and problem-solving skills based on empirical research to lead your students, faculty, and staff to success.

Our Ph.D. in Educational Leadership online can provide you with the tools and skills you need to lead an educational administration as well as develop research materials and publications to contribute to the body of knowledge in this field. Through this educational leadership doctorate, you can develop research-based critical thinking skills and the ability to solve problems so you can lead at any level of an educational organization.

What Will You Study in Liberty’s Ph.D. in Educational Leadership?

Through this program, you will:

  • Complete dissertation research with mentorship from Liberty faculty.
  • Gain an understanding of the current issues and trends in educational leadership.
  • Integrate theoretical knowledge with practical skills necessary for effective educational leadership.
  • Learn how to apply organizational theories and models to create and lead effective higher education organizations and implement best practices.
  • Learn how to handle conflict efficiently and effectively.

These courses are designed to be rigorous so that you can be better prepared for dissertation research. This will allow you to take what you’ve gained in your professional degree and apply it to a more focused research doctorate.

Potential Career Options with an Educational Leadership Degree

  • College or university administrator
  • College or university professor and/or researcher
  • District administrator
  • Educational change agent
  • Educational consultant for an education organization or government agency
  • Leadership researcher
  • Performance improvement officer
  • Principal or assistant principal*

*This will require outside licensure.

Highlights of Our Doctor of Philosophy in Educational Leadership Program

As a leader in distance education since 1985, we understand what it takes to create a flexible and affordable education for busy people. Since we have been investing in distance and online learning for decades, our experience has taught us how to streamline our degree options so you can focus on what really matters to you. While many schools offer online degrees, we believe Liberty stands out.

Here’s what sets us apart:

  • Our online programs are backed by our brick-and-mortar campus – ranked among Niche.com’s Top 5 College Campuses in America – and that commitment to excellence extends to our online students as well. Earning your online Ph.D. in Educational Leadership from a nonprofit university with this kind of recognition can help set you apart from others in your field.
  • Online undergraduate tuition rates have been frozen for the last 10 years. While many other online colleges have raised tuition, Liberty has been able to keep costs low as a nonprofit university.
  • You will learn how to create and administer effective education environments.
  • Our Doctor of Philosophy in Educational Leadership program will allow you to develop educational management skills and foster leadership in teachers and students.
  • Our online Ph.D. is a 3-year program that requires 18 hours in educational research courses.
  • Completing your Ph.D. gives you a terminal educational credential that shows employers you have reached the academic pinnacle of your field’s achievement.

Military Tuition Discount

We want to help you find the doctoral degree you want — at a price you’ve earned. As a thank-you for your military service, Liberty University offers eligible current and former service members like you or your spouse multiple pathways to earn a doctoral degree for only $300/credit hour. Here’s how:

  • If you’re earning or have earned a master’s degree through Liberty, you automatically qualify for the low price (when you begin within 2 years of your master’s completion).
  • If you haven’t earned a graduate degree through Liberty, our Executive Certificate program allows you to pay only $300/credit hour for a postgraduate certificate that can stand alone or potentially count as the first 21 hours of a related doctoral degree. Then pay just $300/credit hour for your doctorate. Learn more!

These rates are reflective of academic year 2024-2025. Tuition rates may change annually. For the most current information, please visit our LU Tuition Cost page.

60

Credit Hours

SACSCOC

Available Online

Class Type

100% online, 8-week courses

Transfer Credits

Transfer in up to 50% of the degree total

Next Start Date

Jun 23, 2025

Accreditation

Liberty University is accredited by SACSCOC

Areas of Interest

Choose your area of Interest:

Please select a Program of Interest. View Area of Interest

Training Champions for Christ

Liberty’s promise to you is an education that expertly brings knowledge and faith together. Here, education is designed around you. It connects you to people and opportunities that help you develop the skills and confidence you’re looking for. At Liberty, you’ll find the knowledge, experience, and mentorship you want to make your career — and life — a fulfilling one.

Image thumbnail describing Why Liberty

Why Liberty

Liberty University is not just another school. It is the realization of a dream, the product of thousands of prayers. It was built to invite students into a bigger, better story. Discover the Liberty difference for yourself.

Learn More
Image thumbnail describing Scholarships

Scholarships

When it comes to choosing a college, finances make a difference. That’s why at Liberty, we believe in offering you a top-notch education — that’s also affordable. Discover how Liberty can help you keep your college costs down.

For residential students

Learn More
Image thumbnail describing Online Discounts

Online Discounts

At Liberty University, we believe everyone should have an equal opportunity to pursue higher education, and it's our job to keep private education affordable. Explore the many ways a Liberty education can be an affordable one.

For online students

View Discounts
Image thumbnail describing Academic Excellence

Academic Excellence

Liberty University is institutionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, and certain programs have earned additional field-specific accreditation as well.

View Accreditation