National University

What you'll study

The curriculum combines foundational doctoral-level study, specialization coursework (specializations include Early Childhood Education, Educational Leadership, English Language Learning, Leadership in Coaching and Sport Management, Leadership in Curriculum and Teaching, and Special Education; specializations are PK–12 focused), research methods, statistics, a comprehensive assessment/prospectus, and dissertation research.

• Foundations: introductory doctoral study expectations, academic integrity, scholarship and research practices, university resources, learning technologies, program requirements and attention to student reflection and self-care.
• Academic Writing: scholarly writing and research strategies, conceptual and theoretical frameworks, critique and synthesis of literature, and standards of academic honesty and integrity.
• Literature Review: literature search strategies, scholarly synthesis, organizing literature around research themes, study problem and theoretical perspectives, and preparing a scholarly review that addresses divergent viewpoints.
• Research Methods: paradigms of research, qualitative and quantitative methodologies, ethics in research, data collection and analysis techniques, trustworthiness, validity, reliability, generalizability/transferability, feasibility and research rigor.
• Statistics: foundations for consuming statistical research and performing non-inferential and inferential analyses, multivariate data concepts, use of statistical software, interpretation of results, and an APA-styled synthesis project.
• Doctoral Comprehensive Assessment / Prospectus: taken after completing foundation, specialization, and research courses; students synthesize discipline content with research design to create a prospectus for an applied practice problem—this prospectus commonly becomes the basis for the dissertation.
• Dissertation: independent research culminating in the dissertation; additional credit hours may be added if needed for dissertation research in alignment with academic policies.

Entry requirements

Admission is based on possession of a previously completed master’s degree. The program advertises no application fee, no required essays or exams, and no GRE/GMAT. Doctoral coursework requires maintaining a minimum GPA of 3.00 (B) or higher. EdD students must demonstrate competency in specified subject areas before enrolling in specialization or elective courses.

Transfer credit: National University may accept up to 12 semester credit hours of doctoral-level transfer credit (grade of B or better) for substantially equivalent coursework. Students who completed NU’s EdS program may be eligible to apply up to 30 credits toward Sanford College of Education doctoral programs subject to school dean approval.

Career prospects

The EdD prepares experienced educators and education professionals for leadership roles focused on improving practice, policy, and regulatory compliance with attention to access, social justice and ethics. Graduates commonly pursue positions such as district and school leaders, curriculum and instructional leaders, director-level roles in educational organizations, program leaders for PK–12 initiatives, consultants, and applied-research roles supporting institutional improvement. The curriculum is oriented toward producing practitioner-researchers who design and implement strategies, policies and tactics to address complex problems of practice.

Scholarships & funding angle

The program page does not list specific scholarships or funding amounts. Prospective applicants should consult the university’s financial aid office and the Sanford College of Education for information on scholarships, grants, assistantships, tuition financing options and transfer-credit impacts on cost. Institutional policies govern maximum time to completion and satisfactory academic progress, which can affect continued financial support.