Seattle Pacific University

What you'll study

Study areas center on advanced research methods, organizational leadership, implementation science, equity and culturally responsive practice, and strategies for system change. Students move from coursework into a sustained applied research project or dissertation that targets a real problem of practice in their workplace or community.

Entry requirements

• Graduate degree (master's or equivalent) from an accredited institution.
• Significant professional experience in education or an allied field, often including leadership responsibilities.
• Academic transcripts, a CV or résumé, a personal statement outlining professional goals and research interests, and professional or academic references.
• Some programs may require an interview or portfolio demonstrating readiness for doctoral‑level study.

Career prospects

Graduates typically move into senior leadership roles such as school and district administration, academic leadership in higher education, curriculum and assessment directorships, policy analysis, or consultancy. The EdD is oriented toward applied leadership and practice improvement rather than primarily academic research careers, though some graduates pursue faculty positions.

Scholarships & funding angle (general)

Funding options commonly include institutional scholarships or assistantships, grants tied to research or partnership projects, employer sponsorship, and federal or state loans where eligible. Prospective students should explore university graduate funding resources, external foundations focused on education leadership, and employer tuition‑benefit programs early in the application process.